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| − | {{ |
+ | {{Npcbox |
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| − | + | |name = Xavius |
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| ⚫ | |||
| + | |titles = First of the Satyrs, Satyr Lord, Lord of the Satyrs, Nightmare Lord |
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| − | | title = Amazing Amulets |
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| − | + | |gender = Male |
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| + | |races = [[Ancient guardian|Ancient]]/[[Satyr]], formerly [[Highborne]] [[night elf]] |
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| − | | type = |
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| + | |character =[[Arcanist]], [[Sorcerer]], [[Mage]] (RPG); [[Warlock]] |
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| − | | faction = Neutral |
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| + | |affiliation = [[Old Gods]] (presumed), Formerly [[Burning Legion]], [[Queen Azshara]] |
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| − | | city = Lower City |
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| − | + | |faction = Neutral |
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| + | |occupation = Ruler of the Emerald Nightmare, Regent of the Highborne, leader of the Quel'Dorei magi. |
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| − | | creature = Humanoid |
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| + | |status = [[Eternal]]; Turned into a tree by [[Malfurion Stormrage]] and now inside the [[Emerald Dream]] |
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| − | | sex = Male |
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| − | + | |location = [[Rift of Aln]] |
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| + | |relatives = [[Prince Xavalis]], [[Prince Kellen]], [[Prince Raze]] (Sons, Presumed) |
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| + | |alignment = [[Chaotic evil]]<ref name="S&L86">''[[Shadows & Light]]'', pg. 86</ref> |
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}} |
}} |
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| + | {{Novel}} |
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| − | ''' |
+ | '''Lord Xavius''' was a powerful user of magic, and the high councilor to [[Queen Azshara]]. |
| + | ==Biography== |
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| − | He persistently announces his silly wares, such as {{loot|common|Soap on a Rope}} and other white neck slot items, all of which are quite useless, either granting abilities you can already do (such as jumping, swimming, or [[Death|returning to your body upon death]]) or effects you do not need (such as protection from [[critter]]s or from "[[Tikbalang]]s", which aren't actually in the game). |
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| + | ===Early life and the War of the Ancients=== |
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| + | Xavius was renowned for two things in particular: his skill at subtle political maneuverings and his lack of eyes — he replaced his eyes with magic black crystals that bore streaks of crimson.<ref name="DF121">''[[Dark Factions]]'', pg. 121</ref> He is perhaps the [[night elf]] most responsible for the [[Burning Legion]]'s interest in [[Azeroth (world)|Azeroth]]. It was Xavius who first became convinced that [[Sargeras]], ruler of the Burning Legion, was a god sent to deliver Azeroth. Xavius also convinced the night elven queen Azshara of the necessity of turning the will of her mages, the so-called "[[Highborne]]", towards creating a portal into the Twisting Nether through which Sargeras and the Legion could enter into the world. Xavius was successful enough in his endeavors to welcome several ranking members of the Legion into Azeroth, including several [[felguard]], [[Hakkar the Houndmaster]], and [[Mannoroth]], before the intervention of the young druid [[Malfurion Stormrage]]. As suggested by [[Queen Azshara|Azshara]], Xavius executed a plot to block any non-Highborne magic user from accessing the [[Well of Eternity]]. This allowed the highborne to channel the extra energy gained into making the portal to the Twisting Nether strong enough for Sargeras to cross through. Xavius's plot was defeated by Malfurion, who after entering the Emerald Dream, destroyed the spell array holding the block and the portal; in the battle that entailed Malfurion destroyed Xavius completely.<ref>{{ref book |author= Knaak, Richard A. |authorlink= Richard A. Knaak |title= [[The Well of Eternity]]|isbn= 978-0-7434-8902-7 }}</ref> |
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| + | Xavius’s master, Sargeras, was unhappy with Xavius, and he faced punishment for his failures. Sargeras tortured Xavius’s disembodied spirit for a time, but eventually he showed a form of mercy. He decided that Xavius could be of further use after all. He returned Xavius to life, but not as he once was. To mark the traits Sargeras valued in him, and to brand him forever as an ally and servant of the Legion, Sargeras transformed and disfigured Xavius's body. He created a new body for Xavius: a body with cloven hooves, shaggy goat legs, goatlike horns, razor-sharp claws, and a long, leonine tail; a [[satyr]].<ref name="DF121"/><ref>''[[Dark Factions]]'', pg. 19</ref> |
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| − | At the launch of the [[World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade|Burning Crusade]] expansion, Griftah was located in the [[Lower City]] market section of Shattrath City, trying to sell his wares to unsuspecting bypassers. |
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| + | As the first of these beings ever to inhabit Azeroth, Xavius is considered the progenitor of the entire satyr race. As such, variations of his name are found frequently in satyr settlements (i.e. [[Xavian]] in Ashenvale). As a satyr, Xavius retained some resemblance to his former self along with the typical characteristics of all satyrs. Xavius was unique, however, in that he retained the black and ruby eyes he had possessed as a night elf. |
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| − | Early on he was standing next to {{NPC||Peacekeeper Jadaar}} who often contradicted and questioned Griftah's claims about his wares, leading to amusing conversations, but for a short time Griftah was exiled from the city due to the endless reports of his shady business practices. He continued to sell his questionable goods outside of Shattrath, at the city's south-western entrance from [[Terokkar Forest]], asking players who pass by about the state of his stall. Peacekeeper Jadaar was standing guard outside Griftah's stall, while the troll's inventory was examined by {{NPC||Investigator Asric}}. However when [[Zul'Aman]] was re-discovered, Griftah was let back into Shattrath selling his old goods, and sells a {{loot|common|Hula Girl Doll}} necessary in crafting the [[Turbo-Charged Flying Machine Control]], the epic flying mount created by engineers. |
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| + | Xavius had a two-pronged mission when he returned. First, he was to begin converting as many Highborne as possible into satyrs (The first was a personal friend of Xavius, a dedicated Highborne named [[Peroth'arn]]), a task he accomplished with zeal by promising the unfortunate elves power and a place at the right hand of Sargeras. The second objective Xavius was to complete upon his return was to bring back to Sargeras the one who had destroyed the portal,<ref>''[[The Demon Soul]]'', pg. ??</ref> Malfurion Stormrage. This second objective proved to be far more difficult and, in a confrontation during one of the most intense battles of the [[War of the Ancients]], Malfurion, with help from a young night elf named [[Shandris Feathermoon]], was able to completely defeat Xavius. Using an arrow shot by Shandris, Malfurion was able to kill Xavius by growing a tree which absorbed his energy and body, which was subsequently sent to the bottom of the sea in the [[Great Sundering]]. (The exact description of Xavius' fate in the novel ''The Demon Soul'' says, "Xavius was not so much becoming a tree — rather, his body was providing Malfurion's creation with the nutrients and building blocks to make itself.") This was the second time Xavius died at the hands of Malfurion.<ref>''[[Dark Factions]]'', 19</ref> The victory came at a great cost, however, as during this confrontation Malfurion's love [[Tyrande Whisperwind]] (High Priestess of [[Elune]]) was captured by Xavius' remaining satyrs. In a furious rage, Malfurion almost drowned the entire night elven army in a storm caused by his own sadness over the loss of Tyrande. Luckily [[Krasus]] intervened and stopped Malfurion. |
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| − | He also starts a quest, {{questlong|Neutral|70|Oooh, Shinies!}}, involving [[Zul'Aman]]. |
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| + | However, it is unlikely for an [[eternal]] to be completely destroyed, they may regenerate or continue on in non-corporeal form. After the sundering of the world, the eternal satyr Lord Xavius sought to build his dark army without attracting [[Elune]]'s attention.<ref>''[[Shadows & Light]]'', pg. 68</ref> [[Night elves]] still fear that he may yet be waiting to take his final revenge upon the [[Kaldorei]].<ref name="S&L86"/> The [[satyr]]s of [[Kalimdor]]'s perverted forests worship Lord Xavius. He sows discord and mistrust, and his satyr children take their trickster natures from his guidance.<ref>''[[World of Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game]]'', pg. 251</ref> It is uncertain whether the satyrs still found in [[Ashenvale Forest]] and elsewhere are still directly following the will of the Satyr Lord, or merely following his path. [[Satyr trickster]]s, in particular, revere and mimic Lord Xavius' manipulations of his enemies.<ref name="S&L87">''[[Shadows & Light]]'', pg. 87</ref> Most satyr know he fell during the [[War of the Ancients]], but continue to honor Xavius as their creator.<ref>''[[Dark Factions]]'', pg. 122</ref> There still remain those of nearly every race hungry for power at any cost who worship Xavius quietly but fervently, hoping that one day he will step out of the shadows to make them one of his minions.<ref name="S&L87"/> |
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| − | {{AlsoSee|[[Shattrath City NPCs]]}} |
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| + | As Xavius had not at any point been specified as more than a normal Kaldorei, who had merely replaced his eyse with artificial ones, there may be other explanations. Judging from his later transformation into the Nightmare Lord, it could very well be that his sould or spirit was taken by the Old Gods, and they conserved him. Or, they might have come upon him later on, as he may not even have been destroyed, but some part of his soul still living on in the tree Malfurion created. |
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| − | ==Sells== |
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| − | {| class="darktable" |
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| − | |- |
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| − | ! colspan=3 | [[Griftah]]<br />{{title|Amazing Amulets}} |
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| − | |- |
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| − | ! Item !! Cost !! Type |
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| − | |- |
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| − | | {{loot|Common|Charm of Potent and Powerful Passions}} |
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| − | | align="center" | {{cost|30||}} || Amulet |
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| − | |- |
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| − | | {{loot|Common|Compassionate Critter's Friend}} |
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| − | | align="center" | {{cost|20||}} || Amulet |
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| − | |- |
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| − | | {{loot|Common|Hula Girl Doll}} |
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| − | | align="center" | {{cost|100||}} || Amulet |
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| − | |- |
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| − | | {{loot|Common|Infallible Tikbalang Ward}} |
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| − | | align="center" | {{cost|5||}} || Amulet |
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| − | |- |
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| − | | {{loot|Common|Marvelous Madstone of Immortality}} |
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| − | | align="center" | {{cost|40||}} || Amulet |
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| − | |- |
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| − | | {{loot|Common|Polished Pendant of Edible Energy}} |
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| − | | align="center" | {{cost|25||}} || Amulet |
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| − | |- |
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| − | | {{loot|Common|Shark's Tooth of Bona Fide Fluidic Mobility}} |
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| − | | align="center" | {{cost|15||}} || Amulet |
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| − | |- |
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| − | | {{loot|Common|Soap on a Rope}} |
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| − | | align="center" | {{cost|1||}} || Amulet |
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| − | |- |
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| − | | {{loot|Common|Stone of Stupendous Springing Strides}} |
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| − | | align="center" | {{cost|10||}} || Amulet |
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| − | |- |
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| − | | {{loot|Common|Talisman of True Treasure Tracking}} |
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| − | | align="center" | {{cost|35||}} || Amulet |
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| − | |} |
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| + | ===The Nightmare Lord=== |
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| − | == Patches & Hotfixes == |
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| + | The tree containing the remains of Xavius's soul survived the Sundering through unrevealed means though given his later state and presumed allegiance to the [[Old Gods]] it is likely they intervened, much the same way they did for [[Queen Azshara]]. Ten thousand years later, Xavius came to lead the [[Emerald Nightmare]] as the Nightmare Lord. In this form, Xavius orchestrated the corruption of the Emerald Dream by manipulating [[Fandral Staghelm]] into planting a branch of Xavius's own tree into [[Teldrassil]], ensuring that the new world tree would be corrupted from the start. His plans culminated in a daring attempt to bind Azeroth and the Emerald Dream into one plane, seizing control of Azeroth's residents while they slept and giving shape to their nightmares. He nearly succeeded, but ultimately was defeated by the re-awakened [[Malfurion Stormrage]] who was assisted by [[Tyrande Whisperwind]], [[Broll Bearmantle]], [[Ysera]], [[Eranikus]] and a host of others. Malfurion sensed however, that while Xavius was strong, he was merely the servant of something even more powerful. <ref>''[[Stormrage]]'', pg. ??</ref> It was revealed by Chris Metzen during the 2010 BlizzCon Quests and Lore Panel that [[N'Zoth]] is the true cause and subjugator of the Emerald Nightmare. |
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| − | *Since [[Patch 2.1]], Peacekeeper Jadaar has been standing next to the merchant, often contradicting and questioning Griftah's claims about his wares, leading to amusing conversations. |
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| − | *In [[Patch 2.2]], Griftah was exiled from the city due to the endless reports of his shady business practices. He continued to sell his questionable goods outside of Shattrath, at the city's south-western entrance from [[Terokkar Forest]], asking players who pass by about the state of his stall. Peacekeeper Jadaar was standing guard outside Griftah's stall, while the troll's inventory was examined by Investigator Asric. |
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| − | *As of [[Patch 2.3]], Griftah has been let back into Shattrath selling his old goods, and sells a {{loot|common|Hula Girl Doll}} necessary in crafting the epic engineering mount. He also starts a new {{quest|Oooh, Shinies!|quest}} involving [[Zul'Aman]]. |
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| + | When in the form of the Nightmare Lord, Xavius is described as being a massive, gnarled tree, greatly obscured by the dark fog of the Nightmare. He delights in torturing Malfurion in various ways, both psychologically (such as showing him Tyrande, as the lover of Illidan, being turned into a demon) and physically (slowly turning him into a tree, for example).<ref>''[[Stormrage]]'', pg. ??</ref> |
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| − | == Griftah's exile from Shattrath City == |
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| − | In [[Patch 2.2.0 (Release Notes)|Patch 2.2]], Griftah was exiled from Shattrath City as a result of fraudulent activities. |
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| + | ==Appearance== |
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| − | The reactions of the players were varied, with some happy with the change while others were disgusted of what they think was Blizzard taking this action due the complaints by players who had got "grifted" (and perhaps because they would lose the opportunity of visiting his stall to hear his funny conversations with Peacekeeper Jadaar). |
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| + | ''The beast-like creature carries himself with an elven grace, but hoofed goat’s legs and a long, serpentine tail hunch him forward. Red eyes peer out from the face of a handsome night elf noble, as his long, clawed fingers gather the ragged remains of a sorcerer’s silk robes around his shoulders. Though he is a monstrous creature, he is also strangely alluring, moving with a grace that seems almost supernatural…''<ref name="S&L86"/> |
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| + | ==Dirk of the Beast== |
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| − | However, his creator, World Designer [[Kisirani]], answer the following to one of these claims:[http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=1778033830&postId=17777957535&sid=1#25] |
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| + | {{RPG-section}} |
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| + | This blade is a large, golden dagger magically crafted by [[Sargeras]] and granted to Lord Xavius to help him spread the curse of the [[satyr]].<ref name="S&L165">''[[Shadows & Light]]'', pg. 165</ref> A critical hit from the Dirk of the Beast can transform others into satyr, regardless of race.<ref name="S&L165"/> |
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| + | ==Memorable quotes== |
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| − | <blockquote class="blizztext"> |
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| + | *"[[Elune]]... There is only one god... and his name is [[Sargeras]]."<ref>''[[The Demon Soul]]'', pg. 344</ref> |
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| + | *"The power of the great one is with me!" |
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| + | *"You are no match for us both!"<ref>''[[War of the Ancients]]'', pg. 352</ref> |
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| + | ==In World of Warcraft== |
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| − | I can say with the utmost confidence that you are incorrect. There is no ret-con occurring here, and the changes to Griftah were not done as a result of player or GM complaints. I assure you, had that been the case, his amulets would likely have been removed entirely rather than merely relocating the NPC.<br/>They were done in the interest of making the world a bit more interesting, and from the vast majority of responses, it appears that motivation is a success.<br/>Wait and see. :) |
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| + | {{Wow-section}} |
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| + | *One of the [[realm]]s in [[World of Warcraft]] is named after Xavius. See: [[Realm Name Lore|Realm Names and their place in Warcraft Lore]] |
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| + | *There is a sub-zone in [[Ashenvale]] that is named after Xavius, [[Xavian]]. |
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| + | *Many satyr possess names similar to his, such as [[Prince Xavalis]], [[Xavaric]], and [[Xavathras]]. [[Necrolord X'avius]] seems completely unrelated to him. |
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| + | ==References== |
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| − | </blockquote> |
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| + | {{Reflist}} |
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| + | {{Religions}} |
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| − | Kisirani later explained: [http://www.wowinsider.com/2007/09/26/the-real-griftah-story/] |
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| − | <blockquote class="blizztext"> |
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| − | It's a shame you're unwilling to believe what is, in essence, the truth -- that Griftah has been a small foray in progressive content as we gauge certain things.<br/>I'm the person behind making the content. I've no reason to deceive you.<br/>It's one of the goals of my job, at the heart of it, to make the world feel more alive. The larger parts of it primarily contain holiday content and world flavor; this was a small bit of the latter. |
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| + | [[Category:Demigods]] |
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| − | |||
| + | [[Category:Warcraft: War of the Ancients Trilogy characters]] |
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| − | </blockquote> |
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| + | [[Category:World of Warcraft: Stormrage characters]] |
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| − | |||
| + | [[Category:Shadows & Light]] |
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| − | Griftah was seen in Shattrath City again in [[Patch 2.3.0]]. |
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| + | [[Category:Dark Factions]] |
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| − | |||
| + | [[Category:World of Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game]] |
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| − | == Quotes == |
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| + | [[es:Xavius]] |
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| − | ===Old location (Shattrath)=== |
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| ⚫ | |||
| − | *''Dangerous over there, innit? Know what ya need? Protection. I can help ya defy death itself! Just wear this madstone 'round your neck, see, and then ya be able to come back if ya find yerself in the spirit world! Just a quick jaunt to your corpse and up ya come, fresh and new!" |
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| − | *''Look over here, <class>! I got something for ya. Just what ya need! It's soap, right.. and it's on a rope! No offense, man, but yer a little ripe, know what I'm sayin'?'' |
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| − | |||
| − | *''Ya look lovesick. Special Someone be gettin' ya down, eh? No worries, no worries. Ya get this medallion from me, ya wear it when ya see 'em, and they be all over ya, man/sweetheart!'' |
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| − | |||
| − | *''Hey! Hey, <race>! I be havin' just the thing for ya. Ya ever see a tikbalang? Frightenin' creatures. Prone to stealin' ya away. What ya need is one of my tikbalang wards. Guaranteed to ward all tikbalangs!'' |
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| − | |||
| − | *''Amazing amulets! Incredible curios! The newfangled jewelcrafters be havin' nothin' on the tried and true mystical methods of ol' Griftah! Improve yerself through these magical talismans for a bargain price!'' |
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| − | |||
| − | *''C'mere, <race>. Ya don't want to be riskin' yerself in a dungeon, do ya? Filthy work, and for what? Some worthless trinket? Nah, what ya need be one of my amulets. Guaranteed to work!'' |
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| − | |||
| − | Check [[Peacekeeper Jadaar]] for some of his conversations with him. |
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| − | |||
| − | ===During his exile from Shattrath=== |
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| − | *''I can't believe they be chasin' me outta the city. Innit supposed to be a refuge? Ol' Griftah be a refugee! Not my fault I be an ENTERPRISIN' refugee...'' |
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| − | |||
| − | *''Check this out, <race>! Ya know what ya be needin'? One of these flowers. Lilacs, right outta the mystical forest of Terokkar! Rare! So rare! Ya don't see any of 'em around me, do ya? A pretty flower for a pretty lady, right? Right?'' |
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| − | |||
| − | *''Heh... heh... hey! You! I may be down, but I be gettin' back on my feet! Come over here and look at what I got. The rarest and most marvelous amulets, right here! I even picked up some extra bits! Come on, come on, ya know ya wanna look.'' |
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| − | |||
| − | *''Okay, okay, I know what ya be thinkin'. This be a stick. But it be no ORDINARY stick, no! What ya be seein' here, <class>, be a stick of incredible rarity and extraordinary value, shaped by the very powers that wrought the world! Ya wanna own this fantastic piece of Draenor, touched by magnificent power, I know ya do. I be practically givin' em away!'' |
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| − | |||
| − | *''Amazing amulets! Incredible curios! The newfangled jewelcrafters be havin' nothin' on the tried and true mystical methods of... the... uh... the newly relocated Griftah! Improve yerself through these magical talismans for a bargain price!'' |
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| − | |||
| − | ===Return to Shattrath=== |
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| − | *Upon opening dialogue with Griftah: ''Ahaha, ya see this? Griftah's BACK! Back in my stall, back with my old wares, and ready to pass on the deals to ya! |
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| − | ''Want to be better, stronger, faster? Each one of these amulets be guaranteed to do just what I say they be doin'. Step up and buy one of these miraculous baubles! Cheap at twice the price!'' |
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| − | |||
| − | == Speculation == |
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| − | {{speculation}} |
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| − | Since at the end of the {{questlong|Neutral|70|Playin' With Dolls}} Griftah gives you a {{loot|Epic|Charmed Amani Jewel}} as for a reward. Some players speculate Griftah may be an [[Amani]] troll because of the nature of the quest reward, but the quest does state that the jewel he gives you falls from the doll that the troll you rescue in the quest gave you to return to Griftah. |
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| − | |||
| − | ==External links== |
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| − | <!-- Read http://www.wowwiki.com/WoWWiki:External_links before posting your links here. |
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| − | Links that do not conform to the rules will be DELETED. |
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| − | Repeat violations may result in a BAN. |
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| − | Have a nice day. :) --> |
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| − | {{elinks-NPC|19227}} |
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| − | {{elink|link=http://www.wowinsider.com/2007/07/16/griftah-being-evicted-from-the-lower-city/|site=WoWInsider article}} |
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| − | {{elink|link=http://www.wowinsider.com/2007/09/26/the-real-griftah-story/|site=WoWInsider article}} |
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Revision as of 22:09, 19 January 2011
 Xavius | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Title | First of the Satyrs, Satyr Lord, Lord of the Satyrs, Nightmare Lord |
| Gender | Male |
| Race(s) | Ancient/Satyr, formerly Highborne night elf |
| Class | Arcanist, Sorcerer, Mage (RPG); Warlock |
| Affiliation(s) | Old Gods (presumed), Formerly Burning Legion, Queen Azshara |
| Occupation | Ruler of the Emerald Nightmare, Regent of the Highborne, leader of the Quel'Dorei magi. |
| Location | Rift of Aln |
| Status | Eternal; Turned into a tree by Malfurion Stormrage and now inside the Emerald Dream |
| Relative(s) | Prince Xavalis, Prince Kellen, Prince Raze (Sons, Presumed) |
| Alignment | Chaotic evil[1] |
|
Lord Xavius was a powerful user of magic, and the high councilor to Queen Azshara.
Biography
Early life and the War of the Ancients
Xavius was renowned for two things in particular: his skill at subtle political maneuverings and his lack of eyes — he replaced his eyes with magic black crystals that bore streaks of crimson.[2] He is perhaps the night elf most responsible for the Burning Legion's interest in Azeroth. It was Xavius who first became convinced that Sargeras, ruler of the Burning Legion, was a god sent to deliver Azeroth. Xavius also convinced the night elven queen Azshara of the necessity of turning the will of her mages, the so-called "Highborne", towards creating a portal into the Twisting Nether through which Sargeras and the Legion could enter into the world. Xavius was successful enough in his endeavors to welcome several ranking members of the Legion into Azeroth, including several felguard, Hakkar the Houndmaster, and Mannoroth, before the intervention of the young druid Malfurion Stormrage. As suggested by Azshara, Xavius executed a plot to block any non-Highborne magic user from accessing the Well of Eternity. This allowed the highborne to channel the extra energy gained into making the portal to the Twisting Nether strong enough for Sargeras to cross through. Xavius's plot was defeated by Malfurion, who after entering the Emerald Dream, destroyed the spell array holding the block and the portal; in the battle that entailed Malfurion destroyed Xavius completely.[3]
Xavius’s master, Sargeras, was unhappy with Xavius, and he faced punishment for his failures. Sargeras tortured Xavius’s disembodied spirit for a time, but eventually he showed a form of mercy. He decided that Xavius could be of further use after all. He returned Xavius to life, but not as he once was. To mark the traits Sargeras valued in him, and to brand him forever as an ally and servant of the Legion, Sargeras transformed and disfigured Xavius's body. He created a new body for Xavius: a body with cloven hooves, shaggy goat legs, goatlike horns, razor-sharp claws, and a long, leonine tail; a satyr.[2][4]
As the first of these beings ever to inhabit Azeroth, Xavius is considered the progenitor of the entire satyr race. As such, variations of his name are found frequently in satyr settlements (i.e. Xavian in Ashenvale). As a satyr, Xavius retained some resemblance to his former self along with the typical characteristics of all satyrs. Xavius was unique, however, in that he retained the black and ruby eyes he had possessed as a night elf.
Xavius had a two-pronged mission when he returned. First, he was to begin converting as many Highborne as possible into satyrs (The first was a personal friend of Xavius, a dedicated Highborne named Peroth'arn), a task he accomplished with zeal by promising the unfortunate elves power and a place at the right hand of Sargeras. The second objective Xavius was to complete upon his return was to bring back to Sargeras the one who had destroyed the portal,[5] Malfurion Stormrage. This second objective proved to be far more difficult and, in a confrontation during one of the most intense battles of the War of the Ancients, Malfurion, with help from a young night elf named Shandris Feathermoon, was able to completely defeat Xavius. Using an arrow shot by Shandris, Malfurion was able to kill Xavius by growing a tree which absorbed his energy and body, which was subsequently sent to the bottom of the sea in the Great Sundering. (The exact description of Xavius' fate in the novel The Demon Soul says, "Xavius was not so much becoming a tree — rather, his body was providing Malfurion's creation with the nutrients and building blocks to make itself.") This was the second time Xavius died at the hands of Malfurion.[6] The victory came at a great cost, however, as during this confrontation Malfurion's love Tyrande Whisperwind (High Priestess of Elune) was captured by Xavius' remaining satyrs. In a furious rage, Malfurion almost drowned the entire night elven army in a storm caused by his own sadness over the loss of Tyrande. Luckily Krasus intervened and stopped Malfurion.
However, it is unlikely for an eternal to be completely destroyed, they may regenerate or continue on in non-corporeal form. After the sundering of the world, the eternal satyr Lord Xavius sought to build his dark army without attracting Elune's attention.[7] Night elves still fear that he may yet be waiting to take his final revenge upon the Kaldorei.[1] The satyrs of Kalimdor's perverted forests worship Lord Xavius. He sows discord and mistrust, and his satyr children take their trickster natures from his guidance.[8] It is uncertain whether the satyrs still found in Ashenvale Forest and elsewhere are still directly following the will of the Satyr Lord, or merely following his path. Satyr tricksters, in particular, revere and mimic Lord Xavius' manipulations of his enemies.[9] Most satyr know he fell during the War of the Ancients, but continue to honor Xavius as their creator.[10] There still remain those of nearly every race hungry for power at any cost who worship Xavius quietly but fervently, hoping that one day he will step out of the shadows to make them one of his minions.[9]
As Xavius had not at any point been specified as more than a normal Kaldorei, who had merely replaced his eyse with artificial ones, there may be other explanations. Judging from his later transformation into the Nightmare Lord, it could very well be that his sould or spirit was taken by the Old Gods, and they conserved him. Or, they might have come upon him later on, as he may not even have been destroyed, but some part of his soul still living on in the tree Malfurion created.
The Nightmare Lord
The tree containing the remains of Xavius's soul survived the Sundering through unrevealed means though given his later state and presumed allegiance to the Old Gods it is likely they intervened, much the same way they did for Queen Azshara. Ten thousand years later, Xavius came to lead the Emerald Nightmare as the Nightmare Lord. In this form, Xavius orchestrated the corruption of the Emerald Dream by manipulating Fandral Staghelm into planting a branch of Xavius's own tree into Teldrassil, ensuring that the new world tree would be corrupted from the start. His plans culminated in a daring attempt to bind Azeroth and the Emerald Dream into one plane, seizing control of Azeroth's residents while they slept and giving shape to their nightmares. He nearly succeeded, but ultimately was defeated by the re-awakened Malfurion Stormrage who was assisted by Tyrande Whisperwind, Broll Bearmantle, Ysera, Eranikus and a host of others. Malfurion sensed however, that while Xavius was strong, he was merely the servant of something even more powerful. [11] It was revealed by Chris Metzen during the 2010 BlizzCon Quests and Lore Panel that N'Zoth is the true cause and subjugator of the Emerald Nightmare.
When in the form of the Nightmare Lord, Xavius is described as being a massive, gnarled tree, greatly obscured by the dark fog of the Nightmare. He delights in torturing Malfurion in various ways, both psychologically (such as showing him Tyrande, as the lover of Illidan, being turned into a demon) and physically (slowly turning him into a tree, for example).[12]
Appearance
The beast-like creature carries himself with an elven grace, but hoofed goat’s legs and a long, serpentine tail hunch him forward. Red eyes peer out from the face of a handsome night elf noble, as his long, clawed fingers gather the ragged remains of a sorcerer’s silk robes around his shoulders. Though he is a monstrous creature, he is also strangely alluring, moving with a grace that seems almost supernatural…[1]
Dirk of the Beast
This blade is a large, golden dagger magically crafted by Sargeras and granted to Lord Xavius to help him spread the curse of the satyr.[13] A critical hit from the Dirk of the Beast can transform others into satyr, regardless of race.[13]
Memorable quotes
- "Elune... There is only one god... and his name is Sargeras."[14]
- "The power of the great one is with me!"
- "You are no match for us both!"[15]
In World of Warcraft
- One of the realms in World of Warcraft is named after Xavius. See: Realm Names and their place in Warcraft Lore
- There is a sub-zone in Ashenvale that is named after Xavius, Xavian.
- Many satyr possess names similar to his, such as Prince Xavalis, Xavaric, and Xavathras. Necrolord X'avius seems completely unrelated to him.
References
- ^ a b c Shadows & Light, pg. 86
- ^ a b Dark Factions, pg. 121
- ^ Knaak, Richard A.. The Well of Eternity. ISBN 978-0-7434-8902-7.
- ^ Dark Factions, pg. 19
- ^ The Demon Soul, pg. ??
- ^ Dark Factions, 19
- ^ Shadows & Light, pg. 68
- ^ World of Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game, pg. 251
- ^ a b Shadows & Light, pg. 87
- ^ Dark Factions, pg. 122
- ^ Stormrage, pg. ??
- ^ Stormrage, pg. ??
- ^ a b Shadows & Light, pg. 165
- ^ The Demon Soul, pg. 344
- ^ War of the Ancients, pg. 352
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