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{{Source needed|History section}}
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{{Wowbox/Begin|width=300px}}
 
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{{Infobox faction
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{{infoboxfaction
  
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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 = Icon 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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| mlead = [[Kel'Thuzad|Archlich Kel'Thuzad]]
  
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| leaders = {{RaceIcon|Arugal}} [[Darkmaster Gandling]]<br/> {{NPC||Baron Rivendare|icon=DeathKnight}}
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| hq = [[Naxxramas]]
  
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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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| capitals = [[Stratholme]], [[Scholomance]], [[Andorhal]], [[Deatholme]]
  
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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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| language = [[Common]]
 
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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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| slang = Possibly [[Demonic]]
  
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| races = [[Humans]], [[High elf|High Elves]]
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| capital = [[Mord'rethar: The Death Gate|Mord'rethar]]
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| fcapital = [[Icecrown Citadel]], [[Scholomance]]<ref name="Marduke" /><ref>[[Eva Sarkhoff#Quotes]]</ref>
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| theater = [[Lordaeron]]}}
  
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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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{{Wowbox/End}}
  
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| fcapitals = [[Andorhal]], [[Stratholme]], [[Deatholme]], [[Naxxramas]]
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| theater = [[Eastern Kingdoms]], [[Northrend]], [[Kalimdor]]
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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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| 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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}}
   
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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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*Membership: 10,000.
  
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*Affiliation: 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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The '''Cult of the Damned''' was formed during the opening days of the [[Third War]], during which the [[Scourge]] was working to establish its foothold on [[Lordaeron]]. The Scourge, under command of the [[Lich King]], was to weaken the world of Azeroth in preparation for the arrival of the [[Burning Legion]], whose mission was (and remains still) to destroy all life and order in the Universe. The wretched Lich King, during the time of the Third War, was yet an unwilling servant of the Legion. Even so, he commanded his minions telepathically from the confines of his [[Frozen Throne|prison-throne]]. Reaching out with his mind, he contacted many men, orcs, and elves who already held in their hearts a lust for power.
  
   
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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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Dedicated to furthering the Scourgeā€™s agenda. The Cult of the Damned is a band of mortals dedicated to serving the undead. When the Burning Legion began their ravaging of the countryside, they captured mortals and assigned their control to the Lich King, who quickly broke their wills and filled the empty shells with zealous fervor. The new cultists were instrumental in bringing the Scourge into Lordaeron, as these fanaticsā€™ initial job was to spread the plague that killed ā€” and raised ā€” many of the continentā€™s citizens. The Burning Legion was defeated at the Battle of Mount Hyjal, giving victory to the Alliance and Horde. They were not the only winners, however. The Cult of the Damned considers the demonsā€™ defeat a victory for the Scourge as well. With the demonsā€™ defeat, the Lich King was finally freed from their control and, with his powerful death knight Arthas, could begin furthering his own plans. 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 didnā€™t blink an eye when Arthas shattered the Lich Kingā€™s prison and took on the spirit of Nerā€™zhul, making the new Lich King the strongest being in the world (or believed to be). 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.
  
   
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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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It has no allies; in fact, the members would rather have enemies. No sane mortals match the Cult of the Damnedā€™s desire to serve the Scourge; they do not willingly give their bodies and souls to the Lich King for raising after death. With many enemies in the Alliance and Horde, the cultists are able to give their masters more bodies to raise and add to their armies after the inevitable conflicts. The Scourgeā€™s only true rival would be the Burning Legion, under whose yoke they recently toiled. The Scourge is a powerful entity, and the Burning Legion is not pleased to have lost its dedication (as well as the Third War). Although the forsaken hate the Scourge, the Lich King regards them as lost sheep that must rejoin the flock, and they are not viewed as enemies.{{Cite|LoC|154}}
  
   
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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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==History==
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Most prominent among these sinister few was a powerful Archmagus called [[Kel'Thuzad]], member of the ruling council of the [[Kirin Tor]] in [[Dalaran]]. Though he served the light, Kel'Thuzad held in his mind a fascination for the sinister ways of the Dark Arts. In men, it is known that the mind can oftentimes deceive the soul...
  
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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.
   
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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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Using the powers at his disposal, the charismatic [[Archmage|Archmagus]]-turned-[[Necromancer]] formed the '''Cult of the Damned''', whose sole purpose was to serve the will of the Lich King. Luring disenfranchised peasants and workers into the Cult's service through the promise of social equality and immortality, Kel'Thuzad undermined Lordaeron's defenses by utilizing his peasant workforce to spread the insidious [[Plague of Undeath]]. Contained within Plague cauldrons throughout the region, the Plague transformed many of the nation's citizens into undead creatures under the control of the Lich King. Eventually, Lordaeron fell to the Scourge, betrayed by many of its own people who were in the service of the Lich King.
  
   
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[[File:Cult Master Kel'Thuzad.jpg|thumb|left|The necromancer Kel'Thuzad]]
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Not long after, as the Burning Legion was defeated upon the summit of [[Mount Hyjal]], the Lich King earned his freedom from the Legion, and regained his control over the [[Scourge]]. Today, the Cult of the Damned continues to help fulfill the will of the Lich King throughout the world, undermining both the [[Alliance]] and the [[Horde]] races whenever possible, doing what they can to turn more races to war amongst themselves. After all, for every human or orc who falls on the battlefield, the Scourge gains another potential recruit.
  
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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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[[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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== The History of the Cult ==
  
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[[Image:Lich_King.jpg|thumb|The Lich King]]
  
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[[image:Kelthuzad.jpg|thumb|The Necromancer Kel'Thuzad]]
  
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After the Lich King gained control of Northrend and defeated the Empire of [[Azjol-Nerub]] during the [[War of the Spider]], he began to set his eyes south, toward the target given to him by [[Kil'jaeden]], Lieutenant of the Burning Legion, and the Lich King's overlord and creator. Reaching out with his vast telepathic capabilities, the Lich King contacted many individuals in throughout the world who would make suitable minions to begin the spread of the Scourge southward.
  
   
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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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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, the ruling council of the magocratic nation, Kel'Thuzad made the long journey northward, toward the icy land of Northrend, traveling alone the entire way. Upon arriving at Northrend, the old Archmagus gazed in awe upon the vast ruins left following the War of the Spider, and realized that siding with the Lich King would be a more intelligent decision than he had at first thought.
  
   
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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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Soon after, Kel'Thuzad arrived at the [[Frozen Throne]], his path unbarred by the undead guardians of the Scourge, and there he offered his soul to Ner'zhul. In exchange for loyalty and obedience, the Lich King promised the Archmagus immortality and great power. To aid his new servant in his appointed task of setting the stage for the Scourge's coming to Lordaeron, the Lich King left Kel'Thuzad's humanity intact. Although old, the Archmagus was still very charismatic, and such a trait would prove useful in assembling more and more of Lordaeron's easily-swayed citizens toward the shadow of the Lich King.
  
   
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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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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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===World of Warcraft===
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Imbuing a number of cauldron-like artifacts with the energies of the Blight Plague, the Lich King constructed a number of these Plague cauldrons which would spread the Plague over wide areas. Securing these magical devices safely within many of the Cult's towns to the north, the Blight Plague quickly spread, wiping out their parent towns and turning the citizens into undead creatures in service to the Lich King. Though, for the Cultists, joining the ranks of the undead was a welcome reward.
  
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{{wow-section}}
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[[File:Cultist Engineer.jpg|thumb|Cultist]]
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As the Plague spread further and the forces of the Scourge battered the people of Lordaeron relentlessly, the once-great nation inevitably began to fall to the Scourge. The vast weight of undead created by the Blight Plague, supported by the invasion of the Burning Legion, was a substantial force to combat. Augmented by the death of Lordaeron's [[King Terenas]] at the hands of his own son, [[Arthas]], the newly anointed [[Death Knight]], the siege proved too much for Lordaeron's remaining defenders to hold off. However, the success of the Scourge, now under the command of the Burning Legion, was soon halted upon the slopes of Mount Hyjal, as the races of the world united against undead horde. It was at Hyjal that Archimonde, one of the Legion's Lieutenants and leader upon Azeroth, was slain. The Legion fell into disarray. Unguided by a central leader, its forces scattered.
  
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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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Following the defeat of the Legion, the Scourge once again fell into the Lich King's control. Although many of the Scourge were lost during the battle of Hyjal, and more during the Frozen Throne affair when the [[Forsaken]] broke away from the Scourge, the forces of the Lich King remained strong, its efforts still aided by the loyal Cult of the Damned. Although their motives are unclear, under the shadowy ministration of the Lich King, the Cult of the Damned continues its work, which it seems, is never finished.
  
   
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===Wrath of the Lich King===
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==Organization==
  
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{{wotlk-section}}
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Kelā€™Thuzad stands at the head of the Scourge as well as the Cult of the Damned. Busy taking orders from the Lich King himself and orchestrating the spread of the Scourge, he doesnā€™t have the ability to
  
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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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closely watch over the Cult of the Damned. He has appointed two mortals to head the Cult and to report back to him the triumphs and pitfalls of the further conquest of Lordareon. These two are simply
  
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called Next In Line, referring to their desire to end their lives and begin existence as an undead.
  
   
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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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Under these two, the Cult of the Damned appears to run with little rhyme or reason, but the chaos serves the groupā€™s purpose: complete and utter control of Lordaeron for the Lich King. The hapless mortals who fall beneath the feet of the Scourge could not tell who led the Cult of the Damned at the head of the army. 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. Some membersā€™ jobs are simply to carry messages from the field to the Next In Line in Stratholme. Cult of the Damned members do not have an official wardrobe to represent their dedication. Some try to blend in with normal society so that they may spy for the Scourge or look for worthwhile new members. Others wear the clothes of the dead, often ripped and foul-smelling, to represent what they soon wish to be. Those who thoroughly study dark magic robe themselves in black and purple, dropping the brighter colors of their former lives as mages. When the Next In Line are considered worthy, Kelā€™Thuzad kills them and raises them as shades, the most honored place a cultist can achieve. He then appoints more mortals to serve as Next In Line for the Cult of the Damned. These leaders again serve the Lich King without question, seeing undeath as the ultimate reward. However, it is not only the Next In Line who are rewarded with undeath. Often the lich will raise any Cult member who has died in service to the Scourge. It is rare a mortal will be rewarded with undeath for simply
  
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doing good work, though, as a talented mortal must stay alive and serve the Cult. One mortal who brings a plague to a city of fifty thousand is worth more than the one undead warrior she could become.{{Cite|LoC|154, 155}}
  
   
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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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==Membership==
  
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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 experience dark magic to help them with the final act of submission. Afterwards, they 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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===Cataclysm===
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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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{{cata-section}}
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not know at least a handful of dark spells.{{Cite|LoC|155, 156}}
  
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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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However, their task is mostly to re-blight or prevent the healing of the Plaguelands (which has mostly failed outside of the Eastern Plaguelands).
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== The Cult of the Damned in WoW ==
  
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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.
 
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As the only living humanoid boss in [[Naxxramas]], [[Grand Widow Faerlina]] is likely a high-ranked member of the cult.
  
   
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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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Known members:
  
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===Legion===
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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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===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
 
|-
  
|-
  +
| {{NPC|Combat|Alumeth the Ascended|icon=Cultist Male}}
āˆ’
| {{Race Icon Lich Small}} [[Kel'Thuzad]]
  
āˆ’
| [[Frostwyrm Lair]], || [[Naxxramas]]
 +
| [[Aldur'thar: The Desolation Gate]] || [[Icecrown]]
  +
|{{Status|Killable}} ({{Status|Undead}})
 
|-
  
|-
  +
| {{NPC|Combat|Baron Rivendare|icon=DeathKnight}}
āˆ’
| {{Race Icon Human Female Small}} [[Grand Widow Faerlina]]
  
  +
| [[Baron Rivendare#Locations|Various Locations]] ||
āˆ’
| [[Spider Wing]], || [[Naxxramas]]
  
  +
| |{{Status|Active}} ({{Status|Undead}})
  +
|-
  +
| {{NPC|Boss|Bronjahm|icon=Cultist Male}}
  +
| [[Forge of Souls]] || [[Icecrown Citadel]]
  +
|{{Status|Deceased}} ({{Status|Undead}})
  +
|-
  +
| {{NPC|Combat|Dar'Khan Drathir|icon=Dar'khan|icon2=UndeadElf Male}}
  +
| [[Tower of the Damned]] || [[Deatholme]]
  +
|{{Status|Deceased}} ({{Status|Undead}})
  +
|-
  +
| {{NPC|Neutral|Darnavan|icon=Cultist Male}} (temporarily)
  +
| [[Lower Spire]] || [[Icecrown Citadel]]
  +
|{{Status|Unknown}}
  +
|-
  +
| {{NPC|Combat|Deathspeaker Kharos|icon=Necromancer}}
  +
| [[Deathspeaker's Watch]] || [[Icecrown]]
  +
|{{Status|Deceased}}
  +
|-
  +
| {{NPC|Combat|Deathspeaker Selendre|icon=Cultist Female}}
  +
| || [[Eastern Plaguelands]]
  +
|{{Status|Killable}}
  +
|-
  +
| {{NPC||Diodor the Damned|icon=Necromancer}}
  +
| Unknown || Unknown
  +
|{{Status|Deceased}}
  +
|-
  +
| {{NPC|Combat|Doctor Kohler|icon=MadScientist}}
  +
| [[Deathspeaker's Watch]] || [[Icecrown]]
  +
|{{Status|Killable}} ({{Status|Undead}})
  +
|-
  +
| {{NPC|Boss|Darkmaster Gandling|icon=Arugal}}
  +
| [[Headmaster's Study]] || [[Scholomance]]
  +
|{{Status|Active}}
  +
|-
  +
| {{NPC|Boss|Grand Widow Faerlina|icon=Human Female}}
  +
| [[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}}
  +
|-
  +
| {{NPC|Neutral|High Deathpriest Isidorus|icon=Cultist Male}}
  +
| [[Death's Stand]] || [[Borean Tundra]]
  +
|{{Status|Unknown}}
  +
|-
  +
| {{NPC|Combat|High Invoker Basaleph|icon=Arugal}}
  +
| [[Cathedral of Darkness]] || [[Icecrown]]
  +
|{{Status|Deceased}} ({{Status|Undead}})
  +
|-
  +
| {{NPC|Boss|Jandice Barov|icon=Cultist Female}}
  +
| [[Hall of Illusions]] || [[Scholomance]]
  +
|{{Status|Active}} ({{Status|Undead}})
  +
|-
  +
| {{NPC|Neutral|Kel'Thuzad|icon=Necromancer|icon2=Kel'ThuzadSL}}
  +
| [[Throne of the Damned]] || [[Sanctum of Domination]]
  +
|{{Status|Deceased}} ({{Status|Undead}})
  +
|-
  +
| {{NPC|Boss|Lady Deathwhisper|icon=Lich Female}}
  +
| [[Lower Spire]] || [[Icecrown Citadel]]
  +
|{{Status|Deceased}} ({{Status|Undead}})
  +
|-
  +
| {{NPC|Boss|Maleki the Pallid|icon=Cultist Male}}
  +
| [[Gauntlet]] || [[Stratholme]]
  +
|{{Status|Killable}}
  +
|-
  +
| {{NPC|Combat|Instructor Malicia||Malicia|icon=HighElf Female}}
  +
| [[Malicia's Outpost]] || [[Western Plaguelands]]
  +
|{{Status|Killable}}
  +
|-
  +
| {{NPC|Combat|Overseer Deathgaze|icon=Necromancer}}
  +
| [[Jintha'kalar]] || [[Dragonblight]]
  +
|{{Status|Killable}} ({{Status|Undead}})
  +
|-
  +
| {{NPC|Combat|Overseer Faedris|icon=HighElf Male}}
  +
| [[Aldur'thar: The Desolation Gate]] (South Rampart) || [[Icecrown]]
  +
|{{Status|Killable}}
  +
|-
  +
| {{NPC|Combat|Overseer Jhaeqon|icon=Arugal}}
  +
| [[Aldur'thar: The Desolation Gate]] (Mid-Rampart) || [[Icecrown]]
  +
|{{Status|Killable}}
  +
|-
  +
| {{NPC|Combat|Overseer Savryn|icon=Cultist Male}}
  +
| [[Aldur'thar: The Desolation Gate]] (North Rampart) || [[Icecrown]]
  +
|{{Status|Killable}}
  +
|-
  +
| {{NPC|Combat|Overseer Veraj|icon=Cultist Male}}
  +
| [[Aldur'thar: The Desolation Gate]] (East Rampart) || [[Icecrown]]
  +
|{{Status|Killable}}
  +
|-
  +
| {{NPC|Boss|Ras Frostwhisper|icon=Lich Male}}
  +
| [[Laboratory]] || [[Scholomance]]
  +
|{{Status|Deceased}} ({{Status|Undead}})
  +
|-
  +
| {{NPC|Combat|Rothin the Decaying|icon=Arugal}}
  +
| [[Maw of Neltharion]] || [[Dragonblight]]
  +
|{{Status|Killable}}
  +
|-
  +
| {{Neutral}} {{RaceIcon|Darion}} {{NPC||The Black Knight}}
  +
| [[Argent Tournament Grounds]] || [[Icecrown]]
  +
|{{Status|Deceased}} ({{Status|Undead}})
  +
|-
  +
| {{NPC|Alliance|Tom Hegger|icon=Human Male}}
  +
| [[Valiance Keep]] || [[Borean Tundra]]
  +
|{{Status|Killable}}
  +
|-
  +
| {{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]]
  +
|{{Status|Killable}}
  +
|-
  +
| {{RPG-inline}} {{NPC||Jack (human)||Jack|icon=Cultist Male}}
  +
| Unknown || [[Northrend]]
  +
|{{Status|Alive}}
  +
|-
  +
| {{RPG-inline}} {{NPC||Pai Stormbringer|icon=Cultist Female}}
  +
| Unknown || Unknown
  +
|{{Status|Alive}}
  +
|-
  +
| {{RPG-inline}} {{NPC||Ul'haik Hadanot|icon=UndeadElf Male}}
  +
| Unknown || Unknown
  +
|{{Status|Unknown}}
 
|}
  
|}
   
  +
===Unnamed===
  +
{{Cleanup-section|Trim; leave some interesting / distinct examples.}}
  +
{{columns|4|
  +
*[[Acolyte (mob)]]
  +
*[[Animated Laborer]]
  +
*[[Angrathar Necrolord]]
  +
*[[Bitter Initiate]]
  +
*[[Boneweaver]]
  +
*[[Bored Student]]
  +
*[[Burning Depths Necrolyte]]
  +
*[[Burning Depths Necromancer]]
  +
*[[Deathsworn Zealot]]
  +
*[[Candlestick Mage]]
  +
*[[Clandestine Cultist]]
  +
*[[Chosen Zealot]]
  +
*[[Cult Adherent]]
  +
*[[Cult Alchemist]]
  +
*[[Cult Assassin]]
  +
*[[Cult Blackguard]]
  +
*[[Cult Conspirator]]
  +
*[[Cult Fanatic]]
  +
*[[Cult Plaguebringer]]
  +
*[[Cult Researcher]]
  +
*[[Cult Saboteur]]
  +
*[[Cult Taskmaster]]
  +
*[[Cult-Sworn Pugilist]]
  +
*[[Cultist Acolyte]]
  +
*[[Cultist Bombardier]]
  +
*[[Cultist Corrupter]]
  +
*[[Cultist Corpse]]
  +
*[[Cultist Engineer]]
  +
*[[Cultist Infiltrator]]
  +
*[[Cultist Necrolyte]]
  +
*[[Cultist Saboteur]]
  +
*[[Cultist Shard Watcher]]
  +
*[[Damned Apothecary]]
  +
*[[Dark Adept]]
  +
*[[Dark Ritualist]]
  +
*[[Dark Subjugator]]
  +
*[[Dark Summoner (Eastern Plaguelands)|Dark Summoner]]
  +
*[[Dark Zealot]]
  +
*[[Death Cultist]]
  +
*[[Death's Step Putrifier]]
  +
*[[Deathspeaker Attendant]]
  +
*[[Deathspeaker Disciple]]
  +
*[[Deathspeaker High Priest]]
  +
*[[Deathspeaker Servant]]
  +
*[[Deathspeaker Zealot]]
  +
*[[Deathwhisper Necrolyte]]
  +
*[[Deathwhisper Shadowcaster]]
  +
*[[Deathwhisper Torturer]]
  +
*[[Deformed Fanatic]]
  +
*[[En'kilah Necrolord]]
  +
*[[En'kilah Necromancer]]
  +
*[[Master Necromancer]]
  +
*[[Fleeing Cultist]]
  +
*[[Frigid Necromancer]]
  +
*[[Frigid Necromancer Attacker]]
  +
*[[Image of a Shadow Cultist]]
  +
*[[Naxxramas Acolyte]]
  +
*[[Naxxramas Cultist]]
  +
*[[Necropolis Acolyte]]
  +
*[[Necromancer (mob)]]
  +
*[[Noxious Assassin]]
  +
*[[Plaguewood Reanimator]]
  +
*[[Reanimated Fanatic]]
  +
*[[Scholomance Acolyte]]
  +
*[[Scholomance Adept]]
  +
*[[Scholomance Dark Summoner]]
  +
*[[Scholomance Handler]]
  +
*[[Scholomance Necrolyte]]
  +
*[[Scholomance Necromancer]]
  +
*[[Scholomance Neophyte]]
  +
*[[Scholomance Occultist]]
  +
*[[Scholomance Student]]
  +
*[[Shadow Adept]]
  +
*[[Shadow Channeler]]
  +
*[[Shadow Cultist]]
  +
*[[Shadowmage (mob)]]
  +
*[[Skullmage]]
  +
*[[Slain Cultist]]
  +
*[[Soulguard Adept]]
  +
*[[Soulguard Animator]]
  +
*[[Soulguard Bonecaster]]
  +
*[[Soulguard Reaper]]
  +
*[[Soulguard Watchman]]
  +
*[[Vile Torturer]]
  +
*[[Vile Tutor]]
  +
*[[Void Summoner]]
  +
*[[Wastes Taskmaster]]
  +
*[[Wyrm Reanimator]]
  +
*[[Acolyte (Warcraft III)]] {{WC3-inline}}
  +
*[[Necromancer (Warcraft III)]] {{WC3-inline}}
  +
*{{Hearth|Dark Cultist}} {{Hearthstone-inline}}
  +
*{{Hearth|Deathspeaker}} {{Hearthstone-inline}}
  +
}}
   
  +
==In the RPG==
āˆ’
{{religions}}
  
  +
{{RPG-section}}
  +
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===
  +
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>
āˆ’
[[Category:Scourge]]
  
  +
āˆ’
[[Category:Organizations]]
  
  +
===Military tactics===
āˆ’
[[Category:Lore]]
  
  +
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}}
  +
*Before being a part of the [[Anub'ar]], the humanoid cultists were likely a part of the Cult of the Damned.
  +
  +
==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==
  +
{{Reflist}}
  +
  +
{{Scourge}}
  +
{{Religions}}
  +
  +
[[Category:Cult of the Damned| ]]
 
[[Category:Religions]]
  
[[Category:Religions]]
  +
[[Category:Human organizations]]
  +
[[Category:Undead organizations]]
  +
[[Category:Scourge]]
  +
  +
[[es:Culto de los Malditos]]

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

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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
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