Not long after Galen's group entered Molten Core, the conflict between the Dark Iron dwarves and the Black Dragonflight reached its peak.
The Dark Iron dwarves had developed war golems, modeled after the Firelord's lava giants. These golems were powered by a unique elemental essence derived from the fire elementals, a power source the dwarves had studied for its exceptional destructive capabilities. Later, the Forsaken sought this energy, dispatching adventurers to steal it for their abominations.
Despite the Dark Iron dwarves' formidable golem army, the Black Dragonflight posed a significant threat. While dragonspawn lacked the full potential of true dragons, they possessed considerable strength and resilience. A force of six thousand dragonspawn and dragonkin relentlessly attacked the golems, their spears capable of precisely piercing the golems' energy cores, causing immediate shutdown. The Dark Iron dwarf soldiers supporting the golems were outmatched, often falling swiftly to the Black Dragon Legion's superior individual combat prowess.
This highlighted the disparity in combat effectiveness between a mortal army and the forces of the chromatic dragons. Fortunately, dragons were few, and their eggs were highly valued, limiting the production of large numbers of dragonspawn warriors. This particular force of six thousand was the result of centuries of cultivation by Nefarian, using numerous female black dragons.
Just as the Dark Iron dwarves appeared to be on the verge of defeat, the golem commander, Aggemagg, executed a counter-strategy.
Hundreds of yellow-skinned fire elemental priests advanced from the rear, immediately beginning their incantations. The cavern's upper reaches turned crimson as dark clouds rapidly gathered, unleashing a barrage of fiery projectiles.
This devastating attack forced the black dragons into disarray. Though dragonspawn and dragonkin could breathe fire, their fire resistance was inferior to that of the lava giants and rock golems. Even the Dark Iron dwarves, due to the Firelord's curse, possessed enhanced heat tolerance. The black dragon forces scattered, seeking shelter from the relentless firestorm.
While the Dark Iron dwarves and the dragonkin clashed, Aggemagg remained unaware that their home was being seized.
The Dark Iron city guards and the lava giant, Belgar, who had been guarding the city, had been deployed by Aggemagg to fight the Black Dragon Legion. This left Blackrock Depths defended only by General Angerforge. Though nominally under the fire elemental ambassador's command, Angerforge secretly disobeyed orders, diverting his two Iron Fury legions and seizing control of the city.
Under General Angerforge's coordination, the inside agent, Durin, led the Stone Guard in a bold march, passing through Blackrock Depths' gates and into the Dark Iron city.
Thorium Brotherhood leaders Orfist, Hansel Heavyhands, and Roktus Darkin, along with Grand Artificer Burninate and others, returned to their former home with the army.
"Emperor Dagran Thaurissan is dead! A new emperor must be established!"
"Emperor Dagran Thaurissan is dead! A new emperor must be established!"
The Stone Guard's chants echoed through the city. Other influential Dark Iron dwarves also joined the march: Beastmaster Grebmar, Warden Stillwhisper, High Interrogator Gerstahn, and Chief Architect Fornoste Drakeweaver.
These were veterans of the Dark Iron, promoted by Emperor Dagran Thaurissan. After Dagran Thaurissan's disappearance, they had neither fully submitted to the fire elementals nor openly resisted the Firelord's rule, leaving them marginalized and excluded from Blackrock Depths' power structure.
Some of these Dark Iron leaders commanded only a few hundred jailers, while others could summon a few gladiators or some tamed beasts. Lacking military power, they had been forced to observe from the shadows.
The citizens, slave owners, and nobles of Blackrock Depths watched from their windows as Durin and his forces arrived at the Great Forge, near the city's gate. Here, the Dark Iron Anvil, a legendary artifact, was guarded by a fire elemental servant named Incendius, a student and subordinate of Baron Geddon, known for his immense destructive power.
Durin recognized this as his opportunity to establish his authority.
Facing the six-meter-tall fire elemental, Durin, who stood at only one meter and sixty centimeters, seemed dwarfed, but he was determined to make his mark.
At Durin's signal, the army halted.
Durin stepped forward, preparing to duel Incendius.
In his left hand, he held the Sulfuron Hammer. His Stormstrike Axe had been replaced by the warhammer passed down from the Thaurissan era: Anathema!
The sight stunned the onlookers.
Emperor Dagran Thaurissan had been missing for years, with no confirmation of his fate. Shamans who sought the elements for his soul found no trace.
Now, Dagran Thaurissan's weapon appeared in the hands of this man, seemingly the leader of the Thorium Brotherhood, leaving the people in disbelief.
"I, Durin, a Dark Iron dwarf, am the successor personally appointed by the late Emperor Dagran Thaurissan. This is the token he gave me!"
Durin raised Anathema high, ensuring it was clearly visible to the surrounding crowd.
The citizens, slave owners, and nobles of Blackrock Depths were deeply shocked. The appearance of this warhammer confirmed the emperor's death.
"Avatar!"
Durin activated his transformation. A silver-white giant, taller than the fire elemental, materialized beside the Dark Iron Anvil.
Incendius charged at Durin, the intruder.
"Flame Burst!"
The fire elemental launched a massive fireball, but Durin stood his ground, taking the full force of the attack.
"It's truly the Avatar transformation!"
"It's not an illusion!"
The Dark Iron dwarves whispered among themselves. Dwarves were known as children of the mountains, but not every dwarf warrior could become a Mountain King. Those who could, and who also wielded Avatar transformation, were of royal blood and legendary heroes.
Centuries ago, before the dwarven kingdoms split, High King Modimus Anvilmar was the most powerful Mountain King, his Avatar transformation rivaling that of a god.
Now, among the dwarves, only the Bronzebeard brothers were rumored to possess this talent, aside from their former Emperor Dagran Thaurissan.
Incendius, considered invincible in Blackrock Depths, had never feared anyone except the earth elemental, Rockpaul. Now, he faced an opponent who was unfazed by his fiery power.
Flame Storm was useless, the elemental lord's curse was ineffective, Flame Burst felt like a tickle, and close-quarters attacks with fire claws were easily blocked by Durin's twin hammers!
Incendius wished he could return to the Firelands; Azeroth was too dangerous!
"I will uphold the late Emperor's will, expel the Firelord, and liberate the Dark Iron dwarves!"
Durin roared, delivering the speech he had prepared, before launching his counter-attack!