Black dragon

Black dragon
Domain	Earth, Protection
Breath	Flame, Magma
Major leader(s)	Ebyssian
Formerly	Deathwing †
Secondary leaders	Wrathion; Sabellian
Formerly	Sintharia †; Nefarian †; Onyxia †
Racial capital	Valdrakken; Obsidian Throne (Obsidian Citadel)
Formerly	Neltharion's Lair
Area(s)	Dragon Isles, Northrend (Dragonblight), Eastern Kingdoms (Badlands, Blackrock Mountain, Burning Steppes, Redridge Mountains, Twilight Highlands, Wetlands), Kalimdor (Azshara, Dustwallow Marsh, Stonetalon Mountains), Broken Isles, Outland (Blade's Edge Mountains)
Homeworld	Azeroth
Language(s)	Draconic
Affiliation	Black dragonflight (Blacktalon & Obsidian Brood), Kingdom of dragons, Valdrakken Accord, Titans, Independent
Formerly	Old Gods' forces, Wyrmrest Accord
Status	Nearly extinct, but recovering

For the Warcraft III creeps, see Dragon (Warcraft III).

“My blessing upon you will seem humble compared to those which have been bestowed upon the others: the managing of time, of life, of dreams and magic. I offer you the earth. The soil, the ground, the deep places. But know that the earth is the basis of all things. It is where we are rooted. Where you must come from, if you are to go to. Here is whence true strength comes. From deep places... within the world, and within oneself.”

— Khaz'goroth's blessing of the Black Aspect

Black dragons are dragons with black scales who were given powers over the earth. Most of them can breathe magma, though some instead breathe fire or sometimes hot ash. Some powerful, corrupt black dragons can breathe shadowflame. Led by the Dragon Aspect Neltharion, later known as Deathwing, the black dragons were charged by the titans with protecting the earth. The ambitious Neltharion was chosen by the Old Gods to be their ultimate tool of destruction, and their corruption eventually spread to the entire dragonflight. Following the creation of the Demon Soul during the War of the Ancients, the black dragons and their minions became one of the most prominent reoccurring threats to the mortal races of Azeroth.

Black dragons have gone through many iterations of service to the Old Gods, with their race having believed to have been wholly corrupted away from their once noble purpose. In spite of this, several black dragons remained loyal to the original cause of their kindred. Among them, Wrathion, a black whelp purified of the Old Gods' corruption, saw to the death of nearly every other black dragon, including his father, and claimed his wishes to protect Azeroth. On the Broken Isles, the uncorrupted dragon Ebyssian has long lived among the Highmountain tauren under the guise of a spiritwalker named "Ebonhorn". Meanwhile in Outland, Deathwing's former Prime lieutenant, Sabellian, shepherded the growth of the Obsidian Brood, a clutch of black dragons somehow purified from their corruption by Sabellian's efforts.

When the Dragon Isles were uncovered, the Obsidian Brood returned to Azeroth and helped the Blacktalon to regain control of the Obsidian Citadel from the djaradin. In the aftermath, Wrathion and Sabellian competed to become the new Aspect of the black dragonflight. However, after they discovered Aberrus, the Shadowed Crucible and the reality of Neltharion's dark legacy, it was Ebyssian who was chosen by his brothers as the new leader of their flight. Following Fyrakk's defeat in the Emerald Dream, Ebyssian was blessed by Azeroth herself with Aspectral powers for the defense of Amirdrassil.

Life cycle and appearance

Ebyssian, the Earth-Warder.

Black dragons, as with all other dragons, go through various life stages before they are fully grown. These stages are divided into whelps, drakes and dragons. Whelps are the children of their kind, while drakes are adolescents and young adults. The oldest of their kind become dragons, though they appear to still grow in some capacity, as far older dragons are usually larger than their younger kindred. Traditional dragons look largely the same, akin to an immense lizard with four legs and wings sprouting along their spine. In their youthful stages, whelps seem to exclusively travel by way of flight, with older dragons flying or walking depending on their whims. The wyrm denotation usually signifies a mature dragon more than 500 years old, or simply refers to the adult stage of the dragon life cycle.^[1]

Adult black dragons' usage of magma appears to also affect some of them. While this may be a symptom of Old God corruption, as it was for their aspect, Deathwing, a number of adult black dragons show signs of glowing magma within, such as Atramedes, Sintharia, and a corrupted version of Wrathion, the Black Emperor.

Several of these dragons also take unorthodox forms to those traditionally found, such as the wylderdrake and velocidrake. As these are specified as drakes, it is unknown what their 'dragon' forms or whelp forms would look like, though they are presumably just smaller and larger variations of these appearances. With the advent of Zaralek Cavern being explored, some slitherdrakes have also been found bearing black scales, and were discovered to have been created by Neltharion within Aberrus

Black dragonkin are sometimes referred to as obsidian or onyx. The scales of the black dragonflight almost always retain their heat.^[2]

A black whelp from the Dragonflight expansion.
A black drake from the Dragonflight expansion.
A black dragon from the Dragonflight expansion.

History

Main article: Black dragonflight

Notable members

Main article: Black dragonflight members

Name	Type	Role	Status	Location
Ebyssian	Aspect	Current Black Aspect. Son of Neltharion rescued and purified by Huln Highmountain with the [Hammer of Khaz'goroth].	Alive	Various
Wrathion	Drake	The Black Prince, son of Nyxondra and grandson of Deathwing. Leader of the Blacktalon and diplomat of the black dragonflight.	Alive	Various
Sabellian	Dragon	Son and former lieutenant of Deathwing. Leader of the Obsidian Brood and general of the black dragonflight.	Alive	Various
Deathwing	Aspect	Former Black Aspect and Earth-Warder. Creator of the Demon Soul and instigator of the Cataclysm.	Deceased	Various
Sintharia	Dragon	Prime consort of Deathwing. Matriarch of the black dragonflight and twilight dragonflight.	Deceased	Various
Nefarian	Dragon	Son of Deathwing and Sintharia. Lord of Blackrock Spire and creator of the chromatic dragonflight.	Deceased	Various
Onyxia	Dragon	Daughter of Deathwing and Sintharia. Temporary broodmother of the flight who manipulated Stormwind as Katrana Prestor.	Deceased	Various

In the RPG

This section contains information from the Warcraft RPG which is considered non-canon.

Black dragons are associated with earth. The term "dragon" is sometimes used instead of the term "mature" to describe the adult phase of a black dragon's lifecycle, between adolescence and becoming a wyrm. They are 100–500 years old.^[3]

Description

A black dragon in the Manual of Monsters.

Black dragons are large creatures that are carnivorous. They spend their time hunting, as well as watching the various wars around the world, and can often be found torturing prisoners, animals, or anything else unfortunate enough to fall into their care. A black dragon is a large, thickly-built creature with a massive chest and a long, sinuous neck. Its hide is a rich, lustrous black with large scales that are supple yet hard as rock. A crest made of peaked bone spikes runs from its head and down its back, and bristles when the great beast grows angry. Its fangs shine a coppery-red, and deep inside its mouth a constant sulfurous light emits a faint glow. Most civilized races say that black dragons have a cruel, callous look to their serpentine faces. Black dragons do not shed individual scales, but rather molt once a year — usually by spending a week resting within a lava flow of an active volcano, which peels off and consumes their discarded skin. The skin of a black dragon nearing its molt grows dull and grey.

Most black dragons appear with their horns and wings in a shade of orange to brown, but a few females appear with purplish wings and horns. Deathwing himself appears black, plated with adamantium, with fiery veins running across his body.

Age cycle

Deathwing in Shadows & Light.

Black whelps are trained to kill from the moment they emerge from their eggs; in some cases, they are ready to fight even before that. Terrible and vicious, these predators delight in inflicting pain on the mortal races. Though many can speak Common and Draconic, they typically do so only to get close enough to strike. The dragon's dark scales make it almost impossible to see as it moves in and out of the shadows.

Unlike most other dragons at their age, black dragons are nearly fearless, quite willing to die in a bloody frenzy in order to inflict as pain as they can on their targets. As such, they are incredibly dangerous, especially in groups, and this is exactly how they like to fight. If encountered alone, a black whelp retreats to find more of its kind, then return to tear apart whatever has invaded their domain. They focus on the same target as the oldest dragon, killing enemies one by one. Whelps delight in using their breath weapons.^[4]

The average black drake's goal in life is no less than to become Deathwing's right hand (or replacement) and thus to control the rest of the flight in conquering or destroying the natural world. Black dragon society is ruled by the powerful, and its “laws” are enforced by brute strength, cunning, and magical power. By this age, a black drake has already proven itself to be a survivor; most blacks don't even make it to adulthood, with nearly every creature in the world, including its own kind, looking to take its head or its hide.

The black dragon's murderous intent is clear from its posture even before one has a chance to look into its eyes. Massive yet sinuous, the dragon spreads its wings and roars in challenge, jaws snapping the air in anticipation. The midnight scales reflect the ambient light brightly, making the beast look even more nightmarish.

Black drakes use every dirty trick, stratagem, and advantage they have to incapacitate or kill their enemies as swiftly and easily as possible. If all else fails, they retreat, no doubt with a plan for vengeance already forming in their minds. When working with a group, they are as showy as possible, trying to assert their dominance and skill over the others, while in reality trying to expend their own energy as little as possible. Drakes use their fiery breath as frequently as possible, but also use flight to their advantage, keeping a distance from opponents on the ground and making strafing flyby attacks. Those who train as spellcasters prefer offensive and manipulative spells, but most drake spellcasters also prepare a few spells intended to help them escape more quickly if all goes badly.

Black drakes speak Common and Draconic, and some speak other languages as well.^[5]

Combat

Although overconfident, black dragons are canny. On spotting a target, black dragons may make a snap decision to attack rather than following and considering the enemy party's size or strength. Still, they will not land until all ranged fire has ended and the enemy seems routed. Black dragons will not remain committed to battle unless certain they can win or unless the enemy taunts them beyond the point of reason. They are not interested in material possessions and are more than willing to leave behind physical goods. They are drawn to prisoners, particularly nobles and children. If the situation seems desperate, a black dragon will flee with a prisoner in each clawed fist. Although they are not as large as some other dragonflights, they use daring and savage intellect to entrap and destroy their enemies. Black dragons prefer to flame their prey, trapping targets on dangerous ground before swooping in for the kill. They are vicious fighters and rarely retreat. They are most often encountered alone, as they are jealous of sharing kills with another. Still, families with a new clutch of drakes or a clutch of enslaved black dragons are not unknown.^[6]

Culture and society

Onyxia (both forms) in Dark Factions.

Black dragons were once earth-warders, caring for stone and mountain using their formidable abilities to cause the rise and fall of terrain. They were to watch as the world of Azeroth changed and to maintain the boundaries and lines of delineation between the races so that none would fall to war over land. They maintained this purpose for a time, living in relative harmony with the other races and shaping the land to better use. In those peaceful times, their leader was known as Neltharion, and his wisdom and power were renowned.^[7]

Then came the madness that destroyed Neltharion's mind. As the black dragonflight followed their leader into madness, so did their powers. He lowered mountains and destroyed land so that races would mingle and fight over territory. They traded their gifts over earth for the powers of fire and magma. Destruction was their art, and death was their goal. All the other dragons of Azeroth have fought against Deathwing's flight at every opportunity.^[7]

At this time, Deathwing was known as Neltharion. When Neltharion was influenced by the Old Gods, he no longer was Neltharion but became Deathwing. He began a policy opposite his charge by the titans. He lowered mountains so that races would mingle and destroyed land so that the races would fight each other. His occupation became death. They traded their powers of earth for the powers of fire and magma.

All other dragons of Azeroth fight against Deathwing's flight. They are also very hateful to others except their flight, when in mortal form.

In modern times, black dragons are some of the most evil, sadistic creatures known on the face of Azeroth. Black dragons are vicious, selfish beings, not caring even for the lives of their flightmates and children, often killing other blacks to rise in prominence among the flight. Before Deathwing's disappearance, the black dragons sought to emulate their dark master. A wyrm's goal in life was to become the foul black aspect's right hand or even replace him entirely, caring little for any other blacks that got in the way of this goal. Nowadays, the black dragonflight is in civil war. With their leader, missing from the black flight, each individual desires to become the new leader of their dark kind.^[7] Most black dragons follow the instructions of another only if they expect a benefit or they're confident that the other dragon could eat them.^[8]

Black dragons spend their time hunting, as well as watching the various wars around the world, and can often be found torturing prisoners, animals, or anything else unfortunate enough to fall into their care. The Aspect of the black flight, Deathwing, is one of the fiercest and most evil creatures in existence. In his lifetime, he has destroyed many ancient cities. Deathwing often makes deals with the intelligent races, trading members of his dragonflight for slaves and humanoid torture subjects.^[7]

History

Prior to the War of the Ancients, the black dragons were numerous and co-existed peacefully with the other dragonflights, working together to safeguard their world. But this age would not last forever.^[9]

After having wiped out nearly every member of the flight, the black dragons were not ready to leave the last few blues in peace. The survivors of the blue dragonflight fled to Northrend, then Deathwing attacked the blue dragons, slaughtering them by the dozens. The survivors fought back but were no match for Deathwing's ferocity. In the process, their homes were destroyed and the land so damaged it could never recover. That area became the Dragonblight.^[10] Over what is now Crystalsong Forest another battle between the blacks and blues was waged, and many blue dragons died. Their magic released into the air and settled as glittering light on the ground, the rocks, and the trees. Finally, an elder blue dragon, beset by many blacks, unleashed a powerful spell to strip the life from his attackers and turn them to stone. The loose magic altered and amplified the spell, spreading it across the entire region and changing soil and stone and wood and flesh into a living crystal.^[11]

In the early years following the sundering, is said that Deathwing's black flight attempted to subjugate the bronze dragons. The assault was unsuccessful, primarily because the bronze dragons did not stay and fight as expected. His command of time offering insight into the blacks' plans, Nozdormu alerted his flight of the danger. The bronze dragonflight scattered to the four corners of the globe, where they continued to monitor events.^[12]

As a mount

Black drake mount in World of Warcraft.

[Reins of the Black Drake] drops from Sartharion in the 10-man version of the Obsidian Sanctum. It drops only if all three Twilight Drakes have been taken alive into the boss fight.
[Reins of the Onyxian Drake] is a flying mount that drops from Onyxia.
[Obsidian Worldbreaker] is a Deathwing-themed drake from [WoW's 15th Anniversary].
Dragonriding drakes can be given black scales if one reaches the True Friend reputation with Wrathion (faction) or Sabellian (faction).

As a companion pet

[Dark Whelpling] is a drop from Scalding Whelps in the Badlands and from Searing Whelps in Dustwallow Marsh.
[Onyxian Whelpling] was mailed to all players who logged in to World of Warcraft on November 22, 2009.
[Lil' Deathwing] is the in-game companion acquired by purchasing the World of Warcraft: Cataclysm Collector's Edition.
[Lil' Nefarian] is a Nefarian-themed whelp that is a login award during [WoW's 15th Anniversary].
[Lil' Wrathion] is purchased from either Cataclysm Classic: Blazing Heroic Upgrade or Cataclysm Classic: Blazing Epic Upgrade through the Battle.net Shop.
[Rusziona] is rewarded from [10-70] Anatidaephobia.

As a toy

A player in Blackwhelp form.

[Orb of the Blackwhelp] can be purchased for 2 50 from Wyrmcult Provisioner in Blade's Edge Mountains, if wearing [Overseer Disguise].

Trivia

One of the realms in World of Warcraft is named after the black dragonflight. Server:Black Dragonflight
- See: Realm Names and their place in Warcraft Lore

Speculation

This article or section includes speculation, observations or opinions possibly supported by lore or by Blizzard officials. It should not be taken as representing official lore.

The fate of the black dragon mounts of the Dragonmaw clan is unknown. However, the proto-dragons being used by the Dragonmaw clan in the Siege of Orgrimmar raid may prove that their black dragons are dead as well, and they have decided to use proto-dragons instead.
Since Deathwing never put his power inside the Dragon Soul unlike the other four Aspects, then the black flight should in theory still be able to breed even after the others became sterile following Cataclysm.
- Given that Sabellian seems to have several clutches of eggs, to the point where it's even an item in the form of [Obsidian Egg Clutch], this may be the case.
The black dragons and dragonkin who sought out Azerite may have some connection to the Worldbreaker sect found on the Dragon Isles, as they are stated to have previously called themselves Earth-Warders prior to the infiltration of the Twilight's Hammer and also ignore the happenings of the greater black dragonflight.