Heir to the Cowl

Heir to the Cowl is a Most Wanted mission in Batman: Arkham Knight. It serves as a sequel to the Most Wanted mission in Arkham City: Watcher In The Wings. After completing the sidemission, the challenge "Azrael's Atonement" becomes available to play.

Azrael cannot be met until Alfred mentions that a GCPD helicopter spotted a burning Bat-symbol on a rooftop on Miagani Island. The first phase can be found on the map, however the rest of them require finding the Bat-symbol in Gotham City. Azrael wants to follow in Batman's footsteps, and to become Batmans' successor if he retired or died. Every phase, save the last, is a combat challenge, in which you play as Azrael, whose fighting style is largely identical to Batman's style. If Azrael suffers any form of damage, the challenge ends. The challenges get more difficult, starting with simple regular thugs, and the final challenge consists only of Combat experts. After each challenge, Alfred gives more information about Azrael to Batman, including his real name. After completing the final challenge, Batman tells Azrael to wait for his decision. Azrael protests that he is ready now and there is no decision to be made, but is dismissed by Batman. Immediately afterwards, Alfred informs Batman about an anomaly in neural scan of Azrael. Batman investigates the anomaly on the Clock tower computer, and finds a microchip, used to plant fake memories. The chip has a message in which the leader of the Order of Saint Dumas informs Azrael to seek out Batman's approval. While Alfred sounds pleased, Batman watches the video one more time, having noticed symbols similar to the ones Azrael left behind back in Arkham City. Scanning them all reveals another secret message; this time telling Azrael to kill the Batman after getting his approval. Azrael enters the clock tower, and is presented with multiple options.

Endings

 * Kill Batman: Azrael grabs his sword from a shelf, having given it to Batman earlier as a sign of trust, and tries to strike down the Dark Knight from behind. However, Batman counters, and knocks out Azrael, who Batman then locks up in the GCPD.
 * Break the sword: Azrael again grabs the sword, but instead of attempting to kill the Batman, he breaks it with his gauntlet blades, and leaves using the Clocktower elevator. He then begins his search for those who manipulated him.
 * Leave the Clock tower: Azrael leaves the sword on the shelf, instead choosing to simply leave the Clocktower using the elevator. This leaves the Sword on the clock tower for the rest of the game. Azrael then begins his search for those who manipulated him.

Locations

 * The first Bat-symbol appears on the Map after a certain point of the story mode, and is located on Miagani Island.
 * The second Bat-symbol appears on a rooftop on Founders' island, (2728, 1472)
 * The third Bat-symbol appears on a rooftop on Bleake island, (1896, 2343)
 * The final Bat-symbol appears both on the top and the bottom of the large level on the top of the Lady of Gotham.

Characters
Batman

Alfred (Voice & Hologram Only)

Azrael

Trivia

 * Without DLC, this is the earliest Most Wanted mission the player can fully complete. Other side-missions unlocked earlier have at least one portion which requires Batman to use the Batmobile on Founders' Island. As this mission doesn't have this requirement, players can complete it immediately after it's unlocked.