Black dragonflight

“My blessing upon you will seem humble compared to those which have been bestowed upon the others: the managing of time, of life, of dreams and magic. I offer you the earth. The soil, the ground, the deep places. But know that the earth is the basis of all things. It is where we are rooted. Where you must come from, if you are to go to. Here is whence true strength comes. From deep places...within the world, and within oneself.”

— Khaz'goroth's Blessing of the Earth Aspect
The **black dragonflight** (sometimes referred to as the **obsidian flight**) is a draconic organization primarily led by the eponymous black dragons to uphold their creed to serve as warders of the earth. The black dragonflight was charged by the titan Khaz'goroth with warding the earth and protecting the various deep places of the world; granting them power over the earth. They were once led by their mighty Aspect, Neltharion the Earth-Warder; though he was ultimately corrupted by the insidious Old Gods and made into their pawn alongside the majority of his flight until its destruction.

After being corrupted, the black dragons did the opposite of their mission; sowing discord and chaos. For many centuries, the black dragonflight was one of the most evil organizations on Azeroth, seeking destruction rather than protection as they once had. They held a deep-seated rivalry with the red dragonflight, who found their cruel ways profane against life. With no other dragonflights on their side, the black dragonflight created other dragons, such as the chromatic dragons and the twilight dragonflight. When Deathwing returned and caused the Shattering of Azeroth, the black dragonflight joined their Aspect in his plan to cause the Hour of Twilight - the liberation of the Old Gods and the end of all life on the planet. During the war against Deathwing, their evil plans were foiled by mortal champions many times before their most devastating defeat during the events of the Dragon Soul; where the flight was destroyed and their Aspect slain to end the Cataclysm.

In the aftermath of the original flight's destruction, it has since been reformed by two groups, the Obsidian Brood and the Blacktalon, who seek to restore the original purposes of the flight. The former is made up of uncorrupted black dragons who follow the leadership of Neltharion's son, Sabellian, while the latter is a group of mortals who follow the whims of Neltharion's grandson, Wrathion. The dragonflight is made up not only of the black dragons, but of their mortal followers and dragonkin as well; the majority of which share scale colors with the flight. Alongside the other dragonflights, the black dragonflight was part of the Wyrmrest Accord and Valdrakken Accord; though their membership in the former was tenuous at best and they eventually departed from and fought against it.

When the Dragon Isles were uncovered, the Obsidian Brood returned to Azeroth and helped the Blacktalon to regain control of the Obsidian Citadel from the djaradin. After their victory, Wrathion and Sabellian competed to determine who should be the new Aspect of the black dragonflight. However, after they discovered Aberrus, the Shadowed Crucible and the reality of Neltharion's dark legacy, it was Ebyssian who was chosen by his brothers as the new leader of their dragonflight.

## Culture

*Though the **black dragonflight** was nearly annihilated in ages past, a few of the evil creatures have made their homes in the dry, desolate wastes of The Barrens. With their lord, Deathwing, either missing or dead, the black dragons seek to appease only themselves. The creatures are immensely powerful and cruel and revel in mortal suffering. The black dragons are the enemies of every other dragonflight, especially the great red dragons of Lordaeron.*

 File:Obsidian Oathstone.jpg
Black dragons were for a time, like their Aspect Neltharion, the defenders of Azeroth, living deep in the caverns of the earth. They shaped the lands, raised mountains, and created valleys. The black dragonflight represented the strength of the earth itself. Even the symbol of the black dragonflight is a volcano, as it represents great power of earth and elements. For countless millennia the black dragons and the other flights lived in peace and harmony and worked together to safeguard Azeroth from all forms of violence and destruction. Then they fell prey to the influence of the Old Gods, Neltharion most of all. Gone was their regard for their charges. Destruction became their sole goal, fire, and magma their instruments.

Once held in high regard by all others as wise and steadfast, black dragons of modern times were vicious evil creatures, despised by all decent living beings. They delighted in the pain and misery of others. Having been driven mad by the whispers in their heads, they sought dominion of Azeroth and considered all other flights to be hated enemies. Even members of their own flight were never to be trusted, and could nearly all be described as power-hungry. Black dragons would often take humanoid form and meddle in the affairs of mortal kingdoms in hopes of bringing about their downfall. They would attempt to turn any situation or conflict they may come across to their advantage.

However, in the wake of the Old Gods' defeat, Wrathion has sworn to see the black dragonflight once again fulfill their ancient duty to protect Azeroth. He was later joined by the resurgent Sabellian and his Obsidian Brood. For a time, the two vyed for power of their flight against one another, before the events of Aberrus, the Shadowed Crucible showed them that neither were prepared to take up the mantle of their flight. Instead, the brothers propped forward their other brother, Ebyssian, who had been a wise counsel to them both to lead them as their new Aspect.

Black dragonkin are sometimes referred to as obsidian or onyx. The scales of the black dragonflight almost always retain their heat.

### Nomenclature

Members of the black dragonflight occasionally have names ending in "ion" for males, or "ia" for females. Sometimes synonyms of the word "black", or terms relating to fire and undesirable character traits their way into their names as well.

### Membership

 File:Blackdragonflight.JPG
The black dragonflight is primarily made up of, as the name implies, black dragonkin. These include the black dragons themselves, but also black-scaled variants of drakonid and dragonspawn. During the era of Deathwing, they also included strange creatures such as the dragonmen and drakeadons, and in antiquity, the dracthyr.

Mortals also serve as part of the flight, such as the entirety of the Blacktalon. The human Samia Inkling also serves the Obsidian Brood as their quartermaster under the black dragon Sabellian.

### Guises

The preferred humanoid forms of the black dragonflight when in disguise amongst mortals are humans with black hair and dark eyes. Though black dragons can easily take other forms, humans have been especially useful. Dark Iron dwarf also can be disguises. The powerful and semi-industrial human kingdoms could more easily accomplish the goals of Deathwing and his ilk than the nomadic tauren, the magically-minded high elves, or the mountain-dwelling dwarves. Humans are also far less sensitive to the presence of dragons than other races. A few known exceptions are Sinestra who used a blood elven guise as an ambassador to the Dragonmaw clan. In Blackwing Lair, Blackwing Spellbinders took elven form. As Spritwalker Ebonhorn, Ebyssian uses a Highmountain tauren appearance.

Known black dragons that have taken human form are listed in their dragon state and respective human names:

* Deathwing as **Lord Daval Prestor**
* Nefarian as **Lord Victor Nefarius**
* Onyxia as **Lady Katrana Prestor**
* Sabellian as **Baron Sablemane**
* Creed as **Lord Hiram Creed**
* Darkblaze as Grand Magus Doane
* Velarok as **Velarok Windblade**
* Fahrad, the Grand Master Rogue

## History

### Charge of the Dragonflights

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 File:Legacies Neltharion dragon.jpg
According to legends, satisfied that the small world had been ordered and that their work was done, the titans prepared to leave Azeroth. But before they departed, they charged the greatest species of the world with the task of watching over Azeroth. In that age, there were many dragonflights. Yet there were five flights that held dominion over their brethren. It was these five flights that the Titans chose to shepherd the budding world. The greatest members of the Pantheon imbued a portion of their power upon each of the flights' leaders. Khaz'goroth, the Titan shaper and forger of the world, bestowed some of his vast power upon the mighty black wyrm, Neltharion. The great-hearted Neltharion, known afterwards as the Earth-Warder, was given dominion over the earth and the deep places of the world. He embodied the strength of the world and served as Alexstrasza's greatest supporter.

In truth, in Azeroth's ancient past, the Dragon Aspects proto-dragons stood united against a foe who threatened their entire species: the bloodthirsty Father of Dragons, Galakrond. Neltharion was one of the more intelligent of proto-dragons, capable of broken speech unlike most of the other, more animal-like of his kind. Alongside Alexstrasza, Ysera, Nozdormu, Malygos and the Keeper Tyr, Neltharion faced Galakrond and the not-living. After killing Galakrond, Neltharion and the others were approached by the other Keepers, and Tyr suggested empowering the proto-dragons to make them defenders of Azeroth, as they proved they were able to stand for the planet. Only Odyn disagreed, and forbid the other Keepers to proceed with that idea, but they decided to go against him. They reached out to the Pantheon and each of the titans blessed the proto-dragons with a portion of their vast power, channeled through the Keepers. They became majestic beings called dragons, and among them, Neltharion became the Aspect of Earth while his black dragonflight was charged with the task of watching over Azeroth, lest any force should threaten its perfect tranquility. One of their first acts was to encourage the rumor that the titans created them from Galakrond, to prevent the truth about Galakrond from leaking to ensure no one would follow in the behemoth's footsteps.

The time following this came to be known as the age of dragons when the civilization of dragonkind was at its peak.

### Ancient times

 File:Legacies Neltharion Drachtyr.jpg
Twenty thousand years ago, concerned at the rift between the Dragon Aspects and Primal Incarnates, Neltharion knew a war was coming. He created the dracthyr as "ideal soldiers," combing the essence of dragons with the traits of mortal races, whose potential he saw in those who began to emerge across the world, and used an artifact of Order magic to keep them under his control. The Earth-Warder then fashioned the Forbidden Reach off the coast of the Dragon Isles to serve as the dracthyr soldiers' training ground, and divided them into five armies known as weyrns, each led by a Scalecommander in order to serve the interests of the black dragonflight. The Obsidian Warders were charged with defending the allies of the black dragonflight and protecting its strongholds. The Dark Talons were trained to crush the will and leaders of the blacks' enemies, denying their solace in walls and borders. The Healing Wings served as the face and symbol for hope among all those who would call the Aspects their allies, embodying the resilience and fortitude of the Earth-Warder. The Ebon Scales were charged with bringing destruction to the enemies of the black dragonflight, raining down fire and unleash spell craft upon those who would stand against the Earth-Warder. The Adamant Vigil served as the eyes and ears of the black dragonflight, as where the black's enemies trod, the Adamant Vigil would find them, and where the black's armies flew, it was their guidance that directed their talons.

 File:Legacies Neltharion Corruption.jpg
However, Raszageth of the Primalist rebellion attacked Neltharion and his dracthyr army at the Forbidden Reach, and the relic was destroyed during the fight. Seeing no other way to stop the Primalists, this was the moment that Neltharion gave in to the whispers of the Old Gods that had long haunted him, and used their power to seal Raszageth away. It was at this precise moment that he condemned himself and his flight to the sinister fate that awaited them. Without the titan relic, Neltharion deemed the dracthyr a risk and contacted Malygos to explain everything that had happened, except for his use of the Void magic. The Aspect of Magic agreed to contain the dracthyr and placed them into stasis with his magic.

Gradually, Neltharion silently chafed at what he felt was a burden that had been inflicted on him; though he could command the entire weight of Azeroth itself, that same weight constantly pressed on his body every waking moment, the load making him feel suffocated to the point that he felt his very spirit unraveling. Neltharion believed that he must bear this burden alone, but ultimately found it to be too much, and began to resent the charge placed upon him. The belief that the titans viewed Azeroth as an experiment only fueled his bitterness. Then came the madness that destroyed Neltharion's mind, changing him and his kind forever. The whispering convinced him that he could have power beyond his imagination, and the voices made Neltharion even paranoid of his own flight, as he began to yearn for a world dominated by the black dragonflight; a world in which the other dragonflights ceased to exist. The Old Gods later convinced Neltharion to create the Dragon Soul.

During this time, the other flights didn't realize that the black dragonflight fell to the whisperings of the Old Gods. The other Aspects attributed Neltharion's oddness to his displeasure with the actions of the Highborne in the Kaldorei Empire.

### War of the Ancients

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 File:Legacies Neltharion betrayal.jpg
When the Highborne opened the portal for the Burning Legion through the Well of Eternity, marking the start of the War of the Ancients, all the dragonflights left the Dragon Isles to join the fight against the demons. On the battlefield, Neltharion led the dragon forces, consuming the demons under their fiery breaths, but their strength was not enough. As the other Aspects began to despair, the Black Aspect suggested creating a magical artifact to aid in the destruction of the Legion. The other Aspects had nothing but the utmost respect for wise Neltharion, and they accepted without hesitation his plan to give much of their own essence toward the creation of this object, which was called the Dragon Soul. Neltharion and his flight, however, had secretly refrained from imparting any of their own power. During the time of the Dragon Soul's empowerment, the area where the ritual took place was surrounded by a giant, impenetrable magical barrier as Neltharion didn't want anything or anyone to stop the ritual. This barrier was guarded from the inside by dragons from all flights, but was also patrolled from the outside by black dragons who had the orders to kill on sight anyone trying to enter or even leave the area.

 File:Dragon Soul HS.jpg
When each dragon had contributed a portion of his or her essence to the artifact, Neltharion deemed it complete. The blacks joined the other dragons in flight over the battle and the Black Aspect brought the Dragon Soul to bear against the Legion, with devastating effects on the demonic swarm — but only for a precious few moments. He then shocked his fellow Aspects and turned the artifact against the terrified night elves as well, and finally his own brethren. The shocked dragons were helpless to resist the power of the Dragon Soul, for it contained a fraction of the essence of each — with the exception of Neltharion himself. All the dragonflights, save Neltharion's own, were paralyzed in midair until the timely intervention of Korialstrasz, a mate of the red dragonqueen, who had been absent from the initial use of the artifact. While Korialstrasz was no match for the Aspect of Earth, he did manage to interrupt Neltharion's concentration for a moment, freeing the other dragons from their paralysis and allowing them to act. Malygos, infuriated at the betrayal by his ally, struck first, but at a great price. As the blue dragonflight flew into formation to attack Neltharion, the mighty black wyrm unleashed the full fury of the Dragon Soul against them, and the power instantly slew nearly every one of them. As the other dragons turned to act, Neltharion then scattered the hundreds of other assembled dragons before retreating from the field of battle, taking the Dragon Soul with him. Thus Neltharion became Deathwing the Destroyer, the Dragon Soul was renamed the "Demon Soul", and the Dragon Wars begun.

At some point during the war, one particular brood of Ysera's was closely allied with the night elves of the Azuremyst Isles, who were ruled by Prince Toreth. Ysera kindly allowed the night elves to ride her children into battle and they were known as the Dragon Riders of Loreth'Aran. However, Ysera's benevolence raised the ire of Deathwing and he launched an attack against Wyrmscar Island where the dragonriders slept. The blacks, including Razormaw, a lieutenant of Deathwing, mercilessly slaughtered the Kaldorei. The greens rose up to protect their allies but were unsuccessful. Not one was spared, though many blacks, including Razormaw, also perished in the battle. In time, Razormaw's hatred for the greens was so great that his restless spirit remained soaring high overhead, forever haunting the island.

The black dragonflight's actions left their former allies wounded and shocked, and the noble dragons were forced to abandon their mortal allies. The dragonflights secluded themselves, hoping to recover from the Dragon Soul's powers, but the damage to the draconic race had been done. The Kaldorei and their allies just barely managed to defeat the Legion, but Azeroth was sundered.

### Aftermath of the Sundering

 File:Bronze Skyrazor TCG.jpg
Deathwing’s betrayal was so destructive that the five dragonflights never truly recovered. If that had not been enough, the ensuing war between the dragonflights decimated the species, most of all the blacks. Some dragons call this time period the Dragon Wars, though others including mortals may know it by other names. Even though it was everyone against the black flight, easily outnumbering them, it was incredibly emotionally hard for the dragons because they had to fight their friends and loved ones, people they had known and grown up with. The black dragonflight was hunted down and nearly annihilated, all but slain because of Deathwing's mad plots. Deathwing's remaining consorts were slain, by his own recklessness, in the first few days of the war, leaving him with limited options to repopulate his flight. They would never again be seen in the same numbers as before. The age of dragons had passed.

To ensure Deathwing would never hold power over dragonkind again, Alexstrasza, Ysera, and Nozdormu placed an enchantment upon the Demon Soul, so that no dragon, including Deathwing, could wield it, and hid the foul disc deep beneath the earth. While Deathwing settled into a deep slumber, as he needed time to recover from his wounds and to regain his strength, the other dragonflights would hunt his corrupted black dragonflight to the brink of extinction.

Within Neltharion's Vault, Huln Highmountain used the Hammer of Khaz'goroth to purify one of Deathwing's eggs, which hatched into an uncorrupted black whelp named Ebyssian.

Approximately five hundred years prior to the opening of the Dark Portal, the black dragon Sintharia, former prime consort of Deathwing, attempted to bring down the Kirin Tor with a curse that left all the wizards in Dalaran unable to use their magic. Her scheme was foiled in part by Korialstrasz, consort to Alexstrasza, and when Sintharia was defeated, most believed her to be dead when her own magic had been turned on her.

### Second War

File:WoW-novel-logo-16x62.png **This section concerns content related to the *Warcraft* novels, novellas, or short stories.**
During the Second War Deathwing saw his opportunity to decimate Alexstrasza and her flight. Deathwing was unable to wield the Demon Soul himself, but it could be placed in the hands of a being that would use it against his enemies. Deathwing sent visions of the artifact to the chieftain of the Dragonmaw clan, a shaman named Zuluhed the Whacked, who claimed the disc for the Horde. The device was given to his lieutenant, the warlock Nekros Skullcrusher, whose magic the disk eagerly reciprocated, and was used to enslave Alexstrasza and most of her flight, turning them into the Horde's hounds of war.

### Beyond The Dark Portal

File:WoW-novel-logo-16x62.png **This section concerns content related to the *Warcraft* novels, novellas, or short stories.**
 File:Chronicle Deathwing vs Gruul.jpg
During the orc's second intrusion into Azeroth, the black dragonflight briefly joined the Horde. Seeking magical artifacts, Ner'zhul had sent a party under Teron Gorefiend to Blackrock Spire to bring the Blackrock clan back into the fold and acquire their red dragons. Rend refused and Teron left defeated, but they were soon approached by Deathwing. Deathwing presented the Death Knight with an offer. He and his children would lend their aid to the Horde, in return for safe passage of his flight and eggs to Draenor. Gorefiend accepted and the black Aspect summoned his flight to him. Before departing Deathwing spoke with Nefarian and Onyxia, asking them to remain on Azeroth and take command of the orcs left within the spire. The remaining members of the black dragonflight, led by Deathwing and his lieutenant Sabellian, allowed the orcs to ride upon them in order to retrieve the needed artifacts.

Once in possession of the artifacts, Ner'zhul pulled the Horde back to Draenor. The black dragons, taking special care of the eggs, crossed through the Dark Portal. Deathwing spoke with Ner'zhul, bidding his farewell and taking the Skull of Gul'dan. A few dragons stayed with the Horde at Hellfire Citadel, but the bulk of the flight settled within the valleys of Frostfire Ridge and Gorgrond, where they could tend to the delicate eggs. Their presence there was not welcome by Gruul, father of the gronn and ruler of the ogres. Gruul and his subjects, assisted by members of the Alliance Expedition sent to recover the skull, attacked drake and egg alike. Deathwing was outraged by the destruction of his precious eggs and fought back, only to be driven off by a strategic spell from Khadgar. Sabellian managed to escape as well. The remaining black dragons, now leaderless, quickly fell to the fury of Gruul's children and were crushed and impaled upon the spires of Frostfire Ridge.

Not long after, Ner'zhul's portals began to tear Draenor apart, and soon the planet was going through its death throes. Deathwing quickly escaped back to Azeroth, abandoning his remaining progeny on the doomed world. Then the cataclysm came and Draenor was shattered, only what would become known as Outland remained. Many of the black dragon eggs were exposed to the Twisting Nether and the dragons that emerged were no longer truly members of the black flight. These ethereal dragons would come to be known as the netherwing dragonflight.

### Battle of Grim Batol

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The blacks were nearly extinct and their master, Deathwing, was believed to have been brought down during an organized strike by the most powerful members of the Kirin Tor, his body falling into the sea. But this was nothing more than a ruse.

Secretly he had assumed the guise of Lord Daval Prestor and sought a way to rebuild his flight. He devised a plan to steal the eggs of his greatest foe, Alexstrasza, slave of the Dragonmaw. Not wanting to possibly damage the eggs by directly assaulting Grim Batol, he sought a way to bring the eggs out into the open. He fooled Nekros into believing the Alliance planned an invasion, and the warlock ordered to have Alexstrasza and her eggs moved to Dun Algaz where he believed the bulk of the Dragonmaw clan was stationed. When Deathwing appeared Nekros sent Tyranastrasz to face him, but the old red did not last long against the dark Aspect. Deathwing began stealing Alexstrasza's eggs only to be stalled by the sudden arrival of the other Aspects, who proceeded to battle Deathwing in the sky near Grim Batol. Korialstrasz's human apprentice, Rhonin, defeated Nekros and used one of Deathwing's scales to destroy the Demon Soul. The destruction of the artifact released the ancient power that had been sealed inside for millennia, making the Aspects whole once more and allowing them to overpower Deathwing and force his retreat. This final battle was known as the Battle of Grim Batol.

The Aspects gave chase and Deathwing was gravely wounded but not killed. The Black Aspect went into hiding in Deepholm, the realm of earth inside the elemental plane, and no creature, not even members of his flight knew his location. The black dragonflight went into a state of civil war following Deathwing's disappearance, fighting over who would rule the flight.

### Third War

File:WC3RoC-logo.png **This section concerns content related to *Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos* or its expansion *The Frozen Throne*.**
Like the other dragonflights, the black dragonflight did not play any significant role in the events of the Third War. Arthas Menethil, then prince of Lordaeron, did however assist a group of dwarven dragon hunters track down and slay the black drake Searinox near Strahnbrad. Malfurion Stormrage also encountered a small group of black whelps and drakes hiding in the Barrow Deeps, and was quick to dispatch the vile spawn of Deathwing.

### World of Warcraft

File:WoW Icon update.png **This section concerns content related to the original *World of Warcraft*.**
 File:WoW Classic Onyxia.jpg
Long ago, Onyxia drove the Stonemaul ogres from their village in the Dragonmurk, a dismal swamp located within Dustwallow Marsh. She did so in order to procure a place to raise her numerous children, who would then leave to infest the Wyrmbog. She and her children became known for terrorizing any travelers who strayed too close to her home. After Deathwing's departure, Onyxia and Nefarian rose to lead their brethren and recouped their failing numbers. Together, with the orchestrations of their human personas, they worked toward replenishing the black dragonflight.

 File:Blackwing Lair Classic key art.jpg
Under the guise of Victor Nefarius, Nefarian claimed Blackrock Spire as his aerie, subverted the Blackrock orcs of the Dark Horde and ensnared the black dragons not already under his control. Black dragonkin under his command were sent in the Badlands, in the Searing Gorge, throughout the Burning Steppes, and as far south as the Redridge Mountains. Nefarian has been experimenting with the blood of all of the various dragonflights to create a chromatic dragonflight of unstoppable warriors, and his soldiers kidnapped whelps of other flights, such as the blue whelps of Mazthoril, to be used in their experiments. In this task he has succeeded his father, and aided by his sister, he planned to use them to rally the black dragonflight to his command.

While Nefarian remained at Blackrock Spire to create twisted abominations that would carry out his will, Onyxia preferred subtle manipulation to further their goals. For several years, Onyxia masqueraded as one of the highest nobles in Stormwind, Lady Katrana Prestor, preventing the people there from sending much-needed aid to the areas near the Burning Steppes, where her brother has great power and influence. Her final goal was to become the ruler of Stormwind, through manipulation and evil schemes. Her plot was foiled by Marshal Reginald Windsor and she was unmasked in the halls of Stormwind Keep. Having fled to her lair, the recently returned King Varian Wrynn led an army to Kalimdor to slay Onyxia. After the battle, the king decapitated Onyxia and sent her head to be hung from the ramparts of Stormwind while Broll Bearmantle summoned roots from the ground to seal her lair's entrance and to kill her unhatched progeny.

Meanwhile, Horde champions fought against Nefarian's twisted creations in the Blackrock Spire, before confronting Nefarian in his lair, ultimately defeating him. The champions then took his head as proof of their victory and returned to Orgrimmar.

### The Burning Crusade

File:Bc icon.gif **This section concerns content related to *The Burning Crusade*.**

The black dragons that accompanied Deathwing to Draenor remained behind when the planet was torn apart, and could be found in the Blade's Edge Mountains of Outland where they continued their battles against the gronn that have waged since the Second War. Many of the black dragons there met their end at the hands of Gruul the Dragonkiller and his sons, and could be seen impaled on the rocky spires at Dragons' End. Under Sabellian, the black dragons of Outland, the Obsidian Brood, were free of the Old Gods' corruption. During the Invasion of Outland, Sabellian schemed to confront the gronn who have hunted his kind for years. At the same time, his servant Samia Inkling hired adventurers to capture whelps from the wyrmcult, a group of mortals who worship the black dragons, and to deliver them to Sabellian.

In Shadowmoon Valley, Deathwing's consort Sintharia visited the Dragonmaw clan to seek the eggs of their nether dragons, which were mutated black dragons, to further Deathwing's experiments in creating the ultimate dragonflight. In exchange, she pledged the black flight to serve as the Dragonmaw's mounts.

In the years following Gruul's defeat, Sabellian and his black dragons bent the Blade's Edge Mountains to their will.

### Second Battle of Grim Batol

File:WoW-novel-logo-16x62.png **This section concerns content related to the *Warcraft* novels, novellas, or short stories.**
 File:Sinestra HS Mercenaries 1.jpg
The cursed fortress had not seen the last of the black dragonflight. More than a decade after Deathwing's defeat, his prime consort Sintharia, now called Sinestra, took the mountain for herself, driving off the remnants of the red dragonflight. Sinestra, assisted by the blood elf Zendarin Windrunner and a large brood of black dragonkin led by the drakonid Rask, set up a lair to continue the experiments started by her son Nefarian to create a new powerful dragonflight. Sinestra planned to use the shards of the Demon Soul in conjuncture with Balacgos's Bane to combine the essence of the captured nether dragon Zzeraku with the stolen eggs of various flights.

When Korialstrasz sensed something deep within the mountain, he returned to Grim Batol and found the black consort in the midst of creating the twilight dragonflight, among them, the newest and powerful twilight dragon Dargonax. Korialstrasz and his allies rushed to stop Sinestra while dwarven resistance fighters battled her brood, managing to kill the drakonid Rask. Thanks to Zzeraku's sacrifice, and the anger felt by Dargonax towards his "mother", Sinestra and her creation were defeated. The mountain was once again abandoned, unaware to anyone that Deathwing lurked still deeper within.

### Wrath of the Lich King

File:Wrath-Logo-Small.png **This section concerns content related to *Wrath of the Lich King*.**
During the war against the Lich King, the black dragon ambassador Nalice was present at Wyrmrest Temple as a member of the Wyrmrest Accord, an alliance of the dragonflights created to oppose Malygos's crusade against magic users during the Nexus War. When the Scourge started to siege the various dragonshrines to raise undead dragons, Nalice sent adventurers to meet Serinar at the Obsidian Dragonshrine, in order to fight off the forces of the Lich King and the Cult of the Damned.

Continuing his consort's experiments, Deathwing entrusted a batch of twilight eggs to the black dragon Sartharion in the Obsidian Sanctum beneath Wyrmrest Temple, aided by the twilight drakes Shadron, Tenebron, and Vesperon. Following the sacking of the Obsidian Sanctum by the adventurers on the orders of the Kirin Tor, a powerful war party of the black dragonflight, led by the fearsome twilight dragon Halion, have launched an assault upon the Ruby Sanctum. By destroying the sanctum, the black dragonflight look to crush those that would stand in the way of their master’s reemergence into Azeroth and to ultimately shatter the Wyrmrest Accord.

In the wake of Deathwing's reemergence and his Shattering of Azeroth, Nalice has mysteriously disappeared from Wyrmrest Temple, and with her, the allegiance of the black dragonflight to the Wyrmrest Accord.

### Cataclysm

Cataclysm **This section concerns content related to *Cataclysm*.**
 File:Chronicle3 Deathwing.jpg
During the Cataclysm, the black dragonflight joined Deathwing in his plan to cause the Hour of Twilight - the liberation of the Old Gods and the end of all life on the planet. Across Azeroth, allied with the cultists of the Twilight's Hammer and the Twilight dragonflight, they caused chaos and confronted the other dragonflights and their mortal allies. After his return, Deathwing began to invade the various regions of Azeroth, raining fire upon the earth and killing any who are unfortunate enough to find themselves in his path.

In the Eastern Kingdoms, the black dragonflight continued to work alongside the Dark Horde in the Burning Steppes, where an army of black dragonspawn led by the drake Minyoth and the drakonid Tugnar Goremaw settled around Dreadmaul Rock. The Alliance veteran John J. Keeshan and the reformed Blackrock orc Ariok destroyed them before they could began their invasion. In the Redridge Mountains, the black dragon Darkblaze took control of the Blackrock orcs in the region, in order to march upon Lakeshire and ultimately Stormwind City, but he was killed by the Bravo Company before he could achieve his plan. In the Wetlands, numerous black whelps led by the drake Pyrricion fought against the dragonmaw orcs who seek to capture them, they were assisted by dragonspawn.

In the Blackwing Descent, Nefarian and his attempts to create a new breed of dragon were thought defeated following his death. But the Twilight's Hammer reanimated Nefarian with Void magic, and Deathwing ordered his son to continue his experiments, and even to surpass his previous creations in wickedness and power. Dwelling on the lessons learned from his defeat in Blackwing Lair, he has burrowed deeper into the heart of Blackrock Mountain and rebuilt his sanctuary: the Vault of the Shadowflame. He also succeeded in the reanimation of his sister, Onyxia, but was ultimately slain with her by adventurers of the Alliance and the Horde.

 File:World of Warcraft Wallpaper 005 – Alexstrasza Vs. Deathwing.jpg
In the Twilight Highlands, full-out warfare has erupted in the Twilight Highlands between the black dragonflight and the red dragonflight. Black dragonkin roosted at the Obsidian Forest, constantly under attack by the red flight, and black drakes spread throughout the southern regions of the Highlands. The broodmother Obsidia, one of the last mature and breeding black dragons, has relocated her lair nearby and was targeted by the red dragons. Even the mighty Aspects themselves, Deathwing and Alexstrasza, become engaged in the battle over Grim Batol, as the Dragon Queen decided that the black dragonflight could not be saved and should be totally destroyed.

At some point, the Twilight's Hammer cultists recovered the broken corpse of Sintharia, pieced it together, and reanimated it with Void magics. Now a ravaged husk of her former self, she continued building an entire flight of twilight dragons, and oversaw the creation of new twilight clutches. Under the Bastion of Twilight, she gave birth to a clutch of black dragon eggs that were to be turned into twilight dragon eggs, performing the duties once held by Alexstrasza in Grim Batol, as her fate was ultimately to be an egg factory for Deathwing and the Twilight Cult. With the help of the red dragon Caelestrasz, who sacrificed himself during the battle, the adventurers were giving enough strength to finally vanquish Sinestra.

In Kalimdor, Deathwing's upheaval has caused volcanic activity at what was once the Charred Vale in the Stonetalon Mountains, where the broodmother Seldarria and her clutch of black eggs were targeted by the Alliance forces at Farwatcher's Glen. Seeking to route out the last remaining blues, black drakes led by the drake Malicion traveled to the Sable Ridge in Azshara in search of the elusive Azuregos, however, they were eliminated by Horde adventurers sent by Kalecgos. In his crusade to wipe out all life on Azeroth, Deathwing sought to activate the Forge of Origination in Uldum, which required a powerful artifact known as the Coffer of Promise. He has enlisted Commander Schnottz's expedition to find the coffer and sent black dragon emissaries, including Myzerian, to ensure the artifact became his. To prevent such a disaster, Brann Bronzebeard and a band of adventurers disabled it so that Deathwing's servants could not use it. Although Onyxia was dead, her brood was still at her lair in Dustwallow.

 File:Madness of Deathwing background.jpg
At the end of the war against Deathwing, after the defeat of Ragnaros, Deathwing and his black and twilight dragons, aided by his Old God benefactors, laid siege to Wyrmrest Temple. The remaining Aspects and the world shaman Thrall agreed upon a course of action and fought to bring the Dragon Soul to bear against the Destroyer and bring about his final end. The flight was ultimately destroyed by heroes of the Alliance and Horde, through the aid of the four other dragonflights, and even with the aid of one of their own: the uncorrupted Wrathion, a simple but very powerful whelp due to the experimentation on his egg by the red dragonflight. He has been orchestrating the assassinations of his remaining dragonkin siblings and even ordered the death of his own father, Deathwing. After Deathwing's fall, he went into hiding, believing to be the last known black dragon to exist.

However, Wrathion was not the last of the black dragons alive on Azeroth. Some time before the destruction of Theramore, Jaina commented that some black dragons still existed in Dustwallow Marsh. In Outland, Sabellian and his group of dragons continued to live there, and the Black prince was unaware of them.

At some point after the Cataclysm, black drakes and whelps were present in the Charred Vale in the Stonetalon Mountains, they surrounded Aramar Thorne and his friends. One of the drakes took hold of Makasa Flintwill until it was defeated by Llaran and Iyneath of the Sentinels.

### Warlords of Draenor

Warlords of Draenor **This section concerns content related to *Warlords of Draenor*.**
During the War in Draenor, remnants of the flight could be found in Hordemar City, in the Blackrock Spire. Dragonspawn Refugees were also visible from the bridge where Ragewing the Untamed was battled. A dragonman named of Kyrak also joined the Iron Horde and created Drakonid monstrosities for Warlord Zaela.

### Battle for Azeroth

Battle for Azeroth **This section concerns content related to *Battle for Azeroth*.**
At the time of the Fourth War, though the black dragons and their flight were supposed to be decimated, black dragons, black drakonid, and black dragonspawn appeared on island expeditions and the pristine state of their scales indicated that they were young. These dragons also referred to themselves as "the earth-warders" and claimed the Azerite as theirs by right, Ravenian, Tyrantion and Stygia were among them, and were accompanied by several dragonmen.

During his journey to concoct a tonic that, when imbibed, would cleanse a minor amount of the Old Gods' corruption and silence their whispers, Wrathion understood that all this time he was after a new legacy. A way to make amends for Deathwing's failings as well as his own. A legacy worthy of the black dragonflight's original sacred charge: the defense of Azeroth. The end of the Old Gods.

After the defeat of N'Zoth, Wrathion stated his intent to have the black dragonflight honor its ancient charge to defend the world once again.

### Dragonflight

Dragonflight **This section concerns content related to *Dragonflight*.**
 File:Obsidian Brood.jpg
When the Dragon Isles were uncovered, Sabellian returned from Outland along with the Obsidian Brood, a clutch of uncorrupted black dragons, as well as a clutch of eggs.

Despite the red dragonflight's warnings, Wrathion and his Blacktalon forces besieged the Obsidian Citadel; the ancient home of the black dragonflight. Fortunately, the assault was spared massive casualties by the unexpected arrival of Sabellian and the Obsidian Brood. The two forces claimed the Obsidian Throne, the apex of the citadel and the literal throne of the leader of the flight. Wrathion and Sabellian then began competing for leadership of the black flight, both stating themselves as the heirs of Neltharion. Wrathion claims his deeds earn him the position while Sabellian claims his leadership of the remaining black dragons and shepherding of the flight's eggs earns him it.

A group of black dragonkin known as the Obsidian Outcasts also affiliates with the flight, though they are in dire straits. A group of misfits who took on oddjobs, they based out of Dragonbane Keep until the return of the djaradin; who evicted the group from their home. They lay periodic sieges to the area, reclaiming their home for a time before the djaradin regroup and the process repeats. Another group known as the Worldbreakers also formed; led in secret by remnants of the Twilight's Hammer who were attempting to deceive the black dragonkin of the isles.

If for a long time the magic of the black dragonflight was feared due to the corruption by the Old Gods, after the reopening of the Algeth'ar Academy, Archivist Edress received the opportunity to become a teacher. She was then able to pass her knowledge to a full class of students, delighted that their ways will not be lost to the ravages of time.

 File:Ebyssian, Wrathion, and Sabellian at Aberrus Approach.jpg
By the time Zaralek Caverns were opened; the flight led the way to stopping the Primal Incarnate, Fyrakk. Headed by Sabellian, Wrathion, and Ebyssian, the flight attempted to stop Fyrakk and his djaradin allies; though they were unsuccessful, as the primal dragon took hold of the powers of shadowflame. Tensions rose as whispers echoed from the caverns that threatened to corrupt the brothers; causing them to lash out at one another repeatedly and driving a wedge between Sabellian and Wrathion even further. Ebyssian tried to bridge this gap, and was ultimately successful in bringing the Obsidian Brood and the Blacktalon to work together under Sabellian and Wrathion in order to make headway against the various enemies they faced.[*citation needed*]

Following this, the trio, alongside Emberthal, attempted to stop the machinations of Sarkareth; who was trying to claim Neltharion's dark legacy. This led them to Aberrus, the Shadowed Crucible, Neltharion's secret laboratory. Wrathion and Sabellian led the adventurers into the laboratory, confronted with a remaining echo of their father before his corruption. This Neltharion encouraged his sons to claim their birthright within Aberrus; though the further they trekked the less the two were certain of Neltharion's legacy. At last, they found the image to be a facsimile of Neltharion, created by the Old Gods; a faceless one pretending to be their father. As they delved into Neltharion's final sanctum, they found Sarkareth, having claimed the powers of the void that corrupted their father. Alongside heroes of Azeroth, Sarkareth was defeated; though the brothers were shaken by the revelations of Neltharion.[*citation needed*]

Wrathion admitted he was going about things the wrong way; having desired to claim the title of aspect as he believed that was the only way to guide their people forward. Seeing that this wasn't necessary, he resolved to help lead their people as himself. Sabellian admitted he sought to lead the flight as Neltharion did; as one of the few dragons remaining that saw Neltharion's leadership firsthand before his corruption. But after what he saw in Aberrus, he realized that Neltharion's methods were flawed even before he became Deathwing, and stepped down from pursuing the mantle of Aspect as well. This led to the title falling to Ebyssian, who both believed had counseled with wisdom during their time in Zaralek. He accepted this, and before the other aspects, Ebyssian was declared the new aspect of the black dragonflight. Seeking to keep his brothers close and in positions of leadership of the flight, Ebyssian stated he would serve as aspect, but would need his general, Sabellian, and his diplomat, Wrathion, at his side to do so.[*citation needed*]

## Notable members

Main article: Black dragonflight members
 File:Neltharion TCG.jpg

## Trivia

* One of the realms in World of Warcraft is named after the black dragonflight. Server:Black Dragonflight
	+ See: Realm Names and their place in Warcraft Lore

## Gallery

Black dragonkin.jpgBlack dragonkin in the Burning Steppes.Dragons' End.jpgDragons' End in the Blade's Edge Mountains.Colossian.pngColossian, a stone golem of the black dragonflight.Obsidian Sentry.pngObsidian SentryBlack Dragon's Challenge Dummy.jpgBlack Dragon's Challenge Dummy
## References

 1. ↑ *Thrall: Twilight of the Aspects*, page 287
2. ↑ Respite
3. ↑ *Exploring Azeroth: Northrend*, pg. 79
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 *Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos* manual, pg. 142
5. ↑ *Night of the Dragon*, pg. 173
6. ↑ Scale of Sartharion
7. ↑ "Charge of the Dragonflights" (HTML). *Official World of Warcraft Battle.net Site*. Retrieved on 2011-10-27.
8. ↑ *Dawn of the Aspects*
9. ↑ *The Well of Eternity*, pg. 193
10. ↑ Lessons From Our Past
11. ↑ Dragonflight Zone Preview: Forbidden Reach
12. ↑ Edict: Obsidian Warders
13. ↑ Edict: Dark Talons
14. ↑ Edict: The Healing Wings
15. ↑ Edict: Ebon Scales
16. ↑ Edict: The Adamant Vigil
17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 *Legacies* Chapter Three
18. ↑ For Blue Eyes Only
19. ↑ *Charge of the Aspects*
20. ↑ *Legacies* Chapter Two
21. ↑ *The Demon Soul*, chapter 12
22. ↑ *The Demon Soul*, chapter 16
23. ↑ *The Demon Soul*, chapter 21
24. ↑ Prince Toreth
25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 "The War of the Ancients" (HTML). *Official World of Warcraft Battle.net Site*. Retrieved on 2011-10-27.
26. ↑ Stay a While
27. ↑ *The Well of Eternity*, 245
28. ↑ *Day of the Dragon*, pg. 345
29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 *The Sundering*, 346-347
30. ↑ *World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 2*, pg. 139 - 141
31. ↑ An Ancient Secret
32. ↑ *Night of the Dragon*, chapter 11
33. ↑ *Day of the Dragon*, pg. 359 - 360
34. ↑ *Day of the Dragon*, pg. 53
35. ↑ *Beyond the Dark Portal*, "8": 107-22.
36. ↑ *Beyond the Dark Portal*, pg. 349
37. ↑ Netherwing#Faction description
38. ↑ *Day of the Dragon*, 3
39. ↑ *World of Warcraft: The Magazine Issue 1*, pg. 11
40. ↑ *Day of the Dragon*, "19-21": 321-68.
41. ↑ "The Scourge of Lordaeron: Blackrock & Roll", *Warcraft III*: *Reign of Chaos*. Blizzard Entertainment.
42. ↑ "Eternity's End: Brothers in Blood", *Warcraft III*: *Reign of Chaos*. Blizzard Entertainment.
43. ↑ The Brood of Onyxia
44. ↑ Blizzard Entertainment. *World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade manual*, 6.
45. ↑ "Blackwing Lair" (HTML). *Official World of Warcraft Community Site*. Retrieved on 2008-05-14.
46. ↑ *Thrall: Twilight of the Aspects*, pg. 73
47. ↑ *World of Warcraft: The Comic*, issue 14: *Into the Jaws of Death!*
48. ↑ *World of Warcraft: The Comic*, Issue 15: *Conflicting Loyalties*
49. ↑ *World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 3*, pg. 121
50. ↑ Heir Apparent
51. ↑ Massacre at Gruul's Lair
52. ↑ Showdown (Alliance)
53. ↑ Whelps of the Wyrmcult
54. ↑ Sintharia#Meeting with Overlord Mor'ghor
55. ↑ Osoria: "The Outlands was a harsh unforgiving place, but we bent the Blade's Edge mountains to our will."
56. ↑ *Night of the Dragon*, pg. 10
57. ↑ *Night of the Dragon*, pg. 319
58. ↑ "The Dragonblight" (HTML). *Wrath Of The Lich King Official Site*. Retrieved on 2008-05-14.
59. ↑ Sartharion Must Die!
60. ↑ Zarhym 2010-06-01. Patch 3.3.5 - Ruby Sanctum Availability. Retrieved on 2010-06-03.​ “The Ruby Sanctum will not immediately be available on North American realms upon the release of the patch.”
61. ↑ *Thrall: Twilight of the Aspects*
62. ↑ Stood in the Fire
63. ↑ Draconic Vanguard
64. ↑ Darkblaze, Brood of the Worldbreaker
65. ↑ Triumphant Return
66. ↑ The Crazed Dragonmaw
67. ↑ *World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 3*, pg. 199
68. ↑ Nefarian's End#Adventure Guide
69. ↑ http://us.battle.net/wow/en/zone/blackwing-descent/
70. ↑ *World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 3*, pg. 210
71. ↑ *World of Warcraft: Exploring Azeroth: The Eastern Kingdoms*, pg. 44
72. ↑ A Fitting End
73. ↑ Blackout (Twilight Highlands)
74. ↑ Last of Her Kind
75. ↑ Enter the Dragon Queen
76. ↑ Battle of Life and Death
77. ↑ Ask Creative Development#Ask CDev Answers - Round 2
78. ↑ *World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 3*, pg. 199
79. ↑ Sinestra (tactics)#Adventure Guide
80. ↑ *World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 3*, pg. 211
81. ↑ Hungry Pups
82. ↑ Brood of Seldarria
83. ↑ Easy is Boring
84. ↑ Fade to Black
85. ↑ Doing it the Hard Way
86. ↑ Myzerian's Head (quest)
87. ↑ Doing it the Hard Way
88. ↑ Challenge to the Black Flight
89. ↑ Patricide
90. ↑ *Jaina Proudmoore: Tides of War*, chapter 6
91. ↑ Ask CDev Round 3
92. ↑ *Traveler: The Shining Blade*, chapters 2 & 3
93. ↑ Kyrak#Adventure Guide
94. ↑ Unscarred Black Scale (quest)
95. ↑ **Ravenian says:** We are the earth-warders, and you take what is not yours, softskin!
96. ↑ Wrathion's Journal
97. ↑ **Wrathion says:** Know that from this day forth, the black dragonflight will honor its ancient charge and stand in defense of our world... along with its champions.
98. ↑ The Courage of One's Convictions
99. ↑ Restoring the Faith
100. ↑ Same as the Old Boss
101. ↑ Archivist Edress#Quotes

## External links

* Wowhead
* WoWDB

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