Xal'atath, Blade of the Black Empire

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Practitioners in the ways of shadow will truly covet Xal'atath, Blade of the Black Empire as a part of their arsenal. The shadow priests who wield this Void-honed blade will truly terrify their enemies and bend minds to their will.

The former archbishop Alonsus Faol sends the priest Champion on a quest to retrieve it.

This artifact weapon was introduced with World of Warcraft: Legion.

Lore[]

This terrifying dagger was made from the claw of an Old God eons ago, and dark priests used it for ritual sacrifices during the height of the Black Empire. After the fall of the Old Gods, Xal'atath was hidden away by cults. It has surfaced from time to time over the course of history, inevitably associated with some horrific ritual or disaster. The blade has a will of its own: it uses powerful Void energies and mind magics to warp everything around it for some nefarious purpose.^[1]

"Xal'atath had its dark genesis in an age long before the Horde and the Alliance, an age when the legendary Old Gods and their Black Empire engulfed the world in shadow.

There are many theories concerning the blade‘s creation. The more outlandish claim that it is all that remains of a forgotten Old God who was consumed by its kin in the early days of the Black Empire. Other theories state that Xal'atath is the claw of Y'Shaarj, ripped from the Old God's monstrous form and bestowed upon its servants for use in ritual sacrifices.

As unbelievable as these stories are, perhaps there is truth to them. Xal'atath pulses with the foul essence of the Old Gods. It Is even said that the blade can grant its owner visions of the Black Empire, but all who have looked upon such horrors have lost themselves to madness."^[2]

Quotes[]

When you enter an area or get close to someone (or somewhere) with a shadow priest equipped with [Xal'atath, Blade of the Black Empire], it whispers:

Upon being stunned:
- Xal'atath whispers: Enjoy that?
- Xal'atath whispers: <short chuckle>
After killing something:
- Xal'atath whispers: Did you feel it cease to exist?
- Xal'atath whispers: Every little death helps.
- Xal'atath whispers: Boring.
In Violet Hold:
- Xal'atath whispers: How far the Manastorms have fallen! Relying on crude machines and weak arcane wizardry did them no favors. Still, they had their uses. (Encountering Millificent Manastorm)
- Xal'atath whispers: For this idiotic pustule of N'Zoth to have lived so long... it does little to refute my opinion of this world's new owners. (Encountering Mindflayer Kaahrj)

In Neltharion's Lair:
- Xal'atath whispers: Though he is not one of our servants, he has heard our whispers. They darkened him forever. (Encountering Ularogg Cragshaper)
- Xal'atath whispers: A beast of stone who ignorantly throws around power he barely controls. He should be put down before he ruins our plans. (Encountering Dargrul)

In Black Rook Hold:
- Xal'atath whispers: So much fury in this soul! It will be a good harvest. (Encountering Illysanna Ravencrest)
- Xal'atath whispers: Another tortured soul, long overdue for oblivion. I am more interested in his advisor, though… (Encountering Lord Kur'talos Ravencrest and Latosius)

Encountering Nythendra (The Emerald Nightmare):
- Xal'atath whispers: A corrupted corpse of a dragon... How dangerous could that be?
Encountering Archdruid Glaidalis (Darkheart Thicket):
- Xal'atath whispers: Another mindwarped servant of Xavius. A druid should have better control of his own mind, don't you think?
Encountering Lady Hatecoil (Eye of Azshara):
- Xal'atath whispers: It is possible N'Zoth may be responsible for her form, but her arrogance is all her own.
Encountering God-King Skovald (Halls of Valor):
- Xal'atath whispers: Skovald seeks to join the ranks of the destroyers, unaware that so many of those who dare are betrayed.
Encountering Tirathon Saltheril (Vault of the Wardens):
- Xal'atath whispers: Another fool who believed Illidan's lies of sacrifice and righteousness. Tormented, he turns on everyone.
In Highmountain:
- Xal'atath whispers: The fallen Aspect's lair is near. He was the strongest of them, and yet the easiest one for us to corrupt.
- Xal'atath whispers: The tauren here are remarkably resilient to corruption, considering their origins.
In Val'sharah:
- Xal'atath whispers: To see Yogg-Saron's nightmare in full bloom fills me with jealousy... and some pride.
- Xal'atath whispers: Here you will see why the Legion's invasion is ultimately futile. All can be corrupted, dreams and demons alike.

In Azsuna:
- Xal'atath whispers: The dragons are weak here. You would do well to exploit this fact.
- Xal'atath whispers: The Legion burrows deep here. If they burrow deeper, they may not like what they find.
- Xal'atath whispers: Disaster abounds here. Elf ruins filled with unquiet souls ripe for harvest.
In Stormheim:
- Xal'atath whispers: Do not be impressed by tall icons of the titans which stand here. The towers of sacrifice in Ny'alotha dwarf these pathetic temples.

In Suramar:
- Xal'atath whispers: This city of the elves pales in comparison to the sleeping city... (Near Suramar City)
- Xal'atath whispers: Suramar, its "noble" citizens greedily slurping at their world's very lifeblood.
In Netherlight Temple ( Priest Order Hall):
- Xal'atath whispers: The walls between realms are thin here, so easy to tear open. Do you know what would happen if true shadow and light would meet here?
- Xal'atath whispers: I know the naaru consider us horrors to be resisted. We do not share this view. They are merely beloved brethren that lost the true path. They will return to their masters... in time.
- Xal'atath whispers: Do the naaru speak of the eternal conflict? That the entire history of your world is but a fraction of the time that has passed? (Near Saa'ra)
- Xal'atath whispers: The research into the Void here is commendable, but ultimately futile. How could you possibly understand what the titans did not? (In the Sanctuary of the Void)

Other:
- Xal'atath whispers: 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.
- Xal'atath whispers: The fallen elves cower behind their wall. They know no other way...

Skins[]

Speculation[]

This article or section includes speculation, observations or opinions possibly supported by lore or by Blizzard officials.*

A possible interpretation of Xal'atath's Old God form, which can be found at the end of Chronicles: Vol. 3

Patch changes[]

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References[]

^ Priest artifact preview
^ As stated in "Word of the Conclave" in Priest Order Hall

External links[]

[1] Priest artifact preview

[2] As stated in "Word of the Conclave" in Priest Order Hall

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