Knights of the Silver Hand

"The Silver Hand" redirects here. For the weapon of the keeper Tyr, see  [The Silver Hand]. For the quest, see   [10-45] The Silver Hand.

Knights of the Silver Hand
Main leader	The Highlord
Formerly	See below
Secondary leaders	Lord Maxwell Tyrosus   High Exarch Turalyon   Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker   Justicar Julia Celeste   Vindicator Boros   Arator the Redeemer
Formerly	See below
Race(s)	Human  Dwarf  High elf  Draenei  Half-elf  Night elf (two)  Nathrezim (one)
Formerly	Blood elf  Tauren
Character classes	Paladin
Capital	Light's Hope Chapel
Formerly	Stratholme
Other major settlements	Stormwind City Ironforge
Base of operations	Sanctum of Light
Formerly	Silver Hand Bastion
Theater of operations	Azeroth
Language(s)	Common, Dwarven, Thalassian
Affiliation	Church of the Holy Light, Alliance, Armies of Legionfall, Independent
Status	Active
Reputation
Quartermaster	Eadric the Pure
Tabard

“Esarus thar no’Darador—By Blood and Honor We Serve.”

— Motto of the Knights of the Silver Hand

The Knights of the Silver Hand (full name the Order of the Knights of the Silver Hand, often referred to as the Order of the Silver Hand, the Paladins of the Silver Hand, the Silver Hand, or the Paladin Order) is the order of paladins created after the First War by Archbishop Alonsus Faol and Uther the Lightbringer. The Silver Hand helped lead the Alliance of Lordaeron to victory in the Second War.

When Uther refused to purge the city of Stratholme during the Third War, the order was suspended by one of its own members, Prince Arthas Menethil, though the knights continued to fight against the Scourge despite this. Years later, the remains of the order were merged by Tirion Fordring with the Argent Dawn to form the Argent Crusade and take the fight against the Lich King to Northrend. Human and dwarf paladins from Stormwind and Ironforge were still referred to as Knights of the Silver Hand after the formation of the Argent Crusade, suggesting that the order remained active within the Alliance.

During the third invasion of the Burning Legion, and after the defeat of the Argent Crusade in the Battle for the Broken Shore, the Silver Hand was formally reestablished and supported by each major paladin order on Azeroth: the human and dwarven paladins of Stormwind and Ironforge, the draenei of the Hand of Argus, the blood elven of the Blood Knights, the tauren of the Sunwalkers, and the remnants of the Argent Crusade. They fought the Legion alongside the other class orders from the Sanctum of Light, under the Light's Hope Chapel, who became their order hall.

Following the end of the invasion, and the Battle for Lordaeron at the beginning of the Fourth War, the Order split up again and fought once more on the side of the Alliance under Turalyon against the Horde, notably the troops of Lady Liadrin under the banner of the Blood Knights alongside the Sunwalkers, during the Battle for Stromgarde.

History

Foundation and the Second War

Alonsus Chapel in Stratholme, before the Third War.

The Holy Order of Northshire Clerics was devastated during the First War. Seeking to create an order that would suffer less attrition in battle, the Archbishop of the Church of the Holy Light, Alonsus Faol, met the Supreme Commander of the Alliance forces, Anduin Lothar, and offered him to create a new order that would represent the best qualities of the human race, 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, so that the Archbishop can respectively train them in the ways of the Light and in martial combat as his apprentices, which he later named paladins.

In Alonsus Chapel in Stratholme, Uther was appointed the first of the paladins. He was followed by the candidates recommended by Alonsus Faol who were Saidan Dathrohan, Tirion Fordring and Turalyon, as well as Gavinrad, the candidate proposed by Anduin Lothar. The Order of the Silver Hand was thus born. Its name and symbol having been taken from the Legend of the Silver Hand, legacy of the Keeper Tyr, as a symbol of those paladins who put personal sacrifice above everything, although the symbol was already known to the human tribes of Tirisfal several centuries ago, appearing on clothing and pendants worn to ward off evil spirits, to protect warriors in battle and to cure diseases.

Stratholme would later serve as the paladins' base of operations, but Lothar kept them with him, ordering them to travel alongside the main Alliance army. Faol trained them vigorously day and night, teaching them how to use the Light to comfort their allies and smite their enemies, and how to lead. The Archbishop instructed them to live simple lives, to avoid seeking glory and fortune in war. 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: retribution, holiness, protection, justice, and compassion. Lothar often came to see the progress of the Order of the Silver Hand, and was so delighted with what he saw, that he asked Turalyon and Uther to become his lieutenants. Faol gladly agreed to satisfy the Supreme Commander's request, but he did not cease to watch over the paladins. Subsequently, other knights were also trained by Alonsus Faol to become paladins during the war.

Weeks passed before the paladins were ready to step onto the battlefield. They made their first appearance during the Battle of Hillsbrad Foothills, where they faced the death knights of the Horde, using their sacred powers in the form of waves of energies that cascaded over the Alliance soldiers to heal their wounded and soothe their dread hearts, while wiping out the reanimated human corpses and sweeping away the corrupting mist of the death knights. Paladins and death knights 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.

Subsequently, the paladins were instrumental in winning the war. They were notably deployed to quell a peasant revolt at Tyr's Hand, and the sight of them wielding their mighty warhammers and holy powers gave others inspiration on the battlefield and the home front. Uther and his paladins were truly a sight to behold, as they healed the wounds sustained in combat and restored faith in the promise of freedom from orcish tyranny. 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. It was also the support of the paladins that enabled the Alliance to make a rapid advance towards Khaz Modan, working day and night to heal the wounded and fill the hearts of soldiers with resolve and courage, and thus free Ironforge and Gnomeregan from Kilrogg Deadeye and his Bleeding Hollow clan.

The Bastion of the Silver Hand in Stratholme.

Paladins 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.

Uther was the first paladin known to have manifested his powers on the battlefield and was given the title of "the Lightbringer" by Turalyon. Turalyon himself did not master his powers until after Lothar's death during the Siege of Blackrock Spire, but once he did the orcish army cowered from his blinding light which shone "brighter than the brightest day".

After the war, the Order of the Silver Hand directed a few settlements across Lordaeron, in order to protect and watch over the lands from orc attacks. Among them was present an unnamed settlement under the command of Lord Duncan Senturus, a senior paladin, about three days from the port of Hasic. Moreover, the Silver Hand also coordinated with the Church of the Holy Light to help the Alliance move forward. They healed the sick and granted shelter to the survivors broken by the war in Lordaeron and Stormwind. They also began training new paladins in Stormwind City and Ironforge, swelling the ranks of the order. Becoming a paladin, and join the order, requires passing a ceremony of induction where the paladin received his hammer, his titles, and the silver plates that are placed on his shoulders, before being blessed and empowered by the holy powers of the clerics and paladins present. Arthas Menethil, Prince of Lordaeron, was sworn into the order in a ceremony performed in Stormwind's Cathedral of Light. During these times, the Bastion of the Silver Hand was considered as the barracks of the Order, containing countless of their treasures.

Several years later, Tirion Fordring's life was saved by the orc Eitrigg. When Eitrigg was later captured by the Alliance of Lordaeron, Tirion felt he owed a debt of honor and fought to rescue him. For assaulting Alliance soldiers, Tirion was excommunicated from the Silver Hand and exiled from his lands. His son, Taelan, later joined the Silver Hand.

When news of an upstart warchief rallying the few remaining orc clans in revolt against the orc internment camps began to unfold, King Terenas sent Uther and his paladins to quell the warchief's uprising. The crafty orcs could never be found, however. The young warchief proved to be something of a tactical genius – and evaded Uther's best efforts to corral his hit and run attacks.

Before the Third War, a faction started growing in the order, largely led by Abbendis. This faction was intolerant of what they deemed as the "lesser races" and would later form the Scarlet Crusade.

The Scourge of Lordaeron

The appearance of the plague of undeath nearly marked the end of the Order of the Silver Hand. The paladins entered a dark period when one of their own, Prince Arthas, turned his back on the order. When Uther refused to follow Arthas' command to kill the infected population of Stratholme before they could die and be reborn as undead, Arthas accused Uther of treason, relieved him from command, suspended his paladins from service and sent them away. After Stratholme was purged, some former paladins, now called deathlords, also committed the same heinous act in many other cities across Lordaeron.

In the days since Prince Arthas took the fleet to Northrend, the Silver Hand continued to defend Lordaeron villages. 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. In the meantime, Arthas lost his soul to the cursed runeblade Frostmourne and became a death knight in the service of the Lich King. Returning to Lordaeron, Arthas killed his father and ruined Capital City. With Jaina Proudmoore gathering Lordaeronians to sail for Kalimdor, the Knights of the Silver Hand had to stay behind to defend those that couldn't get on the Kul Tiran ships, as well as continue fighting against the Scourge by forming a resistance composed of detachments of troops that were the Crippling Force, the Defenders of Justice and the Defenders of Justice. When Alexandros Mograine returned from Ironforge with the mighty Ashbringer in hands, the Highlord was reported to be paring down the Scourge's numbers.

Despite this, in the following days, Arthas also killed several notable paladins, including Ballador the Bright, Sage Truthbearer, Magroth the Defender, Halahk the Lifebringer, Gavinrad the Dire and Uther the Lightbringer.

Subsequently, many paladins of the Silver Hand 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, joined the ranks of the Scourge by becoming death knights, the Scourge's mightiest generals.

At some point, the Scourge swept through Stratholme, and the Knights of 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 citizens turned into Scourge reinforcements before the supplies could ever be used.

After the Third War

Alonsus Chapel in Stratholme, after the Third War.

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, the paladins fought the undead throughout the Plaguelands. From their base at Hearthglen, they were able to gain some victories, but they weren't able to achieve their goal: the complete destruction of the Scourge.

Worried about the Forsaken entrenching themselves in the Ruins of Lordaeron, the paladins established a base in what would later be known as the Scarlet Monastery in Tirisfal Glades. They also made an alliance with Lord Valdelmar of Tyr's Hand for mutual assistance. However, during an attack on Stratholme, Lord Commander Saidan Dathrohan was killed and his corpse possessed by the dreadlord Balnazzar as a fleshly costume. Balnazzar 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 his son, Renault Mograine, into killing him.

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, who made the legendary paladin an obedient servant as the leader of the Four Horsemen, while the Ashbringer was no more than a twisted and unholy shadow of what it once had been in his hands.

The Scarlet Bastion in Stratholme.

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, and suspicious of Saidan and his closest companions whom they suspected corrupted without being able to prove it, formed 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.

World of Warcraft

This section concerns content related to the original World of Warcraft.

Paladins in the kingdoms of Stormwind and Ironforge, with Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker and Valgar Highforge at their head, remained part of the Knights of the Silver Hand. Everyone in the order 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, in order to allow the young paladins to be able to obtain their own charger.

The Silver Hand had no presence in Lordaeron 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, then vowed over his son's body to reform the Silver Hand, once more be a force of good dedicated to extinguishing the evils of the world.

• "The death of my son at the hands of these monsters will not pass without incident. Take solace in knowing that the Order is reborn. I now take my place as Highlord of the new Order of the Silver Hand."

The order is mentioned to be active during the initial assault on Naxxramas by Eligor Dawnbringer in a conversation with Scarlet Commander Marjhan at Light's Hope Chapel.

The Burning Crusade

This section concerns content related to the Warcraft manga or comics.

A group of paladins led by Irulon Trueblade helped the Alliance when they crossed the Dark Portal into Outland against the demons of the Burning Legions and the death knight Ragnok Bloodreaver and his forces at the Stair of Destiny.

This section concerns content related to The Burning Crusade.

Tirion Fordring wielding Ashbringer.

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. To prove their dominance over the Light, Blood Knights were sent to defile the Alonsus Chapel, the Silver Hand's founding place. The ghostly knights 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.

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.

Wrath of the Lich King

This section concerns content related to Wrath of the Lich King.

Along with the paladins of the Silver Hand and the Argent Dawn, Tirion emerged at Light's Hope Chapel to defend it from the Scourge. After the Battle for Light's Hope Chapel, Tirion called for a union between the Argent Dawn and the Order of the Silver Hand. Together they formed the Argent Crusade, which sailed to Northrend and fought to end the reign of the Lich King. Along with the Knights of the Ebon Blade, they were instrumental in Arthas's ultimate defeat, with Tirion himself using the Ashbringer to sunder Frostmourne.

Cataclysm

This section concerns content related to 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 of the Alliance that didn't join the Argent Crusade were presumably still members of the old Knights of the Silver Hand who remained loyal to the Alliance.

In Stratholme, the Knight of the Silver Hand Aurius Rivendare, who succumbed to the savage attacks of Baron Rivendare, fell to the corruption of the Scourge and was raised as a death knight, he took control of the city in his father's absence. Following his resurrection, Eligor Dawnbringer sent adventurers to kill him. His body was then placed in a crypt of the city.

Legion

This section concerns content related to Legion.

Main article: Paladin Campaign

The Silver Hand's new iconography as of Legion, featuring an open hand. The closed fist iconography is still used as well, however.

Following the death of Highlord Tirion Fordring during the Battle for Broken Shore, Lord Maxwell Tyrosus came into contact with a paladin hero who united every paladin order on Azeroth into a restored Order of the Silver Hand, and was named as its new Highlord. Their new base lies within a hidden sanctum beneath Light's Hope Chapel, from where they fought the demons of the Burning Legion.

The Order of the Silver Hand grew and was made up of:

• The original paladins of the Silver Hand, led by Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker
• The Argent Crusade, led by Lord Maxwell Tyrosus
• The Hand of Argus, led by Vindicator Boros
• The Blood Knights, led by Lady Liadrin
• The Sunwalkers, led by Aponi Brightmane
• Justicar Julia Celeste and Arator the Redeemer are also leaders of the new order.

While not directly stated, Brother Sammuel from Northshire is also present, thus the Brotherhood of Northshire was apparently also represented. Same with Eligor Dawnbringer and the Brotherhood of the Light.

After the restoration of their order, the Silver Hand came into possession of the legendary artifacts that are  [The Silver Hand], the  [Truthguard] and the  [Ashbringer], handed over to their champions to fight the demons. Subsequently the Silver Hand organize the recruitment and training of new troops under the orders of Commander Ansela and Commander Born.

During the Burning Legion's third invasion, the Knights of the Silver Hand began to mobilize on the Broken Isles, sending reconnaissance troops across the islands to watch over the legion's movements and bring back the survivors they found. Thus leading the Order to discover and report to Archmage Khadgar that an extraordinarily luminescent object has emerged from the Felstorm, emanating power enough that the Highlord' scouts could feel it coursing through their body, and crashed towards the coast of Suramar, cutting a swath through the tempest itself. Their discovery was none other than the  [Light's Heart], the heart of the naaru Xe'ra, bearer of Turalyon's message for Azeroth and his son, 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. Champions of the Silver Hand were present during the Battle for the Exodar to fight against High General Rakeesh, and protect the naaru O'ros targeted by the Legion so that they could not unlock the knowledge contained within Light's Heart.

The defenses of the Silver Hand were also attacked by 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 Sanctum where Lady Liadrin tried to stop them, but was defeated as well. Just as the Ebon Blade was 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 Sanctum of Light, where the reformed Order of the Silver Hand operate against the Legion.

Under the orders of Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker, the Knights of the Silver Hand were then mobilized to repelling a demon attack on Hearthglen. Although Stratholme is still under the control of the Scourge led by Raemien the Soultaker, the Silver Hand managed to regain control of a part of the city where the Alonsus Chapel is located, and defeat the death knight in order to get Aurius Rivendare's steed, Shadowmane, and redeemed it into Glowing Reins of the Golden Charger to serve as a mount of the new Highlord. Under the orders of Vindicator Boros and Justicar Julia Celeste, they managed to sabotage the efforts and advance of the Legion in Faronaar, although the mission nearly turned into disaster due to the Vindicator's rage, narrowly save with his men by the Highlord.

In addition to their mission, the paladins managed to obtain Balnazzar's  [Codex of Command], and decipher it with the help of the priestess Delas Moonfang, which led to an assault under the command of Aponi Brightmane alongside the Conclave against the Legion at Felblaze Ingress, in Azsuna. After the paladins were defeated, then taken to the demonic world prison Niskara, where they were rescued by the Highlord, they learned from a Mysterious Stranger that Balnazzar and his armies were about to attack the Netherlight Temple, headquarters of the Conclave, hidden deep within the Twisting Nether. The Silver Hand agreed to support the Conclave, determined to destroy the Dreadlord, and accepted Delas' request to join them as their first night elf paladin, alongside her uncle Nerus Moonfang after the Highlord freed the family from Oathbinder Zorak's curse.

Subsequently, the Silver Hand began its preparations by sending its troops to collect a rare metal called  [Lumenstone] among the native peoples of the Broken Isles, recognized as unbreakable and able to negate magic, even withstand great amounts of fel, for the creation of weapons and armor. Eventually, the Order joins the Battle for the Netherlight Temple, leading to the victory of the coalition, saved by the arrival of Lothraxion and the Army of the Light, with the final death of Balnazzar.

Following their victory, the Order of the Silver Hand joined the other orders, represented by Gryan Stoutmantle, to form the Armies of Legionfall. The paladins were present to repel the legion's assault on Dalaran and to fight alongside their allies during the Assault on Broken Shore. They were also present on Argus, under the orders of Lady Liadrin, Arator the Redeemer, and Vindicator Boros, accompanying their Highlord to fight the demons and protect the Vindicaar.

Battle for Azeroth

Turalyon during the Battle for Stromgarde.

This section concerns content related to Battle for Azeroth.

During the Battle for Stromgarde, the paladins under High Exarch Turalyon bear the banner of the Silver Hand, and plant Blessed Banners on the battlefield. As they only employ Alliance races, fight for the Alliance against the Horde, notably Liadrin and her Blood Knights alongside the Sunwalkers, indicate that the Silver Hand has splintered once again.

They fight alongside several elite members of the Army of the Light. Turalyon scoffs 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 claims he will take pleasure in enacting justice from a "misguided paladin of the Horde".

Exploring Azeroth

This section concerns content related to the Warcraft novels, novellas, or short stories.

Following the Fourth War, Mathias Shaw mentions in his report for King Anduin Wrynn that the Knights of the Silver Hand are still present and active in the Sanctum of Light, where its halls have been cleared to store many artifacts recovered from Scholomance, Stratholme and the Plaguelands in general. The artifacts stored by the Silver Hand are far too dangerous to be stored elsewhere, and above all far too tempting for anyone to resist, which requires sacred protections.

Among them, the most dangerous are the weapons and armor recovered by the paladins from the body of Balnazzar in the Scarlet Bastion, which are the  [Demonshear], the  [Hammer of the Grand Crusader], the  [Crown of Tyranny], the  [Shroud of the Nathrezim], and the  [Book of the Dead]. Adventurers have also brought the  [Runeblade of Baron Rivendare], the  [Bonescraper], and the  [Seal of Rivendare] to the Sanctum after they defeating Baron Rivendare with the help of Lord Aurius Rivendare, years ago.

Shadowlands

This section concerns content related to Shadowlands.

The Silver Hand makes its appearance in the paladin section of the Training Hall in Stormwind, with Ezul'aan as a paladin trainer.

Structure

Member organizations

Active members

• Stormwind paladins
• Ironforge paladins

Unknown status with the Silver Hand

• Hand of Argus
• Argent Crusade

Former members

• Blood Knights
• Sunwalkers
• Circle of Holy Light ^†
• Champions of Light ^†
• Champions of Peace ^†
• Champions of Truth ^†
• Crippling Force ^†
• Defenders of Justice ^†

Induction vows

Becoming a paladin and join the Order of the Silver Hand requires passing a ceremony of induction headed by an Archbishop, or a high member of the church, in presence of clerics of the Brotherhood of Northshire and paladins of the order. It's during this ceremony that Tirion Fordring received his holy warhammer from a member of the order and the silver plates that were placed on his shoulders by a paladin close to him, Saidan Dathrohan, before he speaks his vows and be empowered by the holy light.

Archbishop: 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.

Archbishop: 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 Tirion's neck. Then, he dipped his thumb in a small vial of sacred oil and anointed Tirion’s forehead.

Cleric: By the grace of the Light, may your brethren be healed.

The Archbishop turned to the men on the right.

Archbishop: 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 Tirion’s feet. The second, Saidan Dathrohan, placed the silver plates upon Tirion’s shoulders.

Saidan Dathrohan: By the strength of the Light, may your enemies be undone.

Archbishop: Arise and be recognized.

Tirion stood up in front of the Archbishop.

Archbishop: Do you, Tirion Fordring, vow to uphold the honor and codes of the Order of the Silver Hand.

Tirion Fordring: I do.

Archbishop: Do you vow to walk in the grace of the Light and spread its wisdom to your fellow man?

Tirion Fordring: I do.

Archbishop: Do you vow to vanquish evil wherever it be found, and protect the weak and innocent with your very life?

Tirion Fordring: 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.

Archbishop: 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 Tirion, empowered him with the holy light.

Archbishop Alonsus Faol: Arise, Tirion Fordring — Paladin defender of Lordaeron. Welcome to the Order of the Silver Hand.

A few years later, Arthas Menethil went through the ceremony with Archbishop Alonsus Faol in the Cathedral of Light of Stormwind City, during which he received his holy warhammer from Gavinrad and his silver plates from Uther the Lightbringer, before being empowered by the holy light. Taelan Fordring and Renault Mograine also went through the same ceremony for their introduction, respectively, into the ranks of the Silver Hand and the Scarlet Crusade.

• During the third invasion of the Burning Legion, when Delas Moonfang joined the Order in the Sanctum of Light, she was instructed to "speak the vows" to be inducted by the Highlord of the Silver Hand.

Delas Moonfang says: Here, in the presence of eternal champions, I take this sacred oath:

Delas Moonfang says: To protect the weak, uphold justice, and walk the righteous path.

Delas Moonfang says: I pledge my life to the Order of the Silver Hand,

Delas Moonfang says: And join my brothers and sisters in humble service.

Leadership

Highlords

•  The Highlord of the Silver Hand
•   Tirion Fordring ^†
•   Saidan Dathrohan ^†
•   Uther the Lightbringer (as Supreme Commander)  ^†
•   Alonsus Faol (as Archbishop)  ^†

Notable leaders

•   Lord Maxwell Tyrosus
•   High Exarch Turalyon
•   Justicar Julia Celeste
•   Vindicator Boros
•   Arator the Redeemer
•   Valgar Highforge
•   Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker

Former notable leaders

•   Lady Liadrin
•   Aponi Brightmane
•   Alexandros Mograine ^†
•   High General Abbendis ^†
•   Ballador the Bright ^†
•   Sage Truthbearer ^†
•   Gavinrad the Dire ^†
•   Halahk the Lifebringer ^†
•   Dagren the Orcslayer ^†
•   Magroth the Defender ^†

Notable members

Main article: List of Knights of the Silver Hand paladins

Name	Title	Role	Affiliation	Status
Uther	the Lightbringer	Supreme Commander and co-founder of the Silver Hand	Alliance of Lordaeron, Kingdom of Lordaeron	Deceased
Turalyon	High Exarch	High Exarch of the Grand Army of the Light and founding member of the Silver Hand	Alliance, Grand Army of the Light (formerly Lordaeron)	Alive
Tirion Fordring	Highlord	Former Highlord of the Argent Crusade and founding member of the Silver Hand	Argent Crusade (formerly Lordaeron)	Deceased
Saidan Dathrohan	Grand Crusader	Former Master of the Crusade (possessed by Balnazzar) and founding member of the Silver Hand	Scarlet Crusade (formerly Lordaeron)	Deceased
Gavinrad	the Dire	Founding member of the Silver Hand and Guardian of the remains of Kel'Thuzad	Alliance of Lordaeron, Kingdom of Stormwind	Deceased
Arthas Menethil	King	Former Lich King of the Scourge, Prince of Lordaeron and Uther's apprentice	Scourge (formerly Lordaeron)	Deceased
The Highlord	Highlord	Highlord of the Order of the Silver Hand	Various	Alive
Maxwell Tyrosus	Lord	Champion of the Silver Hand and Leader of the Argent Crusade	Argent Crusade	Alive
Grayson Shadowbreaker	Lord	Mission specialist of the Silver Hand and Chief paladin of Stormwind in the Cathedral of Light	Alliance, Kingdom of Stormwind	Alive
Valgar Highforge	Master Smith	Grand Smith of the Silver Hand and Head paladin trainer in the Hall of Mysteries	Alliance, Kingdom of Ironforge	Alive
Julia Celeste	Justicar	Champion of the Silver Hand and Veteran paladin of the Valiance Expedition	Alliance, Kingdom of Stormwind, Valiance Expedition	Alive
Boros	Vindicator	Champion of the Silver Hand and Co-leader of the Hand of Argus	Alliance, Exodar, Hand of Argus	Alive
Arator	the Redeemer	Champion of the Silver Hand, Son of Turalyon and Alleria	Alliance, Honor Hold	Alive
Delas Moonfang		Champion of the Silver Hand, formerly priestess of the Moon, and first night elf to join the order	Alliance, Sisterhood of Elune, Conclave	Alive
Nerus Moonfang		Champion of the Silver Hand, Uncle of Delas Moonfang	Silver Hand (formerly Kaldorei Empire)	Active-Undead
Lothraxion	High Commander	Champion of the Silver Hand and High Commander of the Grand Army of the Light	Grand Army of the Light	Alive
Eadric	the Pure	Grand Champion of the Argent Crusade and Quartermaster of the Silver Hand	Argent Crusade	Alive
Jorad Mace		Knight of the Silver Hand and companion of Tyrigosa, formerly a mercenary	Alliance	Alive
Davil Crokford	Lightfire	Knight of the Silver Hand known for his bravery during the Battle of Darrowshire	Alliance of Lordaeron	Deceased
Alexandros Mograine	the Ashbringer	Original wielder of the Ashbringer, former leader of the Four Horsemen and Knight of the Silver Hand	Four Horsemen, Scourge (formerly Lordaeron)	Deceased
Taelan Fordring	Highlord	Former Highlord of the Scarlet Crusade	Scarlet Crusade (formerly Lordaeron)	Deceased
Aurius Rivendare	Lord	Death knight of Stratholme, formerly Defender of Alonsus Chapel	Scourge (formerly Lordaeron)	Deceased
Thomas Thomson	Sir	The Headless Horseman, formerly a Scarlet Crusader	None (formerly Scarlet Crusade)	Killable
Liadrin	Lady of Light	Former Champion of the Silver Hand and Matriarch of the Blood Knights	Horde, Kingdom of Quel'Thalas, Blood Knights	Alive
Aponi Brightmane	Chieftain	Former Champion of the Silver Hand and Leader of the Sunwalkers	Horde, Thunder Bluff, Sunwalkers	Alive

Troops

They deploy squires, protectors, menders, defenders, phalanx, knights, templar, and crusaders.

• Though many squires of the Silver Hand aspire to one day become knights themselves, many see it as an honor to serve someone who has given themselves fully to the Light.

• While most paladins of the Silver Hand charge into battle on warhorses, Shieldbearers specialize in defensive combat, forming an impenetrable wall of protection.

• Knights of the Silver Hand 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.

• Templar of the Silver Hand 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.

• Deployed to only the most vicious battlefields, Crusaders are the Silver Hand's answer to an immovable barrier.

Items

•  [Badge of the Silver Hand], which is to be given to Uther's spirit, is a medal given upon acceptance to the Knights of the Silver Hand. Its flavor text reads "A medal given upon acceptance to the Knights of the Silver Hand."
•  [Tabard of the Lightbringer], which can be received from Uther's spirit, bears the symbol of the Silver Hand. Its flavor text reads "May you always bring light into dark places."
•  [Glorenzelg, High-Blade of the Silver Hand] can be obtained from the Lich King. Its flavor text reads "Paragon of the Light, lead our armies against the coming darkness."
•  [Gavinrad's Sigil] belonged to Gavinrad the Dire. Its flavor text reads "Engraved with the image of a silver fist, held up triumphantly."
•  [Shroud of Uther] belonged to Uther the Lightbringer. Its flavor text reads "A heavy piece of canvas, probably used as a blanket or shawl." It is the in-game representation of the Shroud of the Lightbringer.
•  [Annals of the Silver Hand] was under the watchful eye of Instructor Galford in Stratholme. Its flavor text reads "A worn volume, believed lost, containing an account of the deeds of the Knights of the Silver Hand."
•  [Mace of the Order],  [Gavel of the Order] and  [Warhammer of the Order] are rewards from   [8-30D] The Hand of the Light.
•  [Helm of the Order],  [Faceguard of the Order] and  [Headguard of the Order] are rewards from   [20-30D] Weapons of Darkness.
•  [The Silver Hand], the artifact for the Holy paladin, is the hammer of Tyr, whose legend inspired the symbol of the Silver Hand. It is accompanied by the  [Tome of the Silver Hand] when equipped, its flavor text reads "Esarus thar no'Darador."
•  [Legends of the Silver Hand] is a book sold by Scowling Rosa. Its flavor text reads "Historical legends that extend back to the dawn of humanity, detailing the suspected origins of paladins and their relationship with the Light, by historian Evelyna."
•  [Greatsword of the Silver Hand],  [Warhammer of the Silver Hand],  [Blade of the Silver Hand], and  [Bulwark of the Silver Hand] are sold by Eadric the Pure in the Sanctum of Light.
•  [Crown of the Silver Hand],  [Spaulders of the Silver Hand],  [Breastplate of the Silver Hand],  [Gauntlets of the Silver Hand],  [Bindings of the Silver Hand],  [Legplates of the Silver Hand], and  [Sabatons of the Silver Hand] are part of the Battleplate of the Silver Hand sold by Eadric the Pure in the Sanctum of Light.
•  [Arsenal: Armaments of the Silver Hand], which unlocks the appearances of  [Gilded Warhammer],  [Ardent Warhammer],  [Ardent Defender],  [Gilded Defender],  [Ardent Gavel] and  [Ardent Hammer] is sold by Warmage Kath'leen.
•  [Purity's Edge Greatblade] and  [Death Warden's Greatblade], which can be obtained in Bastion, bears the symbol of the Silver Hand on them.

In Warcraft III

This section concerns content related to Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos or its expansion The Frozen Throne.

The Silver Hand was a human faction led by Uther. Among their ranks it counted regular units like footmen and knights. 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

This section contains information from the Warcraft RPG which is considered non-canon.

An epic paladin.

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. 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. After leaving the Crusade, some paladins decided to join the Argent Dawn. 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.

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.

• 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.
• While the Knights of the Silver Hand survived the Scourge, few paladins were left in the order. 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.
• In addition to the night elves, many guests and diplomats from elsewhere reside in Darnassus, including Knights of the Silver Hand.
• Auradins are paladins of the Silver Hand who focus the power of their faith and of their traditions solely into their auras.
• 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.
• Verius attempted to infiltrate the Order of the Knights of the Silver Hand after the Third War.
• Brann believes that blue dragons may be found in the ranks of many mortal orders, including the Knights of the Silver Hand.
• Forthisal D'Neve is studying with the Knights of the Silver Hand to become a paladin.
• 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.
• 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).
• 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.

In Hearthstone

This section contains information exclusive to Hearthstone and is considered non-canon.

In Hearthstone, the following cards represent the Silver Hand:

• Silver Hand Recruit
• Silver Hand Knight
• Silver Hand Crusader
• Silver Hand Zealot
• Silver Hand Regent
• Silver Hand Murloc

Notes and trivia

• The training of the Order to become a paladin of the Silver Hand can take several months for priests and knights, and up to several years for younger and inexperienced apprentices, although training can be accelerated for squires if necessary.
• Following the ceremony of induction among the Knights of the Silver Hand, paladins receive a  [Badge of the Silver Hand] to formalize their status and membership in the ranks of the Order.
• Not all Knights of the Silver Hand necessarily come from noble families, like Sir Thomas who comes from a family that owns and worked a pumpkin farm in Tirisfal Glades.
• When a paladin enters the ranks of the Silver Hand, they can change their name. It's notably the case of Davil Lightfire, originally Davil Crokford.
• When they obtain their steed, the paladins of the Silver Hand name them following the tradition of the paladins and priests, inherited from the informal tradition of the knights and nobles of Lordaeron, by a quality they admire. It's the case of Invincible and Steadfast, named respectively by Arthas Menethil and Uther the Lightbringer.
• The archaic human words "Esarus thar no'Darador", which translates to "By Blood and Honor We Serve", are the motto of the Order of the Silver Hand. These words are often found on the cover of religious tomes in Azeroth,, on memorial statues of Turalyon, and on the stainglass representation of Tyr in Stratholme's chapel.
• 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.
• 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.
• In case of treason or acts contrary to the rules of the Order, paladins can be excommunicated. After their light-given powers have been stripped they are banned from the paladinship and exiled.
• In Day of the Dragon, some knights of the Silver Hand, with Lord Duncan Senturus at their head, show hostility for Rhonin and all the others wizards and mages, seeing them as damned souls, but also as an occasional and necessary evil, which they would do without at any other time. It's also the case of the Church of the Light who considered them as heretics for centuries, but let them continue to exist because they don't practice dark magic and are somewhere necessary.
• All the paladins of the Silver Hand have access to the book  [The Light and How to Swing It], written by Uther the Lightbringer for his student Arthas Menethil, after Lorekeeper Mykos removed the mark from the Athenaeum and donated it to the Paladin archives at the Sanctum of Light following the Fourth War.
• In his childhood, Stephon Marris wanted to become a paladin of the Silver Hand.
• According to A Cleansing Fire, the Knights of 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.
• In Battle for Azeroth, the Path of Uther and Uther's Tomb were updated with Silver Hand banners.
• The Silver Hand is the only Order Hall from Legion to have gone back on its neutrality. There have been no depictions of any Horde-race Silver Hand members since the end of Legion; while there have been multiple inclusions of the Silver Hand amongst the Alliance forces, most notably in the Battle for Stromgarde.
  • In World of Warcraft: Shadowlands, the Hall of the Brave and the Command Center were rebranded into the Barracks and Training Hall respectively; which includes all of the class trainers (excluding hero classes). Notably, the Horde's paladins do not use any symbolism of the Silver Hand; instead using the iconography of Silvermoon and the Blood Knights. Conversely, the Alliance's paladin trainer has multiple symbols of the Silver Hand on display.
    • Early versions of the Barracks had Silver Hand symbols on display, this was later removed entirely and replaced with its current version.

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.
• 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.

Status during the Third War

• Most sources state that Uther the Lightbringer was accused of treason and relieved of his command with his paladins being suspended from service by Prince Arthas Menethil near Stratholme.
  • 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.
  • However, Arthas slaughtered the Silver Hand's high command during the "Digging up the Dead" mission, disbanding them in a different sense. This may have caused a misconception, popularizing the view that it was his command that disbanded them.
• The Ultimate Visual Guide stated that Arthas disbanded the Knights of the Silver Hand. 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: Chronicle Volume 3 states that Arthas turned his back on the paladins and called their refusal an act of treason.

Speculation

This article or section includes speculation, observations or opinions possibly supported by lore or by Blizzard officials. It should not be taken as representing official lore.

It is speculated that Bolvar Fordragon, a paladin of Stormwind, was a member of the Silver Hand.

See also

•  [Silver Hand Aspirant's Codex]