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Lore of Xal'atath and the Blade of the Black Empire
来自 Neryssa
[Last Updated]:
2019/06/29
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Xal'atath can be referred to both the Shadow Priest artifact weapon in Legion,
, and Xal'atath, the being inhabiting the dagger. The description is necessary since, as of Patch 8.1.5, the dagger and the being are now separated.
From the Word of the Conclave
The Word of the Conclave is a research book from the Netherlight Temple, where Priests of Azeroth write their research about the Artifact Weapons uncovered during Legion. All pre-Legion information about Xal'atath is extracted from this book.
What is Xal'atath?
Xal'atath is an ancient being, dating from back when the Black Empire ruled Azeroth. It is not known how Xal'atath and the dagger became one being. Some rumors say that the being in the dagger is all the remains of a forgotten Old God, consumed by its kin at the early ages of the Black Empire. Others say that the dagger is one of the many claws of Y'shaarj, ripped from the monstrous Old God and used by their servants in ritualistic sacrifices.
Although it is not known how much truth is there to Xal'atath's conditions, the dagger pulses and thrives with the essence of the Old Gods. It is said that the dagger can give its wielder visions of the Black Empire, but all those that attempted to channel those visions fell to madness.
Past Xal'atath Wielders
Xal'atath has passed through many hands, always sowing chaos and death. The Word of the Conclave tells the story of many of her past wielders, as well as how they perished.
Zan'do
During the era of the Titanforged, mighty beings who imprisoned Old Gods, Xal'atath managed to escape their wrath and pass from mortal hand to mortal hand, sowing death and chaos whenever it passed. One of Xal'atath's unfortunate victims was a troll named Zan'do. Zan'do was a Gurubashi troll, who was defeated by his rivals and lost a position of power and prestige within the Gurubashi tribe. With Zan'do hoping and scheming for retribution, he was an easy target for Xal'atath to latch onto and twist into a pawn.
Guided by Xal'atath, Zan'do and a group of Gurubashi Witch Doctors sought out a mound of blackened stone. The place where the mound was located was many forbidden by Gurubashi Mystics, but this did not stop Zan'do and his group to go there and fight against the taboo, as he believed the mound was made forbidden because it held great power. Zan'do discovered what really was the mound - TA slumbering servant of the Old Gods, Ki'thix, previously sent to sleep by the loa of past.
Xal'atath urged for Zan'do to make blood sacrifices to the mound. With Xal'atath corrupting the troll's mind, he did not hesitate, dismembering several of the witch doctors using the dagger, and using their blood and organs to fuel the ritual. In the final act of the ritual, Zan'do plunged Xal'atath into the mound, bringing Ki'thix back to life.
Zan'do and his followers were never seen after the fact. Sometime later, trolls would visit the site, and would only found troll bones picked clean of all flesh.
Ki'thix
Unlike Zan'do, Ki'thix was familiar with Xal'atath's capabilities, and used the dagger to bring the shadow of war across Azeroth. After being almost killed by Zandalari of past, Ki'thix believed that the Old Gods would be pleased to see the troll population be completely obliterated, and rallied other servants of the Old Gods to complete the effort.
Calling upon Xal'atath's power, Ki'thix would spread pestilence across the trolls to weaken their bodies, and Xal'atath would weaken their minds by bombarding them with visions of death.
Although the trolls were able to eventually slay Ki'thix once and for all, the visions of Xal'atath would accompany those afflicted to the end of their days. The legend of how a Black Blade almost drove the trolls to extinction became a story for many troll tribes.
Modgud
Modgud, past wielder of Xal'atath.
(
Fanart by Belvane
)
Modgud was the wife of Sorcerer-Thane Thaurissan, the former leader of the Dark Irons. Thanks to her position of power and her embrace of the arcane magic, she was sent many powerful enchanted artifacts, but none of them would quite satisfy the sorceress. She would send many of her servants to search for new relics she could study and use as instruments for the creation of new spells.
One servant returned with a black blade pulsing with dark energy, and this energy immediatly enticed Modgud. For days, she retreated into the archives to study the dagger's origins and mysteries. It was even said that she could be seen talking to the dagger at times. When Modgud emerged from her chambers, she wanted to graciously taken the responsible for bringing her the dagger, but no one could find the dwarf, or even remember his name and face. It was as if the dwarf had never existed.
During the battle between the Wildhammers and the Dark Irons in Grim Batol, the Dark Irons were pouring into the Wildhammer capital. The clans had a bitter rivalry against each other, with neither side displaying mercy.
It was known that bravery was the Wildhammer's greatest weapon, and Modgud wanted to use Xal'atath to take their bravery away. Under the clash of weapons, Modgud let ot a profane incantation and spellwork, sliding the dagger onto her hand and letting her blood spill onto the stones of Grim Batol. This dark ritual brought the shadows of the capital to life, falling upon the Wildhammers with night-forged blades.
By some astounding feat of courage, Thane Khardros Wildhammer managed to rally the remaining Wildhammer warriors to launch a desperate counterattack against the Dark Irons. Khardros himself rushed through his enemies with the single-minded focus of a war golem, only stopping once he found Modgud.
Modgud unleashed her dark magics upon Khadros, but he managed to press on attacking. When Modgud tried to grasp Xal'atath, the blade that turned Grim Batol into a hall of nightmares, the dagger was not there. She had lost her most cherished possession. Some believed the dagger had abandoned her. With a mighty attack, Khardros mortally wounded Modgud, and managed to secure ultimate victory for the Wildhammers.
It is said that, as the dark iron sorceress laid there dying, she was able to only repeat one phrase, over and over again: "You promised...".
Natalie Seline
Xal'atath's final wielder before Legion was a human bishop named Natalie Seline, who had lived through the First War, when the orcish Horde invaded Azeroth and conquered Stormwind.
After the war, Seline realized that the only way to defeat the Orcs would be to study the strange powers they wielded, and in her journey, she visited countless battle sites where their dark arts befouled the land. In her investigations, she learned about a black black used in their blood rituals, a blade that was said to sway over the shadows themselves. Troubled that such a weapon could possibly exist, Seline swore to hunt it down and destroy it in the name of the Light.
Eventually, Seline found the dagger. The moment she touched the blade, a name spoke through her mind: Xal'atath. She knew she could not destroy the dagger, not yet. How can one defeat a power she does not understand?
Xal'atath would whisper to Seline in waking and in dreaming, teaching that there is more to this world than just Light. There is also Void. In the flow of those forces, one could find knowledge beyond anything the Church of the Holy Light would teach to their priests. One could cross the divide between Light and Void, and weave a tapestry from strands of both sides.
Of course, there would be consequences. There always are when walking in the shadows.
By the time of the Second War, Natalie Seline had learned how to use Xal'atath's shadow magics. She became so proficient that she had taught the dangerous art to other worshippers of light, rallying them in the fight against the Horde. Seline and her followers waged their war in secret from the Church of the Holy Light, using the Void to hunt down orcs across the human kingdoms.
Xal'atath would continue whispering to Seline, slowly maddening the priest. Despite her noble intentions originally, she slowly became obsessed with Xal'ataxth and the mysteries of the Void, and so did Seline's companions. They became overzealous in their campaign against the Orcs, putting innocent lives at risk. Some even strayed too far into the Void, forsaking the Light completely. Although Seline urged her followers to use caution, her calls were ignored and even treated suspiciously.
It was not known what happened to Natalie Seline, but sources indicated that Xal'atath incited rebellion among her allies, convinced that Seline was holding them back from their true potential - Potential that they could reach if they killed her. In the dead of night, Seline's allies murdered her, and took Xal'atath for themselves.
Legion
During the Legion campaign, the Class Order Halls scoured across the world to find artifacts of old to help in the fight against the Burning Legion. The priests Moira Thaurissan and Alonsus Faol have scouted the location of an ancient dagger of the Old Gods, being used in rituals by the Twilight's Hammer in Tirisfal Glades, and sends Shadow Priests after this dagger (
).
It is discovered that this ancient dagger is Xal'atath, and the Twilight's Hammer managed to breach the tomb of Watcher Tyr to use the powers of the dagger resurrect the C'Thrax Zakajz the Corruptor, the one responsible for Tyr's death millennia ago. The newest wielder of Xal'atath,
(a corrupted version of (
), attempts to use Xal'atath's powers against the Shadow Priest and continue on the ritual.
However, once Farthing begins losing the battle, Xal'atath itself deems Farthing to be weak, abandoning the Bishop and offering its allegiance to the Shadow Priest instead. Xal'atath then proceeds to drain the essences of both Farthing and Zakajz, killing both beings forever (
).
Twilight Deacon Farthing says: This... this shouldn't be happening! Why aren't you protecting me?!
Xal'atath, Blade of the Black Empire says: Weak and pitiful! The Twilight Father did not dare wield me, for he knew the price of failure.
Twilight Deacon Farthing says: Give me another chance! No! Noooo!
---
Xal'atath, Blade of the Black Empire says: You, on the other hand... Yes, I foresee us doing great things together. Take hold of my haft and I will aid you... for now.
Xal'atath, Blade of the Black Empire says: Yes, we are eager to feast on the fallen titan's minions. But first... Zakajz.
Xal'atath, Blade of the Black Empire says: The cultists may try to stir him again, or he could awaken on his own. We must consume his essence to ensure he is gone forever. You know this must be done.
---
Shadowlord Slaghammer says: Ye did it! The cultists ha'e run off! Ha ha! Ye should get back ta Faol. I'll use this Twilight portal stone fer ye!
Shadowlord Slaghammer says: Keep an eye on that blade, though. No tellin' wha' somethin' that old be capable of.
Xal'atath constantly whispers the Shadow Priest while equipped, talking about key locations in the Broken Isles or enemies. You can see a compilation of all Xal'atath whispers on our
Whispers of Xal'atath Guide
. Some of the notable whispers tied to Old Gods speculation include:
It is ironic that the weakest of us may be the ultimate victor. C'Thun, Yogg-Saron, Y'Shaarj, and... well. Only one would remain to consume the world, that was always meant to be.
It appears the prison of N’zoth is not as strong as it once was. What you see is a tiny growth of the behemoth that may yet consume your world.
Almost completely gone, as if it never existed. But the rift is deep and vast, and somewhere down there it stirs. Something has changed, the last prison weakens. We must prepare.
This conflict is but a shadow of an ancient war that predated the meddling of the titans. Infinite armies clashed in ceaseless battle. But I'm sure your little war is impressive... in its own way.
It was here in ages past that the God of the Deep lost a great battle to the God of Seven Heads. But as was so often the case even defeat ultimately worked in N'zoth's favor.
The God of the Deep writhes in his prison, breaking free ever so slowly. You should hurry and defeat the fallen titan... there are greater battles yet to fight.
If you are interested in acquiring Xal'atath and collecting Artifact Appearances, check out our
Xal'atath Artifact Guide
.
Xal'atath's Sacrifice
After the Legion's defeat in Argus, Sargeras managed to stab Azeroth before being imprisoned by the Titan Pantheon, leaving the World-Soul mortally wounded. The artifacts adventurers conquered during Legion, including Xal'atath, were used to drain Sargeras' power from his massive sword, leaving it inert of dark energy. After this ritual, all artifacts started overflowing with power, and eventually lose all their power due to the massive instability. With this, the being inside the Blade of the Black Empire became dormant.
Battle for Azeroth
Xal'atath makes her return in Patch 8.1.5, and serves as the introduction to the Crucible of Storms raid.
Xal'atath's Gambit
During the new Naga World Quests in Kul Tiras and Zandalar, players have a chance to loot an
. As there is text written in an ancient language on the medallion, we bring it to
to help decipher it. The tortollan mentions that the medallion has orders for the Naga to attack both continents and that he found an artifact similar to the medallion:
.
Shadow Priests receive a slightly different quest, with Kojo telling them that they heard tales of a Shadow Priest using an ominous dagger to fight the Burning Legion with.
In both quests, we then bring Xal'atath to a naga altar and reviver the being within the dagger (
/
).
After we revive Xal'atath, the dagger is in a pretty weakened state. You then empower the dagger with the essence of nearby Naga, and Xal'atath fully revives after enough Naga is killed. Xal'atath then thanks you for reviving her.
If you are a Priest, she will instead berate you for recklessly using her in Silithus.
(
/
).
Xal'atath says: I realize it may be... disconcerting to converse with a weapon. Be at ease. I merely wish to see you reach your full potential.
Xal'atath says: Why, just recently I helped another mortal hero defeat the Burning Legion. My selfless sacrifice left me weakened. Sadly, that priest proved... shortsighted.
Xal'atath says: You, though... I sense you are truly destined for greatness. We will accomplish remarkable things together, you and I. Magnificent things.
---
If you're a Priest:
Xal'atath says: How glorious it is to be renewed! Though I haven't forgotten your callous misuse of me in Silithus. Such a waste of potential.
Xal'atath says: It pleases me that we have a chance to spend more time together. You should know that of my many companions, you were my favorite.
Xal'atath says: We will accomplish remarkable things together, you and I. Magnificent things.
Xal'atath's Void Elf form. She thinks
she looks pleasing, don't you think?
After reviving Xal'atath, she sets you to empower the dagger. At first, you discover a Void Stone being guarded by a group of cultists, and defeating them allows you to channel the stone. The power within the void stone allows Xal'atath to finally free herself from the dagger, gaining a Void Elf form (
).
Xal'atath says: Unleash the Void Stone, player. It should provide the strength I need to help you find the other two relics.
Xal'atath says: Yes. YES. It's been so long since I took a mortal form. This body is pleasing... don't you think?
After Xal'atath is freed, she then sends you to gather two more relics: A Pirate's Trident, located deep within Freehold in Tiragarde Sound (
), and the Tempest Crown, which is being held by Toatana, a giant crab hoarder (
).
After all items are gathered, the final piece of the ritual brings you to Stormsong Valley, at the Precipice of Oblivion. In there, we enter the Crucible of Storms with Xal'atath, and she delivers us to N'Zoth himself. N'Zoth thanks Xal'atath for bringing us to her (while referring to us as the Opener, the Bring of Truths, and the Torch the Lights the Way), and frees Xal'atath to follow her own fate, demanding her to leave the dagger with the Old God.
Crucible of Storms
Canonically, the Horde is the first faction to go through the Crucible of Storms. Once Uu'nat, Harbinger of the Void is defeated, the Blade of the Black Empire is left on the floor, ripe for the picking. The player then willingly picks up the Blade of the Black Empire in
and decides to hand it over to Sylvanas. She is excited to receive the dagger, calling it the "torch that shall light our path forward", echoing Xal'atath calling the player the "Torch that Lights the Way".
Xal'atath... a fascinating weapon. I have heard tales of its exploits.
A pity it now lies dormant. But anything that slumbers can be awakened.
This blade is more than a mere dagger. It is a torch that shall light our path forward.
Soon I will call upon you again, champion. And together, we will steer the Horde toward its destiny.
---
The Alliance believes that by striking down Rastakhan and decimating the Zandalari fleet, they have broken us. That the Horde will soon crumble.
Fools. The boy-king has lied to himself and his people. He hasn't the faintest inkling of what he's truly up against.
War is a living thing. It writhes, it grows, twisting and turning until its final form is revealed.
This war is about to shift yet again. And it will be this blade that guides our way to victory.
The Alliance eventually goes through the Crucible of Storms, and after defeating Uu'nat, they find an echo of the Blade of the Black Empire, clearly signaling that the Blade was once there (
). The Alliance player is required to inform to Anduin that the dagger is gone, and likely in the hands of Sylvanas. He expresses dismay at both the fact that the dagger is with Sylvanas, and the fact that another Old God was awakened because of this.
Anduin: Another Old God awakened... this does not bode well. Our world suffers much as it is. The wound in Silithus, the war...
Anduin: The Alliance stands on the brink of victory. Of ending this conflict and bringing peace to Azeroth.
Anduin: Sylvanas sent her champions into that shrine for a reason. She must have discovered something that can shift the war back in her favor.
Anduin: Whatever that might be, she must not succeed. Be ready for me to call on you again, $n. We will stop Sylvanas--once and for all.
---
Anduin: When Sylvanas Windrunner became warchief, I knew we would not be friends... but I didn't want us to be enemies. Then came the massacre in Arathi... and the burning of Teldrassil.
Anduin: It's clear she does not fight for Azeroth. She doesn't even fight for the Horde. She wages war upon life itself.
Anduin: We are so close to ending this conflict and forging a lasting peace. But if Sylvanas uncovers some new weapon that allows her to keep fighting...
Anduin: No. We must discover what she's after... and stop whatever madness she seeks to unleash upon us.
Rise of Azshara
The introduction cinematic to Nazjatar shows that Nathanos, who is leading the remnants of the Horde fleet through the seas, is being guided by the Blade of the Black Empire. When the sea opens below the Alliance and Horde fleets, Nathanos, holding the Blade, is the only one that shows no surprise.
Azshara can be seen interacting with a tentacle-shaped shadow, saying it would be freed soon.. As she mocks the shadow, talking about imprisonment and powerlessness, the shadow is likely N'Zoth itself.
Future of Xal'atath
During the
BlizzCon 2018 World of Warcraft Q&A
, it is mentioned by the developers in a question comparing Sylvanas to Garrosh's past exploits, that the Banshee Queen would make the Orc look like an amateur.
Q: How are you going to differentiate between what Sylvanas is doing, and what Garrosh did?
A: Well, the story is not done, and there is much left to discover, there is much left to explore, but I will say this: if I were Sylvanas, and I looking to what Garrosh had brought across the world, I'd probably think that Garrosh was an amateur.
With Nathanos' lack of surprise with the developments that led the fleets to Nazjatar, it likely means that this was all part of Sylvanas' plans. The fleet advantage the Alliance had by the time of
Rise of Azshara
is now all but gone, although both factions now have to deal with Azshara. It is currently unknown how this will fit with Sylvanas' scheming.
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评论
评论来自
Sutemi
Interesting read and looking forward to what Sylvanas is going to do with the blade
评论来自
Neissis
Just one thing and I know this is old but it says "In her investigations, she learned about a black black used in their blood rituals", guess it should be black blade :p because of the next sentence is "a blade that was said to sway over the shadows themselves.".
This is in the history about Natalie Seline.
评论来自
DragmaKerp
I heard the same dialogue from N'zoth after killing Uu'nat with my void elf in LFR
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