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{{Source needed|History section}}
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{{fair use| This article [[WW:COPYRIGHT#Policy|quotes]] extensively from the [[Warcraft RPG|Warcraft RPG books]].}}
  
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{{infobox faction
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{{Infobox faction
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| name = Cult of the Damned
 
| image = Icon of the Damned.jpg
  
| image = Icon of the Damned.jpg
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| leader = Unknown
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| name = The Cult of the Damned
  
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| fleader = {{RaceIcon|Necromancer}}{{RaceIcon|Kel'ThuzadSL}} [[Kel'Thuzad]]<ref>''[[Ultimate Visual Guide]]''</ref><br/> {{RaceIcon|Nathrezim}} [[Mal'Ganis]]<ref>''[[Ultimate Visual Guide, Updated and Expanded]]'', pg. 50</ref>
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| character=[[Necromancer]], [[Blightweaver]]
  
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| leaders = {{RaceIcon|Arugal}} [[Darkmaster Gandling]]<br/> {{NPC||Baron Rivendare|icon=DeathKnight}}
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| leader = [[Kel'Thuzad|Archlich Kel'Thuzad]]
  
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| fleaders = {{RaceIcon|Lich Male}} [[Ras Frostwhisper]]{{KIA}}<br/> {{RaceIcon|Lich|Female}} [[Lady Deathwhisper]]{{KIA}}<br/> {{RaceIcon|Dar'khan}}{{RaceIcon|UndeadElf Male}} [[Dar'Khan Drathir]]{{KIA}}
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| leaders = [[Dar'Khan Drathir]], [[Pai Stormbringer]], [[Ul'haik Hadanot]], [[Lady Deathwhisper]]
  
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| races = {{RaceIcon|Cultist|Male}}{{RaceIcon|Cultist|Female}} [[Human]]<br/> {{RaceIcon|Undead Male}}{{RaceIcon|Undead Female}} [[Undead]]<br/> {{RaceIcon|CultistOrc|Male}}{{RaceIcon|CultistOrc|Female}} [[Orc]]<br/> {{Race|HighElf}}<br/> {{RaceIcon|CultistGnome|Male}}{{RaceIcon|CultistGnome|Female}} [[Gnome]]<br/> {{Race|Dwarf}}<br/> {{Race|NightElf}}<br/> {{Race|Draenei}}<br/> {{Race|BloodElf}}
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| capital = [[Naxxramas]]
  
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| character = [[Necromancer]], [[Acolyte]], [[Alchemist]], [[Apothecary]], [[Assassin]], [[Bombardier]], [[Engineer]], [[Infiltrator]], [[Mad scientist]], [[Mage]], [[Necrolord (occupation)|Necrolord]], [[Necrolyte]], [[Plaguebringer (occupation)|Plaguebringer]], [[Priest]], [[Rogue]], [[Shadowmage]], [[Summoner]]
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| capitals = [[Stratholme]], [[Scholomance]], [[Andorhal]], [[Deatholme]]
  
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| capital = [[Mord'rethar: The Death Gate|Mord'rethar]]
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| language = [[Common]], "Secret language"<ref>{{questlong|alliance|71|The Hunt is On}}</ref><ref>{{loot|common|Cultist Communique}}</ref>
  
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| fcapital = [[Icecrown Citadel]], [[Scholomance]]<ref name="Marduke" /><ref>[[Eva Sarkhoff#Quotes]]</ref>
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| slang =
  
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| capitals = [[Aldur'thar: The Desolation Gate|Aldur'thar]], [[Scholomance]]<ref name="Exploring Azeroth">''[[World of Warcraft: Exploring Azeroth: The Eastern Kingdoms]]'', pg. 77</ref>
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| races = [[Humans]], [[High elf|High elves]], [[Orcs]]
  
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| theater = [[Lordaeron]], [[Northrend]]
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| fcapitals = [[Andorhal]], [[Stratholme]], [[Deatholme]], [[Naxxramas]]
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| theater = [[Eastern Kingdoms]], [[Northrend]], [[Kalimdor]]
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| membership = 10,000
  
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| language = [[Common (language)|Common]], [[Language of death]],<ref>[[The Hunt is On]]</ref><ref>[[Cultist Communique]]</ref><ref>[[A Righteous Sermon]]</ref> Various other [[language]]s
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| affiliation=[[Scourge]]
  
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| alignment = [[Lawful evil]]
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| members = [[Thuzadin]]
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| affiliation = [[Independent]]
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| faffiliation = [[Mawsworn]],<ref>[[Secrets in Shadows]]</ref> [[Scourge]]
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| status = Active
 
}}
  
}}
   
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The [[Cult of the Damned]] is an organization of the living beings who serve the [[Lich King]]. Members are mostly [[Human]], but including all races. The Cult was formed during the opening days of the Third War, when the [[Scourge]] was loyal to the [[Burning Legion]], and establishing its foothold on [[Lordaeron]]. The [[Lich King|Lich King Ner'zuhl]], trapped in his [[Frozen Throne|prison-throne]], reached out telepathically to men, orcs, and elves who lusted for power - most notably the then-Archmage [[Kel'Thuzad]] who would become an [[Archlich]] and the leader of the Cult of the Damned.
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The '''Cult of the Damned''' is an [[organization]] of the living beings who served the [[Lich King]]. The Cult was formed years before the [[Third War]], as the predecessor and creator of the [[Scourge]] officially being loyal to the [[Burning Legion]], and establishing its foothold on [[Lordaeron]]. The [[Lich King|Lich King Ner'zhul]], trapped in his [[Frozen Throne|prison-throne]], reached out telepathically any dark soul lusted for power that would hear his call - most notably the then-Archmage [[Kel'Thuzad]] who would become an Archlich and the creator and leader of the Cult of the Damned.
   
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While Cultists aspire to become [[Undead]], they remain alive because 1. Undeath is considered an honor one must earn, and 2. living beings are useful to the Lich King for their ability to spy in living [[Horde]] or [[Alliance]] settlements, and recruit powerful individuals from among the living, either into the Cult or the Scourge.
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While Cultists aspire to become [[undead]], they remain alive because undeath is considered an honor one must earn, and because living beings are useful to the Lich King for their ability to spy in living [[Horde]] or [[Alliance]] settlements, and recruit powerful individuals from among the living, either into the Cult or the Scourge.<ref name="Marduke" /> The Cult ranks consists mostly of [[human]]s, but [[orc]]s, [[High elf|high elves]], [[draenei]], and other races are also present.
   
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Following the rise of [[Bolvar Fordragon]] as the new Lich King, and his proclamation as "Jailor of the Damned", the Cult of the Damned have been seen leading the various remaining Scourge posts in [[Azeroth]]. As Fordragon's ability to contain the Scourge was limited to [[Northrend]], the heroes of Azeroth had the responsibility to defeat the rest of the Scourge still beyond that continent.
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== The History of the Cult ==
  
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[[File:Lich King.jpg|thumb|The Lich King]]
  
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[[File:Kelthuzad.jpg|thumb|The Necromancer Kel'Thuzad]]
  
   
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After the destruction of the [[Helm of Domination]] and the fall of Bolvar as the Lich King, the Cult of the Damned re-emerged through Azeroth, answering the call of [[the Jailer]]'s [[Herald Dalora|herald]] who preached that soon the "Banished One" will claim the soul of [[Azeroth (titan)|Azeroth]] and that all will serve him.
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After the [[Lich King|Lich King Ner'zuhl]] defeated [[Azjol-Nerub]] in the [[War of the Spider]], and gained control of [[Northrend]], he turned his attention south, to [[Kil'jaeden]]'s chosen targets: [[Quel'thalas]] and [[Lordaeron]]. Though he was trapped bodiless and confined to the [[Frozen Throne]], he could reach out telepathically across great distances to those seeking power and knowledge of [[necromancy]] - his first minions, and the beginnings of the [[Cult of the Damned]].
  
   
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The cult is notorious for concocting grandiose plans that in the end, rarely succeed.<ref>[[Need More Info]]</ref>
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Chief among the men and women who heard the Lich King's call was [[Kel'Thuzad]], archmagus of [[Dalaran]]. Forsaking his position as senior member of the [[Kirin Tor]], Dalaran's ruling council, Kel'thuzad traveled alone to Northrend. The vast [[Nerubian]] ruins left decimated by the [[War of the Spider]] confirmed his desire to ally with the Lich King. His arrival was expected, and he offered his soul to The Lich King Ner'zuhl. In exchange for loyalty and obedience, Kel'Thuzad was promised immortality and power, but he remained a mortal human for his appointed task: the organization of the Cult of the Damned, which would set the stage for the Scourge's conquest of Lordaeron. The Archmagus was old, but still very charismatic, a useful trait for amassing more and more of Lordaeron's easily-swayed citizens under the shadow of the Lich King.
  
   
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==History==
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For three years Kel'Thuzad worked, preaching his new religion to the masses, promising them immortality and an ideal society free of all the burdens the existing one forced upon its citizenry. Many of Lordaeron's overworked laborers and disenfranchised masses were taken in by this charismatic individual, and willingly sold themselves into service to the Lich King. Kel'Thuzad also used his fortunes and those of his fellow Cult members to taint and corrupt men in positions of power, bringing them into the Cult through favors and gifts. Eventually, many of Lordaeron's northern towns were completely under the control of the Cult of the Damned and so, it became time for the Lich King to act.
  
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{{Stub/Lore-section}}
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===Formation of the cult===
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{{Main|Kel'Thuzad and the Forming of the Scourge}}
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[[File:Lich King.jpg|thumb|left|The Lich King]]
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After the [[Lich King|Lich King Ner'zhul]] defeated [[Azjol-Nerub]] in the [[War of the Spider]], and gained control of [[Northrend]], he turned his attention south, to [[Kil'jaeden]]'s chosen targets: [[Quel'Thalas (kingdom)|Quel'Thalas]] and [[Lordaeron (kingdom)|Lordaeron]]. Though he was trapped bodiless and confined to the [[Frozen Throne]], he could reach out telepathically across great distances to those seeking power and knowledge of [[necromancy]] - his first minions, and the beginnings of the Cult of the Damned.
   
  +
Chief among the men and women who heard the Lich King's call was [[Kel'Thuzad]], archmage of [[Dalaran]]. Forsaking his position as a senior member of the [[Kirin Tor]], Dalaran's ruling council, Kel'Thuzad traveled alone to Northrend. The vast [[Nerubian]] ruins left decimated by the [[War of the Spider]] confirmed his desire to ally with the Lich King. His arrival was expected, and he offered his soul to Ner'zhul. In exchange for loyalty and obedience, Kel'Thuzad was promised immortality and power, but he remained a mortal human for his appointed task: the organization of the Cult of the Damned, which would set the stage for the Scourge's conquest of Lordaeron. The Archmagus was old, but still very charismatic, a useful trait for amassing more and more of Lordaeron's easily-swayed citizens under the shadow of the Lich King.
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[[Plague Cauldrons]], artifacts which would spread the Blight Plague over wide areas, were created and placed by the Cult of the Damned in the cities they controlled, beginning in the northernmost reaches of the Kingdom of Lordaeron. The plague spread quickly, wiping out the towns' populations and raising them as Scourge. Though this was a horror for an unsuspecting citizen, for a Cultist, undeath was a welcome reward.
  
   
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[[File:Cult Master Kel'Thuzad.jpg|thumb|left|The necromancer Kel'Thuzad]]
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When the [[Burning Legion]] was defeated at the [[Battle of Mount Hyjal]], the [[Alliance]] and [[Horde]] were not the only winners. The Cult of the Damned considered the demonsā€™ defeat a victory for the Scourge as well. the Lich King was finally freed from their control and could begin furthering his own plans using his powerful death knight, Arthas Menethil. He already had the greater part of Lordaeron under his control, and he wished to expand his influence. The Cult of the Damned rejoiced in the release of its leader and continues to serve him, not the Burning Legion, after the war.
 
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For three years Kel'Thuzad worked, preaching his new religion to the masses, promising them immortality and an ideal society free of all the burdens the existing one forced upon its citizenry. Many of Lordaeron's overworked laborers and disenfranchised masses were taken in by this charismatic individual, and willingly sold themselves into service to the Lich King. Kel'Thuzad also used his fortunes and offers of great powers and immortality to attract and convince nobles and landowners to join his cause, bringing them into the Cult through the promise of using the lower classes to defeat their rivals and obtain even more wealth.<ref>{{Ref WoWCV3|30}}</ref> Some of the earliest known members of the Cult of the Damned include [[Baron Rivendare]],<ref>''[[Ultimate Visual Guide]]'', pg. 16</ref> [[Bronjahm]],<ref>[[Bronjahm#Adventure Guide]]</ref> [[Maleki the Pallid]],<ref>[[Maleki the Pallid#Adventure Guide]]</ref> and [[Ras Frostwhisper]].<ref name="Marduke" /> Eventually, many of Lordaeron's northern towns were completely under the control of the Cult of the Damned, and it became time for the Lich King to act.
   
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===Third War===
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When Arthas shattered the Lich King's prison and took on the [[Helm of Domination]] and the spirit of Nerā€™zhul, he created and became what was believed to be the strongest being in the world. The new Lich King not only had the telepathic power of the imprisoned [[Ner'zhul]], but an immensely powerful and mobile avatar in Arthas. The Cult simply vowed to serve this new entity as it did the old, as long as he furthered the efforts of the Scourge. The Cult works itself into a frenzy with the thought he may leave his new home in Northrend and grace Lordaeron with his presence some day. Working beside the undead, delving into the dark magic of necromancy, and striving one day to become undead themselves, the Cult of the Damned is truly a frightening organization.
  
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[[File:Cult of the Damnied rallied.jpg|thumb|The Cult rallied by Arthas and Tichondrius.]]
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As the [[Third War]] started, the cultists began openly operating alongside [[Scourge]] forces, led by their master Kel'Thuzad, distributing plagued grain throughout northern Lordaeron.<ref>[[The Cult of the Damned (WC3 Human)]]</ref> They were eventually scattered by the vengeful [[Arthas Menethil]] and went back into hiding.
   
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In the days since Prince Arthas took the fleet to Northrend, the Scourge continued to grow, taking villages and its turned inhabitants, with a small help from [[Baron Rivendare]] and his corrupted food supplies.<ref>''[[A Cleansing Fire]]''</ref>
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==Organization==
  
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The base of operations of the Cult of the Damned is [[Stratholme]], and its leader is [[Kel'Thuzad]]. Kel'Thuzad takes orders from the Lich King himself, and orchestrates the spread of the Scourge. His two closest living lieutenants are referred to as simply "Next In Line", and are raised as [[shades]] and replaced periodically. These leaders serve the Lich King without question, seeing [[undeath]] as the ultimate reward. Under the Next In Line, the Cult of the Damned appears to run with little rhyme or reason, but the (apparent) chaos serves the groupā€™s purpose - individual leaders cannot be picked out and targeted. Underneath the chaos is a tightly run operation with mortals dedicated to the study of dark magic, the conscription of new mortal members and undercover scouting for the Scourgeā€™s forces.
 
   
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When the prince of Lordaeron became corrupted by [[Frostmourne]] and changed his allegiances, [[Tichondrius]] ordered him to rally the Cult once more. The [[death knight]] began his work in [[Vandermar Village]], where many hidden acolytes lived, though they eventually fell under suspicion of the local town guard. Arthas gathered the cultists and saved those in danger, destroying the village in the process. The acolytes began serving Arthas and openly acting once more.<ref>[[Trudging through the Ashes (WC3 Undead)]]</ref>
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The Cult is situated mostly in the [[Plaguelands]] and, to a lesser extent, in the rest of Lordaeron, always extending the Scourgeā€™s sphere of control. The Cult will often be found wherever the Scourge is. {{Cite|LoC|154-155}}
  
   
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[[Plague cauldron]]s, artifacts which would spread the blight plague over wide areas, were created and placed by the Cult of the Damned in the cities they controlled, beginning in the northernmost reaches of the kingdom of Lordaeron. The plague spread quickly, wiping out the towns' populations and raising them as Scourge. Though this was a horror for an unsuspecting citizen, for a Cultist, undeath was a welcome reward.
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===Military tactics===
  
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The Cult of the Damned is not a military organization. It is an arm of the Scourge, and the Scourge has other methods of waging war. However, the cult contributes a pair of special weapons: necromancers and blightweavers. Their dark rites support the cult, bringing curses on their enemies and raising new legions of undead.
  
   
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When Arthas shattered the Lich King's prison and took on the [[Helm of Domination]] and the spirit of Ner'zhul, the cult continued to serve him in the years to come.
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On the battlefield, they are scavengers, using spells to bring their dead enemies under their control before the carrion birds can get to them, gathering large undead forces and directing them at key targets chosen by their Scourge commanders.
  
   
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===World of Warcraft===
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Death comes in many forms ā€” and itā€™s the job of the blightweaver to make sure that death comes in as terrible a form as possible. These tinkers of the vile concoct new poisons and breed new diseases, hoping to discover new plagues that will extend the Scourgeā€™s terror to every corner of Azeroth.
  
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{{wow-section}}
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[[File:Cultist Engineer.jpg|thumb|Cultist]]
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{{Stub/Lore-section|Could probably cover more of their WoW & WotLK involvement, including the questing and world events.}}
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The Cult was still active, secretly present in nearly every city of the [[Alliance]] and [[Horde]],<ref name="Marduke">[[Magistrate Marduke#Quotes]]</ref> but its true objective was hidden; the Lich King's next move had yet to be revealed.
   
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As the only living humanoid boss in [[Naxxramas]], [[Grand Widow Faerlina]] is likely a high-ranked member of the cult. Other members include [[Maleki the Pallid]], leader of the mortal [[Thuzadin]] in Stratholme.
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On the battlefield, the Scourge occasionally employs blightweavers as sappers of life; instead of sending teams of goblins to destroy a wall with a burst of explosives, they send these vile priests out to destroy a populace with an explosion of disease and poison. They sneak into a town while the battle rages elsewhere, plant plague animals in stables, and poison wells.{{cite|DF|171}}
  
   
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===Wrath of the Lich King===
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==Membership==
  
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{{wotlk-section}}
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[[File:Cultistelves.JPG|thumb|High elf cultists welcoming a new member.]]
  
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During the [[war against the Lich King]], the Cult of the Damned made a strong comeback and managed to infect many villages with the [[Plague of Undeath]], including the Magmothran magnataur in [[Borean Tundra]], the [[Alliance]] town of [[Farshire]], and the [[Horde]] farms north of [[Warsong Hold]], and have infiltrated both factions' main strongholds within Borean Tundra.
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While the current members of the Cult of the Damned are zealous individuals wholly dedicated to their cause, most new recruits are shy and weak-willed people unsure of themselves. Unpopular, abused people, often considered failures in their careers or their lives in general, are ripe for the manipulation of the Scourge as they donā€™t have much to hold onto in the first place. With the promise of wealth, power, knowledge ā€” whatever will motivate them ā€” the Cult draws them in. When the mortals commit to the Cult, they are forced to drink a concoction that steals their will and enslaves them forever to the Lich King, to help them with the final act of submission. Afterwords, they are given an Orb of Illusion, used to disguise a cult member, allowing them to gain safe passage, infiltrate, or simply blend in with an enemy, and are confident and in the full sway of the Lich Kingā€™s powers, ready to work tirelessly to spread the will of the Scourge. Members view the Scourge with envious fascination, and many felt this way before any dark influences helped convert them. The undead seemingly defy the natural order of things and show limitless potential, for if one can beat death, one can do anything. To be undead is the greatest goal one can have in life. It is considered a reward for a life well lived (according to the Scourge, of course) to be given undeath. There is sometimes a murmur of dissent in the ranks when some feel that their fallen enemies are gifted with undeath undeservedly while cultists must work to receive that divine payment. Such grumblings are often put down quickly, usually with the threat of death with no final reward. The officers in the Cult explain that their enemies die and become allies because their numbers are much greater than the Cult of the Damned. If the Scourge only raised deserving mortals, it would not be the great force it is today. The Scourge needs the Cult because they need mortals to serve them.
  
   
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In [[Sholazar Basin]], they attacked and destroyed the [[Lifeblood Pillar]], thus granting the undead access to the Basin. They later tried to destroy the [[Glimmering Pillar]], but they were stopped by the [[Avatar of Freya]] and [[adventurer]]s before they could do permanent damage.<ref>''[[Exploring Azeroth: Northrend]]'', pg. 119</ref>
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Kelā€™Thuzad personally appoints officials and leaders for the Cult, looking for people both talented in espionage and in pursuing the dark art of necromancy. Good leadership abilities, a talent for recruitment and the ability to blend in with normal mortals are also valued skills. It is impossible to reach any officer ranks without magic, however. There are no ranking members of the Cult who do
  
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not know at least a handful of dark spells.{{Cite|LoC|155-156}}
  
   
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Within [[Icecrown]], cultists trained, practiced, and killed mostly upon the gigantic series of gates the Lich King built to fortify [[Icecrown Citadel]]. At [[Sindragosa's Fall]], the area was crawling with acolytes who were raising [[frost wyrm]]s from the ice to increase the ranks of the [[Frostbrood]].<ref>[[Sindragosa's Fall (quest)]]</ref>
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Cult of the Damned consists mostly of [[human]]s, [[orc]]s and [[high elves]], but [[draenei]] membership is also presented, at least in [[the Frozen Halls]].
  
   
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===Cataclysm===
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== In World of Warcraft ==
  
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{{wow-section}}
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{{cata-section}}
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After the fall of the Lich King, the Cult of the Damned became independent of the Bolvar-controlled Scourge,<ref>{{ref web|url=http://www.mmo-champion.com/content/2525-World-of-Warcraft-Lore-and-Story-Q-A|accessdate=2017-08-03|date=2011-10-22|title=Lore and Story Q&A|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment}}</ref> and was still active in the [[Plaguelands]], attempting to spread the plague and creating new undead horrors.
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[[File:Cultist Engineer.jpg|thumb|Cultist]]
  
   
  +
However, their task is mostly to re-blight or prevent the healing of the Plaguelands (which has mostly failed outside of the Eastern Plaguelands).
āˆ’
The current activities of the Cult of the Damned are unknown. While the cult is certainly still active, spreading its influence among both the Horde and Alliance, its true objective is hidden, the Lich King's next move has yet to be revealed. What we do know is that the Cult will never tire in its mission to undermine the defenses of the living races through subterfuge and sabotage. So long as the Lich King remains, the hidden hand of the Cult will be an ever-present threat to both the Horde and the Alliance.
 
āˆ’
As the only living humanoid boss in [[Naxxramas]], [[Grand Widow Faerlina]] is likely a high-ranked member of the cult. Other members include [[Maleki the Pallid]], leader of the mortal [[Thuzadin]] in Stratholme.
  
   
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In the [[Hour of Twilight (instance)|Hour of Twilight]], an apocalyptic future where the [[Old God]]s managed to free themselves from their prison, [[Wastes Taskmaster]]s were still commanding [[ghoul]]s around [[Galakrond's Rest]].
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The Cult of the Damned makes a strong comeback in ''[[World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King|Wrath of the Lich King]]'', and have managed to infect many villages with the Undead Plague, including the Magmothran magnataur in [[Borean Tundra]], the Alliance town of [[Farshire]], the horde farms north of [[Warsong Hold]], and have inflitrated both Faction's main towns within Borean Tundra.
  
   
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===Legion===
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The Cult of the Damned trains, practices, and kills within [[Icecrown]], mostly upon the gigantic series of gates the Lich King built for fortification.
  
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{{Legion-section}}
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During the [[third invasion of the Burning Legion]], the Cult of the Damned was still active on the island of [[Caer Darrow]], despite many attacks on [[Scholomance]], and were in possession of the [[Book of Medivh]], until {{Au|Gul'dan}} and the [[Shadow Council]] took it.<ref>[[Forgotten Letter]]</ref>
   
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===Known members===
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===Exploring Azeroth===
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{{Novel-section}}
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Following the [[Fourth War]], [[Mathias Shaw]] stated that according to [[Argent Crusade]] reports, the Cult of the Damned was still in Scholomance with [[Darkmaster Gandling]] at their head.<ref name="Exploring Azeroth">''[[World of Warcraft: Exploring Azeroth: The Eastern Kingdoms]]'', pg. 77</ref>
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  +
===Shadowlands===
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{{sl-section}}
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After the [[Helm of Domination]] was destroyed by [[Sylvanas Windrunner]], and with it the Lich King itself, the Cult of the Damned re-emerged all across Azeroth, emboldened by the message of [[Zovaal|Zovaal the Jailer]] brought by the [[Mawsworn]] [[kyrian]] [[Herald Dalora]].<ref>[[Only Shadows Remain]]</ref>
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==Members==
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[[File:Bonecaller HS.jpg|thumb|{{HS|Bonecaller}} in ''[[Hearthstone (game)|Hearthstone]]''.]]
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===Named===
 
{| class="darktable"
  
{| class="darktable"
 
|-
  
|-
āˆ’
! Name !! colspan=2 | Location
 +
! Name !! colspan=2 | Location !! colspan=1 | Status
  +
|-
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| {{NPC|Combat|Alumeth the Ascended|icon=Cultist Male}}
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| [[Aldur'thar: The Desolation Gate]] || [[Icecrown]]
  +
|{{Status|Killable}} ({{Status|Undead}})
 
|-
  
|-
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| {{NPC|Combat|Kel'Thuzad|smallicon=IconSmall Lich Male.gif}}
 +
| {{NPC|Combat|Baron Rivendare|icon=DeathKnight}}
  +
| [[Baron Rivendare#Locations|Various Locations]] ||
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| [[Frostwyrm Lair]] || [[Naxxramas]]
  
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| |{{Status|Active}} ({{Status|Undead}})
 
|-
  
|-
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| {{NPC||Diodor the Damned|smallicon=IconSmall Human Male.gif}} (Deceased)
 +
| {{NPC|Boss|Bronjahm|icon=Cultist Male}}
  +
| [[Forge of Souls]] || [[Icecrown Citadel]]
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| || Unknown
  
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|{{Status|Deceased}} ({{Status|Undead}})
 
|-
  
|-
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| {{NPC|Combat|Dar'Khan Drathir|smallicon=IconSmall Dar'khan.gif}}
 +
| {{NPC|Combat|Dar'Khan Drathir|icon=Dar'khan|icon2=UndeadElf Male}}
 
| [[Tower of the Damned]] || [[Deatholme]]
  
| [[Tower of the Damned]] || [[Deatholme]]
  +
|{{Status|Deceased}} ({{Status|Undead}})
 
|-
  
|-
  +
| {{NPC|Neutral|Darnavan|icon=Cultist Male}} (temporarily)
āˆ’
| {{NPC|Combat|Lady Deathwhisper|smallicon=IconSmall Lich Female.gif}}
  
 
| [[Lower Spire]] || [[Icecrown Citadel]]
  
| [[Lower Spire]] || [[Icecrown Citadel]]
  +
|{{Status|Unknown}}
 
|-
  
|-
āˆ’
| {{NPC|Combat|Darnavan|smallicon=IconSmall Cultist Male.gif}}
 +
| {{NPC|Combat|Deathspeaker Kharos|icon=Necromancer}}
āˆ’
| [[Lower Spire]] || [[Icecrown Citadel]]
 +
| [[Deathspeaker's Watch]] || [[Icecrown]]
  +
|{{Status|Deceased}}
 
|-
  
|-
āˆ’
| {{NPC|Combat|Deathspeaker Selendre|smallicon=IconSmall Cultist Female.gif}}
 +
| {{NPC|Combat|Deathspeaker Selendre|icon=Cultist Female}}
āˆ’
| || [[Eastern Plaguelands]]
 +
| || [[Eastern Plaguelands]]
  +
|{{Status|Killable}}
 
|-
  
|-
  +
| {{NPC||Diodor the Damned|icon=Necromancer}}
āˆ’
| {{NPC|Combat|Ras Frostwhisper|smallicon=IconSmall Lich Male.gif}}
  
āˆ’
| || [[Scholomance]]
 +
| Unknown || Unknown
  +
|{{Status|Deceased}}
 
|-
  
|-
āˆ’
| {{NPC|Combat|Alumeth the Ascended|smallicon=IconSmall Human Male.gif}}
 +
| {{NPC|Combat|Doctor Kohler|icon=MadScientist}}
āˆ’
| [[Aldur'thar: The Desolation Gate]] || [[Icecrown]]
 +
| [[Deathspeaker's Watch]] || [[Icecrown]]
  +
|{{Status|Killable}} ({{Status|Undead}})
 
|-
  
|-
  +
| {{NPC|Boss|Darkmaster Gandling|icon=Arugal}}
āˆ’
| {{NPC|Combat|Grand Widow Faerlina|smallicon=IconSmall Human Female.gif}}
  
  +
| [[Headmaster's Study]] || [[Scholomance]]
  +
|{{Status|Active}}
  +
|-
  +
| {{NPC|Boss|Grand Widow Faerlina|icon=Human Female}}
 
| [[Naxxramas#Arachnid Quarter|Arachnid Quarter]] || [[Naxxramas]]
  
| [[Naxxramas#Arachnid Quarter|Arachnid Quarter]] || [[Naxxramas]]
  +
|{{Status|Killable}}
  +
|-
  +
| {{NPC|Combat|Grimkor the Wicked|icon=Necromancer}}
  +
| [[Ironwall Rampart]] || [[Icecrown]]
  +
|{{Status|Killable}}
  +
|-
  +
| {{NPC|Alliance|Guard Mitchells|icon=Human Male}}
  +
| [[Valiance Keep]] || [[Borean Tundra]]
  +
|{{Status|Killable}}
  +
|-
  +
| {{NPC|Combat|High Cultist Herenn|icon=Cultist Male}}
  +
| [[Shaper's Terrace]] || [[Un'Goro Crater]]
  +
|{{Status|Killable}}
  +
|-
  +
| {{NPC|Combat|High Cultist Zangus|icon=CultistOrc Male}}
  +
| [[The Pit of Narjun]] || [[Dragonblight]]
  +
|{{Status|Killable}}
 
|-
  
|-
āˆ’
| {{NPC||High Deathpriest Isidorus|smallicon=IconSmall Cultist Male.gif}}
 +
| {{NPC|Neutral|High Deathpriest Isidorus|icon=Cultist Male}}
 
| [[Death's Stand]] || [[Borean Tundra]]
  
| [[Death's Stand]] || [[Borean Tundra]]
  +
|{{Status|Unknown}}
 
|-
  
|-
āˆ’
| {{NPC||High Invoker Basaleph|smallicon=IconSmall Human Male.gif}}
 +
| {{NPC|Combat|High Invoker Basaleph|icon=Arugal}}
 
| [[Cathedral of Darkness]] || [[Icecrown]]
  
| [[Cathedral of Darkness]] || [[Icecrown]]
  +
|{{Status|Deceased}} ({{Status|Undead}})
 
|-
  
|-
āˆ’
| {{NPC|Combat|Maleki the Pallid|smallicon=IconSmall Cultist Male.gif}}
 +
| {{NPC|Boss|Jandice Barov|icon=Cultist Female}}
āˆ’
| [[Gauntlet]] || [[Stratholme]]
 +
| [[Hall of Illusions]] || [[Scholomance]]
  +
|{{Status|Active}} ({{Status|Undead}})
 
|-
  
|-
  +
| {{NPC|Neutral|Kel'Thuzad|icon=Necromancer|icon2=Kel'ThuzadSL}}
āˆ’
| {{NPC|Combat|Overseer Faedris|smallicon=IconSmall BloodElf Male.gif}}
  
āˆ’
| [[Aldur'thar: The Desolation Gate]] (South Rampart) || [[Icecrown]]
 +
| [[Throne of the Damned]] || [[Sanctum of Domination]]
  +
|{{Status|Deceased}} ({{Status|Undead}})
 
|-
  
|-
āˆ’
| {{NPC|Combat|Overseer Veraj|smallicon=IconSmall Human Male.gif}}
 +
| {{NPC|Boss|Lady Deathwhisper|icon=Lich Female}}
āˆ’
| [[Aldur'thar: The Desolation Gate]] (East Rampart) || [[Icecrown]]
 +
| [[Lower Spire]] || [[Icecrown Citadel]]
  +
|{{Status|Deceased}} ({{Status|Undead}})
 
|-
  
|-
āˆ’
| {{NPC|Combat|Overseer Savryn|smallicon=IconSmall Human Male.gif}}
 +
| {{NPC|Boss|Maleki the Pallid|icon=Cultist Male}}
  +
| [[Gauntlet]] || [[Stratholme]]
āˆ’
| [[Aldur'thar: The Desolation Gate]] (North Rampart) || [[Icecrown]]
  
  +
|{{Status|Killable}}
 
|-
  
|-
āˆ’
| {{NPC|Combat|Overseer Jhaeqon|smallicon=IconSmall Human Male.gif}}
 +
| {{NPC|Combat|Instructor Malicia||Malicia|icon=HighElf Female}}
  +
| [[Malicia's Outpost]] || [[Western Plaguelands]]
āˆ’
| [[Aldur'thar: The Desolation Gate]] (Mid-Rampart) || [[Icecrown]]
  
  +
|{{Status|Killable}}
 
|-
  
|-
āˆ’
| {{NPC|Combat|High Cultist Zangus|smallicon=IconSmall Orc Male.gif}}
 +
| {{NPC|Combat|Overseer Deathgaze|icon=Necromancer}}
āˆ’
| [[The Pit of Narjun]] || [[Dragonblight]]
 +
| [[Jintha'kalar]] || [[Dragonblight]]
  +
|{{Status|Killable}} ({{Status|Undead}})
 
|-
  
|-
āˆ’
| {{NPC|Combat|High Cultist Herenn|smallicon=IconSmall Cultist Male.gif}}
 +
| {{NPC|Combat|Overseer Faedris|icon=HighElf Male}}
āˆ’
| [[Shaper's Terrace]] || [[Un'Goro Crater]]
 +
| [[Aldur'thar: The Desolation Gate]] (South Rampart) || [[Icecrown]]
  +
|{{Status|Killable}}
 
|-
  
|-
  +
| {{NPC|Combat|Overseer Jhaeqon|icon=Arugal}}
āˆ’
| {{NPC||Ul'haik Hadanot|smallicon=IconSmall HighElf Male.gif}}
  
  +
| [[Aldur'thar: The Desolation Gate]] (Mid-Rampart) || [[Icecrown]]
āˆ’
| || Unknown
  
  +
|{{Status|Killable}}
 
|-
  
|-
  +
| {{NPC|Combat|Overseer Savryn|icon=Cultist Male}}
āˆ’
| {{NPC||Pai Stormbringer|smallicon=IconSmall Human Female.gif}}
  
  +
| [[Aldur'thar: The Desolation Gate]] (North Rampart) || [[Icecrown]]
āˆ’
| || Unknown
  
  +
|{{Status|Killable}}
 
|-
  
|-
āˆ’
| {{NPC|Combat|Varidus the Flenser|smallicon=IconSmall Necromancer.gif}}
 +
| {{NPC|Combat|Overseer Veraj|icon=Cultist Male}}
āˆ’
| [[Warsong Slaughterhouse]] || [[Borean Tundra]]
 +
| [[Aldur'thar: The Desolation Gate]] (East Rampart) || [[Icecrown]]
  +
|{{Status|Killable}}
  +
|-
  +
| {{NPC|Boss|Ras Frostwhisper|icon=Lich Male}}
  +
| [[Laboratory]] || [[Scholomance]]
  +
|{{Status|Deceased}} ({{Status|Undead}})
 
|-
  
|-
āˆ’
| {{NPC|Combat|Rothin the Decaying|smallicon=IconSmall Arugal.gif}}
 +
| {{NPC|Combat|Rothin the Decaying|icon=Arugal}}
 
| [[Maw of Neltharion]] || [[Dragonblight]]
  
| [[Maw of Neltharion]] || [[Dragonblight]]
  +
|{{Status|Killable}}
 
|-
  
|-
  +
| {{Neutral}} {{RaceIcon|Darion}} {{NPC||The Black Knight}}
āˆ’
| {{NPC|Alliance|Tom Hegger|smallicon=IconSmall Human Male.gif}}
  
āˆ’
| [[Valiance Keep]] || [[Borean Tundra]]
 +
| [[Argent Tournament Grounds]] || [[Icecrown]]
  +
|{{Status|Deceased}} ({{Status|Undead}})
 
|-
  
|-
āˆ’
| {{NPC|Alliance|Guard Mitchells|smallicon=IconSmall Human Male.gif}}
 +
| {{NPC|Alliance|Tom Hegger|icon=Human Male}}
 
| [[Valiance Keep]] || [[Borean Tundra]]
  
| [[Valiance Keep]] || [[Borean Tundra]]
  +
|{{Status|Killable}}
 
|-
  
|-
āˆ’
| {{NPC|Alliance|"Salty" John Thorpe|smallicon=IconSmall Human Male.gif}}
 +
| {{NPC|Combat|Varidus the Flenser|icon=Necromancer}}
  +
| [[Warsong Slaughterhouse]] || [[Borean Tundra]]
  +
|{{Status|Killable}}
  +
|-
  +
| {{NPC|Alliance|"Salty" John Thorpe|icon=Human Male}}
 
| [[Valiance Keep]] || [[Borean Tundra]]
  
| [[Valiance Keep]] || [[Borean Tundra]]
  +
|{{Status|Killable}}
 
|-
  
|-
  +
| {{RPG-inline}} {{NPC||Jack (human)||Jack|icon=Cultist Male}}
āˆ’
| {{NPC|Combat|Grimkor the Wicked|smallicon=IconSmall Necromancer.gif}}
  
āˆ’
| [[Ironwall Rampart]] || [[Icecrown]]
 +
| Unknown || [[Northrend]]
  +
|{{Status|Alive}}
 
|-
  
|-
  +
| {{RPG-inline}} {{NPC||Pai Stormbringer|icon=Cultist Female}}
āˆ’
| {{Combat Icon Small}} {{RaceIcon|Human|Male}}{{RaceIcon|Undead|Male}}{{RaceIconExt|Wraith}} {{NPC||The Black Knight}}
  
  +
| Unknown || Unknown
āˆ’
| [[Argent Tournament Grounds]] || [[Icecrown]]
  
  +
|{{Status|Alive}}
 
|-
  
|-
  +
| {{RPG-inline}} {{NPC||Ul'haik Hadanot|icon=UndeadElf Male}}
āˆ’
| {{NPC|Combat|Deathspeaker Kharos|smallicon=IconSmall Necromancer.gif}}
  
  +
| Unknown || Unknown
āˆ’
| [[Deathspeaker's Watch]] || [[Icecrown]]
  
  +
|{{Status|Unknown}}
āˆ’
|-
  
āˆ’
| {{NPC|Combat|Doctor Kohler|smallicon=IconSmall MadScientist.gif}}
  
āˆ’
| [[Deathspeaker's Watch]] || [[Icecrown]]
  
 
|}
  
|}
   
āˆ’
== Types ==
 +
===Unnamed===
  +
{{Cleanup-section|Trim; leave some interesting / distinct examples.}}
āˆ’
{| width="left" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="table-layout:fixed;"
  
  +
{{columns|4|
āˆ’
|- valign="top"
  
  +
*[[Acolyte (mob)]]
āˆ’
|
  
  +
*[[Animated Laborer]]
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Anub'ar Cultist]]
  
  +
*[[Angrathar Necrolord]]
āˆ’
*{{wow-inline}}{{bc-inline}}{{wotlk-inline}} [[Acolyte#Cult of the Damned|Acolyte]]
  
  +
*[[Bitter Initiate]]
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Acolyte of Agony]]
  
  +
*[[Boneweaver]]
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Acolyte of Pain]]
  
  +
*[[Bored Student]]
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Angrathar Necrolord]]
  
  +
*[[Burning Depths Necrolyte]]
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Bitter Initiate]]
  
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Burning Depths Necrolyte]]
 +
*[[Burning Depths Necromancer]]
  +
*[[Deathsworn Zealot]]
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Burning Depths Necromancer]]
  
  +
*[[Candlestick Mage]]
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Chosen Zealot]]
  
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Clandestine Cultist]]
 +
*[[Clandestine Cultist]]
  +
*[[Chosen Zealot]]
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Cult Adherent]]
  
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Cult Alchemist]]
 +
*[[Cult Adherent]]
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Cult Assassin]]
 +
*[[Cult Alchemist]]
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Cult Blackguard]]
 +
*[[Cult Assassin]]
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Cult Conspirator]]
 +
*[[Cult Blackguard]]
  +
*[[Cult Conspirator]]
āˆ’
|
  
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Cult Fanatic]]
 +
*[[Cult Fanatic]]
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Cult Plaguebringer]]
 +
*[[Cult Plaguebringer]]
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Cult Researcher]]
 +
*[[Cult Researcher]]
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Cult Saboteur]]
 +
*[[Cult Saboteur]]
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Cult Taskmaster]]
 +
*[[Cult Taskmaster]]
  +
*[[Cult-Sworn Pugilist]]
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Cultist Bombardier]]
  
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Cultist Corrupter]]
 +
*[[Cultist Acolyte]]
āˆ’
[[Cultist Engineer]]
 +
*[[Cultist Bombardier]]
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Cultist Infiltrator]]
 +
*[[Cultist Corrupter]]
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Cultist Necrolyte]]
 +
*[[Cultist Corpse]]
  +
*[[Cultist Engineer]]
āˆ’
|
  
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Cultist Saboteur]]
 +
*[[Cultist Infiltrator]]
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Cultist Shard Watcher]]
 +
*[[Cultist Necrolyte]]
  +
*[[Cultist Saboteur]]
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Damned Apothecary]]
  
  +
*[[Cultist Shard Watcher]]
  +
*[[Damned Apothecary]]
 
*[[Dark Adept]]
  
*[[Dark Adept]]
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Dark Necromancer]]
 +
*[[Dark Ritualist]]
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Dark Ritualist]]
 +
*[[Dark Subjugator]]
  +
*[[Dark Summoner (Eastern Plaguelands)|Dark Summoner]]
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Dark Subjugator]]
  
āˆ’
*[[Dark Summoner]]
 +
*[[Dark Zealot]]
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Dark Zealot]]
  
 
*[[Death Cultist]]
  
*[[Death Cultist]]
āˆ’
*[[Death's Head Acolyte]]
 +
*[[Death's Step Putrifier]]
  +
*[[Deathspeaker Attendant]]
āˆ’
*{{bc-inline}} [[Deatholme Acolyte]]
  
  +
*[[Deathspeaker Disciple]]
āˆ’
*{{Wotlk-inline}} [[Deathwhisper Necrolyte]]
  
  +
*[[Deathspeaker High Priest]]
āˆ’
*{{Wotlk-inline}} [[Deathwhisper Shadowcaster]]
  
  +
*[[Deathspeaker Servant]]
āˆ’
*{{Wotlk-inline}} [[Deathwhisper Torturer]]
  
  +
*[[Deathspeaker Zealot]]
āˆ’
|
  
āˆ’
*[[Empowered Necromancer]]
 +
*[[Deathwhisper Necrolyte]]
  +
*[[Deathwhisper Shadowcaster]]
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[En'kilah Necrolord]]
  
  +
*[[Deathwhisper Torturer]]
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[En'kilah Necromancer]]
  
  +
*[[Deformed Fanatic]]
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Fleeing Cultist]]
  
  +
*[[En'kilah Necrolord]]
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Frigid Necromancer]]
  
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Frigid Necromancer Attacker]]
 +
*[[En'kilah Necromancer]]
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Master Necromancer]]
 +
*[[Master Necromancer]]
  +
*[[Fleeing Cultist]]
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Naxxramas Acolyte]]
  
  +
*[[Frigid Necromancer]]
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Naxxramas Cultist]]
  
  +
*[[Frigid Necromancer Attacker]]
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Naxxramas Worshipper]]
  
  +
*[[Image of a Shadow Cultist]]
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Naxxramas Follower]]
  
  +
*[[Naxxramas Acolyte]]
āˆ’
*[[Necromancer (mob)|Necromancer]]
  
  +
*[[Naxxramas Cultist]]
āˆ’
|
  
 
*[[Necropolis Acolyte]]
  
*[[Necropolis Acolyte]]
  +
*[[Necromancer (mob)]]
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Reanimated Adherent]]
  
  +
*[[Noxious Assassin]]
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Reanimated Fanatic]]
  
  +
*[[Plaguewood Reanimator]]
  +
*[[Reanimated Fanatic]]
 
*[[Scholomance Acolyte]]
  
*[[Scholomance Acolyte]]
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Shadow Adept]]
 +
*[[Scholomance Adept]]
  +
*[[Scholomance Dark Summoner]]
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Shadow Channeler]]
  
  +
*[[Scholomance Handler]]
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Shadow Cultist]]
  
  +
*[[Scholomance Necrolyte]]
āˆ’
*[[Shadowmage (mob)|Shadowmage]]
  
āˆ’
*{{bc-inline}} [[Shadowy Necromancer]]
 +
*[[Scholomance Necromancer]]
āˆ’
*[[Skeletal Acolyte]]
 +
*[[Scholomance Neophyte]]
  +
*[[Scholomance Occultist]]
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Slain Cultist]]
  
  +
*[[Scholomance Student]]
āˆ’
|
  
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Soulguard Adept]]
 +
*[[Shadow Adept]]
  +
*[[Shadow Channeler]]
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Soulguard Animator]]
  
  +
*[[Shadow Cultist]]
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Soulguard Bonecaster]]
  
  +
*[[Shadowmage (mob)]]
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Soulguard Reaper]]
  
  +
*[[Skullmage]]
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Soulguard Watchman]]
  
  +
*[[Slain Cultist]]
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Vile Torturer]]
  
āˆ’
*[[Thuzadin Acolyte]]
 +
*[[Soulguard Adept]]
āˆ’
*[[Thuzadin Necromancer]]
 +
*[[Soulguard Animator]]
āˆ’
*[[Thuzadin Shadowcaster]]
 +
*[[Soulguard Bonecaster]]
  +
*[[Soulguard Reaper]]
  +
*[[Soulguard Watchman]]
  +
*[[Vile Torturer]]
 
*[[Vile Tutor]]
  
*[[Vile Tutor]]
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Void Summoner]]
 +
*[[Void Summoner]]
  +
*[[Wastes Taskmaster]]
āˆ’
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Wyrm Reanimator]]
  
  +
*[[Wyrm Reanimator]]
āˆ’
|}
  
  +
*[[Acolyte (Warcraft III)]] {{WC3-inline}}
  +
*[[Necromancer (Warcraft III)]] {{WC3-inline}}
  +
*{{Hearth|Dark Cultist}} {{Hearthstone-inline}}
  +
*{{Hearth|Deathspeaker}} {{Hearthstone-inline}}
  +
}}
   
āˆ’
== Title ==
 +
==In the RPG==
  +
{{RPG-section}}
āˆ’
[[Mob]]s and [[NPC]]s that are members of the Cult of the Damned will usually have the [[title#Mobs_and_NPCs|title]] {{title|Cult of the Damned}}.
  
  +
The Cult of the Damned considered the demons' defeat a victory for the Scourge as well. The Lich King was finally freed from the Legion's control, and could begin furthering his own plans using his powerful death knight, [[Arthas Menethil]]. He already had the greater part of Lordaeron under his control, and he wished to expand his influence. The Cult of the Damned rejoiced in the release of its leader and continues to work for him after the war. They didn't blink an eye when Arthas shattered the Lich King's prison and took on the spirit of Ner'zhul, making the new Lich King the strongest being in the world. The Cult simply vowed to serve this new entity as it did the old, as long as he furthered the efforts of the Scourge. Considering the new Lich King is now a mobile individual, the Cult works itself into a frenzy with the thought he may leave his new home in Northrend and grace Lordaeron with his presence some day. Working beside the undead, delving into the dark magic of necromancy, and striving one day to become undead themselves, the Cult of the Damned is truly a frightening organization.<ref>''[[Lands of Conflict]]'', pg. 154</ref>
   
  +
===Organization===
āˆ’
==Future of the Cult==
  
  +
The base of operations of the Cult of the Damned is [[Stratholme]], and its leader is [[Kel'Thuzad]]. Kel'Thuzad takes orders from the Lich King himself, and orchestrates the spread of the Scourge. His two closest living lieutenants are referred to as simply "Next In Line", and are raised as [[shades]] and replaced periodically. These leaders serve the Lich King without question, seeing [[undeath]] as the ultimate reward. Under the Next In Line, the Cult of the Damned appears to run with little rhyme or reason, but the (apparent) chaos serves the group's purpose - individual leaders cannot be picked out and targeted. Underneath the chaos is a tightly run operation with mortals dedicated to the study of dark magic, the conscription of new mortal members and undercover scouting for the Scourge's forces.
  +
  +
The Cult is situated mostly in the [[Plaguelands]] and, to a lesser extent, in the rest of Lordaeron, always extending the Scourge's sphere of control. The Cult will often be found wherever the Scourge is.<ref name="Lands of Conflict 154-155">''[[Lands of Conflict]]'', pg. 154 - 155</ref>
  +
  +
===Military tactics===
  +
The Cult of the Damned is not a military organization. It is an arm of the Scourge, and the Scourge has other methods of waging war. However, the cult contributes a pair of special weapons: necromancers and [[blightweaver]]s. Their dark rites support the cult, bringing curses on their enemies and raising new legions of undead.
  +
  +
On the battlefield, they are scavengers, using spells to bring their dead enemies under their control before the carrion birds can get to them, gathering large undead forces and directing them at key targets chosen by their Scourge commanders.
  +
  +
Death comes in many forms ā€” and it's the job of the blightweaver to make sure that death comes in as terrible a form as possible. These tinkers of the vile concoct new poisons and breed new diseases, hoping to discover new plagues that will extend the Scourge's terror to every corner of Azeroth.
  +
  +
On the battlefield, the Scourge occasionally employs blightweavers as [[sapper]]s of life; instead of sending teams of goblins to destroy a wall with a burst of explosives, they send these vile priests out to destroy a populace with an explosion of disease and poison. They sneak into a town while the battle rages elsewhere, plant plague animals in stables, and poison wells.<ref name="Dark Factions 171">''[[Dark Factions]]'', pg. 171</ref>
  +
  +
===Membership===
  +
[[File:Cultistelves.JPG|thumb|High elf cultists welcoming a new member.]]
  +
While the current members of the Cult of the Damned are zealous individuals wholly dedicated to their cause, most new recruits are shy and weak-willed people unsure of themselves. Unpopular, abused people, often considered failures in their careers or their lives in general, are ripe for the manipulation of the Scourge as they don't have much to hold onto in the first place. With the promise of wealth, power, knowledge ā€” whatever will motivate them ā€” the Cult draws them in. When the mortals commit to the Cult, they are forced to drink a concoction that steals their will and enslaves them forever to the Lich King, to help them with the final act of submission. Afterward, they are given an Orb of Illusion, used to disguise a cult member, allowing them to gain safe passage, infiltrate, or simply blend in with an enemy, and are confident and in the full sway of the Lich King's powers, ready to work tirelessly to spread the will of the Scourge. Members view the Scourge with envious fascination, and many felt this way before any dark influences helped convert them. The undead seemingly defy the natural order of things and show limitless potential, for if one can beat death, one can do anything. To be undead is the greatest goal one can have in life. It is considered a reward for a life well lived (according to the Scourge, of course) to be given undeath. There is sometimes a murmur of dissent in the ranks when some feel that their fallen enemies are gifted with undeath undeservedly while cultists must work to receive that divine payment. Such grumblings are often put down quickly, usually with the threat of death with no final reward. The officers in the Cult explain that their enemies die and become allies because their numbers are much greater than the Cult of the Damned. If the Scourge only raised deserving mortals, it would not be the great force it is today. The Scourge needs the Cult because they need mortals to serve them.
  +
  +
Kel'Thuzad personally appoints officials and leaders for the Cult, looking for people both talented in espionage and in pursuing the dark art of necromancy. Good leadership abilities, a talent for recruitment and the ability to blend in with normal mortals are also valued skills. It is impossible to reach any officer ranks without magic, however. There are no ranking members of the Cult who do not know at least a handful of dark spells.<ref name="Lands of Conflict 155-156">''[[Lands of Conflict]]'', pg. 155 - 156</ref>
  +
  +
==Notes==
  +
*Pledges to the cult are forced to drink a concoction that steals their will and enslaves them forever to the Lich King. Some say the potion contains the twisted soul of a being who was tormented before being mercilessly slaughtered.<ref>[[Cannot Reproduce]]</ref>
  +
*All cult initiates are given a special item called an [[:Orb of Illusion]]. These artifacts are used to disguise a cult member, allowing them to gain safe passage, infiltrate, or simply blend in with an enemy.<ref>[[Drag and Drop (Alliance)]] / [[Drag and Drop (Horde)]]</ref>
  +
*The members of the cult located in Scholomance celebrated the [[Midsummer Fire Festival]].<ref>[[A Light in Dark Places]]</ref>
  +
*[[Mob]]s and [[NPC]]s that are members of the Cult of the Damned will usually have the [[title#Mobs and NPCs|title]] {{title|Cult of the Damned}}. They also often use specific "cultist" facial textures that are not available to players.
  +
*According to [[The Defector]], an unreleased ''Cataclysm'' quest, a [[Twilight's Hammer]] instructor in [[Mount Hyjal]] was to be involved with the remnants of the Cult of the Damned.
  +
  +
==Speculation==
 
{{Speculation}}
  
{{Speculation}}
  +
*Before being a part of the [[Anub'ar]], the humanoid cultists were likely a part of the Cult of the Damned.
āˆ’
Because of the new leadership ([[Bolvar Fordragon]]) of the [[Scourge]], it is unknown if the Cult will continue to exist or be dismantled, or possibly break all ties with the Scourge.
  
  +
  +
==Gallery==
  +
<gallery>
  +
File:Scholomance Student.jpg|Male human cult member.
  +
File:Scholomance Neophyte Old.jpg|Female human cult member.
  +
File:Scholomance Necrolyte.jpg|Male gnome cult member.
  +
File:Scholomance Occultist.jpg|Female high elf cult member.
  +
File:BTNAcolyte.png|Symbol found on the [[Acolyte (Warcraft III)|Acolyte]] unit's cloak in ''Warcraft III''.
  +
File:Cult of the Damned symbol.png|Symbol
  +
File:Scholomance banner 1.png|A [[banner]] in [[Scholomance]]
  +
File:Scholomance banner 2.png|A banner in Scholomance
  +
File:Icecrown banner.png|A banner in [[Icecrown]]
  +
File:Noxious Infiltrator HS.jpg|{{HS|Noxious Infiltrator}} in ''[[Hearthstone (game)|Hearthstone]]''.
  +
File:Cult of the Damned Spray HotS.png|{{hots|Spray}} of the Cult of the Damned icon in ''Heroes of the Storm'' is colored differently.
  +
</gallery>
  +
  +
;Fan art
  +
<gallery>
  +
Fanart - Scourge show no mercy by Alexey Kruglov.jpg|Scourge show no mercy by Alexey Kruglov.
  +
</gallery>
   
 
==References==
  
==References==
 
{{Reflist}}
  
{{Reflist}}
   
  +
{{Scourge}}
āˆ’
== External links ==
  
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{{Religions}}
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{{elink|icon=wowhead|site=Wowhead|link=http://www.wowhead.com/?npcs&filter=ta=Cult+of+the+Damned|desc=Mobs and NPCs with {{title|Cult of the Damned}}}}
  
   
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[[Category:Cult of the Damned| ]]
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[[Category:Religions]]
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{{religions}}
  
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[[Category:Human organizations]]
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[[Category:Undead organizations]]
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[[Category:Scourge]]
   
 
[[es:Culto de los Malditos]]
  
[[es:Culto de los Malditos]]
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[[Category:Scourge]]
  
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[[Category:Cult of the Damned]]
  
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[[Category:Religions]]
  
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[[Category:NPC titles]]
  

Latest revision as of 13:35, 13 September 2023

NeutralCult of the Damned
Icon of the Damned
Main leader Unknown
  Formerly IconSmall NecromancerIconSmall Kel'ThuzadSL Kel'Thuzad[1]
IconSmall Nathrezim Mal'Ganis[2]
Secondary leaders IconSmall Arugal Darkmaster Gandling
IconSmall DeathKnight Baron Rivendare
  Formerly IconSmall Lich Male Ras Frostwhisper ā€ 
IconSmall Lich Female Lady Deathwhisper ā€ 
IconSmall Dar'khanIconSmall UndeadElf Male Dar'Khan Drathir ā€ 
Race(s) IconSmall Cultist MaleIconSmall Cultist Female Human
IconSmall Undead MaleIconSmall Undead Female Undead
IconSmall CultistOrc MaleIconSmall CultistOrc Female Orc
High elfHigh elf High elf
IconSmall CultistGnome MaleIconSmall CultistGnome Female Gnome
DwarfDwarf Dwarf
Night elfNight elf Night elf
DraeneiDraenei Draenei
Blood elfBlood elf Blood elf
Character classes Necromancer, Acolyte, Alchemist, Apothecary, Assassin, Bombardier, Engineer, Infiltrator, Mad scientist, Mage, Necrolord, Necrolyte, Plaguebringer, Priest, Rogue, Shadowmage, Summoner
Capital Mord'rethar
  Formerly Icecrown Citadel, Scholomance[3][4]
Other major settlements Aldur'thar, Scholomance[5]
  Formerly Andorhal, Stratholme, Deatholme, Naxxramas
Theater of operations Eastern Kingdoms, Northrend, Kalimdor
Language(s) Common, Language of death,[6][7][8] Various other languages
Sub-group(s) Thuzadin
Affiliation Independent
  Formerly Mawsworn,[9] Scourge
Status Active

The Cult of the Damned is an organization of the living beings who served the Lich King. The Cult was formed years before the Third War, as the predecessor and creator of the Scourge officially being loyal to the Burning Legion, and establishing its foothold on Lordaeron. The Lich King Ner'zhul, trapped in his prison-throne, reached out telepathically any dark soul lusted for power that would hear his call - most notably the then-Archmage Kel'Thuzad who would become an Archlich and the creator and leader of the Cult of the Damned.

While Cultists aspire to become undead, they remain alive because undeath is considered an honor one must earn, and because living beings are useful to the Lich King for their ability to spy in living Horde or Alliance settlements, and recruit powerful individuals from among the living, either into the Cult or the Scourge.[3] The Cult ranks consists mostly of humans, but orcs, high elves, draenei, and other races are also present.

Following the rise of Bolvar Fordragon as the new Lich King, and his proclamation as "Jailor of the Damned", the Cult of the Damned have been seen leading the various remaining Scourge posts in Azeroth. As Fordragon's ability to contain the Scourge was limited to Northrend, the heroes of Azeroth had the responsibility to defeat the rest of the Scourge still beyond that continent.

After the destruction of the Helm of Domination and the fall of Bolvar as the Lich King, the Cult of the Damned re-emerged through Azeroth, answering the call of the Jailer's herald who preached that soon the "Banished One" will claim the soul of Azeroth and that all will serve him.

The cult is notorious for concocting grandiose plans that in the end, rarely succeed.[10]

History

Stub This section is a lore stub.

Formation of the cult

Main article: Kel'Thuzad and the Forming of the Scourge
Lich King

The Lich King

After the Lich King Ner'zhul defeated Azjol-Nerub in the War of the Spider, and gained control of Northrend, he turned his attention south, to Kil'jaeden's chosen targets: Quel'Thalas and Lordaeron. Though he was trapped bodiless and confined to the Frozen Throne, he could reach out telepathically across great distances to those seeking power and knowledge of necromancy - his first minions, and the beginnings of the Cult of the Damned.

Chief among the men and women who heard the Lich King's call was Kel'Thuzad, archmage of Dalaran. Forsaking his position as a senior member of the Kirin Tor, Dalaran's ruling council, Kel'Thuzad traveled alone to Northrend. The vast Nerubian ruins left decimated by the War of the Spider confirmed his desire to ally with the Lich King. His arrival was expected, and he offered his soul to Ner'zhul. In exchange for loyalty and obedience, Kel'Thuzad was promised immortality and power, but he remained a mortal human for his appointed task: the organization of the Cult of the Damned, which would set the stage for the Scourge's conquest of Lordaeron. The Archmagus was old, but still very charismatic, a useful trait for amassing more and more of Lordaeron's easily-swayed citizens under the shadow of the Lich King.

Cult Master Kel'Thuzad

The necromancer Kel'Thuzad

For three years Kel'Thuzad worked, preaching his new religion to the masses, promising them immortality and an ideal society free of all the burdens the existing one forced upon its citizenry. Many of Lordaeron's overworked laborers and disenfranchised masses were taken in by this charismatic individual, and willingly sold themselves into service to the Lich King. Kel'Thuzad also used his fortunes and offers of great powers and immortality to attract and convince nobles and landowners to join his cause, bringing them into the Cult through the promise of using the lower classes to defeat their rivals and obtain even more wealth.[11] Some of the earliest known members of the Cult of the Damned include Baron Rivendare,[12] Bronjahm,[13] Maleki the Pallid,[14] and Ras Frostwhisper.[3] Eventually, many of Lordaeron's northern towns were completely under the control of the Cult of the Damned, and it became time for the Lich King to act.

Third War

Cult of the Damnied rallied

The Cult rallied by Arthas and Tichondrius.

As the Third War started, the cultists began openly operating alongside Scourge forces, led by their master Kel'Thuzad, distributing plagued grain throughout northern Lordaeron.[15] They were eventually scattered by the vengeful Arthas Menethil and went back into hiding.

In the days since Prince Arthas took the fleet to Northrend, the Scourge continued to grow, taking villages and its turned inhabitants, with a small help from Baron Rivendare and his corrupted food supplies.[16]

When the prince of Lordaeron became corrupted by Frostmourne and changed his allegiances, Tichondrius ordered him to rally the Cult once more. The death knight began his work in Vandermar Village, where many hidden acolytes lived, though they eventually fell under suspicion of the local town guard. Arthas gathered the cultists and saved those in danger, destroying the village in the process. The acolytes began serving Arthas and openly acting once more.[17]

Plague cauldrons, artifacts which would spread the blight plague over wide areas, were created and placed by the Cult of the Damned in the cities they controlled, beginning in the northernmost reaches of the kingdom of Lordaeron. The plague spread quickly, wiping out the towns' populations and raising them as Scourge. Though this was a horror for an unsuspecting citizen, for a Cultist, undeath was a welcome reward.

When Arthas shattered the Lich King's prison and took on the Helm of Domination and the spirit of Ner'zhul, the cult continued to serve him in the years to come.

World of Warcraft

WoW Icon update This section concerns content related to the original World of Warcraft.
Cultist Engineer

Cultist

Stub This section is a lore stub.

The Cult was still active, secretly present in nearly every city of the Alliance and Horde,[3] but its true objective was hidden; the Lich King's next move had yet to be revealed.

As the only living humanoid boss in Naxxramas, Grand Widow Faerlina is likely a high-ranked member of the cult. Other members include Maleki the Pallid, leader of the mortal Thuzadin in Stratholme.

Wrath of the Lich King

Wrath-Logo-Small This section concerns content related to Wrath of the Lich King.

During the war against the Lich King, the Cult of the Damned made a strong comeback and managed to infect many villages with the Plague of Undeath, including the Magmothran magnataur in Borean Tundra, the Alliance town of Farshire, and the Horde farms north of Warsong Hold, and have infiltrated both factions' main strongholds within Borean Tundra.

In Sholazar Basin, they attacked and destroyed the Lifeblood Pillar, thus granting the undead access to the Basin. They later tried to destroy the Glimmering Pillar, but they were stopped by the Avatar of Freya and adventurers before they could do permanent damage.[18]

Within Icecrown, cultists trained, practiced, and killed mostly upon the gigantic series of gates the Lich King built to fortify Icecrown Citadel. At Sindragosa's Fall, the area was crawling with acolytes who were raising frost wyrms from the ice to increase the ranks of the Frostbrood.[19]

Cataclysm

Cataclysm This section concerns content related to Cataclysm.

After the fall of the Lich King, the Cult of the Damned became independent of the Bolvar-controlled Scourge,[20] and was still active in the Plaguelands, attempting to spread the plague and creating new undead horrors.

However, their task is mostly to re-blight or prevent the healing of the Plaguelands (which has mostly failed outside of the Eastern Plaguelands).

In the Hour of Twilight, an apocalyptic future where the Old Gods managed to free themselves from their prison, Wastes Taskmasters were still commanding ghouls around Galakrond's Rest.

Legion

Legion This section concerns content related to Legion.

During the third invasion of the Burning Legion, the Cult of the Damned was still active on the island of Caer Darrow, despite many attacks on Scholomance, and were in possession of the Book of Medivh, until Gul'dan and the Shadow Council took it.[21]

Exploring Azeroth

WoW-novel-logo-16x62 This section concerns content related to the Warcraft novels, novellas, or short stories.

Following the Fourth War, Mathias Shaw stated that according to Argent Crusade reports, the Cult of the Damned was still in Scholomance with Darkmaster Gandling at their head.[5]

Shadowlands

Shadowlands This section concerns content related to Shadowlands.

After the Helm of Domination was destroyed by Sylvanas Windrunner, and with it the Lich King itself, the Cult of the Damned re-emerged all across Azeroth, emboldened by the message of Zovaal the Jailer brought by the Mawsworn kyrian Herald Dalora.[22]

Members

Bonecaller HS

Bonecaller in Hearthstone.

Named

Name Location Status
Mob IconSmall Cultist Male Alumeth the Ascended Aldur'thar: The Desolation Gate Icecrown Killable (Undead)
Mob IconSmall DeathKnight Baron Rivendare Various Locations Active (Undead)
Boss IconSmall Cultist Male Bronjahm Forge of Souls Icecrown Citadel Deceased (Undead)
Mob IconSmall Dar'khan IconSmall UndeadElf Male Dar'Khan Drathir Tower of the Damned Deatholme Deceased (Undead)
Neutral IconSmall Cultist Male Darnavan (temporarily) Lower Spire Icecrown Citadel Unknown
Mob IconSmall Necromancer Deathspeaker Kharos Deathspeaker's Watch Icecrown Deceased
Mob IconSmall Cultist Female Deathspeaker Selendre Eastern Plaguelands Killable
IconSmall Necromancer Diodor the Damned Unknown Unknown Deceased
Mob IconSmall MadScientist Doctor Kohler Deathspeaker's Watch Icecrown Killable (Undead)
Boss IconSmall Arugal Darkmaster Gandling Headmaster's Study Scholomance Active
Boss IconSmall Human Female Grand Widow Faerlina Arachnid Quarter Naxxramas Killable
Mob IconSmall Necromancer Grimkor the Wicked Ironwall Rampart Icecrown Killable
Alliance IconSmall Human Male Guard Mitchells Valiance Keep Borean Tundra Killable
Mob IconSmall Cultist Male High Cultist Herenn Shaper's Terrace Un'Goro Crater Killable
Mob IconSmall CultistOrc Male High Cultist Zangus The Pit of Narjun Dragonblight Killable
Neutral IconSmall Cultist Male High Deathpriest Isidorus Death's Stand Borean Tundra Unknown
Mob IconSmall Arugal High Invoker Basaleph Cathedral of Darkness Icecrown Deceased (Undead)
Boss IconSmall Cultist Female Jandice Barov Hall of Illusions Scholomance Active (Undead)
Neutral IconSmall Necromancer IconSmall Kel'ThuzadSL Kel'Thuzad Throne of the Damned Sanctum of Domination Deceased (Undead)
Boss IconSmall Lich Female Lady Deathwhisper Lower Spire Icecrown Citadel Deceased (Undead)
Boss IconSmall Cultist Male Maleki the Pallid Gauntlet Stratholme Killable
Mob IconSmall HighElf Female Malicia Malicia's Outpost Western Plaguelands Killable
Mob IconSmall Necromancer Overseer Deathgaze Jintha'kalar Dragonblight Killable (Undead)
Mob IconSmall HighElf Male Overseer Faedris Aldur'thar: The Desolation Gate (South Rampart) Icecrown Killable
Mob IconSmall Arugal Overseer Jhaeqon Aldur'thar: The Desolation Gate (Mid-Rampart) Icecrown Killable
Mob IconSmall Cultist Male Overseer Savryn Aldur'thar: The Desolation Gate (North Rampart) Icecrown Killable
Mob IconSmall Cultist Male Overseer Veraj Aldur'thar: The Desolation Gate (East Rampart) Icecrown Killable
Boss IconSmall Lich Male Ras Frostwhisper Laboratory Scholomance Deceased (Undead)
Mob IconSmall Arugal Rothin the Decaying Maw of Neltharion Dragonblight Killable
Neutral IconSmall Darion The Black Knight Argent Tournament Grounds Icecrown Deceased (Undead)
Alliance IconSmall Human Male Tom Hegger Valiance Keep Borean Tundra Killable
Mob IconSmall Necromancer Varidus the Flenser Warsong Slaughterhouse Borean Tundra Killable
Alliance IconSmall Human Male "Salty" John Thorpe Valiance Keep Borean Tundra Killable
Icon-RPG IconSmall Cultist Male Jack Unknown Northrend Alive
Icon-RPG IconSmall Cultist Female Pai Stormbringer Unknown Unknown Alive
Icon-RPG IconSmall UndeadElf Male Ul'haik Hadanot Unknown Unknown Unknown

Unnamed

Icon-search-48x48 This section contains information that needs to be cleaned up. Reason: Trim; leave some interesting / distinct examples.

In the RPG

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

The Cult of the Damned considered the demons' defeat a victory for the Scourge as well. The Lich King was finally freed from the Legion's control, and could begin furthering his own plans using his powerful death knight, Arthas Menethil. He already had the greater part of Lordaeron under his control, and he wished to expand his influence. The Cult of the Damned rejoiced in the release of its leader and continues to work for him after the war. They didn't blink an eye when Arthas shattered the Lich King's prison and took on the spirit of Ner'zhul, making the new Lich King the strongest being in the world. The Cult simply vowed to serve this new entity as it did the old, as long as he furthered the efforts of the Scourge. Considering the new Lich King is now a mobile individual, the Cult works itself into a frenzy with the thought he may leave his new home in Northrend and grace Lordaeron with his presence some day. Working beside the undead, delving into the dark magic of necromancy, and striving one day to become undead themselves, the Cult of the Damned is truly a frightening organization.[23]

Organization

The base of operations of the Cult of the Damned is Stratholme, and its leader is Kel'Thuzad. Kel'Thuzad takes orders from the Lich King himself, and orchestrates the spread of the Scourge. His two closest living lieutenants are referred to as simply "Next In Line", and are raised as shades and replaced periodically. These leaders serve the Lich King without question, seeing undeath as the ultimate reward. Under the Next In Line, the Cult of the Damned appears to run with little rhyme or reason, but the (apparent) chaos serves the group's purpose - individual leaders cannot be picked out and targeted. Underneath the chaos is a tightly run operation with mortals dedicated to the study of dark magic, the conscription of new mortal members and undercover scouting for the Scourge's forces.

The Cult is situated mostly in the Plaguelands and, to a lesser extent, in the rest of Lordaeron, always extending the Scourge's sphere of control. The Cult will often be found wherever the Scourge is.[24]

Military tactics

The Cult of the Damned is not a military organization. It is an arm of the Scourge, and the Scourge has other methods of waging war. However, the cult contributes a pair of special weapons: necromancers and blightweavers. Their dark rites support the cult, bringing curses on their enemies and raising new legions of undead.

On the battlefield, they are scavengers, using spells to bring their dead enemies under their control before the carrion birds can get to them, gathering large undead forces and directing them at key targets chosen by their Scourge commanders.

Death comes in many forms ā€” and it's the job of the blightweaver to make sure that death comes in as terrible a form as possible. These tinkers of the vile concoct new poisons and breed new diseases, hoping to discover new plagues that will extend the Scourge's terror to every corner of Azeroth.

On the battlefield, the Scourge occasionally employs blightweavers as sappers of life; instead of sending teams of goblins to destroy a wall with a burst of explosives, they send these vile priests out to destroy a populace with an explosion of disease and poison. They sneak into a town while the battle rages elsewhere, plant plague animals in stables, and poison wells.[25]

Membership

Cultistelves

High elf cultists welcoming a new member.

While the current members of the Cult of the Damned are zealous individuals wholly dedicated to their cause, most new recruits are shy and weak-willed people unsure of themselves. Unpopular, abused people, often considered failures in their careers or their lives in general, are ripe for the manipulation of the Scourge as they don't have much to hold onto in the first place. With the promise of wealth, power, knowledge ā€” whatever will motivate them ā€” the Cult draws them in. When the mortals commit to the Cult, they are forced to drink a concoction that steals their will and enslaves them forever to the Lich King, to help them with the final act of submission. Afterward, they are given an Orb of Illusion, used to disguise a cult member, allowing them to gain safe passage, infiltrate, or simply blend in with an enemy, and are confident and in the full sway of the Lich King's powers, ready to work tirelessly to spread the will of the Scourge. Members view the Scourge with envious fascination, and many felt this way before any dark influences helped convert them. The undead seemingly defy the natural order of things and show limitless potential, for if one can beat death, one can do anything. To be undead is the greatest goal one can have in life. It is considered a reward for a life well lived (according to the Scourge, of course) to be given undeath. There is sometimes a murmur of dissent in the ranks when some feel that their fallen enemies are gifted with undeath undeservedly while cultists must work to receive that divine payment. Such grumblings are often put down quickly, usually with the threat of death with no final reward. The officers in the Cult explain that their enemies die and become allies because their numbers are much greater than the Cult of the Damned. If the Scourge only raised deserving mortals, it would not be the great force it is today. The Scourge needs the Cult because they need mortals to serve them.

Kel'Thuzad personally appoints officials and leaders for the Cult, looking for people both talented in espionage and in pursuing the dark art of necromancy. Good leadership abilities, a talent for recruitment and the ability to blend in with normal mortals are also valued skills. It is impossible to reach any officer ranks without magic, however. There are no ranking members of the Cult who do not know at least a handful of dark spells.[26]

Notes

  • Pledges to the cult are forced to drink a concoction that steals their will and enslaves them forever to the Lich King. Some say the potion contains the twisted soul of a being who was tormented before being mercilessly slaughtered.[27]
  • All cult initiates are given a special item called an Orb of Illusion. These artifacts are used to disguise a cult member, allowing them to gain safe passage, infiltrate, or simply blend in with an enemy.[28]
  • The members of the cult located in Scholomance celebrated the Midsummer Fire Festival.[29]
  • Mobs and NPCs that are members of the Cult of the Damned will usually have the title <Cult of the Damned>. They also often use specific "cultist" facial textures that are not available to players.
  • According to N [81] The Defector, an unreleased Cataclysm quest, a Twilight's Hammer instructor in Mount Hyjal was to be involved with the remnants of the Cult of the Damned.

Speculation

Questionmark-medium
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.
  • Before being a part of the Anub'ar, the humanoid cultists were likely a part of the Cult of the Damned.

Gallery

  • Male human cult member.

    Male human cult member.

  • Female human cult member.

    Female human cult member.

  • Male gnome cult member.

    Male gnome cult member.

  • Female high elf cult member.

    Female high elf cult member.

  • Symbol found on the Acolyte unit's cloak in Warcraft III.

    Symbol found on the Acolyte unit's cloak in Warcraft III.

  • Symbol

    Symbol

  • A banner in Scholomance

    A banner in Scholomance

  • A banner in Icecrown

    A banner in Icecrown

  • Spray of the Cult of the Damned icon in Heroes of the Storm is colored differently.

    Spray of the Cult of the Damned icon in Heroes of the Storm is colored differently.

Fan art
  • Scourge show no mercy by Alexey Kruglov.

    Scourge show no mercy by Alexey Kruglov.

References

 
  1. ^ Ultimate Visual Guide
  2. ^ Ultimate Visual Guide, Updated and Expanded, pg. 50
  3. ^ a b c d Magistrate Marduke#Quotes
  4. ^ Eva Sarkhoff#Quotes
  5. ^ a b World of Warcraft: Exploring Azeroth: The Eastern Kingdoms, pg. 77
  6. ^ A [10-30] The Hunt is On
  7. ^ Inv scroll 04 [Cultist Communique]
  8. ^ A [15-30] A Righteous Sermon
  9. ^ N [50] Secrets in Shadows
  10. ^ B [25-30G3] Need More Info
  11. ^ World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 3, pg. 30
  12. ^ Ultimate Visual Guide, pg. 16
  13. ^ Bronjahm#Adventure Guide
  14. ^ Maleki the Pallid#Adventure Guide
  15. ^ The Cult of the Damned (WC3 Human)
  16. ^ A Cleansing Fire
  17. ^ Trudging through the Ashes (WC3 Undead)
  18. ^ Exploring Azeroth: Northrend, pg. 119
  19. ^ A [25-30] Sindragosa's Fall
  20. ^ Lore and Story Q&A. Blizzard Entertainment (2011-10-22). Retrieved on 2017-08-03.
  21. ^ Forgotten Letter
  22. ^ N [50] Only Shadows Remain
  23. ^ Lands of Conflict, pg. 154
  24. ^ Lands of Conflict, pg. 154 - 155
  25. ^ Dark Factions, pg. 171
  26. ^ Lands of Conflict, pg. 155 - 156
  27. ^ B [25-30] Cannot Reproduce
  28. ^ A [25-30] Drag and Drop / H [25-30] Drag and Drop
  29. ^ N [60] A Light in Dark Places
Leaders
Characters
Undead types
Corporeal
Incorporeal
Skeletal
Living followers
Cities
Territories
Groups
Defectors
Buildings & constructs
Religions and beliefs
Light
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Loa
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Icon-RPG
EspaƱol
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