Ask a Faction Leader: Tirion Fordring
by Michael Sacco 
Nov 3rd 2009 at 11:00AM
WoW.com's prestige in the community has afforded us the opportunity to speak to major Azerothian leadership figures on any subject, and we're letting you, the reader, Ask A Faction Leader!
We recently spoke to Cairne Bloodhoof, High Chieftain of the tauren, and he shed light on several key issues, including cruelty to hawkstriders, data-mining farseers, two-handed totem trainers, and Earthmother itches. In this installment of Ask A Faction Leader, we'll be sitting with Highlord Tirion Fordring of the Argent Crusade.
Our first reader question:
Dear Highlord Fordring,
I assisted you in the quest to redeem your son Taelan in the Eastern Plaguelands, and I was proud and honored to join your service in Northrend. I assume that the task of forming the Argent Crusade was a mighty endeavour requiring many secretive months, during which I journeyed to Outland to participate in the battle against the Burning Legion. My only question is, how did you find the time to raid the Black Temple and the Sunwell Plateau to acquire your Lightbringer Armor set, and why did I never notice you there?
Faithfully yours, a curious paladin
Tirion replies:
Ah! A perceptive son of the Hand, I see. Your training has paid off! The answer is actually quite simple.
Tirion replies:
Ah! A perceptive son of the Hand, I see. Your training has paid off! The answer is actually quite simple.
I realized that my armor was a bit outdated for my role as new leader of the amalgamated Silver Hand and Argent Dawn; however, I could not make the trip to Outland due to my busy schedule. Instead, I enlisted the help of two of my most favored paladins. Each of them made the trek to the Black Temple, defeated Illidan and his lieutenants, and were each successful in salvaging a full, radiant set of Lightbringer armor. Their duties fulfilled, they returned to me, adorned in their hard-earned regalia.
Then I made them fight to death and took the loser's armor. By the Light!
Dear Highlord,
I have been a follower of the light for several years now and a heavy enthusiast in the Argent Dawn and Argent Crusade's cause, rising to an Argent Champion, achieving crusader status on your tournament grounds, and besting all foes in The Colosseum. I and my fellow brethren paladin have fought hard when the Lich King was attempting to destroy our lands with his onslaught of Necropoli. So I ask you of a small favor..
Could I possibly borrow your Ashbringer for, I don't know, like a day or so... Maybe not even a day, like 2 hours, I'd even settle to hold it for 10 minutes, I could help you out and drive that old boy home right to Arthas and we can get a move on back home, anything... Please?
For the Light!
Rykkah, <Paladin>
Magtheridon - US
Tirion replies:
Your interest in the Ashbringer is understandable -- it is undoubtedly one of the finest blades ever forged, and the most powerful weapon against the Lich King and his minions. The issue with the Ashbringer is that it's just really bad luck to have around. You wouldn't think so, being a blade of pure Light and all that, but seriously! It's bad news warbears for anybody but me.
Highlord Mograine? He got shanked by his own boy with it. Darion Mograine? Had to impale himself with it to redeem his father. Even the kid I lent it to for like five minutes got killed. Do you really want to be an entry-level raid boss or a dying questgiver in a starting zone? If you really want to die, the best way to do it is in glorious battle fighting an unrestrained monster for no reason in my Coliseum. Think about it.
Tirion,
Tirion replies:
Your interest in the Ashbringer is understandable -- it is undoubtedly one of the finest blades ever forged, and the most powerful weapon against the Lich King and his minions. The issue with the Ashbringer is that it's just really bad luck to have around. You wouldn't think so, being a blade of pure Light and all that, but seriously! It's bad news warbears for anybody but me.
Highlord Mograine? He got shanked by his own boy with it. Darion Mograine? Had to impale himself with it to redeem his father. Even the kid I lent it to for like five minutes got killed. Do you really want to be an entry-level raid boss or a dying questgiver in a starting zone? If you really want to die, the best way to do it is in glorious battle fighting an unrestrained monster for no reason in my Coliseum. Think about it.
Tirion,
Do you really have to yell all the time? I know it's hard to inspire people when speaking normally, but your voice seems to resonate in my helmet and it's giving me a headache. Seriously, I can feel it in my eyes. Darion may be a micromanager, but at least he's not constantly shouting in my ear. Is it that hard to use an indoor voice occasionally?
Sincerely,
Arterius, Death Knight
Tirion replies:
Ah, this is rather embarrassing. See, I was trying to organize my chat channels, and I accidentally... I mean, that is to say... Gah. All right! You got me! I accidentally disabled Say and General and Whisper. Do you know, like, a macro or something? I don't even know if my DKP tells are getting through and we have that Icecrown thing coming up so DKP is gonna reset. I gotta take everything I can get.
Tirion replies:
Your question is "Where are we getting dead horses?" Have you even been in the five-man?
Tirion replies:
Look, Sandeface, I don't mean to be, you know, that guy, but the waiver you signed clearly states that we aren't responsible for adverse reactions to Holy magic. Or immolation by snobolds. Or waxy dark energy buildup. Or swarm scarab bites. Or death. Really try to keep that last one in mind.
That's all for our audience with Tirion Fordring! Next week, we'll be speaking with Highlord Darion Mograine of the Ebon Blade! If you have questions for Darion, whether you need advice or have questions about ghouls or diseases or anything in between, send them via email to sacco@wow.com with the subject line "AAFL".
Tirion replies:
Ah, this is rather embarrassing. See, I was trying to organize my chat channels, and I accidentally... I mean, that is to say... Gah. All right! You got me! I accidentally disabled Say and General and Whisper. Do you know, like, a macro or something? I don't even know if my DKP tells are getting through and we have that Icecrown thing coming up so DKP is gonna reset. I gotta take everything I can get.
Dear Tirion,
I know that the crusade is rewarding loyal paladins like myself with a custom Charger to ride. But I also remember when I tamed my original charger, I had to free an equine spirit, then redeem a fallen knight. My question is, where has the crusade found such an unlimited source of fallen chargers? And can I get in on some of the action?
Tremeroy
Paladin of Shadowsong
Your question is "Where are we getting dead horses?" Have you even been in the five-man?
Dear Tirion,
Some taurens in Thunder Bluff have started a group of sun worshipers and have started calling themselves paladins. For me that just sounds ridicilous but do you think you will accept these sun worshippers into the Argent Crusade. If you ask me no member of the Horde should be accepted....but maybe thats just because im a strong member of the alliance. I think it would be a bad move but.....its your decision
-A Stormwind Guard called Bob
Tirion replies:
Well, we've had tauren in the Argent Dawn and Crusade for a while. They're great warriors, admittedly, and their desire to take up the trade isn't surprising. The reason we're accepting them as Light-wielding brothers-in-arms, though, is because as a class, we're severely lacking in races with huge shoulders. All we've really got is draenei! We're in danger of falling even further behind warriors in terms of average epaulet size. This was really the only way. Now, if we could get orcs to bother with anything Light-related, we'd be ahead of the game, but they can barely focus on light fixtures, much less the real thing. I guess there's not enough red paint or spikes on our tier sets for them. And no, we don't want your elves, thank you very much.
Dear Tirion,
Tirion replies:
Well, we've had tauren in the Argent Dawn and Crusade for a while. They're great warriors, admittedly, and their desire to take up the trade isn't surprising. The reason we're accepting them as Light-wielding brothers-in-arms, though, is because as a class, we're severely lacking in races with huge shoulders. All we've really got is draenei! We're in danger of falling even further behind warriors in terms of average epaulet size. This was really the only way. Now, if we could get orcs to bother with anything Light-related, we'd be ahead of the game, but they can barely focus on light fixtures, much less the real thing. I guess there's not enough red paint or spikes on our tier sets for them. And no, we don't want your elves, thank you very much.
Dear Tirion,
For the past month, several members of my guild have been having this foreboding sensation that after our march against the Lich King, something cataclysmic is going to happen to Azeroth. As a Hunter and Night Elf both, my pets and I share this same feeling. Tell me, if such an event were to happen, could we count on the Argent Crusade and the Argent Dawn's help for a decidedly new and threatening world?
May Elune guide you,
Araniis of <Wicked> and her Pet Wolf Frisket.
Tirion replies:
Well, sure, we'd help, but a cataclysm? I'm not sure any threat to Azeroth is greater than the Lich King, and I especially can't think of one that could cause destruction that great. Are we talking, like, earthquakes, cave-ins, that kind of thing? Because I'm really good at predicting cave-ins, and I got nothin'.
Dear Tirion Fordring:
Well, sure, we'd help, but a cataclysm? I'm not sure any threat to Azeroth is greater than the Lich King, and I especially can't think of one that could cause destruction that great. Are we talking, like, earthquakes, cave-ins, that kind of thing? Because I'm really good at predicting cave-ins, and I got nothin'.
Dear Tirion Fordring:
What are your inevitable plans for when the tournement succeeds in killing most of the Argent Crusade? Will you wither into obscurity? Throw yourself off the top of the Icecrown Citadel?
-Ais
Tirion replies:
Looks like somebody's lost sight of the big picture! Sometimes you gotta crack a few omelets, lady! I know it might be hard to understand, but there's definitely a formula for success here. Look:
1. Set up Crusader's Coliseum
2. KILL OR BE KILLED, CHAMPIONS
3. Be killed
4. ?????
5. Arthas dies
Besides, we'll never run out of Crusaders no matter how many of them can't learn to use their strafe keys on Icehowl. People will always want mounts and non-combat pets. I could offer a repeatable quest to slap a handful of kittens and people would do it if I gave them a little pet for it. And they'd drop the kittens off a cliff for a mount.
-Ais
Tirion replies:
Looks like somebody's lost sight of the big picture! Sometimes you gotta crack a few omelets, lady! I know it might be hard to understand, but there's definitely a formula for success here. Look:
1. Set up Crusader's Coliseum
2. KILL OR BE KILLED, CHAMPIONS
3. Be killed
4. ?????
5. Arthas dies
Besides, we'll never run out of Crusaders no matter how many of them can't learn to use their strafe keys on Icehowl. People will always want mounts and non-combat pets. I could offer a repeatable quest to slap a handful of kittens and people would do it if I gave them a little pet for it. And they'd drop the kittens off a cliff for a mount.
Highlord Tirion,
I took part in your tournament as a champion representing the Undercity. I have a question though. Whenever we fight the various champions of the Alliance, we let them live, since the Tournament is supposed to be friendly competition. However, every time we lose, the Alliance does not let us yield. Instead, they brutally murder us and I awaken later after being resurrected by a priest. As one of the Forsaken, being resurrected by Holy magic is followed by severe nausea as we are held together by dark magic. Would it be too much to ask if you told them to just lay off a bit.
Sandeface
Undead mage
Undead mage
Tirion replies:
Look, Sandeface, I don't mean to be, you know, that guy, but the waiver you signed clearly states that we aren't responsible for adverse reactions to Holy magic. Or immolation by snobolds. Or waxy dark energy buildup. Or swarm scarab bites. Or death. Really try to keep that last one in mind.
That's all for our audience with Tirion Fordring! Next week, we'll be speaking with Highlord Darion Mograine of the Ebon Blade! If you have questions for Darion, whether you need advice or have questions about ghouls or diseases or anything in between, send them via email to sacco@wow.com with the subject line "AAFL".
Filed under: Ask a Faction Leader
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Qwois Nov 3rd 2009 11:04AM
Me likey likey ;> Cairne was still better tho!
Ranguskhan Nov 3rd 2009 11:46AM
Tirion I'm gonna let you go ahead and answer your questions, but CAIRNE WAS THE GREATEST ASK A FACTION LEADER OF ALL TAHME!
Seriously, why is everyone Kanye'ing the AAFL?
Boz Nov 3rd 2009 12:43PM
I'd go with Garrosh as the best yet in the series (Abesik Kampfire, anyone?). I'd rank them:
1 - Garrosh Hellscream
2 - Cairne Bloodhoof
3 - Tirion Fordring
4 - Genn Greymane
5 - Prophet Velen
I really look forward to this column, now. I wonder if there's an interview with Tusklord Hrak'kar (Tuskarr) scheduled at some point? or Trade Prince Steamwheedle?
skreeran Nov 3rd 2009 11:14AM
Fantasticly done! xD
I loved it.
Wish I had asked him about the Paladin nerf in 3.3... :P
Volker Nov 3rd 2009 1:56PM
I'm glad you asked, young knight. You see, a short while back Varien and I were having a "planning session" after a tourney, and by that I mean a couple of good old boys and several gallons of mead. His Majesty began to get uppity about something Garrosh said... and set out to prove that he could out drink a "basic campfire." I, of course, had to keep up with our king, lest he feel all sad and lonely.
The next morning, a well hung-over king asked me why I was all spry and cheerful. I explained about how I can "Lay Hands" on myself, thus curing all that ailed me. He, umm, didn't get the joke. Now it is by Royal Decree that paladins can no longer "Lay Hands" on any parts of our body. Bloody git.
Killchrono Nov 3rd 2009 11:15AM
Tbh I was a bit sad no-one asked why he allows the Faction Champion fights and then patronizes both factions afterwards =(
But seriously, great read, I love this column.
justin Nov 3rd 2009 11:16AM
"Because I'm really good at predicting cave-ins, and I got nothin'."
i lol'd.
Sou Nov 3rd 2009 11:20AM
You forgot ..
6. Profit
Ascudgamin Nov 3rd 2009 11:21AM
Tirion Fording is such a smart ass its great... "Sometimes you gotta crack a few omelets, lady! " That was the most epic thing i've read in a long time.
Melissa Nov 3rd 2009 11:21AM
"I could offer a repeatable quest to slap a handful of kittens and people would do it if I gave them a little pet for it. And they'd drop the kittens off a cliff for a mount."
Angrycelt Nov 3rd 2009 1:03PM
Yep. LOL'ed at that one.
And yep. Slap 'em right off the cliff. Get 2 dailies done at a time that way.
mollyrazor Nov 3rd 2009 1:51PM
Oh god, so true. I mean, I sure would.
DigitalMonitor Nov 3rd 2009 4:19PM
Goodbye Mr. Whiskers. I'll miss you.
/drop
So now, where's my mount?
Wyred Nov 3rd 2009 5:06PM
This column was brilliant and that was the best part. Actually lol'd, and it's true!
Angus Nov 3rd 2009 6:17PM
"And yep. Slap 'em right off the cliff. Get 2 dailies done at a time that way."
Truer words were never said. Seriously, where is my slapping a kitten off a cliff double daily?
Kaz Nov 3rd 2009 11:21AM
"I could offer a repeatable quest to slap a handful of kittens and people would do it if I gave them a little pet for it. And they'd drop the kittens off a cliff for a mount."
He's right, and I don't think he means "in-game"....
Jenn Nov 3rd 2009 12:11PM
My cat is due in a couple weeks...
He shows me the mount, I'll find a cliff...
>.>
ladygamertn Nov 3rd 2009 2:50PM
I am reporting the lot of you to D.E.H.T.A.!!!! I'd slap and throw you all off the cliff before I would ever harm a kitty. Shame! Shame! I am appalled that Tirion would even JOKE about it...
jtrain Nov 3rd 2009 11:22AM
I lol'd at the kittens quest. And yes, I would throw sack-fulls off a cliff for a mount. (I don't know how many of those innocent wolvar pups I suffocated, and that was for a freakin' fishing pole)
erknost Nov 3rd 2009 12:04PM
LOL! Sad, sad... but totally true. I did it too. That was my very first priority in Northrend when I landed over there.