 Nathanos Blightcaller | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Title |
Blightcaller, Champion of the Banshee Queen, Hunter Trainer, Ranger Lord[1] |
| Gender | Male |
| Race | Forsaken (Humanoid) |
| Class | Ranger, Hunter, Dark ranger |
| Reaction | Alliance Horde |
| Affiliation(s) | Forsaken, Horde |
| Former affiliation(s) | Farstriders (Quel'Thalas), Alliance of Lordaeron, Scourge, Orgrimmar[2] |
| Occupation | Champion of the Banshee Queen, Ranger Lord of the Forsaken |
| Former occupation(s) | Ranger Lord of the Farstriders |
| Location | Various |
| Status | Active (Undead) |
| Relative(s) | Stephon Marris (cousin)[3] |
| Mentor(s) | Sylvanas Windrunner |
“Amidst our ranks, there are few with more dedication or vigor.”
- — Lady Sylvanas Windrunner
Nathanos Blightcaller (born Nathanos Marris) is the champion of the Banshee Queen of the Forsaken, and a teacher of new Forsaken hunters. In life, Nathanos was the first and only human "ranger lord," trained by the high elves of Quel'Thalas, and was close to Sylvanas Windrunner. He died and became undead during the Third War, joining Sylvanas's rogue Forsaken shortly afterward. As Nathanos Blightcaller, he would stand in the Eastern Plaguelands, battling the Alliance heroes sent to kill him and faking his death. Recently, he received a new body with the help of Sylvanas's val'kyr and now serves his liege with renewed strength.
Biography
The Ranger Lord
A younger version of Nathanos Marris seen in Old Hillsbrad Foothills.
In life, Nathanos Marris was trained by the high elves in the ways of war, and was admitted to the elven Farstriders. Nathanos's accomplishments were unprecedented. He was a tactical genius, responsible for Alliance victories spanning a decade of conflict.[5] Nathanos Marris was the first and only human ranger lord, the highest rank in the Farstriders' hierarchy below ranger-general, appointed as such by Ranger-General Sylvanas Windrunner.
His inclusion in the ranks of the ranger lords was not without its conflicts. Nathanos was on the receiving end of prejudice from his elven comrades, many of whom objected to the presence of a human in their ranks. Halduron Brightwing and Renthar Hawkspear both argued against his inclusion in their ranks,[6] and Nathanos had a particular animosity with Sylvanas's second-in-command, Lor'themar Theron, who claimed Nathanos felt intimidated by the elven rangers; Nathanos believed he could match Theron shot-for-shot. Kael'thas Sunstrider, the crown prince of Quel'Thalas (who was rumored to have sought Sylvanas's hand in marriage) also opposed the appointment, but Sylvanas insisted on it anyway, impressed with Nathanos's ability and believing that the high elves must practice tolerance with the outside world.[7] Still, Nathanos felt unwelcome in the ancient city of the elves and tired of their politics, instead choosing to reside in his native Lordaeron, at his childhood home. As a Ranger Lord, Nathanos owed allegiance to Silvermoon, and was obligated to fight in its defense should the elves demand it. Sylvanas frequently visited him at the stead, officially to hear his reports, but rumor spread throughout the Farstriders - and the elven kingdom at large - that Sylvanas had been continuing a romantic relationship with her human pupil. Nathanos worried that these rumors would negatively impact Sylvanas, who required the goodwill of her compatriots as ranger-general.
Sylvanas visited Nathanos at the Marris Stead shortly before the onset of the Second War. She spoke to him of a potential invasion of Quel'Thalas from the Old Horde, and met Nathanos's young cousin, Stephon Marris. Before leaving, Sylvanas spent the night at the stead.[3]
Death and freedom
After the fall of Stratholme, the Scourge swept over the once-great nation of Lordaeron, killing all in its path and raising the fallen as cadaverous undead. Despite his great skill, Nathanos Marris fell as well at his house, murdered by the abomination Ramstein the Gorger. Nathanos rose as a mindless thrall of the Scourge, bound to the will of the Lich King, spreading the plague of undeath through the kingdom of his birth. Somehow though, deep in his soul, he knew that Sylvanas would come for him, and she did.[8]
Sylvanas had been freed from Arthas's grasp during the Plaguelands civil war, and scoured Lordaeron for signs of Nathanos. When she found her old disciple, he had been reduced to a pitiful sight, a decaying slave feasting on corpses of his own making. Nathanos did not immediately recognize her, and attempted to attack her with the unending rage filling the void in his soul, but was fettered by dark ranger arrows while Sylvanas called him to his senses. Sylvanas tore Nathanos free from the Lich King's will and told her disheveled former pupil of the plight of the Forsaken. She named Nathanos her champion, in their quest to avenge themselves upon Arthas.[3] After he was freed by Sylvanas, Nathanos hunted Ramstein the Gorger across the Plaguelands for months until the abomination fled to the safety of Stratholme.[8]
In death, Nathanos retained the deep loyalty he had felt towards Sylvanas in life. Were she to perish at the end of their quest, he knew he would happily follow her.[3]
World of Warcraft
Nathanos, the Blightcaller.
Nathanos at The Marris Stead (original model).
Nathanos resided at his old home, the Marris Stead in the Eastern Plaguelands with his pet blighthounds on the banshee queen's orders. There he recruited Horde soldiers to fight against corrupted animals (such as plaguebats), the Scourge, and the Scarlet Crusaders of Tyr's Hand.
Nathanos collected relics from the battle of Darrowshire, for unknown reasons. He kept them in his home.[9] Nathanos appeared to be secretive regarding personal details of his former life, even sending Horde adventurers to retrieve the Quel'Thalas Registry that contained his file.[10] He made sure to inform adventurers that the registry was not to be read. Nathanos took a special pleasure in tormenting the lodge's elven residents, his former comrades, who had scorned him even while alive.[3]
Nathanos's death did not go unnoticed, nor did the fact that a body had never been found. Master Mathias Shaw, head of SI:7 - the Stormwind intelligence agency - received some disturbing reports of unusual Forsaken activity in the Eastern Plaguelands, and sent five agents to investigate. Only one of those agents returned, babbling incoherently about "Nathanos" and the word "Blightcaller." He died in his sleep just days after his return, and Alliance adventurers were asked to go investigate their disappearance.[11] The only thing SI:7 had to go on was that Nathanos Marris may have been slain by this "Blightcaller," but the truth was far less pleasant. After investigating the grounds around the Marris Stead, adventurers uncovered the ugly reality - Nathanos was the Blightcaller, now a champion of the Banshee Queen.
Once it was determined that Nathanos was the Blightcaller, King Varian Wrynn and Bolvar Fordragon enlisted Alliance adventurers to gather an army and destroy him. Nathanos, however, managed to survive this through faking death.
Cataclysm
After surviving the Alliance assassination attempt on his life, Nathanos has decided to reside in the War Quarter of the Undercity and trains new Forsaken hunters in their trade. The quests he gave are now given by other NPCs.
Nathanos and Sylvanas[citation needed] were training a new generation of Forsaken rangers, representing both their past and their future.[12]
Nathanos was the only person Sylvanas confided in regarding her experience atop Icecrown following the Lich King's defeat. Nathanos knew that should Sylvanas ever find herself facing that damnation again, he would gladly end his own undeath to face it at her side. Part of him hoped for it.[3]
Dark Mirror
Nathanos marveling at his new appearance.
As the Legion began invading Azeroth, Sylvanas called Nathanos to partake in a ritual meant to make him stronger. He agreed to take part, thought not before attempting to provoke her. When he discovered that the ritual would involve the val'kyr sacrificing his cousin Stephon Marris, he felt no regret, only the duty bound oath he had made towards Sylvanas. The val'kyr proceeded to place herself between the human and the undead and began chanting guttural words in an ancient tongue, flashes of blue and gold pulsing from her hands. Nathanos lost his senses for a time, his world exploding in fire and pain. When the Blightcaller's wits returned, he found that he had been transformed to become stronger than before and not be as decayed and withered as he had been. However, upon looking into a mirror, he noticed that his new face was not entirely his own. He then noticed that the second ritual table was empty save for a bit of ash and oily residue stains. Sylvanas directed Dark Ranger Anya to escort her champion to the armory to see him outfitted in a manner that befit his station. Along the way, Anya implied to Nathanos that Sylvanas had feelings for her champion, a notion that the Blightcaller disagreed with, as he personally felt that whatever emotion his mortal heart might have held, now it had room only for rage and contempt. After picking out a green and gray mix of mail and leather, a clean and well-maintained breastplate caught his eye and caused him to reflect back to the ritual and to the empty altar next to his. For the briefest of moments, Nathanos felt regret.[3]
Legion
Nathanos Blightcaller in The Violet Citadel (Legion model).
Following the death of Vol'jin, Nathanos and the other dark rangers are seen protecting Sylvanas, the new warchief of the Horde. He fought against the demons when they were revealed by the newly-accepted Illidari.
Nathanos issued summons to the Horde champion on behalf of Sylvanas and led them to the Forsaken fleet approaching Stormheim. Predictably, Nathanos retained his dry humor and low regard for most of the figures he crosses paths with (particularly the worgen, whom he writes off as "beasts"), save of course for Sylvanas. He is accompanied by his pet bat, Bloodwing.
When the Alliance led by Genn Greymane and Sky Admiral Rogers took the chance to bombard the Forsaken fleet, Nathanos made his queen's safety his first priority, but was ordered to take the fleet on the offensive. He led the Forsaken forces in a counterattack against the 7th Legion and worgen troops. The Blightcaller and his men boarded the Skyfire and caused havoc in the hull, planting vials of blight to take it apart from within. Nathanos battled Greymane on the ship's deck, and was unimpressed with his opponent until he goaded Genn into assuming his worgen form. Nathanos gained the upper hand and managed to wound Greymane (Horde version), but the battle abruptly ended with the destruction of the Skyfire, which plummeted down into Stormheim. Nathanos and Greymane survived, although Nathanos's face became "even uglier" than it was before.[13][1]
Nathanos took command of the Forsaken stragglers, and led his rangers in a ruthless hunt across the region to locate Sylvanas.[14] He was certain the queen survived, and sought bloody revenge on the Alliance forces remaining in the area.[15] With the help of the champion, Nathanos was able to discover that Sylvanas safely escaped, but did not wish to be pursued.[16] Respecting the Dark Lady's wishes, Nathanos turned his attention to claiming the 
[Aegis of Aggramar], though he ultimately left the quest to Horde adventurers after reuniting with his master in Dreadwake's Landing.
When a Horde player reaches Prestige Rank 2, Nathanos can be found in the Undercity alongside other notable leaders of the Horde. During Quest:A Royal Audience (Horde), he is present at the ceremony hosted by Warchief Sylvanas Windrunner that congratulates the character for their battles against the Alliance, following their receiving of the 
[High Warlord's Medal of Valor] from the warchief, as well as an artifact appearance.
When Sargeras, lord of the Burning Legion, was defeated, he stabbed Azeroth in Silithus. Soon after the Bilgewater Cartel discovered a new material at the wound called Azerite. Nathanos sent Horde adventurers to meet with the goblins in Silithus, and oversaw the fighting at the Seething Shore from an unnamed gunship.
Soon later, he arrived to the Orgrimmar Embassy with the other leaders.
Locations
| Notable appearances | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Level range | Health range | ||||
| Western Plaguelands | 62 | 38,850 | ||||
| Old Hillsbrad Foothills | 48 |
| ||||
| Undercity
|
62 | 46,830 | ||||
| Quest:Fate of the Horde | 98 - 110 | 3,365,231 | ||||
| Quest:Demons Among Us (Horde) | 110 | 155,463,600 | ||||
| Undercity
|
110 | 15,589,005 | ||||
| Quest:Greymane's Gambit | 98 - 110 | 2,019,139 | ||||
| Stormheim | 98 - 110 | 5,047,846 | ||||
| Quest:A Royal Audience (Horde) | 110 | 103,926,704 | ||||
| Orgrimmar Embassy | ?? | 16,270,764 | ||||
Quests
Nathanos Blightcaller as a hunter trainer in Undercity (Battle for Azeroth model).
Quest:Stormheim (Horde)- Quest:The Warchief Beckons
- Quest:The Ranger Lord
- Quest:The Windrunner's Fate
- Quest:Wrath of the Blightcaller
- Quest:A Grim Trophy
- Quest:The Dark Lady's Bidding
- Quest:Clear the Deck!
- Quest:Dreadwake's Dilemma
- Quest:A Gift for Greymane
- Quest:To Skold-Ashil
Horde
Nathanos was involved in the following quests:
- Quest:To Kill With Purpose (old)
- Quest:Un-Life's Little Annoyances
- Quest:The Ranger Lord's Behest
- Quest:Duskwing, Oh How I Hate Thee... (old)
- Quest:The Corpulent One (old)
- Quest:The Champion of the Banshee Queen
Alliance
His death was the objective of the quest Quest:Order Must Be Restored.
One strategy was to take Nathanos down as fast as possible, whilst reducing the aggro on weaker party members. This enabled the group to at least complete the quest, or gain honor under the Honor system for the kill, while all the party were (still) alive.
You needed at least 8 people in a raid group at lower levels, with a main and off-tank.
Focus on Nathanos himself and take him down as fast as possible. He can be taken down in a minute or so, at which point no more skeletons will be added. The Blighthounds will not do any serious damage until he is down. Deal with them second, and the skeletons third.
Avoid healing as 2-4 skeletons are attracted to the healer. This includes direct heals, heal over time spells, Warlock's drain spells, bandages, potions, pet heals, and life stealing enchants. Rather than heal, run; stop fighting to reduce threat (trinkets etc. with Spirit bonuses are useful here) and heal normally; or let your tanks do the healing to attract aggro back.
It was easy to solo him at level 80, especially if you are a tank.
Quotes
Order Must Be Restored.
Battle
- I can smell your fear, <race>.
- Prepare for a severe beating.
- I shall wear your entrails as a necklace.
- How dare you!
- If you run now, you may live.
- You merely prolong the inevitable. Succumb. She will free your misguided soul.
Legion
- Greetings
- Out with it.
- Do not test me.
- What is it?
- Make it quick.
- Hmmmm.
- Irritated
- How dare you?!
- I should wear your entrails as a necklace!
- If you run now you may live.
- Farewell
- Hmmh.
- Make yourself useful.
- For the Dark Lady.
- Try not to get yourself killed.
- Get moving.
Vol'jin's funeral
After the meeting held inside Grommash Hold during Quest:Fate of the Horde, Nathanos and the dark rangers are providing security for the funeral service outside Orgrimmar. However, this doesn't stop a curious adventurer from inquiring about his new appearance...
- Not now!
- There's something different about you, Blightcaller...
- I'm here to ensure the Warchief's protection. Draw your weapon against her and you'll be dead before the first drop of your blood hits the ground.
There's something different about you, Blightcaller...
- As for anything else... it doesn't concern you. Understood?
Orgrimmar Embassy
Well, well... the illustrious <order title>. Still basking in the glory of your victory over the Legion, no doubt.
<Nathanos rolls his eyes.>
The Dark Lady has entrusted you with securing new allies for the Horde. For your sake, let us hope her faith has not been misplaced.
You?
They put YOU in charge of procuring new subjects for the Dark Lady?
<Nathanos rolls his eyes and mutters>
Relationship with Sylvanas
There are strong implications that Nathanos and Sylvanas may have had a romantic relationship while alive - with echoes of this perhaps persisting in their undeath.
- Nathanos was unpopular with his high elf comrades during his time as a Farstrider. Sylvanas championed Nathanos's cause in the face of all adversity, from her comrades and even from elven royalty. It was widely rumored throughout the Farstriders that their ranger-general had a romantic interest in her disciple. Neither denied it; Nathanos's only concern was that it might adversely effect Sylvanas's authority.
- In the short story Dark Mirror, Nathanos expresses an explicit attraction and deep personal loyalty to Sylvanas, stating that she is more important to him than his home, or his position as ranger lord. The text further places emphasis on the physical closeness between the two, such as Sylvanas brushing his hand with her fingertips and requesting his "company" for the night at the Marris Stead.
- Dark Ranger Anya outright mocked Nathanos for not seeing Sylvanas's lingering favor and affection for him for what it is. "Sylvanas defied a kingdom to name you ranger lord. She scoured the Plaguelands to reclaim you from the Scourge. And today she drew upon her most precious resource to restore your strength. Think upon these things, Blightcaller, and tell me how someone so cunning can be blind to the simplest of truths."[3]
Notes & trivia
- He has been referred to as a ranger and dark ranger.[17] He also has in-game abilities (the summoning of skeletons and the usage of a special [Black Arrow]) of the dark rangers. Furthermore, both he and Sylvanas (his mentor and the most prominent dark ranger in existence) were classified as such in the TCG.
- Despite his extremely poor treatment of the player, often referring to him or her as "imbecile" and numerous variations thereof, Nathanos has become a popular character in the franchise, and his return to the Undercity has been largely met with affection. This is perhaps due to fond memories of vanilla Warcraft, where Nathanos was a force to be reckoned with and Horde players would often defend the powerful Blightcaller from the Alliance.
- When talked to in-game, Nathanos says he survived the attempts on his life by playing possum.
- In the Leaders of Azeroth short story for Lor'themar Theron, Renthar Hawkspear and Aurora Skycaller make the inference that Nathanos "never became Scourge," and that Sylvanas must have "called him to her service" before Arthas could exert a proper dominion over him. This is curious, as their version of events is in direct contradiction to Nathanos's own, in which the banshee queen's champion reiterates his time spent as a mindless thrall of the Lich King before Sylvanas freed him. Of course, they would reasonably not have access to this information; the player only learns because Nathanos himself lets them know.
- Nathanos Marris can be seen in the Old Hillsbrad instance in Southshore's Town Hall speaking with Bilger the Straight-laced.
- [Nathanos Blightcaller's Coin] can be fished up from the fountain in the version of Dalaran.
- Nathanos is voiced by Jim Pirri.
Gallery
Nathanos in Undercity (Warlords of Draenor model)
Relatives
|
This section includes speculation on characters that might be related, usually because they may share a last name. It should not be taken as representing official lore.
|
He may be related to Marshal Marris.
Patch changes
- Patch 7.3.5 (2018-01-16): Model updated.
- Patch 7.0.3 (2016-07-19): Updated with a new model and voice.
- Patch 4.0.3a (2010-11-23): Moved from the Marris Stead to the Undercity. Now a hunter trainer.
- Patch 1.5.0 (2005-06-07): Added.
References
- ^ a b Quest:The Ranger Lord
- ^ Through Vanilla to WotLK
- ^ a b c d e f g h Dark Mirror
- ^ TCG Scourgewar/186
- ^ Quest:Order Must Be Restored
- ^ In the Shadow of the Sun
- ^
[Quel'Thalas Registry]
- ^ a b Quest:Ramstein
- ^ Quest:Heroes of Darrowshire
- ^ Quest:The Ranger Lord's Behest
- ^ Quest:Honor the Dead
- ^ Quest:Making the Rounds (Horde)
- ^ Quest:The Splintered Fleet
- ^ Quest:The Windrunner's Fate
- ^ Quest:Wrath of the Blightcaller
- ^ Quest:A Grim Trophy
- ^ Before the Storm, prologue
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