Mathias Shaw

For the Vision of Stormwind version, seeOverlord Mathias Shaw.

Master Mathias Shaw
Title	Leader of SI:7, Spymaster[1]
Gender	Male
Race	Human (Humanoid)
Class	Assassinationrogue,Spymaster[1]
Resource	Energy
Reaction	AllianceHorde AllianceHorde
Affiliation(s)	Stormwind,SI:7,Stormwind Assassin's Guild,Uncrowned (allied)
Occupation	Director of SI:7,[2] Champion and ally of the Uncrowned[3]
Location	Various
Status	Alive
Relative(s)	Pathonia (grandmother) Deceased mother, Flynn Fairwind (lover)[4]
Student(s)	Edwin VanCleef,[5]Tess Greymane[6]

Master Mathias Shaw is the leader ofStormwind's intelligence service,SI:7, and master ofspies.^[7] He calls himself the master of allassassins,^[8] and is also a member or presumably the leader of theStormwind Assassin's Guild.^[5] His second in command is thegoblinRenzik.^[9]

As the master of SI:7 with a long career as spymaster,^[10] Shaw is a master of stealth and infiltration tactics, and specializes in gathering information and performing covert missions to ensure the Alliance's continued survival. His abilities as arogue are matched only by his unwavering loyalty to Stormwind and theHouse of Wrynn. He fought in thethird invasion of the Burning Legion after being rescued from the dreadlordDetheroc. InBattle for Azeroth, he serves as a major character in the Alliance'sWar Campaign.

Biography[]

World of Warcraft[]

This section concerns content related to the originalWorld of Warcraft.

Mathias Shaw was a childhood friend ofEdwin VanCleef, and personally trained him as a rogue.^[5]

From his base of operations in thebarracks ofOld Town, as the head of theSI:7, he coordinated reconnaissance efforts for many agents regarding matters as far apart as theDefias Brotherhood to theUndeadScourge. In order to help Alliance heroes hunt down the Defias who sought to destroyStormwind City from within, he directed SI:7 reconnaissance operations on Defias activities, and later sentAgent Kearnen toWestfall to spy onKlaven's Tower.^[11]

At some point, Mathias received some disturbing reports of unusualForsaken activity in theEastern Plaguelands and sent five agents to investigate. Only one of those agents returned, babbling incoherently about "Nathanos" and the word "Blightcaller." He died in his sleep just days after his return, and Shaw sent Alliance adventurers to investigate their disappearance.^[12] The only thing SI:7 had to go on was thatNathanos Marris may have been slain by this "Blightcaller," but the truth was far less pleasant. After investigating the grounds around the Marris Stead, adventurers reported to the Spymaster the ugly reality - Nathanos was the Blightcaller, now a champion of the Banshee Queen.^[13][14]

When theblack dragonOnyxia infiltrated the kingdom's court asLady Katrana Prestor, she caused chaos and political unrest across the kingdom, using theDragon's Eye on Shaw and the kingdom leadership to manipulate their thoughts. During this time, it never occurred to him to question a single thing she said, regardless of his normally cynical nature.^[15]

Mathias owedBaros Alexston a favor but it is unknown what for.^[16]

The Cataclysm era[]

This section concerns content related to theWarcraftnovels,novellas, orshort stories.

AfterMoira Thaurissan kidnapped all dwarves inIronforge, Mathias handpickedOwynn Graddock to accompanyVarian Wrynn and other assassins of SI:7 throughDeeprun Tram into Ironforge to liberate it.^[17]

Mathias attendedRemembrance Day inStormwind City but was worried when Varian was missing for his speech. Shaw,Marcus Jonathan, andJaina Proudmoore began searching for the king and prince of Stormwind.^[18]

This section concerns content related toCataclysm.

At some point, he appointedScout Mistress Yvonia to help the night elves inStonetalon and sentAgent Kearnen to scoutHelix Gearbreaker in Westfall.^[19]

He also helpedAnduin Wrynn with the investigation of theTwilight's Hammer Cult in the City.

Master Mathias Shaw is later sent to theTwilight Highlands to head the SI:7 operations there. InDragonmaw Pass, he can be found coordinating with thered dragonflight on raidingTwilight Hammer caravans.^[20] Afterwards, he has anadventurer lead aHighbank squadron to secure theDragonmaw Gates.^[21] Later he is found in theTwilight Citadel, awaitingSI:7 reinforcements, but his reinforcements were killed byCho'gall, leaving the adventurer his only support. Together they kill the Citadel's Twilight Hammer assassins^[22] and cultists,^[23] assassinate influential Twilight Hammer candidates for ascension,^[24] freeLirastrasza from capture^[25] and aid the red dragon in finishing offTwilight dragons.^[26] When the adventurer reportsForgemaster Finlay's warning about theHammer of Twilight to Shaw, Shaw has his agents investigate.^[27] After a while, he briefs the adventurer on the intelligence he received from his dead agents and tells them that theHammer of Twilight is located in theAltar of Twilight, and in a struck of good fortune, Cho'gall is personally overseeing its construction.^[28] Shaw, the adventurer,Kurdran Wildhammer, andCassius the White lead an assault on the Altar of Twilight to confront Cho'gall, but it is revealed to be a trap. Cho'gall orderedSkullcrusher the Mountain to dispose of his enemies but with the help of theWildhammers, the Alliance was able to defeat thegronn and force Cho'gall to retreat to theBastion of Twilight.^[29]

Legion[]

This section concerns content related toLegion.

Just before the battle at theBroken Shore, SI:7 discovered that there was a trap set by theBurning Legion. Before they could warn theAlliance andHorde,Detheroc ambushed the SI:7 agents and captured Shaw before impersonating him. AsAmber Kearnen was a witness to this, Detheroc had her killed before she could warnthe Uncrowned.^[30]

When theNight Watch is revealed to work for theBurning Legion and attacks Stormwind, Detheroc as Shaw puts the city under lockdown and tellsGarona Halforcen anda Shadow of the Uncrowned that they are not allowed within the city. Despite this, Garona and the Shadow sneak their way through the city and slayMelris Malagan, leader of the cult's attack. Afterward, "Shaw" says that although the king was never in any danger, their success in stopping the cultist before even Shaw's own men could, would keep them out of prison at the very least. He tells them to leave the city before he changes his mind.^[31]

After finding the corpse of Amber Kearnen in the sewers ofDalaran, the Uncrowned begins looking into SI:7's recent suspicious activities and discovers that "Shaw" was the one who ordered Kearnen's death. He hired theRed Blade pirates to do it, in exchange for the riches of Stormwind and access toStormwind Harbor.^[32] AfterValeera Sanguinar deciphered an encrypted letter that Kearnen had held, theUncrowned discovered the man they thought was Mathias Shaw was, in fact, an impostor.Taoshi decided to find and save the real Shaw in order to expose Detheroc.^[33]

Taoshi and a fellow Shadow of the Uncrowned infiltratedFelsoul Hold, with bombs provided byMarin Noggenfogger serving as cover. They found and located Shaw, returning him to the Hall of Shadows.^[34][1] After being saved, Shaw revealed to the Uncrowned that Detheroc had told lies toAnduin Wrynn about the Horde and had manipulated the new king into preparing Stormwind's armies to attack the Horde, thus beginning another conflict between the Alliance and Horde when the world could least afford it. To cover his tracks, Detheroc had put up wanted posters of the members of the Uncrowned all over Stormwind, claiming they had conspired with the Burning Legion and thus turned Stormwind's citizens and guards against them. An adventurer, Taoshi, and Shaw were brought to Stormwind under the cover of night byFleet Admiral Tethys and sneaked their way to SI:7 headquarters, where they exposed Detheroc and defeated him.^[35][36] In the aftermath, while Shaw does not join the Uncrowned due to his position as leader of SI:7, he does enter into an alliance with them to assist whenever asked.^[3]

The Wound[]

Many months laterSargeras, the lord of the Legion, was defeated, but not before he managed to heavily wound Azeroth inSilithus.King Anduin Wrynn ordered Shaw to investigate the destroyed land and report back.^[7] When the new king was giving a speech atLion's Rest celebrating the Legion's defeat, Shaw hurried to meet with him andKing Genn Greymane with worrying news: manygoblins had been sighted in Silithus mining anunknown substance.^[37] Shaw then sent Alliance adventurers to meet with SI:7 in Silithus.

He later appeared on theSkyguard above theSeething Shore, where he oversaw the fight against the Horde.

Before the Storm[]

This section concerns content related to theWarcraftnovels,novellas, orshort stories.

Mathias Shaw briefed KingAnduin Wrynn's advisers about the informationSI:7 garnered aboutAzerite during the conferences King Anduin held about the subject. He also remained neutral when King Anduin proposed theGathering. He noted that his information about theDesolate Council indicated that the idea would be extremely well received by them, but also that they did not represent the majority of theForsaken.

War of the Thorns[]

This section isalore stub.

Mathias Shaw oversaw the operation to saturateOrgrimmar withSI:7 agents and relayed the information they garnered to KingAnduin Wrynn and the other Alliance leaders. His agents reported that there has been a disagreement betweenNathanos Blightcaller and High OverlordVarok Saurfang regarding the deployment of troops. Saurfang was said to have wanted an army deployed toSilithus, while the Blightcaller regarded it as a waste of resources. The Alliance leaders believed that the discord indicated that theHorde had weaponizedAzerite and were planning to secure a monopoly of the mineral inKalimdor. High PriestessTyrande Whisperwind had begun to secretly amass a night elf army inFeralas to intercept the Horde forces should they march to Silithus. Shaw later reported a public fistfight between Nathanos and Varok. Nathanos' subsequent reprimanding seemed to confirm theAlliance leaders' suspicions of the Horde's capability to make Azerite weapons and thatWarchiefSylvanas Windrunner had endorsed Saurfang's Silithus campaign, which consequently caused the Alliance leaders to deploy the night elven army to deter them.^[38]

It was later discovered to be a ruse, however, and the Horde had used the opportunity to invadeAshenvale Forest instead. After discovering the Horde invasion, Shaw redirected bands ofadventurers to aid in Ashenvale's defense until Alliance reinforcements arrive.^[39]

Battle for Azeroth[]

This section concerns content related toBattle for Azeroth.

Mathias can be found aboard theWind's Redemption docked atBoralus inKul Tiras. He was charged with establishing an elite strike force to assistHalford Wyrmbane and the7th Legion from the shadows as they worked to secure the Alliance's position onZandalar and Kul Tiras.^[40]

Shaw later worked withFlynn Fairwind to retrieve theAbyssal Scepter, a stolentidesage artifact, from the Zandalari treasury. At first, he didn't get along with Flynn, not appreciating his quips, but seemed to warm up to him by the end of the scenario. Once the real scepter was taken and swapped out with a fake one, they made an escape fromOpulence.^[41]

InNazmir, the Alliance began a feint attack led byBlademaster Telaamon to bait the Horde out of Zuldazar, while the Alliance prepared to attackDazar'alor. They would cover the area in a mist with the Abyssal Scepter, and until it was set up Jaina and Shaw provided support for Telaamon's forces.^[42] Afterward the two of them led the Alliance forces to get as much of Nazmir as they could, to make the Horde think it was where their main fleet was.^[43]

AfterVarok Saurfang escaped from theStormwind Stockade, Shaw traveled to theThree Corners inRedridge Mountains and told the guards there to take the night off, providing them with plenty of alcohol to drink. Once they were drunk, they missed Saurfang passing by. Shaw also provided plenty of gold for more guards to stay at theLakeshire inn and gave them orders to guard the roads from there to theBurning Steppes. However, Saurfang was traveling along the southern roads of Redridge, not the north.^[44]Dark Ranger Lyana accused Saurfang of conspiring with the humans,^[45] which Shaw's actions seem to support though it is unknown if Saurfang knew about what Shaw did.

Mathias asked Flynn to watch out for any intelligence regarding the [Fluctuating Worldvein].^[46]

He was later present on theKul Tiran warship inStormwind Harbor with the other Alliance leaders to witness theKul Tirans gifting the vessel to Anduin and rejoining the Alliance.^[47]

After Alliance spies caught wind ofSylvanas Windrunner planning to assassinateBaine Bloodhoof, Anduin sentJaina, Shaw, and anAlliance champion to rescue Baine.^[48] As Shaw and his allies ventured into theUnderhold, they unexpectedly encounteredThrall andVarok Saurfang, who had also come to rescue Baine, and after a brief moment, agreed to work together to save Baine. When things started getting heated between Saurfang and Shaw, Jaina and Thrall were quick to get them focused on the task at hand. Upon nearly reaching Baine, the group was attacked byRowa Bloodstrike, who expressed disappointment but not surprise by Saurfang's and Thrall's decision to rescue Baine. Unwilling to stand down, the group was forced to kill Rowa and moved forward to Baine, who was surprised by their presence. Shaw moved to release Baine from his chains and realized on examining the locks that they were warded against magic, which meant only his lockpicking skills would work. Saurfang remarked that it felt too easy and the group was then attacked byMagister Hathorel, who sought to kill them and Jaina in particular for vengeance for thepurge of Dalaran. Ultimately, the group was successful in protecting Shaw long enough to free Baine, and Jaina teleported the group safely out ofOrgrimmar intoMulgore.^[49] Shaw assisted Baine in getting to his feet while Jaina and Thrall talked privately, and afterward he and Jaina departed via teleport in order to report the mission's success to Anduin.^[50]

Shaw then called upon Alliance adventures to meet with him as he declared that the time had come to finish the war. Thus, he revealed that there had been some interesting developments, mainly that theHorde had split between revolutionaries led byVarok Saurfang and theBanshee loyalists led by Sylvanas.^[51] Shaw then joined other Alliance forces in arriving inDurotar and was prepared to assault Orgrimmar. However, Saurfang, unwilling to see more Horde blood spilled challenged Sylvanas to amak'gora, which ended with his death and Sylvanas' abandonment of the Horde. He subsequently was among those that attended Saurfang's funeral. Following these events, Mathias returned to theWind's Redemption to leadSI:7's efforts in hunting Sylvanas and her agents in theEastern Kingdoms. KingGenn Greymane shared with Mathias his concerns about how not only are Sylvanas and her agents still at large but also how the Horde has become united once again. Shaw suggested they watch the Horde closely and inform King Anduin if there is a need for action.

As theAlliance and theHorde defeatedAzshara, and in the process let N'Zoth free from its prison, the Alliance had to consider how to deal with the new threat looming. Mathias Shaw and his agents of theSI:7 were ordered by King Anduin to track down the Old God, but their research led nowhere. In order to calm the furious King, the Spymaster announced alongsideValeera Sanguinar that his agents were doing everything they can, before announcing the arrival ofMagni Bronzebeard accompanied by an advisor, who is none other thanWrathion.^[52]

After the Fourth War came to a close, Valeera asked Shaw what was next for him, prompting him to say that there wassomeone he'd like to get to know better. Valeera encouraged him to find happiness while he could.^[53]

Shadows Rising[]

This section concerns content related to theWarcraftnovels,novellas, orshort stories.

Shaw joinedKing Anduin Wrynn in horse riding toWestfall, as the young king dealt with feeling crushed over the knowledge thatTyrande Whisperwind andMalfurion Stormrage had decided to remain inNordrassil, while leaving all of his missives unread. After hearing explosions, the pair investigated and discovered thatJago had taken advantage of a farmer's son hospitality nearSaldean's Farm by using the barn to brew moonshine, which had caused the explosion that destroyed building's roof. Upon seeing Anduin, Jago tried to attack the young king, blaming him for not stopping Sylvanas at theGathering. Jago was intercepted by Mathias and passed out soon after. Shaw and Anduin soon departed forStormwind.

After receiving word suggesting thatBanshee loyalists were withinZandalar, Shaw was sent to gather further intelligence on the matter. In light of the storm brewing as theBold Arva sailed, Flynn directed Shaw below deck, declaring that Shaw didn't have the sea legs for it and that he was too drunk. While below deck, Shaw received messages fromSwailes from his agentsNarsilla Keensight andKrazzet. When Flynn learned who the messages were from, he declared it very paranoid of Shaw. While acknowledging that they signed an armistice with the Horde, Shaw pointed out that it doesn't mean that they weren't watching them. He then stated his belief that only a fool mistakes peacetime for complacency.

Flynn then asked what was happening within the Horde, and Shaw revealed that an assassination attempt was made onQueen Talanji of theZandalari Empire at aHorde Council meeting. While Shaw was pleased to have had eyes on the assassination, Flynn wondered if the storm around Zandalar was caused by Talanji as a way to keep the whole island on lockdown, with nobody going in or out until they found the assassins. Unbeknownst to them, the storm had been created byApari, the leader of theWidow's Bite who was behind the assassination attempt on Talanji, as a means to isolate her.

As the mission progressed Shaw found himself bonding with Flynn and greatly sympathized with the other man when he learned that Flynn witnessed his mother's death by hanging for thievery. After landing on Zandalar to avoid the storm, Flynn suggested making their way toFort Victory. However, Shaw revealed that after the armistice with the Horde was signed, they ceded control of those encampments and that any sign of them on Zandalar shall be taken as an act of aggression. In light of this knowledge, Flynn's first order of business was to hide their ship. Though Shaw privately thought it was wiser to stay abroad the ship, he consented to the group going on land, understanding that morale was low and a brief stint on land always did a sailor good.

After disembarking the ship, Shaw spied on a Widow's Bite camp and upon investigating it, he discovered evidence suggesting that the group was in working with the Banshee loyalists. He then ordered Flynn to get the ship ready to sail, while he gathered more evidence only to end up captured by the Zandalari. While a distressed Flynn and the crew made it with all haste toKul Tiras in the hopes of getting rescue for Shaw, the spymaster was thrown into a cell withinDazar'alor.

When he requested an audience with Queen Talanji, he was ignored as she was focused on combating the Widow's Bite unaware of the information that Shaw held. While in his cell, he noted that the Zandalari really committed to the theme by even having their prisons made of gold. He was also never unsupervised, making escape attempts rather difficult. Thus, he took to trying to speak with the guards only to be generally ignored. During these attempts, he stumbled into a truth that he hadn't meant to bungle into; he desired a partner. As such, he decided that when he got out of prison that he would ask Flynn out and fantasied about the different conversations they could have. In time, he would refer to this as a little vacation.

After theHorde and Zandalari defeated their enemies, Shaw, to his surprise, was released by the Horde leadership with no strings attached. The only request of him was fromThrall, who wanted him to take the imprisonedSira Moonwarden and deliver her toTyrande Whisperwind, along with a letter. Upon arriving in Stormwind, Shaw was met with Anduin,Jaina Proudmoore, and Flynn, who wrapped him in a tight warm hug, and Mathias returned the gesture. Shaw then revealed that there was something that he wanted to talk about with Flynn and asked him to meet at theGilded Rose that night, causing the other man to blush which said all that Shaw needed to know.

His personal desires done, Shaw returned to business and delivered Sira to Anduin and Jaina. When Anduin tried some magic to make Sira tell him where Sylvanas was, the fear on Jaina's face shook Shaw to the core.^[54]

Terror by Torchlight[]

This section concerns content related to theWarcraftnovels,novellas, orshort stories.

After they returned from Zandalar, Flynn and Mathias barely interacted with each other until one day when Flynn won a treasure map ofDuskwood in a card game and convinced Shaw to come with him for an adventure and a bit of fun. Near theTranquil Gardens Cemetery, the two came across theNight Watch commanderSarah Ladimore suffering from a mysterious rotting illness and brought her back toDarkshire, where she revealed that she had been attacked while investigating a report that theTorch of Holy Flame—an artifact used to keep the undead of Duskwood at bay—had gone missing from where it had been placed onForlorn Rowe. During the conversation, more injured Night Watchers arrived and revealed that an army of undead was heading fromRaven Hill to Darkshire.

Flynn and Mathias set out for Raven Hill ongryphonback. Along the way they passed over theTwilight Grove and agreed that they would head to amoonwell for their next, more peaceful adventure. Upon reaching Forlorn Rowe, the two rogues quickly discovered the culprit responsible for stealing the torch, ahuman necromancer, and (after Mathias offered some encouraging words to his companion) followed her down into theDawning Wood Catacombs while avoiding detection by her undead minions. In the deepest level of the crypt, they found the necromancer attempting to corrupt the torch within a ritual circle. Mathias revealed himself and began talking with the necromancer to distract her while Flynn used rum from one of his bottles to wash away the bone powder making up the circle. While Mathias attacked the necromancer, Flynn grabbed the torch and realized that it could be cleansed of corruption in a moonwell. The necromancer managed to curse Mathias with the same rotting disease that had afflicted Ladimore, but the two rogues used their blades and the torch to fight their way out of the catacomb and used one of the Night Watch's left-behind gryphons to escape to the Twilight Grove. The necromancer pursued them on her winged undead horse and blasted them off their gryphon as it came down to land in the grove. Although his skin was now covered in sores, Mathias declared he'd keep the necromancer busy while Flynn purified the torch. While Shaw and the necromancer fought, the latter demoralized her opponent by revealing thatdark wings would come to take away what the spymaster held most dear. Moments later, however, Flynn plunged the torch into the moonwell, reigniting it and allowing him to use it to set the necromancer aflame and kill her.

With the necromancer's death, the illness affecting Shaw and Ladimore vanished. The Torch of Holy Flame was returned to Forlorn Rowe, and Ladimore commended the two rogues for saving Duskwood, to which Shaw replied that it was mostly thanks to the Night Watch, and that he would send Stormwind guards as reinforcements after the necromancer hinted that the threat was not over. As they didn't get to complete their treasure hunt, Mathias gave Flynn's map to the Night Watch, and the watchers returned with the treasure as a gift to the rogues: a hand mirror. Afterward, Mathias told Flynn that there were many powerful artifacts like the torch scattered across the world and that King Anduin frequently sent him to check up on them. WithAzeroth relatively quiet for the time being, it was time for Shaw to go on an inspection trip—and he wanted Flynn to come with him on the journey. When Flynn asked why, Mathias simply responded "Because I trust you". Flynn agreed, and the two kissed.^[55]

Exploring Azeroth[]

This section concerns content related to theWarcraftnovels,novellas, orshort stories.

By agreement ofKing Anduin Wrynn, Shaw was granted a temporary leave to travel through theEastern Kingdoms in order to write up reports on its people, on its places, to inventory some powerful artifacts and ensure that they are safe, but also to meet contacts of the Spymaster to collect as much information as possible on the situation of the continent. Flynn joined him, claiming to "prove my worth by assisting the Spymaster and his right Royal Majesty King Anduin."^[56]

For the sake of their mission and relations between the two factions, the duo obtained permission from theHorde Council, signed byBaine Bloodhoof, to pass through Horde territories without being attacked.^[57]

Following their mission, Shaw and Flynn managed to find thelost crown of the lateKing Terenas Menethil II, buried in a secret memorial behind the Stormwind Lighthouse. The duo believes it was done by Lordaeron refugees who buried it there, so the survivors of Lordaeron would have a place to mourn their king, and that neither Arthas nor anyone can ever find the crown. After verifying and confirming the presence of the crown, they buried it once more and agreed to continue keeping the secret, without telling Anduin anything about it.^[58]

Death Rising[]

This section concerns content related toShadowlands.

Following the abduction ofAnduin Wrynn andJaina Proudmoore by theMawsworn, Shaw called for Alliance champions to meet with him,Genn Greymane, and other allies to discuss the matter. Shaw initially blamed himself for the kidnapping, out of misplaced guilt, before resolving himself to only holdSylvanas Windrunner accountable as it was done at her command. Meanwhile, in Anduin's absence theHouse of Nobles supported the appointment ofTuralyon as the regent and protector of Stormwind, a decision that Shaw misliked as he believed that Genn should be in command but bowed to Greymane when the later said he would respect the decision.^[59]

The Vow Eternal[]

This section concerns content related to theWarcraftnovels,novellas, orshort stories.

A few years later, Shaw and Flynn were among those who attended the wedding ofLor'themar Theron andThalyssra at theLunastre Estate. During the reception,Wrathion noticed that the Spymaster was undoubtedly keeping an eye onTuralyon. He later chatted with Flynn,Taelia Fordragon,Kalecgos and Wrathion, emphasizing that his lover was serious when he talked about trying to negotiate with thepirates who threatenedKul Tiras at the time. This remark made Flynn smile, and he smiled back, much to the astonishment of the Black Prince.^[60]

Dragonflight[]

This section concerns content related toDragonflight.

WhenWrathion,Scalecommander Azurathel and theObsidian Warders arrived inStormwind City, they were received by theStormwind Army and Mathias Shaw who reminded the black dragon that he has been warned against making unannounced visits, especially when he brings company. After hearing Wrathion's apology and his request to deliver a message from theDragon Aspects to Lord CommanderTuralyon, the Spymaster agreed to allow thedracthyr to visit the city but warned them that the SI:7 would be watching them closely and that the responsibility of their actions would fall on the Black Prince.^[61]

With the return of theDragon Isles, and the Alliance answering to the call of theDragon Aspects, Shaw was present withGenn Greymane and Turalyon at theStormwind Harbor, where theexpedition was preparing to depart. He then revealed to Genn thatWrathion had inquired about the missingAnduin Wrynn, and then further revealed that he had followed countless leads but so far none of the sightings of Anduin had been proven true. Genn then remarked that Anduin won't be found until he wished for it. In response, Shaw pointed out that while Turalyon is popular with thenobles, the people ofStormwind missed their king and Genn declared that the best thing that they could do was to give Anduin the time he needed and to be there for him when he came home.^[62]

Meanwhile, Turalyon discussed with Mathias the return of thedragons. Although the Lord Commander had faith inAlexstrasza's intentions, he expressed distrust of the other dragons, citing theSI:7's report of the damage done to the kingdom byOnyxia years ago. In order to protect the Alliance and their past years' efforts to recreate its strength, he ordered the Spymaster to enlist the expertise of the Stormwind mages to create a foolproof method to see through the "visage" that the dragons wear among mortals.^[63] Thus in accordance to Turalyon's wishes,Elling Trias and SI:7 agents could be found spying upon thedracthyr.

Locations[]

Notable appearances
Location	Level range	Health range
Stormwind	62	4,215
Twilight Highlands	85	79,870
Twilight Highlands	85	774,900
Twilight Highlands	85	1,278,585
[10-45] The Unseen Blade	100	4,952,340
[10-45] The Unseen Blade	100	3,365,231
[45] The Imposter	110	8,314,140
Hall of Shadows	110	10,392,670
Seething Shore	110	1,643,000
[10-50] Tides of War	120	864,600

Abilities[]

•  Deadly Poison — Inflicts Nature damage to an enemy every 6 sec. for 12 sec.

Quests[]

This section concerns content related toBattle for Azeroth.

Please add any available information to this section.

This section concerns content related toLegion.

The Uncrowned campaign

•   [45] Picking a Fight
  •   [45] A Simple Plan
    •   [45] Under Cover of Darkness
      •   [45] The Imposter
        •   [45] Champion: Master Mathias Shaw
•  [45 Daily] For the Cause

The Wound

•  [110] Summons to Stormwind
  •  [110] Gifts of the Fallen
    •  [110] Witness to the Wound

This section concerns content related toCataclysm.

Stormwind City

•  [10-35] Forged Documents

Dragonmaw Pass, Twilight Highlands

•  [30-35] Mathias' Command
•  [30-35] Easy Pickings
•  [30-35] Precious Goods
•  [30-35] If The Key Fits

Twilight Citadel, Twilight Highlands

•  [30-35] Bring the Hammer Down
•  [30-35] Coup de Grace
•  [30-35] Dark Assassins
•  [30-35] Distract Them for Me
•  [30-35] Dragon, Unchained
•  [30-35] The Elementium Axe
•  [30-35] Back to the Elementium Depths
•  [30-35] Help from the Earthcaller
•  [30-35] The Hammer of Twilight
•  [30-35] Just You and Mathias
•  [30-35] Mathias Needs You
•  [30-35] Water of Life

Removed quests[]

The subject of this section was removed fromWorld of Warcraft inpatch 4.0.3a but is present inClassic Era.

•   [10] Seek out SI: 7
  •   [10] Snatch and Grab
•  [18] The Defias Brotherhood
  •  [18] The Defias Brotherhood
•   [20] Mathias and the Defias
  •   [24] Klaven's Tower
    •   [20] The Touch of Zanzil
•  [29] Shadow of the Past
  •  [31] Look to an Old Friend
    •  [31] The Head of the Beast
      •  [31] Brotherhood's End
•  [60G] The First and the Last
  •  [60G] Honor the Dead
    •  [60G] Flint Shadowmore

The subject of this section was removed fromWorld of Warcraft inpatch 7.0.3.

•  [84] Expert Opinion
  • •  [84] The Old Barracks

Quotes[]

World of Warcraft[]

This section concerns content related to the originalWorld of Warcraft.

Stormwind

Welcome to SI:7 headquarters, <name>.

Cataclysm[]

This section concerns content related toCataclysm.

Dialogue

Please add any available information to this section.

Main article:Forged Documents (Alliance)#Notes

Legion[]

This section concerns content related toLegion.

Main article:The Unseen Blade#Notes

Main article:Searching For Clues#Notes

Main article:Deciphering the Letter#Notes

Main article:The Captive Spymaster#Notes

Main article:Picking a Fight#Notes

Main article:A Simple Plan#Notes

Main article:The Imposter#Notes

Main article:Summons to Stormwind#Notes

Main article:Witness to the Wound (Alliance)#Notes

Main article:Seething Shore#Quotes

Hall of Shadows

The Uncrowned must strive to undermine the Burning Legion in all the ways we do it best: artifice, guile, deception, and of course, politics.

Until the Legion is defeated, our continued cooperation is my highest priority, <name>. I trust that it is yours as well.

Greeting

• We fight in the shadows.
• What needs done?
• It's Shaw. Mathias Shaw.
• I thought I saw you glance in my direction.

Pissed

• I have ways of making you not talk!
• I've killed people for less than this!
• Drink this, it'll make me feel better.
• I'll have my people talk with your people. Sound good?

Farewell

• Sleep with one eye open.
• The SI:7 is my cover. Don't blow it.
• The job's not done yet.
• Look to the shadows.

Combat ally[]

• Target acquired.
• Leave no trace.
• Taking out the target.

Battle for Azeroth[]

This section concerns content related toBattle for Azeroth.

Main article:Time for War (Alliance)#Notes

Gossip inBoralus Harbor

We have little time to waste. What is required?

 I require reinforcements.

Conversation withHalford Wyrmbane on theWind's Redemption

•  <Stay a while and listen.>

Halford Wyrmbane walks over to Master Mathias Shaw.

Master Mathias Shaw says: How many campaigns against the Horde does this make for you, Wyrmbane?

Halford Wyrmbane says: I've stopped counting. I go where the Alliance orders me... and where the Light calls me. But then, you are no stranger to battle.

Master Mathias Shaw says: SI:7 was built to work behind the scenes. I prefer to stay in the shadows where I am not so... exposed.

Halford Wyrmbane says: I must admit... as a paladin, I have questioned the need for spies and assassins within the ranks of the Alliance. But the honor and loyalty you have shown our king is beyond question.

Master Mathias Shaw says: Kind of you to say, but if I had to choose between satisfying honor and getting the job done, I'll pick the latter every time. For the Alliance, of course.

Halford Wyrmbane says: Oh, of course.

Halford Wyrmbane walks back to his post.

InVol'dun

•  <Stay a while and listen.>

Master Mathias Shaw walks over toHalford Wyrmbane.

Master Mathias Shaw says: Tell me, Wyrmbane, how does apaladin come to lead a force of elite soldiers? Shouldn't you be off consecratingtemples or some such?

Halford Wyrmbane says: I served as a knight when theSilver Hand was founded. I was dubious that priestly orders could mix with martial skills, so I remained focused on my combat training.

Halford Wyrmbane says: But the more I observed those first paladins, one in particular inspired me...Turalyon. His faith sustained him, fueled his dedication, and made him a great leader.

Halford Wyrmbane says: When he left with theAlliance Expedition toOutland and was presumed lost, theLight opened my eyes. I realized I could be both a soldier and a paladin. I vowed to honor his sacrifice.

Master Mathias Shaw says: When you learned that Turalyon was alive, did it cause you to question your devotion? Your choices?

Halford Wyrmbane says: Quite the opposite. To witness Turalyon's return, and to learn how the Light had sustained him, transformed him, only strengthened my resolve. I know my faith was well placed.

Master Mathias Shaw says: Your faith in the Light? Or in Turalyon?

Halford Wyrmbane says: The Light will endure long after we are gone. But whenthis war is over, what will you be left with, Shaw?

Master Mathias Shaw says: The next war. And the one after that.

Master Mathias Shaw walks back to his post.

Gossip atStormwind Embassy

It's good to be back in Stormwind. Kul Tiras has its charms, but these walls will always be home.

Dragonflight[]

This section concerns content related toDragonflight.

Gossip atStormwind Harbor

Our scouts slip in an out of every town, city and inn both near and far. If anything of value is muttered by friend or foe, we'll know about it.

Conversation withGenn Greymane (triggered by talking to Genn)

Master Mathias Shaw says: King Greymane, I thought you should know. Wrathion asked if there's been any word from--

Genn Greymane says: Anduin?He asked me the same question. Though their friendship has been strained, I know the king considers Wrathion an ally.

Master Mathias Shaw says: Several years have passed since Azeroth's heroes returned from the realms of Death.

Master Mathias Shaw says: In that time, I've followed up on countless leads. Reports that the king was sighted here or there. None of them have been proven true.

Genn Greymane says: I do not think that we will find Anduin until he wishes to be found. That may take some time.

Master Mathias Shaw says: Turalyon is popular with the nobles, and he's a natural leader to our soldiers. But the people of Stormwind miss their king.

Genn Greymane says: The best thing that any of us can do is give Anduin the time he needs. And to be here for whenever he comes home.

Conversation withTuralyon

 <Stay awhile and listen.>

High Exarch Turalyon says: Spymaster Shaw, it seems the dragons are among us once again.

Master Mathias Shaw says: Yes, Lord Commander. We haven't seen this level of draconic activity since the Cataclysm.

High Exarch Turalyon says: I've read the SI:7 reports on the black dragonOnyxia. How she infiltrated Stormwind in the guise of a noble and sewed division and chaos.

Master Mathias Shaw says: Indeed. She masterminded an elaborate scheme to seize control of the throne.

High Exarch Turalyon says: The Dragon Queen Alexstrasza's intentions appear honorable. But can we be certain that the same is true for all of dragonkind?

Master Mathias Shaw says: It is... wise to be cautious. I'll order extrasecurity patrols.

High Exarch Turalyon says: We need more than spies and guards on the city walls. Enlist the expertise of our mages. I want a foolproof method to see through those visages the dragons wear.

High Exarch Turalyon says: We've put too much effort into rebuilding the strength of the Alliance to see it undone. Am I clear, Spymaster?

Master Mathias Shaw says: As crystal, Lord Commander Turalyon.

In the TCG[]

This section contains information from theWorld of Warcraft Trading Card Game and is considerednon-canon.

Word of your deeds has spread far and wide, rogue. So far, in fact, that Stormwind Intelligence has asked for you by name.^[64]

In the RPG[]

This section contains information from theWarcraft RPG which is considerednon-canon.

Master Mathias Shaw is aroguehuman and the leader of theStormwind Assassins. He is a young man to lead such a powerful organization, but the 33-year-old is not daunted. He has deep brown eyes and is diminutive, very unassuming for a guild leader ofassassins. Her grandmother,Pathonia, was his predecessor, and unbeknownst to him,Waltion Freemore is his grandfather.

Shaw does not trust theChurch of the Holy Light, knowing they do not fully trust the Assassins.^[65]

Biography[]

Mathias' mother was a First Finger assassin who died on the job when he was 4 years old. He grew up at Grandmother Pathonia's knee, as she did not see fit to lie to him about her mother's death or his family's business. She trained him for the job since he was an infant, testing his speed and dexterity on a physical level and making sure he understood the difference between doing what was right and doing what was necessary, and how those two do not always mix. He was the youngest member of the guild when his grandmother made him a Fourth Finger at the age of 10, and he worked his way up slowly, spending much more time in the various levels than most. This worked very well for him, as he knows intimately what is done at every level, and what is needed in new recruits. His first kill was the target his mother had failed to eliminate.

When his grandmother passed control to him on his 30th birthday, choosing to retire instead of die and leave things in disarray for him, he eagerly took the reins. Mathias attempted to make improvements on her designs, but after a couple of months finally had to accept that her design was flawless, and he simply needed to run the already well-oiled machine. The rest of the members are familiar with how Pathonia wished the organization to be run, and they often steer the young Mathias on the correct path.

WhenStormwind found theStockade filled with hapless, eager-facedthieves, KingAnduin Wrynn approached Mathias and demanded he did something about it. Mathias assigned the Fourth Finger of the Stormwind Assassins to recruit the best of them.^[65]

RPG notes[]

• Although Mathias is said to be 33 years old, the same RPG also states his grandmother gave him control over the Assassins when he was 30 after she retired. But this is stated to had happened ten years ago, not three.

Notes and trivia[]

• Mathias once entered theDeadmines. Flynn wonders whether it was because he knew Edwin VanCleef.^[66]
• He once entered theUndercity through thethrone room.^[67]
• In case of emergency, he would use theOrb of Translocation in the courtyard of Lordaeron because he can at least attempt to negotiate with the blood elves, unlike theabomination guards.^[67]
• WhenAlleria Windrunner said that she knows that one day Silvermoon will again stand with the Alliance, Mathias has wondered whether she simply hoped that, or if the whispers she hears told her, or if she has seen it in her visions.^[68]
• At some point, he fought besideLor'themar Theron.^[69]
• In his own words, he largely abstains from anything that clouds the mind.^[70]
• Mathias has readThe Green Hills of Stranglethorn twice.^[71]
• Landro Longshot is Shaw's least favorite informant in all of Azeroth.^[72]
• At some point inDalaran, Mathias talked his way out of a headlock during a bar brawl with agnoll latched around his neck.^[73]
• He understandsZandali.^[10]
• Mathias attended several hangings in Stormwind, it always makes him sick to see that. Hisgrandmother was almost hanged, after being caught a third time for theft by theStormwind City Guard.^[54]
• During the early development ofWarlords of Draenor alpha, Mathias was initially planned to have a presence inShadowmoon Valley on thealternate Draenor as he andKhadgar would brief theAllianceadventurer on theIron Hordeorcs inGrommar.^[74]
• Mathias describedAmber Kearnen as his best agent and best friend.^[75]
• Mathias had friends in Lordaeron who perished during Arthas' rampage. Some became Forsaken, while others remain Scourge. He considers them dead.^[76]
• Master Mathias Shaw is quoted on theWorld of Warcraft Trading Card Game card "Stab in the Dark".
• During theWorld of Warcraft: Legion alpha, Mathias Shaw was a member ofThe Uncrowned. An orc calledThe Hood was also there as the leader of theShattered Hand. It is possible that Shaw and the Hood were both there as Alliance and Horde representatives respectively. Both Shaw and The Hood were later removed in a patch that also addedTess Greymane.
• Shaw is voiced byJohn Behlmann.
• Shaw's facial hair in cinematics is different from the facial hair on his in-game model. Shaw's model uses default player facial hair while his cinematic beard and mustache do not exist in the game's engine.
• Shaw is one ofWarcraft's few canongay characters, having been in a relationship withFlynn Fairwind since the events ofShadows Rising.
• He has an invisibleFollower recruiting spell with the following description: Champion: Master Mathias Shaw — "Master Mathias Shaw is the espionage core of the Alliance. He advises the king on all matters of intel and strategy. He has agreed to an off-the-books alliance as long as you are a representative of the Uncrowned." The spell is associated with a buff that says "Mathias Shaw has mastered the ways of the Assassination rogue. He is the leader of SI:7 and a valuable ally."

Gallery[]

• 
  Easter egg with Mathias and Jaina duringStay of Execution (Horde)

Videos[]

• Legion Epilogue (Alliance)

Patch changes[]

• Patch 4.0.3a (2010-11-23): Added inTwilight Highlands. Model updated.
  
• Patch 1.2.0 (2004-12-18): Added.
  

See also[]

• Master Mathias Shaw, TCG card
• List of Stormwind NPCs

References[]

External links[]

• Wowhead
• WoWDB

v e Roguechampions Assassination Garona Halforcen Master Mathias Shaw Valeera Sanguinar Outlaw Fleet Admiral Tethys Marin Noggenfogger Vanessa VanCleef Subtlety Lilian Voss Lord Jorach Ravenholdt Princess Tess Greymane Taoshi Champions category

v e Alliance   Leadership High King Anduin Wrynn Lord Commander Turalyon Leaders Council of Three Hammers Muradin Bronzebeard (Yorg Stormheart) Falstad Wildhammer Moira Thaurissan Gelbin Mekkatorque Tyrande Whisperwind Malfurion Stormrage Velen Genn Greymane Aysa Cloudsinger Alleria Windrunner Umbric Jaina Proudmoore Azurathel   Characters Current Dagran Thaurissan II Danath Trollbane Darius Crowley Khadgar Kurdran Wildhammer Magni Bronzebeard Halford Wyrmbane Mathias Shaw Grayson Shadowbreaker Vindicator Boros Gryan Stoutmantle Sarah Ladimore John J. Keeshan Morgan Vanndar Stormpike Jes-Tereth Lusshan Nobundo Shandris Feathermoon Vereesa Windrunner Velog Icebellow Ivar Bloodfang Modera Vargoth Karlain Ansirem Runeweaver Harrison Jones Kalecgos Maiev Shadowsong Brann Bronzebeard Thassarian Muninn Magellas Thargas Anvilmar Highlord Leoric Von Zeldig Nevin Twistwrench Razak Ironsides Jarod Shadowsong Ishanah Amaan the Wise Broll Bearmantle Lorna Crowley Tess Greymane Mordent Evenshade Arechron Rivern Frostwind Bizmo Radulf Leder Su'ura Swiftarrow Sentinel Cordressa Briarbow Marcus Johnson Catherine Rogers Henry Maleb Weldon Barov Celestine of the Harvest Julianne Tremblade Tyrathan Khort Marin Bladewing Arator Windrunner Fareeya T'paartos Thisalee Crow Lucille Waycrest Pike Taelia Fordragon Katherine Proudmoore Brannon Stormsong Tandred Proudmoore Erazmin Former Varian Wrynn Taylor Marcus Jonathan Twinbraid Maraad Iridi Bolvar Fordragon Benedictus Althea Ebonlocke Fandral Staghelm Gustaf VanHowzen Blademaster Telaamon Historical Daelin Proudmoore Anduin Lothar Antonidas Terenas Menethil II Uther the Lightbringer Thoras Trollbane Alonsus Faol Anasterian Sunstrider Aiden Perenolde   Races Core Human Dwarf Gnome Night elf Draenei Worgen Pandaren Dracthyr Allied Void elf Lightforged draenei Dark Iron dwarf Kul Tiran human Mechagnome Other Ancient Broken draenei Cenarion Dwarf Wildhammer Frost Furbolg Half-elf Half-human High elf Jinyu Ankoan Animals Gryphon Hippogryph Horse   Cities and towns Capital cities Stormwind City Ironforge Gnomeregan The Exodar Gilneas City Telogrus Rift The Vindicaar Shadowforge City Boralus Mechagon City Eastern Kingdoms Aerie Peak Chillwind Camp Darkshire Dragon's Mouth Dun Modr Eastvale Logging Camp Farstrider Lodge Fort Livingston Goldshire Greenwarden's Grove Harborage Highbank Kharanos Kirthaven Lakeshire Marshtide Watch Menethil Harbor Moonbrook Refuge Pointe Sentinel Hill Stromgarde Keep Thelsamar Victor's Point Kalimdor Astranaar Azure Watch Blood Watch Farwatcher's Glen Feathermoon Stronghold Forest Song Fort Triumph Honor's Stand Northwatch Hold Talonbranch Glade Thal'darah Overlook Outland Allerian Stronghold Honor Hold Orebor Harborage Sylvanaar Telaar Toshley's Station Temple of Telhamat Wildhammer Stronghold Northrend Amberpine Lodge Fizzcrank Airstrip Fordragon Hold Fort Wildervar Frosthold Valgarde Valiance Keep Westfall Brigade Encampment Westguard Keep Wintergarde Keep Pandaria Incursion Lion's Landing Paw'don Village Pearlfin Village Shrine of Seven Stars Westwind Rest Draenor Fort Wrynn Highpass Lion's Watch Lunarfall Southport Stormshield Telaari Station Broken Isles Greywatch Kul Tiras Arom's Stand Brennadam Bridgeport Deadwash Falconhurst Fallhaven Fletcher's Hollow Fort Daelin Hatherford Norwington Estate Zandalar Fort Victory Shatterstone Harbor Former Darnassus Fort Triumph Nethergarde Keep Southshore Theramore Isle Territories Azuremyst Isles Azuremyst Isle Bloodmyst Isle Dun Morogh Duskwood Elwynn Forest Gilneas Loch Modan Redridge Mountains Wetlands Westfall   Organizations Kingdom of Stormwind House of Nobles SI:7 Stormwind Fleet Stormwind Army Stormwind Guard Stormwind City Guard Stormwind Harbor Guards Stormwind Royal Guard Stormwind Elite Aquatic and Land Forces Westfall Brigade Bravo Company Night Watch Nijel's Point Guard Kingdom of Ironforge Senate of Ironforge Wildhammer clan Dark Iron clan Forgeguard Dark Iron Demolishers Shadowforge clan Bronzebeard clan Stormpike clan Stormpike Guard Explorers' League Bael'dun Ironforge Guard Ironforge 127th Paratroopers Ironforge Siege Brigade Ironforge Brigade Miners' League Royal Stonecutters Union Hidden Circle Night elves of Darnassus Darnassian Army Sentinels Silverwing Sentinels Sentinel spies Army of the Black Moon Darnassian City Guard Sisterhood of Elune Wintersaber Trainers Watchers Auberdine Village Council Council of the Forest Circle of the Ancients Gnomeregan A.C.E. Gnomeregan Airmen Gnomeregan Covert Ops G.E.A.R. Razak's Roughriders S.A.F.E. Exodar draenei Hand of Argus Triumvirate of the Hand Defenders of Blood Watch Omenai Light's Chosen Kingdom of Gilneas Gilnean military Gilnean Royal Guard Gilneas Liberation Front Refugee Leadership Gilneas Brigade Bloodfang Pack Wolfpack Admiralty of Kul Tiras Kul Tiran fleet House Proudmoore Proudmoore Admiralty Proudmoore Battalion Proudmoore Guard House Waycrest Waycrest Guard Order of Embers Norwington Roughnecks House Stormsong Tidesages Boralus Guard Outriggers Storm's Wake Other members Tushui Pandaren Army of the Light Void elves Obsidian Warders Kingdom of Stromgarde League of Arathor Stromgarde Militia Dabyrie militia Alliance High Command 1st Legion 7th Legion 7th Fleet Alliance navy Alliance Naval Command Third Fleet North Fleet Church of the Holy Light Morgan's Militia Highvale Alliance Trauma Sons of Lothar Honor Hold Kurenai Alliance Vanguard Frostborn Valiance Expedition Unit S Unit Darkshire Unit Goldshire Silver Covenant Shen'dralarHighborne Tol Barad Baradin's Wardens Pearlfin Jinyu Operation: Shieldwall Bizmo's Brawlpub Wrynn's Vanguard Magocracy of Dalaran Kirin Tor Kirin Tor Offensive Nethergarde Knights of the Silver Hand Riftrunners Light's Vengeance Auric's Angels Briona's Buccaneers Purified Waveblade Ankoan Grumbol's Hammers Former members Theramore Theramore Guard Elite Guard Northwatch Expeditionary Unit Kingdom of Lordaeron Kingdom of Quel'Thalas Kingdom of Alterac Alliance-aligned and allies Council of Exarchs Hand of the Prophet Auchenai Sha'tari Defense Rangari Scarlet renegades Stillpine tribe Former allies Blackmaw tribe Blackwood tribe Grimtotem tribe Common Alliance organizations Alliance technology Alliance territories