The mystic stormhammers (or storm hammers) are magical weapons used by the dwarven gryphon riders of the Wildhammer clan[1] and by the eagle riders of the frostborn dwarves.[2] A stormhammer, when thrown, strikes with the fury of lightning and the force of thunder, hitting its target with a thunderclap. The weapon then comes back into the hand of its holder.[3][4]
Background[]
Most sacred to the dwarves is the enchanted forge that lies deep within the secret chambers of each gryphon aviary. It is here that the magical weapons known as stormhammers are fashioned. This destructive weapon, combined with the indomitable spirit of the gryphon riders, justifies their position as masters of the skies.[5]
Lieren of Aerie Peak, a human raised among the Wildhammer clan from infancy, was the first known human to have earned their own stormhammer.[6]
During the Burning Legion's third invasion, human gryphon riders also used storm hammers.[7]
In World of Warcraft[]
- The [Gryphon Rider's Stormhammer] was a rare one-hand mace. This item was a quest reward from the [51] Saving Sharpbeak.
- [Masterwork Stormhammer]
- [Stormhammer Head]
- [Storm Hammer]
- [Battered Storm Hammer]
- Player uses a stormhammer during [30-35] Dropping the Hammer and [60] The Wildhammer Specialty.
In the RPG[]
The Wildhammer dwarves' signature weapon, this dwarven battle hammer is beautifully crafted, with a lightning bolt patter carved into the polished wooden haft and clouds and lightning etched into the faceted metal head. Even the leather-wrapped around the handle is mottled to suggest clouds and rain. The wielder swinging the hammer can cause a copy of the weapon to appear and fly towards the target, allowing it to be used as a ranged weapon.[8]
The signature weapon of elite gryphon teams, storm hammers must be rededicated to their owners each year. The ceremony is held every solstice in the great halls of the gryphon aviaries. The details of the ceremony are secret, but they are said to involve chanting, solemn oaths, and terrible hangovers the next day.[9]
The mountain king can use storm hammers as a spell-like ability.[10]
In Hearthstone[]
The stormhammer appears as an epic hunter weapon in the Descent of Dragons expansion for Hearthstone. Its flavor text reads: "It brings the storm before the calm."
Trivia[]
- In Warcraft III, the spell Storm Bolt encompasses throwing magical storm hammers. It is the ability of Mountain Kings and some other units like Blackthorn.
- In the canceled Warcraft Adventures, Thrall had to disguise himself as a Wildhammer hammersmith in order to infiltrate a gryphon aviary.
See also[]
References[]
- ^ Day of the Dragon
- ^ [25-30] Fervor of the Frostborn
- ^ Naxxramas
- ^ Tides of Darkness, chapter 10
- ^ Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness manual, Alliance Buildings, Gryphon Aviary
- ^ Legends Volume 2, Warrior: Divided
- ^ Skyfire Gryphon Rider
- ^ Alliance Player's Guide, pg. 93
- ^ Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game, pg. 144
- ^ Alliance Player's Guide, pg. 57