Moments later, on the outskirts of the elves’ capital of Silvermoon…


YOUTUBE VIDEO


CUTSCENE

Tichondrius: You’ve done well… so far. But the true test still lies before you.

Arthas: I was wondering when you’d show up.

Tichondrius: I am here to ensure that you do your job, little human. Not do it for you.

Arthas: I will reach the Sunwell on my own, dreadlord.

Tichondrius: Be warned. It is a pool of mystical energy from which the elves draw their immortal powers. They will not give it up easily.

Arthas: Do you think that he suspects that you’ve been aiding me, necromancer?

Kel’Thuzad: I’m sure he suspects quite a bit. It is his nature to assume the worst. Now steel yourself. The hour of my rebirth draws near.


MAIN QUEST

Sunwell or Bust

  • Breach the city walls
  • Reach the Sunwell

RESOURCES

You start with Arthas, 1 Necromancer, 3 Crypt Fiends, and 2 Meat Wagons.

800 gold – 250 wood – 30/60 food

Buildings on base: Haunted Gold Mine, Halls of the Dead, Crypt, Graveyard, Altar of Darkness, Slaughterhouse, and 5 Spirit Towers.


STRATEGY

Build a Ghoul (G).

Upgrade the Halls of the Dead into a Black Citadel.

Sylvanas Windrunner: Did you forget about us, you wretches? Bash’a no falor talah!

Kel’Thuzad: She is persistent. Reminds me of you, death knight.

Arthas: Shut up, you damned ghost.

Necromancer: Lord Arthas, the elf woman will likely attempt to summon reinforcements.

Arthas: Then watch for her runners! None of them must get through!


OPTIONAL QUEST

Silvermoon Runners

  • Prevent all runners from reaching Silvermoon
  • Avoid attacking Silvermoon city

Build a Ghoul (G).

Necromancer: Lord Arthas, Sylvanas has sent a runner to Silvermoon. The elves are sure to send more forces at us!

Select the Crypt. Research Cannibalize: Enables Ghouls and Abominations to use the Cannibalize ability. Cannibalize consumes a nearby corpse to restore health.

Send Arthas and your troops southwest of your base. There is a Golem level 6. It drops a Potion of Lesser Invulnerability: Makes the Hero invulnerable to damage for 7 sec when used. An invulnerable Hero may not be the target of spells or effects.

Select the Graveyard. Upgrade to Unholy Strength (S): Increases the attack damage of Ghouls, Meat Wagons, Abominations, Skeleton Warriors and Skeletal Mages.

Few seconds after the Silvermoon Runners optional quest was announced, the screen goes black and a cutscene plays onscreen.


Arthas: The gargoyles we brought back from Northrend could be useful here. The beasts can spot their runners along the main road.

NEW UNIT AVAILABLE

Gargoyle – These fast flying creatures can use the Stone Form ability to heal their wounds. More can be summoned from the Crypt.

Build a Gargoyle (A).

Sometimes, the runner comes here to mount a boat that reaches Silvermoon through the river. Four Gargoyles can destroy the boat to prevent the runner from reaching Silvermoon.

Send Arthas and troops to the east from the Rock Golem. There is a Forest Troll High Priest, and two Forest Troll Berserkers. The Priest drops a Potion of Greater Mana: Restores 300 mana.

Send the Gargoyle to the eastern bridge along with the other Gargoyles.

Build a second Crypt (C).

Now go through your main base to the northwest. There is a pack of Gnolls at this location. One drops Scroll of the Beast: Gives friendly nearby units a 25% bonus to damage for 45 sec).

Select the Crypt. Research Web (W): Enables Crypt Fiends to use the Web ability.

Research Ghoul Frenzy (Z): Increases the attack rate of Ghouls by 25%, and increases their movement speed.

Send Arthas east toward this Fountain of Power. Destroy the nearby buildings and high elves.

Continue moving east along the road. There is a hidden area near the road with a pack of Gnolls. The Overseer drops a Potion of Greater Mana: Restores 300 mana.

Build a Crypt Fiend (F).

Send Arthas and troops to the north to fight Ogres and Forest Trolls guarding a Mercenary Camp. Kill the High Priest first.


MERCENARY CAMP

  • Forest Troll Shadow Priest (P): Hurls fiery missiles. Can cast Abolish Magic. 155 10 2
  • Forest Troll Berserker (B): Rabid axe-thrower. Attacks lands and air units. 195 30 3
  • Mud Golem (U): Light melee unit that can Slow opponents. Immune to spells. Attacks land units. 115 10 2
  • Ogre Mauler (M): Large brutal warrior of the Ogre Legion. Attacks land units. 250 4

Hire a Forest Troll High Priest at the Mercenary Camp to heal your forces.

While there, rally all your new units to join Arthas. Take the road south of the Mercenary Camp to the end and attack the Elven base. Destroy the Castle. The Castle drops Medallion of Courage: Increases the Strength and Intelligence of the Hero by 4 when worn.

Build 2 Gargoyles (A).

Necromancer: Lord Arthas, Sylvanas has sent a runner to Silvermoon.

Send new units to assist Arthas at the Elven base.

NOTE: I am really confused with Blizzard’s description of a “runner.” It’s misleading. Turns out it is a boat. Make sure to have 4 Gargoyles ready to chase and destroy the transport.

Build 3 Gargoyles (A).

Select the Graveyard. Upgrade to Creature Carapace (C): Increases the armor of Crypt Fiends, and Gargoyles.

Upgrade to Create Attack (A): Increases the attack damage of Crypt Fiends and Gargoyles.


OPTIONAL QUEST COMPLETED

Silvermoon Runners


Build a Meat Wagon (M).

Build 4 Ziggurats.

Build 6 Gargoyles (A) between both Crypts.

Build a Temple of the Damned (T).

Build a Haunted Gold Mine at the recently destroyed Elven base.

Build a Nexus there too.

Select the Graveyard. Upgrade to Improved Creature Attack: Further increases the attack damage of Crypt Fiends and Gargoyles.

Upgrade to Improved Creature Carapace (C): Further increases the armor of Crypt Fiends and Gargoyles.

Build 2 Necromancers (N).

Research Necromancer Adept Training (E): Increases the necromancer’s mana capacity, mana regeneration rate, hit points, and gives them the ability to cast Unholy Frenzy.

Research Skeletal Longevity (S): Increases the duration of raised Skeleton Warriors and Skeletal Mages by 15 sec.

Build 4 Acolytes (C).

Build a Ziggurat (Z).

Send Arthas and his forces and all new units and also the Ghouls harvesting wood to the middle of the map. You are now ready to assault Silvermoon.


When Arthas reaches the yellow tulips, Sylvanas and her archers attack.

Arthas: I salute your bravery, elf, but the chase is over.

Sylvanas: Then I’ll make my stand here, butcher. Anar’alah belore.


CUTSCENE

Sylvanas Windrunner: Finish it! I deserve… a clean death.

Arthas: After all you’ve put me through, woman, the last thing I’ll give you is the peace of death.

Sylvanas Windrunner: No! You wouldn’t dare!


NEW UNIT AVAILABLE

Banshee – You may now build Banshees from the Temple of the Damned. They are supporting casters that can initially cast Curse, which causes enemy units to occasionally miss in combat.

Sylvanas the Banshee is now a Hero with her own 6-slot inventory. Sylvanas has the following abilities:

  • Silence (E): Stops all enemies in a small target area from casting spells for 16 sec.
  • Howl of Terror (T): Lets loose a terrifying howl that reduces nearby enemy units’ attack damage by 30% for 15 sec.
  • Life Drain (D): Absorbs the life essence of a target enemy unit by taking 40 hit points per second from it and giving them to Sylvanas. Lasts 8 sec.

Destroy the Elven Gate of Silvermoon.

MAIN QUEST UPDATE

  • Breach the city walls (Completed)
  • Reach the Sunwell

Your first encounter inside Silvermoon consists of:

  • Conjurus Rex level 4 (Archmage)
  • Captain
  • Swordsman x 4
  • Priest x 2
  • Glaive Thrower x 2
  • High Elven Guard Tower x 2

The archmage drops a Rune of Healing which is consumed: Restores hit points to nearby units.

There is a protective barrier impeding access to the inner Silvermoon. Go west and stop where you see glowy runes on the grass. Use Meat Wagons or Ghouls to destroy the trees. There is a Moss Covered Granite Golem level 9 behind the trees.

Now command the Meat Wagons to destroy these trees. There is a Way Gate hidden here.

Enter the Way Gate.

The Way Gate teleports you to this western island. You will encounter a Captain and 2 Archers. Behind the rocks, there is a group of Forest Trolls who join your team: Forest Troll Berserker level 4, Forest Troll High Priest level 4, and two Forest Troll level 2.

Now this particular Forest Troll High Priest has an additional ability that the one you hired from the Mercenary Camp doesn’t have. Inner Fire (F): Increases a target friendly unit’s damage by 10% and armor by 5. Lasts 60 sec.

The second encounter consists of:

  • Kelen the Seeker level 6 (Archmage)
  • Captain
  • Swordsman x 2
  • Archer x 4
  • Rock Golem level 6 x 2

Kelen the Seeker summons a Water Elemental.

Command your Meat Wagons to destroy the trees behind Kelen the Seeker.

There is a hidden Wagon behind those trees. Destroy it. It contains Scroll of the Beast: Gives friendly nearby units a 25% bonus to damage for 45 sec.

Continue heading east. The third and last encounter consists of:

  • Manath Magesinger level 8 (Archmage)
  • Swordsman x 2
  • Archer x 2
  • Sorceress
  • Priest
  • Dragon Hawk
  • Rock Golem level 6

Manath also summons a Water Elemental.

Now destroy the Elven base which is guarded by 4 Archers, a swordsman, and 1-2 Dragon Hawks.

Command the Meat Wagons to destroy the trees behind the Elven base. There is a hidden Wagon behind the trees. It contains an Arcane Scroll: A powerful scroll that restores 150 hit points, 100 mana, and grants 2 bonus armor to nearby friendly units. Lasts around 30-45 sec.

Destroy the Elven Gate.

A swordsman runs away. He leads you to an ambush. Many archers, swordsman and a Priest and sorceress teleport onto your troops, led by High King Anasterian and Thalorien Dawnseeker.

Move west, and step near the ramp leading into the river. The screen goes black to play a cutscene onscreen.


CUTSCENE

Arthas: Now, Frostmourne!


Walk through the bridge and kill High King Anasterian, Thalorien Dawnseeker, and the two Swordsman. Destroy the two Guard Towers.


MAIN QUEST COMPLETED

Sunwell or Bust


CUTSCENE

Arthas: Citizens of Silvermoon! I have given you ample opportunities to surrender, but you have stubbornly refused! Know that today, your entire race and your ancient heritage will end! Death itself has come to claim the high home of the elves!

Arthas: Now, arise, Kel’Thuzad, and serve the Lich King once again!

Kel’Thuzad: I am reborn, as promised! The Lich King has granted me eternal life!

Arthas: I’ve upheld my end of the bargain, lich. Are you ready to tell me about the dreadlords now?

Kel’Thuzad: Certainly. But not here. They have eyes and ears everywhere. We’ll talk where it’s safe.


BESTIARY

  1. Rock Golem level 6 (drops Potion of Lesser Invulnerability: Makes the Hero invulnerable to damage for 7 sec when used. An invulnerable Hero may not be the target of spells or effects.
  2. Forest Troll Berserker level 4 (2). Forest Troll High Priest level 4 (drops Potion of Greater Mana: Restores 300 mana).
  3. Gnoll Overseer level 5. Gnoll Warden level 3 (2). Gnoll Brute level 3 (the Overseer drops Scroll of the Beast: Gives friendly nearby units a 25% bonus to damage for 45 sec).
  4. Murloc Nightcrawler level 3. Murloc Huntsman level 2 (2). Goblin Merchant.
  5. Fountain of Power.
  6. Gnoll Overseer level 5. Gnoll Brute level 3. Gnoll Assassin level 3. Gnoll level 1 (drops Potion of Greater Mana: Restores 300 mana.
  7. Ogre Mauler level 5. Forest Troll level 2. Forest Troll High Priest level 4. Ogre Magi level 5. Plus a Mercenary Camp vendor.
  8. Elven Base
  9. Red Drake level 6. Forest Spider (2). (drops Health Stone: Increases the life regeneration rate of the Hero by 1 hit point per sec when worn. Can be consumed for 500 health).
  10. Defeat Sylvanas Windrunner and her Archers.
  11. Destroy the Elven Gate of Silvermoon.
  12. Conjurus Rex level 4 (Archmage), Captain, Swordsman (4), Priest (2), Glaive Thrower (2), Guard Tower (2).
  13. Moss Covered Granite Golem level 9
  14. Hidden Way Gate. Teleports you to an island.
  15. Captain. Archer (2). Destroy the Rock Chunks to gain 4 new allies: Forest Troll High Priest (with Inner Fire), Forest Troll Berserker, and Forest Troll (2).
  16. Kelen the Seeker level 6 (Archmage), Captain, Swordsman (2), Archer (2), and Rock Golem level 6 (2).
  17. Hidden Wagon (contains Scroll of the Beast: Gives friendly nearby units a 25% bonus to damage for 45 sec).
  18. Manath Magesinger level 8 (Archmage), Swordsman (2), Archer (2), Priest, Sorceress, Dragon Hawk, Rock Golem level 6, and Water Elemental (summoned).
  19. Elven Base: Archers (4), Swordsman, Dragon Hawk (1-2).
  20. Hidden Wagon (contains an Arcane Scroll: A powerful scroll that restores 150 hit points, 100 mana, and grants 2 bonus armor to nearby friendly units. Lasts around 30-45 sec).
  21. Elfgate. Swordsman.
  22. Anasterian Sunstrider level 10 High King, Thalorien Dawnseeker level 7 Master Swordsman, Swordsman (2).
  23. The Sunwell

SILVERMOON DEFENDERS

ARCHMAGE HEROES

Only two of these archmages will spawn at the Elven base to the east. If you restart the mission, they will be randomly generated from a list of archmages.

  • Andromath
  • Aran Spellweaver
  • Conjurus Rex
  • Dalar Dawnweaver
  • Doril Magefont
  • Kelen the Seeker
  • Landazar
  • Nilas Arcanister
  • Peril Spellbinder

UNITS

  • High Elf
  • Engineer
  • Archer
  • Swordsman
  • Sorceress
  • Priest

SILVERMOON GUARD

ARCHMAGE HEROES

Three of these archmages in Silvermoon are also random-generated from a list.

  • Andromath
  • Aran Spellweaver
  • Conjurus Rex
  • Dalar Dawnweaver
  • Doril Magefont
  • Kelen the Seeker
  • Landazar
  • Nilas Arcanister
  • Peril Spellbinder

UNITS

  • High Elf
  • Swordsman
  • Captain
  • Sorcerer
  • Priest
  • Glaive Thrower
  • Dragon Hawk
  • Rock Golem level 6

FARSTRIDERS

  • Sylvanas Windrunner
  • Archers
  • Swordsman

GALLERY


1. The Prophecy2. Cinematic: Thrall's Vision3. Chasing Visions4. Departures
5. Riders on the Storm6. The Fires Down Below7. Countdown to Extinction
1. Cinematic: The Warning2. The Defense of Strahnbrad3. Blackrock & Roll4. Interlude: Jaina's Meeting
5. Ravages of the Plague6. The Cult of the Damned7. March of the Scourge8. Interlude: The Prince and the Prophet
9. The Culling10. Interlude: Divergent Courses11. The Shores of Northrend12. Dissension
13. Frostmourne14. Cinematic: Arthas' Betrayal
undead campaign
1. Trudging through the Ashes2. Digging up the Dead3. Into the Realm Eternal4. Key of the Three Moons
5. The Fall of Silvermoon6. Blackrock & Roll, Too!7. The Siege of Dalaran8. Under the Burning Sky
9. Cinematic: The Destruction of Dalaran
orc campaign
2. The Long March3. Cry of the Warsong4. The Spirits of Ashenvale
5. The Hunter of Shadows6. Where Wind Riders Dare7. The Oracle8. By Demons Be Driven
Night Elves Campaign
1. Enemies at the Gate2. Daughters of the Moon3. The Awakening of Stormrage4. The Druids Arise
5. Brothers in Blood

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