Dragon champion

This article is about the leaders of the Elder Dragons' armies. For the NPC rank, see NPC rank#Champion. For the fifth episode of the Icebrood Saga, see Champions.

Destiny's Edge battle against the Shatterer.

“

Lieutenants are hand-picked by the dragons. They're not mindless drones, but intelligent killers, and have the power to corrupt living beings.

— Arcanist Fenn

Champions, sometimes referred to as lieutenants, are created or corrupted by the Elder Dragons to lead their armies and to reinforce their minions. Dragon champions are of themselves extremely powerful, but they also tap into the inexhaustible power of their masters. An Elder Dragon may have multiple champions at any given time, with the champions' shapes ranging anywhere from draconic to humanoid.

The difference between a champion and other dragon minions is that champions are imbued with a much greater amount of the Elder Dragons' will and magic, and possess an intellect of their own with which they act according to their master's wishes. Champions are also capable of spreading corruption much faster than lesser minions or even swarms of minions.

The more powerful champions also seem to play a role in the awakening of the Elder Dragons, Primordus's awakening having been heralded by the Great Destroyer and delayed by fifty years upon that champion's defeat. In this context, these champions are known as heralds. The Elder Dragons use the champions to gather magical energy for their awakening by assimilating more beings into the Elder Dragons' armies.

Occasionally, dragon champions are not referred to as individuals but rather a rank in the Elder Dragons' forces. For example, the Claw of Jormag is not a single individual but a rank of champion whose objective is to harry kodan refugees coming from the north.

List of confirmed dragon champions

Jormag (Icebrood)

Drakkar.

• Bors of the Ice Gavel, an uncorrupted Son of Svanir leading the attack on Lake Doric. Killed during the Lake Doric Dragon Response Mission.
• A Champion Icebrood Griffon, a corrupted Snow Griffon sent to extinguish the Braziers of Koda in Bitterfrost Frontier. Killed during Defeat Jormag's Champion.
• A Champion Icebrood Goliath, an evolved form of corrupted norn, sent to extinguish the Braziers of Koda in Bitterfrost Frontier. Killed during Defeat Jormag's Champion.
• A Champion Icebrood Norn twisted into a treant-like form, sent to extinguish the Braziers of Koda in Bitterfrost Frontier. Killed during Defeat Jormag's Champion.
• A Champion Icebrood Troll, sent to extinguish the Braziers of Koda in Bitterfrost Frontier. Killed during Defeat Jormag's Champion.
• Claw of Jormag, a rank of champion assaulting the kodan sanctuaries in Frostgorge Sound. Some champions have also appeared in Bjora Marches, Bitterfrost Frontier, and Drizzlewood Coast.
• The Corrupted Wolfmaster, a corrupted Son of Svanir sent to extinguish the Braziers of Koda in Bitterfrost Frontier. Killed during Defeat Jormag's Champion.
• Dragonspawn, a champion that once resided near Hoelbrak. Killed by Destiny's Edge in 1320 AE as one of their first feats as a guild.
• Drakkar, herald and oldest known champion of Jormag, frozen within Drakkar Lake before Jormag's rise, who spreads the Ice Dragon's whispers throughout the Far Shiverpeaks. Killed during Voice in the Deep.
• Fraenir of Jormag, the highest ranking rimebound Son of Svanir chosen by Jormag to lead the Icebrood assault in Bjora Marches. Killed during The Invitation.
• The Frost Colossus, a champion attempting to invade the Dominion of the Winds. Killed during the Caledon Forest Dragon Response Mission.
• Frostfang, the strongest champion of Jormag, was slain by Asgeir Dragonrender in a single punch. The legendary weapon Frostfang is named after it.
• Kodan's Bane, one of Jormag's personal hunters tasked with destroying the sanctuary Honor of the Waves. Killed during Honor of the Waves.
• The Nornbear, a corrupted norn. Killed in 1078 AE by his sister Jora. Revered by the Sons of Svanir.
• The Dragon Beast, a champion working with the Sons of Svanir to draw out the Minotaur Spirit in an attempt to consume him. Killed during Minotaur Rampant.
• Tribune Splitgold, a Frost Legion tribune that attacked the Flame Citadel. Killed during the Fireheart Rise Dragon Response Mission.
• Tribune Splitwall, a Frost Legion tribune attacking a negotiation between the Olmakhan and the United Legions south of Lion's Arch. Killed during the Bloodtide Coast Dragon Response Mission.

Kralkatorrik (Branded)

The Shatterer.

• Branded Devourer Queen, a lesser lieutenant that controls The Infestation and has been known to corrupt units of Iron Legion soldiers and scouts as well as control an army of Branded Devourers. Killed during Kill the Branded devourer queen.
• Branded Wyvern, a large wyvern that assaulted Amnoon and battled Aurene. Killed during Eye of the Brandstorm.
• Chief Kronon, Kralkatorrik's first champion of the current dragonrise, an ogre chieftain who laid siege on Ebonhawke before retreating to the Crystal Desert, eventually becoming influenced by an excessive influx of ley line energy. Killed during Defeat the champion bounty (Champion Chief Kronon).
• Dominus Crystallum, a large wyvern that was captured by the Inquest; it escaped the facility and enthralled local wyverns in Sandswept Isles before flying away.
• Josso Essher, one of the Forgotten who managed the Ascension trials and attempted to purify Kralkatorrik himself, now guards Augury Rock. Killed during Defeat Branded Josso Essher in the Ascension Chamber.
• Glint, oldest known champion and scion of Kralkatorrik from the time of the Elder Dragons' last awakening. She was presumed by Faolain and Destiny's Edge to have been the herald of Kralkatorrik, but she had in fact been freed of Kralkatorrik's control by the Forgotten during the last dragonrise. She was killed by Kralkatorrik for her betrayal in 1320 AE.
• The Shatterer/Death-Branded Shatterer, Kralkatorrik's strongest champion which patrols the Dragonbrand and commands the Branded there. It was eventually destroyed by Vigil forces and replaced by new Shatterers. After gaining Zhaitan's domain of death, Kralkatorrik reanimated one of these Shatterers into a Death-Branded minion and later raised many more Death-Branded Shatterers to protect him during the Battle of Dragonfall.
• Uldek the Fierce, the former ogre chieftain of the Agrak Kraal who was corrupted while attempting to tame a branded minion. He is tasked to destroy his previous home and all of the ogre inhabitants. Killed during The Lost Chieftain's Return.
• Victurus the Shattered, a lesser lieutenant leading his now corrupted charr warband through the Crystalwept Groves. Killed during Defeat Victurus and his Branded army.
• Wrathbringer/Death-Branded Wrathbringer, a quadrupedal creature created by Kralkatorrik to replace the Death-Branded Shatterer after its death in Jahai Bluffs. It was sent to attack Thunderhead Keep where it was destroyed. Kralkatorrik later reanimated it as a Death-Branded minion and sent it to protect him during the Battle of Dragonfall where it perished.
• Ysshi Hessani, a Forgotten who attempted to purify Kralkatorrik and was subsequently corrupted, now guards the ruined Grand Court of Sebelkeh alongside Pek Rakt Grag and a number of Branded Forgotten Zealots. Killed during Defeat Ysshi Hessani and Pek Rakt Grag.

Mordremoth (Mordrem)

Scarlet Briar.

• Axemaster Hareth, Blademaster Diarmid, and Stavemaster Adryn, the three nigh-immortal commanders of the Mordrem Guard. Killed during Dragon's Stand.
• Axemaster Gwyllion, a powerful Mordrem Guard stalking the canopy of Verdant Brink. Killed during Kill Axemaster Gwyllion.
• Blademaster Cadogg, Hammermaster Morthwyl, Stavemaster Anwir, and Spellmaster Macsen, powerful Mordrem Guard making up the Mordrem Tetrad at Ascendant's Ring. Killed during Kill the tetrad of Mordrem champions.
• Blademaster Cellona, a powerful Mordrem Guard defending the Blighting Tree in Morwood Wilds.
• Faolain, originally the Grand Duchess of the Nightmare Court, corrupted by Mordremoth. Killed during Bitter Harvest.
• Mordrem Vinetooth, larger version of other Vinetooths that hunted down and killed Faolain and Eir Stegalkin. Killed during Prisoners of the Dragon.
• Mordrem Vinewrath, a giant flower-like champion of Mordremoth, it serves as a factory of minions in the Silverwastes, encroaching upon Camp Resolve prior to the Pact's failed assault in the Heart of Maguuma. Killed during Mordrem Vinewrath. Other Vinewraths exist within Lost Precipice and Gilded Hollow, siphoning on the crystals there.
• Octovines, four large Mordrem infestations attempting to breach Tarir, the Forgotten City and consume its magic. Killed during Battle in Tarir.
• Scarlet Briar, herald. Killed by members of the nascent Dragon's Watch in Scarlet's End during the Battle for Lion's Arch, but not before disrupting the flow of magic in such a way to awaken Mordremoth.
• Shadow of the Dragon, originally a creature seen only within the Dream of Dreams by sylvari called to fight the Elder Dragons and their minions. It was first seen in Tyria in 1327 AE when it attacked The Grove during the World Summit in a manner akin to Blightghast's attack on Claw Island, but was driven off by the Pact Commander. It later showed up in The Mystery Cave in 1328 AE attacking the Commander once again. Killed during The Mystery Cave.
• Legendary Vinetooth Prime, larger version of other Vinetooths that hunts down Exalted from the Vinetooth Den. Killed during Defeat Vinetooth Prime.
• Wyvern Matriarch, a powerful corrupted wyvern matriarch that patrols the skies above Verdant Brink. Killed during Kill the wyvern matriarch.

Primordus (Destroyer)

The Great Destroyer.

• Destroyer of Life, right hand to Primordus after the destruction of the Great Destroyer. Killed by Destiny's Edge in 1320 AE.
• Destroyer of Hope, led an assault on Tarir to destroy Aurene after she hatched. Killed during Dragon Vigil.
• Destroyer of the Crystal Fields, a champion leading the attack on Skrittsburgh. Killed during the Brisban Wildlands Dragon Response Mission.
• Destroyer of the Great Bridge, a champion leading the attack on Ascalon Settlement. Killed during the Gendarran Fields Dragon Response Mission.
• Destroyer of the Ironhammer Line, a champion leading the attack on Soren Draa. Killed during the Metrica Province Dragon Response Mission.
• Destroyer of the Last Forge, a champion leading the attack on The Forge. Killed during the Thunderhead Peaks Dragon Response Mission.
• Destroyer of the Last King, a champion guarding Primordus from Braham Eirsson and the Spirits of the Wild. Killed during Wildfire.
• Destroyer of the Third Fortress, a champion leading the attack on Ebonhawke. Killed during the Fields of Ruin Dragon Response Mission.
• Destroyer of Worlds, a lesser lieutenant that was captured by the Inquest and given as a peace offering to the dredge found inside Sorrow's Furnace. Killed during Sorrow's Embrace (explorable).
• Destroyer Queen, a lesser lieutenant that using The Feral Dens as her hatching grounds. Killed during Set To Blow.
• Ignis and Aestus, two powerful lieutenants that watch over the Boiling Sea in Draconis Mons. Killed during Cull the destroyers.
• Megadestroyer, a powerful destroyer that attempts to cause Mon Maelstrom to erupt. Killed during Kill the megadestroyer before it blows everyone up.
• Molten Dominator, a lieutenant that leads destroyers at Ember Bay. Killed during Defeat the Molten Dominator.
• The Great Destroyer, herald and oldest known champion of Primordus. Killed in 1078 AE after the Transformation of the Dwarves by great heroes of the day, Ogden Stonehealer, Jora, Vekk, and Captain Gwen Thackeray among them.

Zhaitan (Risen)

Tequatl the Sunless.

• Admiral Feiste Bakkir, a lesser lieutenant leading the attack on the Chantry of Secrets after Blightghast attacks Claw Island. Killed during Critical Blowback.
• Blightghast the Plaguebringer, led the assault on Claw Island in 1325 AE and was destroyed when the island was retaken that same year during Retribution.
• Captain Whiting, a corrupted human and former captain of the Indomitable. Killed by Cobiah Marriner in 1256 AE.
• Dzhudin Stormbreak, a lesser lieutenant who attacked the Pact forces while they were excavating the Rankor Ruins. Killed during Forging the Pact.
• The Eye of Zhaitan, a rank of champion composed of the reanimated former monarchs of the Kingdom of Orr. The strongest of them is the Sovereign Eye of Zhaitan, formerly King Reza, which was destroyed during the Source of Orr.
• Fafnarin the Heartslayer, Horrogos the Soulbreaker and Ogravros the Moondeath attacked the Pact airship the Humble and all were defeated in the skies above Arah during Victory or Death.
• Farnaz, the former priestess of Lyssa of Arah before the The Cataclysm. Killed during The Ruined City of Arah (explorable).
• General Azuldin, a lesser lieutenant found with an Eye and Mouth of Zhaitan. Killed during Temple of the Forgotten God.
• Ghasem, the former priest of Grenth of Arah before The Cataclysm. Killed during The Ruined City of Arah (explorable).
• Herboza the Wretched, a former norn explorer. Killed during Shards of Orr.
• Kaisar, the former priest of Balthazar of Arah before The Cataclysm. Killed during The Ruined City of Arah (explorable).
• Labwan the Deceiver, a lesser lieutenant who successfully infiltrated the Pact by posing as Tactician Syska. Killed during Delivering Justice.
• Lord Zhim Alarjann, a lesser lieutenant leading the attack on the Durmand Priory after Blightghast attacks Claw Island. Killed during The Priory Assailed.
• Mazdak the Accursed, an ancient ruler of Kryta and a corrupted lich found inside his tomb in the Provernic Crypt. Killed during A Tangle of Weeds, Dead of Winter, or Flower of Death.
• The Mouth of Zhaitan, a rank of champion used by Zhaitan to consume magic. Two known Mouths were killed during Estate of Decay or Starving the Beast, and Victory or Death.
• Morgus Lethe, a corrupted norn and former captain of the Cormorant. Killed by Magnus the Bloody-Handed and the Lionguard with the help of Destiny's Edge in 1319 AE.
• Prince Alhazred, a lesser lieutenant encountered and killed during Further into Orr.
• Prince Ellasal, a lesser lieutenant ruling over the ossuary located near the Cathedral of Eternal Radiance. Killed during Ossuary of Unquiet Dead.
• Prince Nekandezzar, a lesser lieutenant and the wielder of the Crimson Blade. Killed during Blast from the Past.
• Simin, the former priestess of Dwayna of Arah before The Cataclysm. Killed during The Ruined City of Arah (explorable).
• Tequatl the Sunless, hylek name for the undead dragon that terrorizes the Splintered Coast of Sparkfly Fen. Increased in power after the defeat of Zhaitan, having absorbed some of its power. Killed during Defeat Tequatl the Sunless.
• Thadeus Ghostrite, a lesser lieutenant encountered and killed during The Ghost Rite.
• Vahid, the former priest of Melandru of Arah before The Cataclysm. Killed during The Ruined City of Arah (explorable).
• Vizier Ghil Ironghoul, a lesser lieutenant leading the attack on the Vigil Keep after Blightghast attacks Claw Island. Killed during Under Siege.
• Wraithlord, a lesser lieutenant found inside the ruined city of Arah. Killed during The Ruined City of Arah (explorable).

Bonded champions

Unlike normal dragon champions, some are corrupted without stripping away their free will. These figures are often considered bonded instead of corrupted as a means to differentiate them. Those who become bonded champions always choose to be corrupted and open their minds to their Elder Dragons rather than resist it, calling it a connection. This does not include dragon minions who regained their free will via a purification ritual after their will had been stripped away, like Glint or the Pale Tree.

Primordus (Destroyers)

• Braham Eirsson, Norn of Prophecy and member of Dragon's Watch. Corrupted during Wildfire, as a way of allowing the Spirits of the Wild to infiltrate Primordus and guide him into opposition against Jormag. Unlike typical bonded champions, his individuality was gradually being stripped away as Primordus tried to assimilate him into the destroyer hivemind. Returned to normal during Champion's End.

Jormag (Icebrood)

• Bangar Ruinbringer, former Imperator of the Blood Legion and latest Voice of Jormag. Unlike typical icebrood champions, he remains critical of Jormag while corrupted, making him closer to a bonded, free-willed champion in status. Corrupted during One Charr, One Dragon, One Champion and lost corruption during Champion's End albeit with serious injuries.
• Ryland Steelcatcher, cub of Rytlock Brimstone and Crecia Stoneglow and chosen by Jormag to be the main champion to lead the icebrood, the Sons of Svanir, and the Frost Legion. Corrupted during One Charr, One Dragon, One Champion, lost most of the corruption and was killed during Champion's End.

Aurene (Unknown)

• The Pact Commander, player's character, initially bonded during Prized Possessions, which was further strengthened in Living World Season 4 and The Icebrood Saga's Crystal Champion and Dragon Slayer mastery tracks.
• Caithe, sylvari firstborn who acted as the voice of Aurene for a brief period of time until Aurene's resurrection. Bonded during The Crystal Blooms.

Soo-Won (Unknown)

• Kuunavang, a saltspray dragon and protector of Cantha. Bonded after seeking Soo-Won's help during the Rising of Orr.

Trivia

The Pact Commander is repeatedly referred to as the "champion" of Aurene from the moment she hatches as well as by Glint and Jormag. Initially, it appears to be used in the sense of the more traditional sense of champion warfare, but eventually the Commander is referred to as a dragon champion. What separates the Commander from other dragon champions is that the Commander has not been physically corrupted and has not shown an ability to corrupt others yet. The Commander otherwise has a deep mental link with Aurene, has manifested an ability to form Prophet Crystals from their travels into Strike Missions, gained abilities to enhance their bond with their mounts and collect Volatile Magic safely as well as absorb the essence of slain dragon minions for a temporary empowering effect. Inspired by the example of the Commander, Bangar Ruinbringer refers to himself as the "champion" of Jormag throughout The Icebrood Saga, seemingly believing that dragons serve their champions rather than the other way around.