Ashbringer was the sword of Scarlet Highlord Mograine. He was betrayed and murdered by his own son, and was resurrected as one of Kel'Thuzad's death knights.

Looting

• Corrupted Ashbringer drops from the cache of the Four Horsemen in Naxxramus.
• Drop rate is independent of kill order.

Effects

• "Call of the Ashbringer" is an effect whereby Highlord Mograine whispers to the wielder. Exact quotes:

  • -"I was pure once."
  • -"Fought for righteousness."
  • -"I was called Ashbringer."
  • -"Betrayed by my order."
  • -"Destroyed by Kel'Thuzad."
  • -"Made to serve."
  • -"My son watched me die."
  • -"Crusades fed his rage."
  • -"Truth is unknown to him."
  • -"Scarlet Crusade is pure no longer."
  • -"Balnazaar's crusade corrupted my son."
  • -"Kill them all!"
• "Will of the Ashbringer" is an effect which makes you exalted with the Scarlet Crusade (although it does not appear in your reputation window) and hated by the Argent Dawn. Members of the Scarlet Crusade will face and kneel before you when in close proximity. This is effect occurs on equip you regain your hated status with the Scarlet Crusade and normal status with Argent Dawn when it is unequipped.

Unique Scripted Encounter
Entering the Scarlet Monastery Cathedral with Corrupted Ashbringer equipped triggers a scripted event (see below for synopsis).

Lore

* During an expedition in Blackrock Spire, Commander Mograine (later Highlord Mograine, not the one in SM) took a unique crystal from a dead orc lieutenant. The crystal was originally from Draenor and was a "living embodiment of darkness." However, upon placing a spell upon it, it became its polar opposite-- a manifestation of pure light. The Order of the Silver Hand agreed to use the crystal to craft a weapon to be the bane of the Scourge: The Ashbringer. (This can be seen in the Burning Crusade in the Southshore inn in the Caverns of Time: "Thrall's Escape").

* Ashbringer was crafted by Timolain, an Archmage of the Scarlet Crusade. However, Timolain was secretely a member of the Cult of Damned, and this eventually became known to the Crusade, and hence, Timolain was executed (this is somewhat speculative). Kel'Thuzad then resurrected him as a Lich like himself. However, he was again killed at the hands of the Crusade, leaving only his phylactery behind (a phylactery allows a lich to regenerate himself over time if it is not destroyed). A large vile slime consumed the phylactery and took on some of Timolain's powers.

* Side Note: Timolain's Phylactery no longer drops from Large Vile Slimes as of patch 1.6. It may have originally been planned to be used in the Ashbringer questline, but when Naxxramus was in its inital planning stages Ashbringer may have been delayed as it would better coincide with Naxxramas content.

* The sword crafted by Timolain took on the name of its wielder, Scarlet Highlord Mograine, The Ashbringer. His title is derived from his uncanny ability to smite undead Mograine could slay them so fast that they would vaporize, surrounding him in a cloud of ash.

* Highlord Mograine's son, Renault was a young member of the Scarlet Crusade. However, he secretly struck a bargain with Kel'Thuzad to eliminate his father. Presumably, in exchange Renault would take his father's place as commander of the Crusade.

* During the invasion of Stratholme, Mograine easily pummeled through waves of the Scourge. However, he did not receive reinforcements and was eventually overrun. Even after dropping his sword, the Scourge forces were not enough to kill him. Others in battle, presuming he was dead, sent Renault to retrieve his father's sword. Renault instead took up the sword and drove it through his weakened father. Such an evil act corrupted the Ashbringer. Renault left the sword and reported to his comrades that it had been lost.

* Kel'Thuzad then resurrected Highlord Mograine as a death knight.

* Renault's betrayal was witnessed only by Inquisitor Fairbanks, Mograine's advisor, who was trapped under a pile of corpses. A few days later, Fairbanks escaped Stratholme and returned to the Scarlet Monastery, recounting Mograine's cold-blooded murder to any who would listen.

* Renault had already assumed the position of Scarlet Commander at this time, and dismissed Fairbanks accusations. Fairbanks was taken into a secret room (where we find him in SM Cathedral) and murdered. Those members of the Crusade that heard and believed Fairbanks' story left the Monastery and formed the Argent Dawn.

* Renault is the current "Scarlet Commander" you face in SM Cathedral. Fairbanks was replaced by High Inquisitor Whitemane. Fairbanks was probably infected with undeath while in Stratholme, which is why you face him as an undead in SM Cathedral.

* During the scripted event (see above), Highlord Mograine's ghost appears in full dreadnaught. He confronts his son, kills him, and removes Fairbanks' undeath. Highlord Mograine despawns, and Fairbanks tells you the story of Ashbringer (which you have just read).

* Fairbanks goes on to tell you that the Corrupted Ashbringer cannot be purified-- the corruption is too deeply ingrained. However, Highlord Mograine's other, more pure son can craft a new Ashbringer. He resides in Outland.

Rumors say that when you get the Corrupted Ashbringer and equip it, you'll be friendly to the Scarlet Crusade. Then, you can trigger an event in the Scarlet Cathedral in Tirisfals Glade and grab a quest that leads to the formation of the Ashbringer, which will lead to Outland. Therefore, this weapon will not be attainable until the Burning Crusade is released.

Miscellaneous

* Ashbringer has been in the game files (and thus datamined) since release. It's been a popular "carrot-on-a-stick" that Blizzard has held in front of player's noses. Despite this, Blizzard remained silent on whether it was actually obtainable, leading many players to think that it could be obtained via a secret quest line that no one had discovered yet.

* On February 24th, 2006, Eyonix stated on the official forums that "It's true that currently Ashbringer is not in the game, although one day in the future it will be, but not until after there is an awesome legendary item for casters. )" -- a now obvious reference to Atiesh.

*Considering that many NPC's allude to the existence of Ashbringer, it is probable that it was originally intended to be in the game much earlier. The development team most likely delayed it so Naxxramas could be used to flesh out it's background story, and give casters a legendary item first.

* Ashbringer is mentioned by several NPCs and items:
-Shendralar Zealots in Dire Maul will tell you that Prince Thortheldrin will reveal the location of the Ashbringer if you defeat Nefarion. However, even once Blackwing Lair was released, the Prince's lips remained sealed. This was probably part of the original questline involving Timolain's Phylactery.
-Nat Pagles Guide to Extreme Anglin' describes the location of Ashbringer (flavor item)
-Narain Soothfancy
-Bardu Sharpeye
-Caretaker Alen
-Alexia Ironknife

* On the day that patch 1.11 went live, the official WoW China site had a picture of a paladin wielding Ashbringer (not corrupted). This image was removed shortly thereafter.

Interesting bit relating to Ashbringer: In Old Hillsbrad, in the inn at Southshore, Mograine (the one you face in Naxx) is having a conversation with Abbendis, Fairbanks, Tirion Fordring, Isillien, and Arcanist Doan.

Commander Mograine says: Keep your voices down. There are strangers about...
Commander Mograine says: Brothers and sisters, I have called you here today to discuss the fate of Lordaeron.
Commander Mograine lowers his voice to a whisper.
Commander Mograine says: I hear things... things that should not be.
Commander Mograine says: The dead rise... Undead, from the frozen northlands. Whole cities have gone missing. I...
Commander Mograine says: I have heard that Northrend is lost...
Gasps can be heard throughout the room.
Commander Mograine says: We must stand at the ready. I have faced undead before. They are ruthless killing machines, devoid of any emotion or compassion.
Tirion Fordring nods.
Tirion Fordring says: Aye, I've battled them as well. We are ill-prepared as a kingdom to withstand such an assault.
Arcanist Doan says: What do you propose, Mograine?
Commander Mograine says: Propose? I propose that we prepare. That we prepare our loved ones, family and friends for the possibility of an undead holocaust.
Commander Mograine says: And there is this...
Commander Mograine unlocks the chest.
(the chest on the table opens and a purple crystal appears, called "Dark Crystal")
Abbendis says: By the Light! What is it?
Commander Mograine says: I have had this object in my possession for 10 years. Since Blackrock Spire...
Commander Mograine says: I wrested it free from the remains of an orc lieutenant - a dark caster... It is from their homeworld.
Commander Mograine says: Do not get too close. I laid a hand upon it once... Only once and never again. The memories of that day still linger.
Commander Mograine removes the gauntlet from his right arm and shows everyone his mangled hand.
Commander Mograine says: I surmise that this object is the living embodiment of shadows... darkness... It is a manifestation. It is a void.
Isillien says: I do not see how this evil artifact is relevant to the undead. We must destroy it!
Commander Mograine shakes his head.
Commander Mograine says: No, old friend, it is very relevant.
Commander Mograine says: Let me ask you this, brothers and sisters: Can good exist without evil? Can there be light without dark?
Commander Mograine says: And if that answer is no, then could it be possible that because this artifact exists, its polar opposite must also exist?
Commander Mograine says: Can you imagine what the material manifestation of the Light could do against the undead?
Isillien says: Nonsense, Mograine! It must be destroyed!
(Isillien blasts the crystal with a holy smite)
Shock then silence overtakes the crowd.
Commander Mograine says: It comsumed the Light!
Tirion Fordring says: Impossible!
(Tirion also blasts it with a smite)
Fairbanks says: Is... Is it getting lighter? Its coloration... It is changing.
(All start hitting it with holy energy)
(The dark crystal turns red and the name changes to "Light Crystal")
Commander Mograine says: BY THE LIGHT! Could it be? Could this be it?
Commander Mograine says: I must know... I will know...
Commander Mograine reaches out to touch the light crystal.
(Mograine gets hit with a lightning shock)
(Mograine sobs)
Commander Mograine says: I... It... It is beautiful. What I felt when I touched it... The Light coursed through me and I through it... It healed my spirit.
Isillien says: Your hand! It is healed!
Commander Mograine says: Let us never again speak of this day. Our enemies are many. They need not know we hold such artifacts.
(He closes the chest)
Commander Mograine says: I have seen it... From this blessed crystal we will forge a weapon. This weapon will hold inside it a piece of each of us... And when it is used against undead, it shall cast them down. And in its wake, it will leave only ashes...
(they all say "The Ashbringer...")

Actually, it is real.

This is the Ashbringer as it has been seen on GM's in the early (and I mean REALLY early) days of WoW. The days where the Arcanite Reaper was the best weapon ingame.

Please keep in mind that at the last time this weapon was seen, TBC was hardly more than a rumor. The "cleansed' version of Ashbringer has never been seen ingame ever since, so it is indeed most likely that the stats will have been upgraded.

But that does not make this weapon fake.

I can't believe nobody has mentioned this yet.
It's a really good theory, in my opinion, that the crystal at the heart of the ashbringer is a piece of a dead Naaru.
The shard is said to have come from Draenor.
Naaru are beings of pure light, but when they die they become their exact opposite, pure darkness. That is until they slowly regenerate OR, now here's the important part, they are subject to the great power of the light, such as the holy spells used on the shard by Mograine and co. in southshore.
So, a theory. Maybe, as the ashbringer contains part of a dead Naaru, they will have something to do with it's re-forging or cleansing. If a Naaru, probably A'dal in Shattrath, sees the ashbringer, they may recognise that it has been forged from a Naaru, and know how to cleanse it.
But another idea that stems from this: The ashbringer was forged from a piece of a dead Naaru, so to make another one, you would need another piece of a Naaru, but where from? There has been no indication that the Naaru will be present in Northrend, so if we are to acquire a piece of a Naaru, it will have to be from outlands.
OR, now here's an interesting idea, perhaps we could get it from Mu'ru in Sunwell Plateau. Here he must be defeated as a dark naaru, so maybe he will drop a "Dark shard" or something. You would then have to cleanse it with light and take it to David Wayne so that he can use it to forge the new Ashbringer...interesting stuff, ey?

I actually came up with these theroies while typing this, so there is nothing to really support them, but in my opinion, this would be a good way for Blizzard to impliment the clean Ashbringer into the game as an item. It could be a level 80 quest chain. We know that with the release of TBC, Naxxramas has been left nearly completely untouched, and Blizz must be kinda unhappy about this, as it was one of their greatest works. The same will probably happen with lvl 70 raids like Black Temple and Sunwell Plateau, so a quest chain that results in you obtaining one of the most legendary items in the game would be a great way to get people back into these raids, even at level 80. You could collect the corrupted ashbringer from Naxx so that Wayne knows what the blade should look like, get the "Dark shard" from Sunwell plateau so it may be forged, and then head over to Northrend and use it to kick Arthas' ass!

So Blizz, if you're looking for a way to get people back into lvl 60 and 70 content, and impliment the ashbringer into the game, there's your solution. ^_^

The power of the Ashbringer came from the man who would wield it... not the sword itself.

The best candidate to cleanse or re-craft Ashbringer so far (according to WoW wiki) is David Wayne.

He's a weapon smith, he talks about being part of "something larger" and looks remarkably like Commander Mograine.

Can't wait to see this questline and this lore played out to completion.

The "crystal" is very likely to be a piece of a dead naaru, given Blizzard's infatuation with them. Remember how the NPCs in Old Hillsbrad cast a holy spell at it, and it "absorbs the Light" and the dark taint on the crystal vanishes, making it pure? See any parallels with the Horde Thrall questline in Nagrand, and the "shadow" naaru?

Just you wait. :)

Blazer's sword in tales of the past III
An amazing WoW machinima movie I advise you all to check out.

Well, I'm surprised it hasn't been mentioned already. In the WotLK beta being shown off at Blizzcon players got a quest from Trion Fordring, now in charge of the reborn Order of the Silver Hand to retrieve an item from Utgarde Keep (the entry dungeon, an equivalent to Ramparts). This item is then revealed to be The Ashbringer, not a corrupted one. Whether or not this quest will remain in game, or if Fordring is intended to be the new owner is unclear.

Here's a link to the image: http://www.worldofraids.com/news/expansion/ash6.jpg

There's a ingame script if you want to listen to the sound effects, b ut doesnt have the weapon :)

/script PlaySoundFile("Sound\\Creature\\Ashbringer\\ASH_SPEAK_01.wav")

You can change the number all the way up from 1 to 12, 12 looks like this:

/script PlaySoundFile("Sound\\Creature\\Ashbringer\\ASH_SPEAK_12.wav")

I haven't personally checked into that quest (although I will), but it might indeed be possible Tirion Fordring is intended to be the next Ashbringer. Nonetheless my personal thought on it is that the corrupted form will be re-introduced in Naxxramas in WotLK and the same quests as pre-TBC will be applied. And that indeed David Wayne will play a part in forging the new Ashbringer (the weapon, not the human ofc).

This is a short overview of how I personally think it might go:

1. You obtain the Corrupted Ashbringer from Naxxramas.
2. You wear it and go to the Cathedral side of SM.
3. You follow the whole scripted event and such till the point where they send you to Outland.
4. Now you go to David Wayne and the quest will continue where it left off pre-TBC.
5. (pure speculation) You will be sent back to Northrend with Tirion Fordring for the rest of the questline which might lead you all the way to Arthas himself.

And I do believe the questline will be that long as it's not meant to be an easy task to obtain a Legendary weapon.

Another possible scenario is that it completely starts from scratch with Tirion Fordring with the retrieving of the newly forged Ashbringer from Utgarde keep which will be a questline going on from 70-80 till the point where you can actually obtain the blade itself.

More or less how this might evolve (all of this is of course pure speculation, but possible):

1. Tirion Fordring sends you into Utgarde keep to retrieve the new blade.
2. The new Silver Hand Order keeps playing a role during the leveling process and you are able to obtain reputation with them through the questing and leveling.
3. At level 80 and (more than likely) obtaining the exalted state with the Silver Hand Tirion Fordring hands out another questline which will ultimately give you the Ashbringer. For example, after all your heroic deeds which you might have had to perform he will say something along the lines of "I'm unfit to wield this blade, you should become the Ashrbinger" Grats, you've obtain Ashbringer, 3 cheers and a pint o' beer!

All in all, I'm very curious about how this will come to evolve as personally I've always been fascinated by Warcraft lore and since WoW, the Ashbringer. We can only hope Blizzard will actually re-introduce such a fascinating factor in to the game.

The crystal from which the original Ashbringer was created is likely related to the naaru, and may in fact be a naaru.

The naaru life cycle is one of reincarnation. When a naaru's physical form is damaged, it becomes "darkened."The naaru will persist in this state until they slowly regenerate their powers from the Light over many years, after which they will be "reborn" into their "Light" form again. The crystal shown by Highlord Mograine in Old Hillsbrad demonstrates similar properties: a holy spell was cast on the dark crystal and it became a crystal of light. Furthermore, the crystal was described as a living embodiment, suggesting that it is alive, or at least sentient -- possibly a darkened naaru. If the crystal is not a darkened naaru, then it is almost certainly closely associated with them, perhaps one of the Ata'mal Crystals.

Mograine states that the crystal is from Draenor. The naaru had not yet arrived on Draenor via Tempest Keep before the Second War, leaving only a few naaru as the possible source of the crystalK'ure, who resides in Oshu'gun, or D'ore, who was injured in Oshu'gun's crash upon Draenor centuries before, currently interred in Auchindoun. D'ore himself tells the player:

D'ore:"Without the void, the Light cannot exist."
Which are suspiciously similar to words used by Mograine:

Commander Mograine: "Can good exist without evil? Can there be light without dark?"

M'uru's spark above the SunwellAfter Kil'jaeden's defeat at Sunwell Plateau, Velen and Lady Liadrin arrive at the Sunwell. Velen uses the remaining "spark" of M'uru to reignite the Sunwell. Liadrin's experience upon being filled with the Sunwell's energies is not unlike that of Mograine's when touching the Ashbringer crystal:

Lady Liadrin: "Blessed ancestors! I feel it ! So much love ... so much grace ... there are ... no words ... impossible to describe!"
Commander Mograine: "It... It is beautiful. What I felt when I touched it... The Light coursed through me and I through it... It healed my spirit."
Their similar experiences, along with the new knowledge that a naaru's essence can be consolidated, suggests that the spark of another naaru may have been the crystal from which Ashbringer was forged.

It should be noted that M'uru's spark appears identical to the dark Ashbringer crystal, although this may be coincidental.

What is more, Blizzard mentioned that new reborn Scarlet Crusade will be introdused in upcoming addon - Scarlet Onslaught. And Mograine's second son might be connected with this faction as well as with the legendary blade

Knowing that Mograine's spirit was freed from his body, it is unknown if Morgraine will appear again in new Naxxramas, or if Corrupted Ashbringer will drop again.

Some believe that Ashbringer is the Light's answer to Frostmourne, and that the two may eventually contend with one another- Frostmourne in the hands of Arthas, Ashbringer in the hands of Tirion Fordring or the player.

It's funny how people believe that the pic above is the actual ashbringer....I have been keeping up on this thread for a long time, and a while ago the owner of that picture above posted a little something saying sorry and that he just edited his files to make his weapon look like the ashbringer, it is not currently in game, and that he was sorry. As many posts have said, this weapon isn't to come for a while, so stop drooling over it.

and BTW, this weapon can go to whoever the hell gets it, wether its warrior, hunter, paladin, its whoever gets it gets it.

Does anyone know the significance of the hand on floating disk?

I did some checking about the ashbringer
and
During a panel at BlizzCon 2007, Chris Metzen and Alex Afrasiabi talked about a questline in Northrend focusing on Tirion Fordring. They mentioned plans to include the Ashbringer in the questline, though at such an early stage of production the Ashbringer's inclusion may not be final.

So it might be able to get in WoTLK though it is not confirmed