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{{About||strategy on the World of Warcraft encounter|Kel'Thuzad (tactics)|realms of the same name|:Server:Kel'Thuzad US|and|:Server:Kel'Thuzad Europe}}
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{{About|the lore of the character|his strategy in the Shadowlands encounter|Kel'Thuzad (Sanctum of Domination tactics)|other encounter tactics and uses|Kel'Thuzad (disambiguation)}}
{{npcbox
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{{Npcbox
| image = Ashbringer4CoverSampleA.jpg
 
 
| name = Kel'Thuzad
 
| name = Kel'Thuzad
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| image = Ashbringer4CoverSampleA.jpg
| titles = The Archlich, Lich Lord of the Plaguelands, Lord of Naxxramas
 
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| faction = Neutral
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| titles = Archlich<ref>[[Champion: Rottgut]]</ref><ref>[[Wand of the Archlich]]</ref> / Arch-Lich,<ref name="The Tithelord">[[The Tithelord (quest)]]</ref><br> Lich Lord of the [[Plaguelands]],<ref name="Lil">[[Lil' Phylactery]]</ref><br> Lord of [[Naxxramas]],<ref name="Lil"/> {{TCG-inline}} Cult Master<ref>[[Cult Master Kel'Thuzad]]</ref>
 
| gender = Male
 
| gender = Male
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| races = [[Lich]], formerly [[human]]
| creature = Undead
 
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| creature = Undead / Humanoid
| races = [[Lich]], [[Human]] (formerly)
 
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| character = [[Necromancer]], [[Mage]] (formerly)
| character = [[Mage]], [[Archmage]] (previously); [[Necromancer]] [[Warlock]]<ref>[[World_of_Warcraft:_Paragons]] Road to Damnation pg. 608 - “Say what you like about the orcs; their warlocks wielded great power. Power against which we had precious little defense. We have an obligation: we must learn to wield and counter these magics"</ref> (WC3)
 
| affiliation = [[Scourge]], [[Cult of the Damned]]
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| affiliation = [[Mawsworn]]
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| faffiliation = [[House of Rituals]] ([[Lichsworn]]), [[Cult of the Damned]], [[Scourge]], [[Kirin Tor]] ([[Council of Six]]), [[Dalaran (kingdom)|Magocracy of Dalaran]], [[Alliance of Lordaeron]]
| faffiliation = [[Kirin Tor]]
 
| occupation = Master of [[Naxxramas]], Leader of the [[Cult of the Damned]] (former), Majordomo of the [[Lich King]]
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| occupation = Lieutenant of [[the Jailer]]
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| foccupation = Baron of the [[House of Rituals]], majordomo of the [[Lich King]], Archlich of [[Naxxramas]], leader and founder of the [[Cult of the Damned]], member of the Council of Six, [[Archmage]] of the [[Kirin Tor]], [[Sorcerer]]<ref>''[[World of Warcraft: Game Manual#Sunwell – The Fall of Quel'Thalas|World of Warcraft: Game Manual]]'', pg. 158</ref>
| location = [[Kel'Thuzad's Chamber]], [[Naxxramas]] or [[Plains of Nasam]], [[Borean Tundra]], unknown (lore)
 
| status = Killable (WoW)<br/> [[Undead]] (lore)<ref>''[[Ultimate Visual Guide]]'', 168</ref>
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| location = [[Throne of the Damned]] (lore);<br> [[#Locations|Various]] (in-game)
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| status = Deceased (lore)<br> Killable {{Sl-inline}}
| companions = [[Mr. Bigglesworth]] (pet)
 
 
| mentors = [[Lich King|The Lich King]]
 
| mentors = [[Lich King|The Lich King]]
| students = [[Helcular]]
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| students = [[Helcular]], [[Ras Frostwhisper]], [[Bronjahm]], [[Acolyte Nelesis|Nelesis]]
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| companions = [[Mr. Bigglesworth]] (pet), [[Obrahiim, the Traveler|Obrahiim]] (trusted adviser)
 
}}
 
}}
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{{QuoteWiki|I was cast out by [[Kirin Tor|my comrades]], exiled, forced to wander the [[Northrend|frozen wastes]]. But I was not alone. Not entirely. The [[Lich King|voice]], now my only companion, guided me to my destination. [[Crypt fiend|Strange, nightmarish creatures]] awaited me at [[Naxxramas|the entrance]]. I felt my blood run cold, as cold as [[Icecrown]] itself. Inside, I bore witness to horrific acts, demonstrations of power, power that could be mine for the asking. Terrified, I ran, but did not get far. All too soon, my choice was made. Too late did I realize that such power does not come without a price. Now, the [[Azeroth|world]] will pay a far greater toll, for I have returned. I am Kel'Thuzad. Your curiosity will be the death of you.|Kel'Thuzad<ref>[[Shadow of the Necropolis trailer]]</ref>}}
   
'''Kel'Thuzad''' ({{pron|'kɛlθʔzɑːd}}) was once a [[human]] [[mage]] of the [[Kirin Tor]]. He went on to became the founder of the [[Cult of the Damned]] and one of the principal agents of the [[Lich King]] responsible for the spreading of the [[plague]] of undeath across [[Lordaeron]].<ref name="Lands of Conflict 91,109">''[[Lands of Conflict]]'', pg. 91,109</ref> After bringing the plague to Lordaeron, he was slain by the [[paladin]] [[Arthas]]. When Arthas became a [[death knight]], he resurrected Kel'Thuzad as a [[lich]] so he could summon [[Archimonde|Archimonde the Defiler]] into [[Azeroth]]. Following Arthas' departure for Northrend, Kel'Thuzad was left to command the [[Scourge]] of Lordaeron from his necropolis, [[Naxxramas]]. Following his first defeat, he and his necropolis moved to [[Northrend]].
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'''Kel'Thuzad''' ({{pron|'kɛlθuzɑːd}}) was a powerful [[human]] [[mage]], an [[archmage]] of the [[Kirin Tor]], and member of the [[Council of Six]] until his interest in the [[Necromancer|dark arts]] caused him to be stripped of his rank and holdings, and exiled from [[Dalaran]] by the [[Antonidas|Grand Magus Antonidas]]. Driven by the voice in his head, he traveled to [[Northrend]] and climbed the [[Frozen Throne]] to offer his soul to the [[Lich King]].
   
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Now a necromancer of the [[Scourge]], Kel'Thuzad returned to [[Lordaeron]] and founded in secret the [[Cult of the Damned]], recruiting cultists among the nobility and the lower classes of the kingdoms with promises of immortality. Years later, he became one of the principal agents of the Lich King responsible for spreading the [[Plague of Undeath|plague]] of [[undeath]] across [[Lordaeron (kingdom)|Lordaeron]],<ref>[[Kel'Thuzad and the Forming of the Scourge]]</ref><ref>[[The Scourge of Lordaeron (History of Warcraft)]]</ref> resulting in his death at the hands of the [[paladin]] and Prince [[Arthas Menethil]]. When Arthas became a [[death knight]] and started the [[Scourging of Lordaeron]], he resurrected Kel'Thuzad as a [[lich]] with the power of the [[Sunwell]], so he could summon [[Archimonde|Archimonde the Defiler]] into [[Azeroth]] during the [[Third War]].
Kel'Thuzad appeared in ''[[Warcraft III]]'' as a hero in the undead campaigns. He appears in ''[[World of Warcraft]]'' as the final encounter of [[Naxxramas]], implemented in [[patch 1.11]] and re-tuned for level 80 in [[patch 3.0]]. He may additionally be found in [[Old Hillsbrad Foothills]] and the [[Plains of Nasam]]. Kel'Thuzad also serves as the narrator and final boss of ''Curse of Naxxramas'', a ''[[Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft|Hearthstone]]'' adventure.
 
   
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Following Arthas's departure for [[Northrend]], and his ascension as the new Lich King, Kel'Thuzad was left to command the Scourge in Lordaeron from the floating necropolis of [[Naxxramas]]. After making a deal with the [[nathrezim]] [[Balnazzar]], he trapped the [[Highlord]] of the [[Knights of the Silver Hand|Silver Hand]] [[Alexandros Mograine]] at [[Stratholme]], and recovered his body to make him the leader of the [[Four Horsemen]] and his champion, before replacing him by his son [[Darion Mograine]] after the first battle for [[Light's Hope Chapel]]. For years he held control of the [[Plaguelands]] and fought against the forces of the [[Scarlet Crusade]], the [[Argent Dawn]], the [[Alliance]] and the [[Horde]], until his first defeat at the hands of [[adventurer]]s.
== Biography ==
 
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With the help of a [[Inigo Montoy|traitor]] among the ranks of the [[Brotherhood of the Light]], Kel'Thuzad managed to resurrect and recover his phylactery. During the [[war against the Lich King]], he moved to Northrend with his necropolis to serve the Dark Lord of the Scourge, until he was once again defeated at the hands of the champions of Azeroth.
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In death, Kel'Thuzad entered the afterlife of [[Maldraxxus]] where he was approached by [[Denathrius|Sire Denathrius]] and soon rose to a position of power within the [[House of Rituals]], a position he used to plunge Maldraxxus into chaos in order to further the efforts of his new master, [[Zovaal the Jailer]], across the [[Shadowlands]]. After his machinations were revealed, the archlich escaped to his master's side in the [[Sanctum of Domination]], where he was destroyed for good in a final confrontation with Azeroth's heroes.
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Kel'Thuzad is one of the most iconic antagonists in the ''Warcraft'' franchise. He first appeared in ''[[Warcraft III]]'' as a hero in the undead campaigns. He appeared in ''[[World of Warcraft]]'' as the final encounter of [[Naxxramas]], implemented in [[patch 1.11]] and retuned in [[patch 3.0]], and returned as a secondary antagonist in ''[[World of Warcraft: Shadowlands]]''. He also makes appearances in [[Old Hillsbrad Foothills]] and the [[Plains of Nasam]]. Kel'Thuzad appears as a central character in the ''[[Hearthstone (game)|Hearthstone]]'' sets ''{{HS|Curse of Naxxramas}}'' and ''{{HS|Scholomance Academy}}'', and he is a playable character in ''[[Heroes of the Storm]]''.
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{{OTOC|450|320}}
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==Biography==
 
===The Kirin Tor===
 
===The Kirin Tor===
 
{{Novel-section}}
 
{{Novel-section}}
[[File:Kel'thuzadhuman.jpg|thumb|right|Kel'Thuzad of the Kirin Tor.]]
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[[File:Kel'thuzadhuman.jpg|thumb|upright=.5|Archmage Kel'Thuzad of the Kirin Tor before the [[Third War]].]]
By the period shortly before the [[Second War]], Kel'Thuzad was a member of the [[Council of Six]], the high council of the [[Kirin Tor]] — the masters of [[Dalaran]]. Of the Kirin Tor's leaders, Kel'Thuzad was the most eager to gain access to the [[Guardian's Library]] — the depository of knowledge hoarded by [[Medivh]] in his tower of [[Karazhan]] and thus was most upset when the library was lost. After Medivh's death, Kel'Thuzad and the other senior members of the Kirin Tor questioned Medivh's apprentice, [[Khadgar]], about what happened; Kel'Thuzad seemed particularly interested in discovering more about the mysterious [[Order of Tirisfal]], which — as he pointed out to [[Antonidas]], the leader of the Kirin Tor — was relevant when discussing Medivh.<ref name="Tides of Darkness 105-101">''[[Tides of Darkness]]'', pg. 105-106</ref>
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Before the [[Second War]], Kel'Thuzad was a member of the [[Council of Six]], the high council of the [[Kirin Tor]] — the masters of [[Dalaran]]. Of the Kirin Tor's leaders, Kel'Thuzad was the most eager to gain access to the [[Guardian's Library]] — the depository of knowledge hoarded by [[Medivh]] in his tower of [[Karazhan]] - and thus he was most upset when the library was lost. After Medivh's death, Kel'Thuzad and the other senior members of the Kirin Tor questioned Medivh's apprentice, [[Khadgar]], about what happened; Kel'Thuzad seemed particularly interested in discovering more about the mysterious [[Order of Tirisfal]], which — as he pointed out to [[Antonidas]], the leader of the Kirin Tor — was relevant when discussing Medivh.<ref name="Tides of Darkness 105-101">''[[Tides of Darkness]]'', pg. 105-106</ref>
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When [[Jaina Proudmoore]] was in her third year of apprenticeship, Antonidas introduced her to Kel'Thuzad, who at the time was said to be one of the finest mages in the Kirin Tor. Kel'Thuzad's magics made her nauseous, and that was before he even caught interest in the dark arts.<ref>''[[Cycle of Hatred]]'', chapter 8</ref>
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Kel'Thuzad witnessed the [[Death knight (Old Horde)|death knights]] of the [[Old Horde|Horde]] during their raid on Dalaran before the [[Invasion of Draenor]] and became even more interested in [[necromancy]] after seeing what its power was capable of.<ref>{{Ref WoWCV3|29-30}}</ref>
   
 
===Call of the Lich King===
 
===Call of the Lich King===
 
{{Novel-section}}
 
{{Novel-section}}
:''"As my lieutenant, you will gain knowledge and magic to surpass your most ambitious dreams. But in return, living or dead, you will serve me for the rest of your days. If you betray me, I shall make you into one of my mindless ones, and you will serve me still."''
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{{QuoteWiki|As my lieutenant, you will gain knowledge and magic to surpass your most ambitious dreams. But in return, living or dead, you will serve me for the rest of your days. If you betray me, I shall make you into one of my mindless ones, and you will serve me still.|The Lich King's threat and promise of power}}
:—The Lich King's threat and promise of power
 
[[File:WC3Necromancer.jpg|thumb|left|The necromancer Kel'Thuzad.<ref>[http://us.battle.net/wow/en/media/artwork/warcraft3?keywords=&view#/wc3-kel-thuzad Warcraft III Artwork: Kel'Thuzad]</ref>]]
 
A handful of powerful individuals, scattered across the world, heard the [[Lich King]]'s mental summons from Northrend. Most notable of them was the archmage Kel'Thuzad from the magical nation of Dalaran, and the first to answer the Lich King’s call.<ref>[http://us.battle.net/hearthstone/en/blog/14642097 Naxxramas, the Floating Necropolis]</ref> Kel'Thuzad had been considered a maverick for years due to his insistence on studying the forbidden arts of necromancy. Driven to learn all he could of the magical world and its shadowy wonders, he was frustrated by what he saw as his peers' outmoded and unimaginative precepts. Upon hearing the powerful summons from Northrend, the archmage bent all of his considerable will to communing with the mysterious voice. Convinced that the Kirin Tor was too squeamish to seize the power and knowledge inherent in the dark arts, he vowed to learn what he could from the immensely powerful being named the Lich King.
 
   
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[[File:WC3Necromancer.jpg|thumb|left|upright|The necromancer Kel'Thuzad.<ref>[http://us.battle.net/wow/en/media/artwork/warcraft3?keywords=&view#/wc3-kel-thuzad Warcraft III Artwork: Kel'Thuzad]</ref>]]
Eventually, Antonidas learned that Kel'Thuzad had been experimenting with necromancy by reanimating dead rats. Fearing for the safety and reputation of Dalaran, Antonidas had Kel'Thuzad's properties searched, and all items tainted by dark magic were confiscated and destroyed. Antonidas warned Kel'Thuzad that he would be stripped of his rank and holdings, and exiled from both Dalaran and Lordaeron, if he did not abandon his "madness". Leaving behind his fortune and prestigious political standing, Kel'Thuzad abandoned the ways of the Kirin Tor and left Dalaran forever. Prodded by the Lich King's persistent voice in his mind, he sold his vast holdings and stored away his fortunes. Traveling alone over many leagues of both land and sea, he finally reached the frozen shores of Northrend. Intent on reaching Icecrown and offering his services to the Lich King, the archmage passed through the ravaged, war-torn ruins of [[Azjol-Nerub]]. Kel'Thuzad saw firsthand the scope and ferocity of [[Ner'zhul]]'s power. He began to believe that allying himself with the mysterious Lich King would not only be wise, but potentially fruitful.
 
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A handful of powerful individuals, scattered across the world, heard the [[Lich King]]'s mental summons from [[Northrend]]. Kel'Thuzad was the most notable of them, and the first to answer the Lich King’s call.<ref>[http://us.battle.net/hearthstone/en/blog/14642097 Naxxramas, the Floating Necropolis]</ref> Long considering him above the scriptures of his peers,<ref>2017-09-05, [http://us.battle.net/heroes/en/blog/21033386/kel%E2%80%99thuzad-enters-the-nexus-9-5-2017 Kel'Thuzad ENTERS THE NEXUS!]. ''Blizzard Entertainment'', retrieved on 2017-09-12</ref> Kel'Thuzad had been considered a maverick for years due to his insistence on studying the forbidden arts of necromancy. Driven to learn all he could of the magical world and its shadowy wonders, he was frustrated by what he saw as his peers' outmoded and unimaginative precepts. Upon hearing the powerful summons from Northrend, the archmage bent all of his considerable will to communing with the mysterious voice. Convinced that the Kirin Tor was too squeamish to seize the power and knowledge inherent in the dark arts, he vowed to learn what he could from the immensely powerful being named the Lich King.
   
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[[File:Kel'Thuzad and the Frozen Throne.jpg|thumb|upright|Kel’Thuzad standing before the Frozen Throne and the Lich King.]]
He met with [[Anub'arak]] and told him of all the power he could wield. But frightened by the horrors that he saw in [[Naxxramas]], he teleported out and tried to escape. Unfortunately, he was surrounded by [[wraith]]s and was brought back inside.<ref>''[[Road to Damnation]]''</ref>
 
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Approximately five years before the [[Third War]],<ref>''[[Arthas: Rise of the Lich King]]'', chapter 9</ref> [[Antonidas]] learned that Kel'Thuzad had been experimenting with necromancy by reanimating dead rats. Fearing for the safety and reputation of Dalaran, Antonidas had Kel'Thuzad's properties searched, and all items tainted by dark magic were confiscated and destroyed. Antonidas warned Kel'Thuzad that he would be stripped of his rank and holdings, and exiled from both Dalaran and Lordaeron, if he did not abandon his "madness". Leaving behind his fortune and prestigious political standing, Kel'Thuzad abandoned the ways of the Kirin Tor and left Dalaran forever. Prodded by the Lich King's persistent voice in his mind, he sold his vast holdings and stored away his fortunes. Traveling alone over many leagues of both land and sea, he finally reached the frozen shores of Northrend. Intent on reaching Icecrown and offering his services to the Lich King, the archmage passed through the ravaged, war-torn ruins of [[Azjol-Nerub]]. Kel'Thuzad saw firsthand the scope and ferocity of [[Ner'zhul]]'s power. He began to believe that allying himself with the mysterious Lich King would not only be wise, but potentially fruitful.
   
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Kel'Thuzad met with [[Anub'arak]], who told him of all the power he could wield. Frightened by the horrors that he saw in [[Naxxramas]], Kel'Thuzad teleported out and tried to escape. Unfortunately, he was surrounded by [[wraith]]s and was brought back inside.<ref name="Road to Damnation">''[[Road to Damnation]]''</ref>
After long months of trekking through the harsh arctic wastelands, Kel'Thuzad finally reached the dark glacier of [[Icecrown]]. He boldly approached Ner'zhul's dark citadel and was shocked when the silent undead guardsmen let him pass as though he was expected. Kel'Thuzad descended deep into the cold earth and found his way down to the bottom of the glacier. Within the endless cavern of ice and shadows, he prostrated himself before the Frozen Throne and offered his soul to the dark lord of the dead. The Lich King was pleased with his latest conscript. He promised Kel'Thuzad immortality and great power in exchange for his loyalty and obedience. Kel'Thuzad, eager for dark knowledge and power, accepted his first great mission: to go into the world of men and found a new religion that would worship the Lich King as a god.
 
   
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After long months of trekking through the harsh arctic wastelands, Kel'Thuzad finally reached the dark glacier of [[Icecrown]]. He boldly approached Ner'zhul's dark citadel and was shocked when the silent undead guardsmen let him pass as though he was expected. Kel'Thuzad descended deep into the cold earth and found his way down to the bottom of the glacier. Within the endless cavern of ice and shadows, he prostrated himself before the [[Frozen Throne]] and offered his soul to the dark lord of the dead. The Lich King was pleased with his latest conscript. He promised Kel'Thuzad immortality and great power in exchange for his loyalty and obedience. Kel'Thuzad, eager for dark knowledge and power, accepted his first great mission: to go into the world of men and found a new religion that would worship the Lich King as a god.
To help the archmage accomplish his mission, Ner'zhul left Kel'Thuzad's humanity intact. The aged, yet still charismatic wizard was charged with using his powers of illusion and persuasion to lull the downtrodden, disenfranchised masses of Lordaeron into his confidence. Once he had their attention, he would offer them a new vision of what society could be &mdash; and a new figurehead to call their king.<ref name="Warcraft III manual 97-98">''[[Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos]] manual'', pg. 97-98</ref>
 
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To help the [[archmage]] accomplish his mission, Ner'zhul left Kel'Thuzad's humanity intact. The aged, yet still charismatic wizard was charged with using his powers of illusion and persuasion to lull the downtrodden, disenfranchised masses of Lordaeron into his confidence. Once he had their attention, he would offer them a new vision of what society could be &mdash; and a new figurehead to call their king.<ref name="Warcraft III manual 97-98">''[[Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos]] manual'', pg. 97-98</ref>
   
 
===Cult of the Damned===
 
===Cult of the Damned===
 
{{Novel-section}}
 
{{Novel-section}}
[[File:Cult Master Kel'Thuzad.jpg|thumb|The necromancer Kel'Thuzad, master of the Cult of the Damned.]]
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[[File:BTNKelThuzad-Reforged.png|thumb|left|The necromancer Kel'Thuzad in ''[[Warcraft III: Reforged]]''.]]
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[[File:Kel'Thuzad Reforged.png|thumb|The necromancer Kel'Thuzad in ''Warcraft III: Reforged''.]]
Kel'Thuzad returned to Lordaeron in disguise, and over the span of three years, he used his fortune and intellect to gather a clandestine brotherhood of like-minded men and women. The brotherhood, which he called the [[Cult of the Damned]], promised its acolytes social equality and eternal life on [[Azeroth (world)|Azeroth]] in exchange for their service and obedience to Ner'zhul. As the months passed, Kel'Thuzad found many eager volunteers for his new cult amongst the tired, overburdened laborers of Lordaeron. Surprisingly, Kel'Thuzad's goal to pervert the citizens' faith in the Holy Light towards belief in Ner'zhul's dark shadow was easily attained. As the Cult of the Damned grew in size and influence, Kel'Thuzad made sure to keep its workings secret from the authorities of Lordaeron at every turn.<ref>[[Kel'Thuzad and the Forming of the Scourge]]</ref>
 
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Kel'Thuzad returned to [[Lordaeron]] in disguise and in the floating dread citadel [[Naxxramas]],<ref>''[[World of Warcraft: Ultimate Visual Guide, Updated and Expanded|Ultimate Visual Guide]]'', pg. 192</ref> and over the span of three years, he used his fortune and intellect to gather a clandestine brotherhood of like-minded men and women. The brotherhood, which he called the [[Cult of the Damned]], promised its acolytes social equality and eternal life on [[Azeroth]] in exchange for their service and obedience to Ner'zhul. As the months passed, Kel'Thuzad found many eager volunteers for his new cult amongst the tired, overburdened laborers of Lordaeron. Surprisingly, Kel'Thuzad's goal to pervert the citizens' faith in the Holy Light towards belief in Ner'zhul's dark shadow was easily attained. As the Cult of the Damned grew in size and influence, Kel'Thuzad made sure to keep its workings secret from the authorities of Lordaeron at every turn.<ref>[[Kel'Thuzad and the Forming of the Scourge]]</ref>
   
Having visited Caer Darrow, he made a deal with the [[Barov]] family, thus [[Scholomance]] became the capital of the cult.<ref>[[Eva_Sarkhoff#Quote|Eva Sarkhoff]]</ref>
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On [[Caer Darrow]], Kel'Thuzad made a deal with the [[Barov]] family and some of his cultists moved into the [[Scholomance]].<ref>[[Eva Sarkhoff#Quote|Eva Sarkhoff]]</ref> Kel'Thuzad also convinced his friend [[Baron Rivendare]] to join the cult.<ref>''[[Ultimate Visual Guide]]'', pg. 169</ref>
   
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With Kel'Thuzad's success in Lordaeron, the Lich King made the final preparations for his assault against human civilization. Placing his plague energies into a number of portable artifacts called [[plague cauldron]]s, Ner'zhul ordered Kel'Thuzad to transport the cauldrons to Lordaeron where they would be hidden within various cult-controlled villages. The cauldrons, protected by the loyal cultists, would then act as plague generators by sending the plague seeping out across the unsuspecting farmlands and cities of northern Lordaeron.
===Compendium of the Fallen===
 
{{Novel-section}}
 
With Kel'Thuzad's success in Lordaeron, the Lich King made the final preparations for his assault against human civilization. Placing his plague energies into a number of portable artifacts called [[Plague cauldron]]s, Ner'zhul ordered Kel'Thuzad to transport the cauldrons to Lordaeron where they would be hidden within various cult-controlled villages. The cauldrons, protected by the loyal cultists, would then act as plague generators by sending the plague seeping out across the unsuspecting farmlands and cities of northern Lordaeron.
 
   
The Lich King's plan worked perfectly. Many of Lordaeron's northern villages were contaminated almost immediately. Just as in Northrend, the citizens who contracted the plague died and arose as the Lich King's willing slaves. The cultists under Kel'Thuzad were eager to die and be raised again in their dark lord's service. They exulted in the prospect of immortality through undeath. As the plague spread, more and more feral zombies arose in the northlands. Kel'Thuzad looked upon the Lich King's growing army and named it the [[Scourge]] &mdash; for soon, it would march upon the gates of Lordaeron and scour humanity from the face of the world.<ref>[[Compendium of the Fallen]]</ref><ref name="Warcraft III manual 98">''[[Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos]] manual'', pg. 98</ref>
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The Lich King's plan worked perfectly. Many of Lordaeron's northern villages were contaminated almost immediately. Just as in Northrend, the citizens who contracted the plague died and arose as the Lich King's willing slaves. The cultists under Kel'Thuzad were eager to die and be raised again in their dark lord's service. They exulted in the prospect of immortality through undeath. As the plague spread, more and more feral zombies arose in the [[northlands]]. Kel'Thuzad looked upon the Lich King's growing army and named it the [[Scourge]] &mdash; for soon, it would march upon the gates of Lordaeron and scour humanity from the face of the world.<ref>[[Compendium of the Fallen]]</ref><ref name="Warcraft III manual 98">''[[Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos]]'' [[Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos Game Manual|manual]], pg. 98</ref>
   
===War of the Undead===
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===Scourge of Lordaeron===
 
{{WC3-section}}
 
{{WC3-section}}
[[File:Kel'thuzadnecromancer.jpg|thumb|left|The necromancer in ''Warcraft III''.]]
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[[File:BTNKelThuzadCin.png|thumb|left|The lich Kel'Thuzad in ''Warcraft III: Reforged''.]]
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[[File:Lore in Short - Confronting Kel'Thuzad.png|thumb|Kel'Thuzad confronts [[Arthas Menethil]] and [[Jaina Proudmoore]] in [[Andorhal]].]]
[[File:Kel'thuzadNecromancer.jpg|thumb|The necromancer in ''Warcraft III''.]]
 
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[[File:Kel'Thuzad Lich Reforged.png|thumb|The lich Kel'Thuzad in ''Warcraft III: Reforged''.]]
Kel'Thuzad, upon the Lich King's instruction, oversaw the infection of the small town of [[Brill]] where he was discovered by [[Jaina Proudmoore]] and [[Prince Arthas]]. From there he quickly fled and they followed him back to [[Andorhal]], where he told Arthas of [[Mal'ganis]] in [[Stratholme]]. Arthas, in a rage, hunted Kel'Thuzad down and killed him, but not before Kel'Thuzad told him his death would mean little. But they were not finished yet.
 
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Kel'Thuzad, upon the [[Lich King]]'s instruction, oversaw the infection of the small town of [[Brill]] where he was discovered by [[Jaina Proudmoore]] and [[Prince Arthas]]. From there he quickly fled and they followed him back to [[Andorhal]], where he told Arthas of [[Mal'Ganis]] in [[Stratholme]]. Enraged, Arthas hunted Kel'Thuzad down and killed him, but not before Kel'Thuzad told him his death would mean little. But they were not finished yet.
   
After Arthas had traveled to Northrend, and slain Mal'ganis with [[Frostmourne]], he returned to Lordaeron and betrayed his kingdom and became a servant of the Lich King. Kel'Thuzad began to appear to him as a ghostly apparition after his protector, [[Gavinrad the Dire]], was slain by Arthas and Kel'Thuzad's remains were reclaimed. He appeared only to Arthas, and told him that he was not to trust the [[dreadlord]]s, explaining to Arthas that they were the Lich King's jailors, and promised to explain all of the Lich King's plans to Arthas once he walked the earth again in [[Quel'Thalas]].
+
After Arthas had traveled to Northrend, and slain Mal'Ganis with [[Frostmourne]], he returned to Lordaeron and betrayed his kingdom and became a servant of the Lich King. Kel'Thuzad began to appear to him as a ghostly apparition after his protector, [[Gavinrad the Dire]], was slain by Arthas and Kel'Thuzad's remains were reclaimed. He appeared only to Arthas, and told him that he was not to trust the [[dreadlord]]s, explaining to Arthas that they were the Lich King's jailors, and promised to explain all of the Lich King's plans to Arthas once he walked the earth again in [[Quel'Thalas]].
   
 
Kel'Thuzad watched over Arthas as he made the slow procession to the [[Sunwell]] in [[Silvermoon]] against the stratagems of [[Sylvanas Windrunner]]. Eventually, Arthas ravaged his way through the two Elfgates and finally laid siege to Silvermoon itself, breaching through to the fabled [[Sunwell]]. Arthas placed Kel'Thuzad's remains within the well, and with the help of [[Tichondrius]], Kel'Thuzad was reborn into the terrifying form of a [[lich]].
 
Kel'Thuzad watched over Arthas as he made the slow procession to the [[Sunwell]] in [[Silvermoon]] against the stratagems of [[Sylvanas Windrunner]]. Eventually, Arthas ravaged his way through the two Elfgates and finally laid siege to Silvermoon itself, breaching through to the fabled [[Sunwell]]. Arthas placed Kel'Thuzad's remains within the well, and with the help of [[Tichondrius]], Kel'Thuzad was reborn into the terrifying form of a [[lich]].
   
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[[File:Kel'Thuzad contacts Archimonde Reforged.jpg|thumb|left|Kel'Thuzad contacts [[Archimonde]] using the [[Demon Gate]].]]
 
As they traveled to Alterac, Kel'Thuzad explained that the Scourge was merely the harbinger of the [[Burning Legion]], and that he would summon the first of the [[demon]]s, the [[eredar]] warlock [[Archimonde]] to the mortal world. After slaying the [[orc]]s guarding the Demon Gate, Kel'Thuzad communed with the dark lord who told him that he must go to [[Dalaran]] and steal the [[Book of Medivh]].
 
As they traveled to Alterac, Kel'Thuzad explained that the Scourge was merely the harbinger of the [[Burning Legion]], and that he would summon the first of the [[demon]]s, the [[eredar]] warlock [[Archimonde]] to the mortal world. After slaying the [[orc]]s guarding the Demon Gate, Kel'Thuzad communed with the dark lord who told him that he must go to [[Dalaran]] and steal the [[Book of Medivh]].
   
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[[File:Kel'Thuzad summons Archimonde Reforged.jpg|thumb|left|Kel'Thuzad summons [[Archimonde]] in [[Dalaran]].]]
After Arthas led the attack on Dalaran and killed [[Antonidas]], the book was retrieved and Kel'Thuzad began the lengthy summoning process, with Arthas defending him from the many attacks of Dalaran and the [[Kirin Tor]]. When all was complete, Archimonde stepped through the portal and was free to act according to his plans. His first act was to promote [[Tichondrius]] to leader of the Scourge, rendering Arthas and Kel'Thuzad of little use. However, Kel'Thuzad was confident in the Lich King's grand design and disappeared amidst the chaos of Dalaran's destruction. He told Arthas the final part of the Lich King's plan, then teleported him to [[Kalimdor]].
 
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[[File:Warcraft III Reforged - Arthas and Archimonde.jpg|thumb|Arthas battling the forces of Dalaran while Kel'Thuzad summons the demon lord [[Archimonde]].]]
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After Arthas led the attack on Dalaran and killed [[Antonidas]], the book was retrieved and Kel'Thuzad began the lengthy summoning process, with Arthas defending him from the many attacks of Dalaran and the [[Kirin Tor]]. When all was complete, Archimonde stepped through the portal and was free to act according to his plans. His first act was to promote [[Tichondrius]] to the leader of the Scourge, rendering Arthas and Kel'Thuzad of little use. However, Kel'Thuzad was confident in the Lich King's grand design and disappeared amidst the chaos of Dalaran's destruction. He told Arthas the final part of the Lich King's plan, then teleported him to [[Kalimdor]].
   
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Kel'Thuzad resurfaced as the Legion raked across the [[Plaguelands]], and in the aftermath of the invasion, he remained in the [[Capital City]] as one of the Lich King's lieutenants. Arthas had gone to [[Kalimdor]] on Ner'zhul's command to find the rogue [[demon hunter]], [[Illidan]], leaving only Kel'Thuzad and the [[banshee]] [[Sylvanas Windrunner]] remaining in his stead. However, both knew that the Legion was defeated long before the dreadlords who remained in Lordaeron did.
===After the War===
 
{{WC3-section}}
 
[[File:Kel'thuzad face.jpg|thumb|left|The lich in ''Warcraft III''.]]
 
[[File:Kel'thuzad5.jpg|thumb|The lich in ''Warcraft III''.]]
 
Kel'Thuzad resurfaced as the Legion raked across the [[Plaguelands]], and in the aftermath of the invasion, he remained in the [[Capital City]] as one of the Lich King's lieutenants. Arthas had gone to [[Kalimdor]] on Ner'zhul's command to find the rogue [[demon hunter]], [[Illidan]], leaving only Kel'Thuzad and the [[banshee]] Sylvanas Windrunner remaining in his stead. However, both knew that the Legion was defeated long before the Dreadlords who remained in Lordaeron did.
 
   
Arthas returned in a fury and chased the dreadlords out of the Capital, and Kel'Thuzad was relieved to see him. With the Legion's generals gone, they turned to the human villages who were escaping to the mountain passes. Kel'Thuzad thought that perhaps they would be a fitting sacrifice to the Lich King. But as they cut a swath through the human forces, Arthas suffered some violent seizures, and Kel'Thuzad considered recalling their forces, but the King forbade it, and they continued on their macabre mission. In the aftermath, Arthas received a vision from Ner'zhul, who told him to return to Northrend. Kel'Thuzad immediately prepared for his departure, but they were abruptly ambushed by the dreadlords, and separated. The dreadlords unleashed their forces against Arthas, but Kel'Thuzad found his own way out of the city.
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Arthas returned in a fury and chased the dreadlords out of the capital, and Kel'Thuzad was relieved to see him. With the Legion's generals gone, they turned to the human villages who were escaping to the mountain passes. Kel'Thuzad thought that perhaps they would be a fitting sacrifice to the Lich King and led his necromancers into battle against the paladin [[Magroth the Defender]] and his men protecting the human refugees. But as they cut a swath through the human forces, Arthas suffered some violent seizures, and Kel'Thuzad considered recalling their forces, but the King forbade it, and they continued on their macabre mission. In the aftermath, Arthas received a vision from Ner'zhul, who told him to return to Northrend. Kel'Thuzad immediately prepared for his departure, but they were abruptly ambushed by the dreadlords, and separated. The dreadlords unleashed their forces against Arthas, but Kel'Thuzad found his own way out of the city.
   
Kel'Thuzad later came upon Arthas in the clutches of Sylvanas and her wicked banshees. She was about to strike when Kel'Thuzad unleashed his forces against her and her sisters. With the banshees dead, Sylvanas was forced to retreat. Kel'Thuzad escorted Arthas to the shore, where he had prepared a fleet of ships for his departure. Arthas asked Kel'Thuzad, as his most loyal servant and twisted friend, to remain in Lordaeron and ensure that his legacy endured. Kel'Thuzad swore on what was left of his life to carry out that mission at any cost. While Sylvanas and her [[Forsaken]] claimed the [[Tirisfal Glades]], Kel'Thuzad returned to the [[Eastern Plaguelands]], which he ruled from the flying necropolis [[Naxxramas]].
+
Kel'Thuzad later came upon Arthas in the clutches of Sylvanas and her wicked banshees. She was about to strike when Kel'Thuzad unleashed his forces against her and her sisters. With the banshees dead, Sylvanas was forced to retreat. Kel'Thuzad escorted Arthas to the shore, where he had prepared a fleet of ships for his departure. Arthas asked Kel'Thuzad, as his most loyal servant and trusted friend, to remain in Lordaeron and ensure that his legacy endured. Kel'Thuzad swore on what was left of his life to carry out that mission at any cost. While Sylvanas and her [[Forsaken]] claimed the [[Tirisfal Glades]], Kel'Thuzad returned to the [[Eastern Plaguelands]], which he ruled from the flying necropolis [[Naxxramas]].
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At some point, Kel'Thuzad created the [[Four Horsemen]], extremely powerful elite [[death knight]]s of the Scourge created to serve as his [[Royal Guard|royal guard]].<ref>[https://worldofwarcraft.com/en-us/news/23572632/wow-classic-naxxramas-is-now-live WoW Classic: Naxxramas is Now Live!]</ref> [[Sapphiron]] also joined the citadel to guard Kel'Thuzad's chamber. In Naxxramas, Kel'Thuzad appointed [[Instructor Razuvious|Razuvious]] as the trainer of death knights.<ref name="Eligor">[[Eligor Dawnbringer#Dragonblight]]</ref>
   
 
===Ashbringer===
 
===Ashbringer===
 
{{Comic-section}}
 
{{Comic-section}}
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[[File:Last Chapter.jpg|thumb|Kel'Thuzad in the ''[[World of Warcraft: Ashbringer|Ashbringer]]'' comic.]]
After being manipulated by [[Saidan Dathrohan]] (who was possessed by the dreadlord [[Balnazzar]]), [[Renault Mograine]] betrayed and murdered his father, [[Alexandros Mograine]]. Renault slew his father using the [[Ashbringer]] - an act of evil that [[Corrupted Ashbringer|corrupted]] the sword. Collecting the body and blade, Kel'Thuzad transformed Alexandros into a [[death knight]] - the leader of his [[Four Horsemen (original)|Four Horsemen]].
 
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After being manipulated by [[Saidan Dathrohan]] (who was possessed by the dreadlord [[Balnazzar]]), [[Renault Mograine]] betrayed and murdered his father, [[Alexandros Mograine]]. Renault slew his father using the [[Ashbringer]] - an act of evil that [[Corrupted Ashbringer|corrupted]] the sword. Collecting the body and blade, Kel'Thuzad transformed Alexandros into a [[death knight]] - the leader of his [[Four Horsemen (Classic)|Four Horsemen]].
   
With assistance from members of the [[Argent Dawn]], Renault's younger brother [[Darion]] managed to infiltrate Naxxramas and defeat his undead father. He then fled the necropolis with the Ashbringer. After conferring with [[Tirion Fordring]], Darion learned that his father's soul was trapped in the sword, and that only a great act of love could set it free.
+
With assistance from members of the [[Argent Dawn]], [[Darion Mograine]] managed to infiltrate Naxxramas and defeat his undead father. He then fled the necropolis with the corrupted Ashbringer. After conferring with [[Tirion Fordring]], Darion learned that his father's soul was trapped in the sword and that only a great act of love could set it free.
   
When Kel'Thuzad staged an attack on [[Light's Hope Chapel]], Darion ran the Ashbringer through his own heart - sacrificing his life to release his father's soul. An explosion of light destroyed most of the lesser Scourge, but Kel'Thuzad was unaffected. He reanimated Darion as a death knight. While his primary goal had eluded him, he was content to take Darion as his prize, reasoning that the Scourge could always [[Quest:The_Light_of_Dawn|return]] to Light's Hope.
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When Kel'Thuzad staged an attack on [[Light's Hope Chapel]], Darion ran the Ashbringer through his own heart - sacrificing his life to release his father's soul. An explosion of light destroyed most of the lesser Scourge, but Kel'Thuzad was unaffected. Follwoing the battle, he reanimated Darion as a death knight, and while his primary goal had eluded him, he was content to take Darion as his prize, reasoning that the Scourge could always [[Battle for Light's Hope Chapel|return]] to Light's Hope.
   
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
File:Last Chapter.JPG|Kel'Thuzad in the ''Ashbringer'' comic.
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Kel'Thuzad tortures Alexandros.jpg|Kel'Thuzad tortures Alexandros' spirit.
File:Ashbringer Four Horsemen.jpg|The Four Horsemen and Kel'Thuzad.
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Ashbringer Four Horsemen.jpg|The Four Horsemen and Kel'Thuzad.
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 
[[File:Kel'Thuzad.jpg|thumb|Kel'Thuzad, ruler of Naxxramas.]]
 
   
 
===Shadow of the Necropolis===
 
===Shadow of the Necropolis===
 
{{wow-section}}
 
{{wow-section}}
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[[File:Naxxramas Classic key art.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Kel'Thuzad battling adventurers in his sanctum.]]
In the Lich King's haste to spread the plague of undeath over Azeroth, he gifted Kel'Thuzad, with the flying citadel of [[Naxxramas]], a horrific base of operations for the Scourge. Consistent attacks from the [[Scarlet Crusade]] and [[Argent Dawn]] factions weakened the defenses of the floating fortress, enabling an incursion that led to Kel'Thuzad's defeat.<ref name="Shadow">[http://us.battle.net/wow/en/game/the-story-of-warcraft/chapter10 Shadow of the Necropolis]</ref>
 
  +
In the Lich King's haste to spread the plague of undeath over Azeroth, he gifted Kel'Thuzad, with the flying citadel of [[Naxxramas]], a horrific base of operations for the Scourge. Consistent attacks from the [[Scarlet Crusade]] and [[Argent Dawn]] factions weakened the defenses of the floating fortress, enabling an incursion that led to Kel'Thuzad's defeat.<ref name="Shadow">[https://web.archive.org/web/20160403094238/http://us.battle.net/wow/en/game/the-story-of-warcraft/chapter10 Shadow of the Necropolis]</ref>
   
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Kel'Thuzad sought [[Atiesh]].<ref>[[Atiesh, the Befouled Greatstaff]]</ref>
Kel'Thuzad was the last encounter of the dungeon [[Naxxramas]], implemented in the [[Patch 1.11]], and was the end game boss of the original game of [[World of Warcraft]]. He was ultimately defeated by the players, but does not die. As a lich, he may reform using a magic item known as a [[phylactery]]. Had [[The Phylactery of Kel'Thuzad|Kel'Thuzad's phylactery]] been destroyed along with him, Kel'Thuzad would have been defeated forever, but some things do not happen as they should.
 
   
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During the first [[Scourge Invasion]], the [[Scourge]] attacked [[Stormwind City]], which later led to an [[Alliance]] counterattack. [[Bolvar Fordragon]] recruited Alliance heroes who raided [[Naxxramas]] and defeated Kel'Thuzad.<ref>{{Ref WoWCV3}}</ref>
The quest [[Quest:The Fall of Kel'Thuzad]] describes how the player, who likely wanted to destroy the phylactery, is manipulated by some mental force to give the phylactery to [[Father Inigo Montoy]] in [[Light's Hope Chapel]]. Something very unusual was going on there, and the [[Argent Dawn]] reported that the phylactery did not reach their hands. A traitor among the ranks of the knightly order of the Argent Dawn absconded with Kel'Thuzad's cursed remains and fled to Northrend, where the fallen lich could be reanimated.<ref name="Shadow"/>
 
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Kel'Thuzad was the last encounter of the dungeon [[Naxxramas]], implemented in the [[patch 1.11]], and was the end game boss of the original game of ''[[World of Warcraft]]''. He was ultimately defeated by the players, but does not die. As a lich, he may reform using a magic item known as a [[phylactery]]. Had [[The Phylactery of Kel'Thuzad|Kel'Thuzad's phylactery]] been destroyed along with him, Kel'Thuzad would have been defeated forever, but some things do not happen as they should.
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The quest [[The Fall of Kel'Thuzad]] describes how the player, who likely wanted to destroy the phylactery, is manipulated by some mental force to give the phylactery to [[Father Inigo Montoy]] in [[Light's Hope Chapel]]. Something very unusual was going on there, and the [[Argent Dawn]] reported that the phylactery did not reach their hands. A traitor among the ranks of the knightly order of the Argent Dawn absconded with Kel'Thuzad's cursed remains and fled to Northrend, where the fallen lich could be reanimated.<ref name="Shadow"/>
   
 
===Caverns of Time===
 
===Caverns of Time===
Line 109: Line 132:
 
===Wrath of the Lich King===
 
===Wrath of the Lich King===
 
{{wotlk-section}}
 
{{wotlk-section}}
[[File:Kelthuzad-incontrol.jpg|thumb|Kel'Thuzad at the [[Plains of Nasam]].]]
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[[File:Kel'Thuzad Borean Tundra.jpg|thumb|upright|Kel'Thuzad at the [[Plains of Nasam]].]]
[[Commander Eligor Dawnbringer]]: "''The lich, Kel'Thuzad. He serves the Lich King without question, a necromancer of great prowess in life, turned into a master of necromancy after his death. It is said he is the most loyal of the Lich King's subjects. Kel'Thuzad has survived trials that would have long since shattered the souls of even the greatest of the [[Brotherhood of the Light|Brotherhood]]. He readily gave his life at Arthas' hand, later to be brought back - reborn in the power of the [[Sunwell]]. In the Plaguelands, Kel'Thuzad was again defeated by the agents of the [[Argent Dawn]]. However, his phylactery was delivered to a false agent of the Brotherhood. We have yet to discover who stole his phylactery or why.''"
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[[Commander Eligor Dawnbringer]]: "''The lich, Kel'Thuzad. He serves the Lich King without question, a necromancer of great prowess in life, turned into a master of necromancy after his death. It is said he is the most loyal of the Lich King's subjects. Kel'Thuzad has survived trials that would have long since shattered the souls of even the greatest of the [[Brotherhood of the Light|Brotherhood]]. He readily gave his life at Arthas's hand, later to be brought back - reborn in the power of the [[Sunwell]]. In the Plaguelands, Kel'Thuzad was again defeated by the agents of the [[Argent Dawn]]. However, his phylactery was delivered to a false agent of the Brotherhood. We have yet to discover who stole his phylactery or why.''"
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Kel'Thuzad once again returned as the final boss of the relocated [[Naxxramas]] — now floating above the [[Carrion Fields]] in the [[Dragonblight]], besieging [[Wintergarde Keep]]. When the phylactery was given to Father Montoy, it was not delivered to the Argent Dawn; his hoarding of the artifact (instead of destroying it or giving it to the Argent Dawn) allowed Kel'Thuzad to regain corporeal form. (Montoy appears to have been rewarded for this effort as he is now a lich himself — known as [[Thel'zan the Duskbringer]] — and located within the [[Wintergarde Mausoleum]] below Wintergarde Keep, which is currently under siege by Naxxramas.)
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In the quest [[The Plains of Nasam]], [[Horde]] players are sent to the [[Plains of Nasam]] in a siege tank to destroy Scourge forces in the area and rescue injured [[Warsong Hold]] troops. They are also called on to identify the leader of the Scourge in the region — Kel'Thuzad himself, who stands upon a dais and is surrounded by [[Stitched Warsong Horror]]s, [[Plague Spreader]]s, and other [[Scourge]] constructs.
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In Naxxramas, Kel'Thuzad appointed Baron Rivendare to replace Alexandros as the fourth Horseman.<ref name="Eligor" /> In a manner very similar to how he was [[Kel'Thuzad (Classic)|originally defeated]], the champions of Azeroth stormed the dread citadel and [[Kel'Thuzad (tactics)|defeated]] the lich lord once again.
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Kel'Thuzad did not have his phylactery on his person during his second defeat, but it was nevertheless destroyed at some point.<ref name="Grimoire">{{Ref WoWGrimoire|142|143}}</ref> After his defeat, rumors quickly spread that his soul was lost to the [[Shadowlands]].<ref>{{Ref WoWCV3|175}}</ref>
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===Shadowlands===
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{{shadowlands-section}}
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[[File:Kel'Thuzad Maldraxxus.jpg|thumb|upright|Kel'Thuzad in the [[Vault of Souls]].]]
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Within the Shadowlands, the [[Arbiter]] assigned Kel'Thuzad's soul to the realm of [[Maldraxxus]] due to the great ambition he displayed in mortality. However, the [[broker]] [[Ta'lora]] notes that given Kel'Thuzad's importance to the schemes of [[the Jailer]], it is possible that the Arbiter's judgment was somehow manipulated. It's unclear exactly when Kel'Thuzad started working for the Jailer, but Ta'lora notes that it is plausible that the Jailer was able to peer into the mortal plane and came to see Kel'Thuzad as a means to extend his influence on Azeroth back when he was still a living necromancer.<ref name="Grimoire"/> Kel'Thuzad himself later claimed that he had only pretended to serve "false masters" and that he had actually been working to architect Azeroth's end all along.<ref>[[Kel'Thuzad (Sanctum of Domination tactics)#Quotes]]</ref> In reality, it was [[Sire Denathrius]] who reached to Kel'Thuzad after his ultimate defeat during the [[War against the Lich King]], recruited him to Zovaal's side and supplied him with [[anima]] to aid the cause.<ref name="gamerant1">[https://gamerant.com/world-of-warcraft-interview-eternitys-end-shadowlands-character-motivations-consequences/ World of Warcraft Developers Speak on Character Motivations, Consequences in Eternity's End]</ref><ref name="gamerant2">[https://gamerant.com/world-of-warcraft-interview-shadowlands-eternitys-end-consequences/ World of Warcraft Interview: Steve Danuser and Morgan Day Talk Shadowlands Cutscenes, Characters, and Consequences]</ref>
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Upon arriving among the [[necrolord]]s of Maldraxxus, Kel'Thuzad joined the [[House of Rituals]] and rose through the house's ranks at a record pace due to his talent in necromancy and due to secretly receiving stores of [[anima]] from fellow servants of the Jailer in [[Revendreth]].<ref name="Grimoire"/> He soon became one of the two barons serving under [[Margrave Sin'dane]] (the other being [[Baroness Ninadar]]). He took the place of [[Balmedar|Baron Balmedar]], whom he then also shut out of the house's dealings.<ref name="The Wayward Baron">[[The Wayward Baron]]</ref> Kel'Thuzad subsequently used his position and influence over Sin'dane, along with [[Margrave Gharmal]] of the [[House of Constructs]], to begin turning the houses of Maldraxxus against each other through treachery and deceit in order to further the plans of the Jailer.<ref name="Grimoire"/><ref name="The Third Fall">[[The Third Fall of Kel'Thuzad]]</ref><ref>[[Grave Intent]]: {{Text|say|Margrave Gharmal|Our new allies have granted us power beyond imagining. Sin'dane's new baron spoke true!}}</ref>
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Through his manipulation of Sin'dane and Gharmal, Kel'Thuzad caused the destruction of the [[House of Plagues]] in what looked like an accident.<ref name="Grimoire"/> Not long thereafter, he orchestrated the downfall of the [[House of Eyes]]—specifically the destruction of their [[necropolis]] [[Nurakkir]] and the death of their leader [[Margrave Akarek]]—through his servants in the House of Rituals, namely the liches [[Mor'Bitan]],<ref name="War is Deception">[[War is Deception]]: {{Text|say|Mor'Bitan|Our new baron bids that I complete the ritual personally. Harvest the anima before my arrival. Do not fail me, Mephiles!}}</ref><ref name="Straight to the Heart">[[Straight to the Heart]]</ref> [[Zelmany]],<ref>[[You Cannot Run]]</ref> [[Drava'ora]],<ref>[[You Cannot Hide]]</ref> and [[Fal'zinge]].<ref>[[You Can Only Die]]</ref> The baron then convinced Sin'dane and Gharmal to launch a joint invasion of the [[Temple of Courage]] in [[Bastion]].<ref name="Grimoire"/> The invasion's leader, the lich [[Nalthor the Rimebinder]], stated that his "master" had ordered him to destroy Bastion and harvest the corpses of its [[kyrian]] inhabitants for the Maldraxxi armies,<ref>[[Now or Never]]</ref> but it's not clear if he was referring to Sin'dane or Kel'Thuzad. Via his servant [[Lady Ouix'Ara]], Kel'Thuzad also continued securing anima from Revendreth, now not just for himself but for all of the House of Rituals<ref name="The Baron's Plan">[[The Baron's Plan]]</ref> and House of Constructs.<ref>[[An Abominable Discovery]]</ref> More specifically, the [[venthyr]] [[The Tithelord|Tithelord]] supplied Lady Ouix'Ara and her fellow Kel'Thuzad loyalists at [[Death's End]] with anima<ref>[[Reconnaissance... for my, uh, Recovery]]</ref> from [[Sire Denathrius]]' stockpiles<ref>[[You're Dead To Me]]</ref> in return for Maldraxxian weapons.<ref>[[There's Always a Paper Trail]]</ref><ref>[[Orders from the Tithelord]]</ref>
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Shortly after the [[Maw Walker]]s arrived in Maldraxxus, Kel'Thuzad told Mor'Bitan to personally perform a ritual at the [[Rotting Mound]] that would apparently grant him more power as a reward for his assault on the House of Eyes,<ref name="War is Deception"/><ref name="Straight to the Heart"/><ref>[[Tainted Cores]]</ref> but the ritual was sabotaged and Mor'Bitan was killed by [[Baroness Vashj]] and the Maw Walkers.<ref name="Straight to the Heart"/>
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Sire Denathrius later gave Kel'Thuzad—whom he called a "faithful ally"—the [[:Medallion of Dominion]], which had previously belonged to [[Prince Renathal]].<ref>[[The Authority of Revendreth]]: {{Text|say|Sire Denathrius|Bring the Accuser to me and her medallion shall be yours. The Prince's is already promised to another faithful ally.}}</ref><ref name="Renathal's Notes">[[Renathal's Notes]]</ref> This medallion would allow the baron to take control of countless venthyr and, with enough anima, even manipulate the very fabric of the Shadowlands.<ref name="The Tithelord"/><ref name="Renathal's Notes"/>
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[[File:It's Treason, Then - Kel'Thuzad revealed.jpg|thumb|left|The [[image of Kel'Thuzad]] mocking his enemies at Death's End.]]
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With the aid of Maw Walkers, [[Baroness Draka]] of the [[Necrolord Covenant]] and the soul of [[Kael'thas Sunstrider]] ultimately discovered Lady Ouix'Ara's operation at Death's End and that Kel'Thuzad was the one responsible for the unrest in Maldraxxus. After Ouix'Ara was killed, an [[image of Kel'Thuzad]] appeared to taunt the "meddlers" and invite them to face him in the House of Rituals.<ref>[[It's Treason, Then]]</ref> Prince Renathal and Baroness Draka proceeded to work together with Maw Walkers to stop the traitorous Tithelord at [[Caretaker's Manor|his manor]]. Kel'Thuzad personally appeared during the battle, supplying the Tithelord with Maldraxxi troops. However, when the Tithelord told the Arch-Lich to use the Medallion of Dominion to help him defeat the invaders, Kel'Thuzad refused and instead left the Tithelord to die, stating that the venthyr had served his purpose and that he needed to attend to "the next part of the plan".<ref name="The Tithelord"/>
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[[File:Caught in the Act - ritual end.jpg|thumb|Kel'Thuzad's attempted ritual to breach the Maw.]]
  +
Members of the House of Constructs later returned to Maldraxxus with spoils from their raid on Bastion, including Kel'Thuzad's "personal prize"—the [[kyrian]] [[Bearer Thedrin]]. Along with the Revendreth anima,<ref name="The Baron's Plan"/> the baron planned to use the Bearer in a ritual to breach his master's prison: the [[Maw]].<ref name="Designed to Fail">[[Designed to Fail]]</ref> Meanwhile, the deposed baron Balmedar allied with the Necrolord Covenant<ref name="The Wayward Baron"/> and helped Necrolord Maw Walkers infiltrate the House of Rituals by killing and [[Illusory Guise|taking on the appearance]] of Kel'Thuzad's favorite acolyte, [[Acolyte Nelesis|Nelesis]],<ref>[[Playing Favorites]]</ref><ref>[[A Fitting Guise]]</ref> which would allow them to learn the Arch-Lich's intentions. Balmedar's [[Balmedar's Oculus|invisible oculus]] continued accompanying the Maw Walkers as they reported to Kel'Thuzad in the [[Vault of Souls]].<ref>[[The Pupil Returns]]</ref> The Arch-Lich sent his "acolyte" to collect a set of tomes he'd ordered from Baroness Ninadar<ref>[[Mistress of Tomes]]</ref> followed by some ritual reagents from [[Jor'dan the Powerful]].<ref>[[Necessary Ingredients]]</ref> Balmedar had the Maw Walkers bring the ingredients to him instead, but not before the heroes learned from Jor'dan that Kel'Thuzad was awaiting a [[broker]] shipment from [[Oribos]] containing the last of the reagents.<ref>[[The Final Reagent]]</ref> After ambushing the [[Cartel Ba]] shipment,<ref>[[Explosive Schemes]]</ref> the Maw Walkers recovered the reagent in question: a [[:Domination Blade]] from the Maw.<ref>[[No Crate Unturned]]</ref> This caused Balmedar to realize what Kel'Thuzad was planning, but since the baron was too powerful to confront directly, the Maw Walkers would instead have to stop his ritual by returning with the now sabotaged reagents. Kel'Thuzad had begun to suspect that there was a traitor in the house's ranks after what happened to the broker caravan, but he was impressed by his "acolyte's" resourcefulness when she presented the Domination Blade to him<ref name="Designed to Fail"/> and asked her to assist him in the final ritual. The sabotaged reagents did cause the ritual to fail when the baron attempted to sacrifice Bearer Thedrin with the Domination Blade, but they also triggered a burst of feedback that shed the heroes' disguise and revealed Balmedar's oculus. Realizing that he had been deceived, Kel'Thuzad had both Balmedar and the heroes captured and imprisoned in the Vault of Souls.<ref>[[Caught in the Act]]</ref>
   
  +
Balmedar and the heroes managed to escape, but before they had a chance to warn Sin'dane of her baron's treachery, Kel'Thuzad personally confronted her and Baroness Ninadar at the entrance to the [[Hall of Sorcery]]. Sin'dane told Kel'Thuzad that he could not match her power, but Ninadar suddenly betrayed the margrave by stealing her weapon, the [[Staff of the Primus]], while stating that she was weak and that it was time to anoint a new margrave. Kel'Thuzad proceeded to bind Sin'dane in magical chains and mockingly asked Balmedar and the Maw Walkers if they had come to celebrate his victory. He then summoned his old ally, the dragon [[Sapphiron]], to deal with the interlopers while he departed to the [[necropolis]] [[Exoramas]] with the captive Sin'dane.<ref>[[The Traitor Unmasked]]</ref> With Ninadar's backing, Kel'Thuzad thus took full control of the House of Rituals.<ref>[[The Better Part of Valor]]</ref>
Kel'Thuzad once again returned as the final boss of the relocated Naxxramas — now floating above [[the Carrion Fields]] in the [[Dragonblight]], besieging [[Wintergarde Keep]]. When the phylactery was given to Father Montoy, it was not delivered to the Argent Dawn; his hoarding of the artifact (instead of destroying it or giving it to the Argent Dawn) allowed Kel'Thuzad to regain corporeal form. (Montoy appears to have been rewarded for this effort as he is now a lich himself — known as [[Thel'zan the Duskbringer]] — and located within the [[Wintergarde Mausoleum]] below Wintergarde Keep, which is currently under siege by Naxxramas.)
 
   
  +
[[File:The Third Fall of Kel'Thuzad - Kel'Thuzad and Sin'dane.jpg|thumb|upright|Kel'Thuzad with the Medallion of Dominion and the captive Sin'dane in Exoramas.]]
In the quest [[Quest:The Plains of Nasam]], [[Horde]] players are sent to the [[Plains of Nasam]] in a siege tank to destroy Scourge forces in the area and rescue injured [[Warsong Hold]] troops. They are also called on to identify the leader of the Scourge in the region — Kel'Thuzad himself, who stands upon a dais and is surrounded by [[Stitched Warsong Horror]]s, [[Plague Spreader]]s, and other [[Scourge]] constructs.
 
  +
After mustering their respective forces, the Necrolord and [[Venthyr Covenant]]s assaulted the House of Rituals to remove Kel'Thuzad's influence. The Arch-Lich's image taunted both of the invading parties—the former attacking the stronghold's southern walls, the latter teleporting into Exoramas—but the covenants managed to separately reach the [[Prime Arcanum]] in the house's center, where Kel'Thuzad and his minions successfully performed a ritual to open a portal to the Maw, summoning a [[Maw Infernous]]. Together, the two covenants defeated the creature and pushed on to Exoramas, where Kel'Thuzad was keeping Sin'dane trapped in a block of ice and drawing power from her. The Arch-Lich mocked the gathering, especially Kael'thas, who sought vengeance against the lich for his part in the [[Scourge invasion of Quel'Thalas|destruction of Kael's homeland]] years before. Baroness Draka told Kel'Thuzad to surrender or be destroyed, but he merely replied that the Jailer's plan was unfolding "exactly as intended" and that they would not live to see its completion. Most of the attackers spread out to hold off the lich's [[Skeleton Bulwark|skeletal minions]] while the Maw Walkers focused on weakening the traitorous baron himself so that Balmedar could free Sin'dane with the Staff of the Primus. When he placed the staff in her hand, it allowed her to shatter her icy prison, stunning Kel'Thuzad in the process. She declared that he would answer for his crimes against both Maldraxxus and her. Kael'thas wanted to claim his vengeance by incinerating the lich, but [[General Draven]] intervened to grab the Medallion of Dominion from the lich's chest. Before the covenants had a chance to detain the lich, a group of [[Mawsworn]] arrived through a portal from the Maw and helped the lich escape to his master's side.<ref name="The Third Fall"/><ref>[[The Medallion of Dominion]]</ref>
   
  +
====Chains of Domination====
In a manner very similar to how he was [[Kel'Thuzad (original)|originally defeated]], the champions of Azeroth again stormed the dread citadel [[Naxxramas]] and [[Kel'Thuzad (tactics)|defeated]] the lich lord once again.
 
  +
As the [[covenant]]s invade the Maw to take the fight directly to the Jailer, Kel'Thuzad directed the [[Mawsworn]] in striking back.<ref>[[Tormentors of Torghast]]</ref>
   
  +
The Maw Walkers and their allies later assaulted the [[Sanctum of Domination]], while the Jailer began enacting his plan to steal the final key from the Arbiter.<ref>[https://worldofwarcraft.com/en-us/news/23624699/ Shape the Fate of the Shadowlands in Chains of Domination]</ref> The heroes fought their way through his minions, eventually confronting Kel'Thuzad at the apex of the soul river. With all his schemes and manipulations coming to a head, Kel'Thuzad vowed that death would answer to nobody but him, and that he would have his vengeance on the mortal champions who foiled all his plans. During [[Kel'Thuzad (Sanctum of Domination tactics)|the ensuing battle]], the Maw Walkers destroyed Kel'Thuzad's phylactery. With true death finally approaching the lich, Kel'Thuzad unleashed his full power and the armies of the dead in a final stand. After futilely attempting to trade "unimaginable power" in exchange for his continued existence, Kel'Thuzad would be struck down for the last time, his dying words expressing his disbelief that death did not answer to him. The remains of his power were used by [[Bolvar Fordragon]] to open a gateway to the [[Pinnacle of Domination]].<ref>[[Kel'Thuzad (Sanctum of Domination tactics)|Kel'Thuzad]]'s Sanctum of Domination encounter</ref>
Kel'Thuzad did not have his phylactery on his person during his second defeat. His current status remains unknown.
 
   
 
==Locations==
 
==Locations==
{{Npchealth|align=left
+
{{Npchealth|align=
| loc1 = Old Hillsbrad Foothills
+
| loc1 = Kel'Thuzad (Classic)
| level1 = 55
+
| level1 = ??
| health1 = 5,228
+
| health1 = 3,150,000
| loc2 = Borean Tundra
+
| loc2 = Old Hillsbrad Foothills
| level2 = ??
+
| level2 = 55
| health2 = 6,693,600
+
| health2 = 2,555
| loc3 = Dragonblight
+
| loc3 = Borean Tundra
 
| level3 = ??
 
| level3 = ??
| health3 = 13,945
+
| health3 = 6,693,600
  +
| loc4 = Dragonblight
  +
| level4 = ??
  +
| health4 = 13,945
  +
| loc5 = Kel'Thuzad (tactics)
  +
| level5 = ??
  +
| health5 = {{health|10=5,660,600|25=14,660,000}}
  +
| loc6 = Maldraxxus<!--Vault of Souls-->
  +
| level6 = ??
  +
| health6 = ??
 
}}
 
}}
  +
{{clr}}
 
== Quotes ==
+
==Abilities==
  +
[[File:Phylactery of Kel'Thuzad HS.jpg|thumb|The {{HS|Mercenaries/Phylactery of Kel'Thuzad 4|Phylactery of Kel'Thuzad}} in ''[[Hearthstone (game)|Hearthstone]]''.]]
  +
;Naxxramas
  +
{{Main|Kel'Thuzad (Classic)|Kel'Thuzad (tactics)}}
  +
  +
;During [[The Medallion of Dominion]] / [[The Third Fall of Kel'Thuzad]]
  +
*{{Abilities|Death and Decay|id=338591|Inflicts Shadow damage on impact and leaves behind a necromantic pool that inflicts Shadow damage every 1 sec as long as enemies remain within it.|image=ability_creature_cursed_03}}
  +
*{{Abilities|Frost Blast|id=338604|Conjures a frost orb and hurls it at an enemy, Inflicting Frost damage and rooting targets it collides with for 6 sec.|image=spell_frost_frostblast}}
  +
*{{Abilities|Glacial Spike|id=338488|Summons a Glacial Spike at the enemy's destination, inflicting Frost damage to enemies within 6 yards and knocking them back. Once summoned, the Glacial Spike will death grip enemies greater than 10 yards away before it explodes, inflicting Frost damage to enemies within 7 yards.|image=ability_deathknight_pillaroffrost}}
  +
*{{Abilities|Soul Fissure|id=342328|The ground under the current enemy target explodes, inflicting Shadow damage to enemies within the impact.|image=spell_warlock_soulburn}}
  +
  +
;Sanctum of Domination
  +
{{Main|Kel'Thuzad (Sanctum of Domination tactics)}}
  +
  +
==Quests==
  +
;[[Necrolords Campaign#The House of Rituals|The House of Rituals]]
  +
#[[The Pupil Returns]] {{Questfinish}}
  +
#[[The Baron's Plan]] {{Queststartfinish}}
  +
#[[Mistress of Tomes]] {{Queststart}}
  +
#[[Cantrip Collections]] and [[Errant Enchantments]]
  +
#[[The Hall of Tomes]] {{Questfinish}}
  +
#[[Necessary Ingredients]] {{Queststart}}
  +
  +
#[[Designed to Fail]] {{Questfinish}}
  +
#[[Caught in the Act]] {{Queststart}}
  +
  +
;Objective of
  +
*Needs to be defeated for [[The Medallion of Dominion]] / [[The Third Fall of Kel'Thuzad]].
  +
  +
==Quotes==
 
===[[Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos]]===
 
===[[Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos]]===
  +
{{WC3-section}}
{{Main|Quotes of Warcraft III/Undead Scourge#Kel'Thuzad}}
 
  +
{{For|unit quotes|Quotes of Warcraft III/Undead Scourge#Kel'Thuzad}}
* ''We have been discovered, [[Cult of the Damned|my brothers]]! Flee and continue with [[Plague of Undeath|the operation]]!''
 
  +
[[File:Kel'thuzadnecromancer.jpg|thumb|The necromancer Kel'Thuzad in ''Warcraft III''.]]
* ''I'm sorry I can't stay and chat, but...duty calls.''
 
  +
[[File:Kel'thuzad face.jpg|thumb|The lich Kel'Thuzad in ''Warcraft III''.]]
* ''Hello again [[Arthas Menethil|child]][[Jaina Proudmoore|ren]]. I am Kel'thuzad and I've come to deliver a warning. Leave well enough alone. Your curiosity will be the death of you.''
 
  +
* "We have been discovered, [[Cult of the Damned|my brothers]]! Flee and continue with [[Plague of Undeath|the operation]]!''
* ''"Naive... [[Arthas Menethil|fool]]. My death will make little difference in the long run... for now... the scourging of [[Lordaeron|this land]]... begins."''
 
  +
* "I'm sorry I can't stay and chat, but...duty calls."
* ''Tell [[Tichondrius|him]] nothing! Only [[Arthas Menethil|you]] can hear me. The [[dreadlord]]s cannot be trusted. They are the [[Lich King]]'s jailors! I will tell you all...when I walk this [[Azeroth|earth]] again.''
 
  +
* "Hello again [[Arthas Menethil|child]][[Jaina Proudmoore|ren]]. I am Kel'Thuzad and I've come to deliver a warning. Leave well enough alone. Your curiosity will be the death of you."
* ''[[Sunwell - The Fall of Quel'Thalas|I am reborn, as promised!]] The [[Lich King]] has granted me [[Lich|eternal life]]!''
 
  +
* "Naive [[Arthas Menethil|fool]]. My death will make little difference in the long run. For, now, the scourging of [[Lordaeron|this land]]... begins."
* '''[[Arthas]]:''' ''So. You're not upset about me killing you that one time?''
 
  +
* "Tell [[Tichondrius|him]] nothing! Only [[Arthas Menethil|you]] can hear me. The [[dreadlord]]s cannot be trusted. They are the [[Lich King]]'s jailors! I will tell you all...when I walk this [[Azeroth|earth]] again."
: '''Kel'Thuzad:''' ''Don't be foolish. The Lich King told me how our encounter would end.''
 
  +
* "[[Sunwell - The Fall of Quel'Thalas|I am reborn, as promised!]] The [[Lich King]] has granted me [[Lich|eternal life]]!"
: '''Arthas:''' ''The Lich King knew that I would kill you?
 
  +
* '''[[Arthas]]:''' So. You're not upset about me killing you that one time?
: '''Kel'Thuzad:''' ''Of course. He chose you to be his champion long before the Scourge even began.
 
  +
: '''Kel'Thuzad:''' Don't be foolish. The Lich King told me how our encounter would end.
: '''Arthas:''' ''If he's so all-knowing, then how can the Dreadlords control him like they do?
 
  +
: '''Arthas:''' The Lich King knew that I would kill you?
: '''Kel'Thuzad:''' ''They are agents of the ones who created our master: The fiery lords of the [[Burning Legion]].''
 
  +
: '''Kel'Thuzad:''' Of course. He chose you to be his champion long before the Scourge even began.
: '''Arthas:''' ''What is this Legion?''
 
  +
: '''Arthas:''' If he's so all-knowing, then how can the Dreadlords control him like they do?
: '''Kel'Thuzad:''' ''It is a vast, demonic army that has consumed countless worlds beyond our own. Now, it comes to set this world to the flame. Our master was created to pave the way for its arrival. The dreadlords were sent to make sure that he succeeded.''
 
  +
: '''Kel'Thuzad:''' They are agents of the ones who created our master: The fiery lords of the [[Burning Legion]].
: '''Arthas:''' ''So the [[plague]] in [[Lordaeron]], the citadels of [[Northrend]], the [[High Elves|slaughtering of the elves]]... It was all just to prepare for some [[Third War|huge demonic invasion]]?''
 
  +
: '''Arthas:''' What is this Legion?
: '''Kel'Thuzad:''' ''Yes. In time, you will find that our entire history has been shaped by the coming conflict. Now come; we have much work to do.
 
  +
: '''Kel'Thuzad:''' It is a vast, demonic army that has consumed countless worlds beyond our own. Now, it comes to set this world to the flame. Our master was created to pave the way for its arrival. The dreadlords were sent to make sure that he succeeded.
  +
: '''Arthas:''' So the [[Plague of Undeath|plague]] in [[Lordaeron]], the citadels of [[Northrend]], the [[Scourge invasion of Quel'Thalas|slaughtering]] of the [[High elf|elves]]... It was all just to prepare for some [[Third War|huge demonic invasion]]?
  +
: '''Kel'Thuzad:''' Yes. In time, you will find that our entire history has been shaped by the coming conflict. Now come; we have much work to do.
 
[[File:Arckel.jpg|thumb|Kel'Thuzad uses the Demon Gate to contact Archimonde.]]
 
[[File:Arckel.jpg|thumb|Kel'Thuzad uses the Demon Gate to contact Archimonde.]]
:'''Kel'Thuzad''': ''I call upon thee, Archimonde! Your humble servant seeks an audience!''
+
:'''Kel'Thuzad''': I call upon thee, Archimonde! Your humble servant seeks an audience!
:'''[[Archimonde]]''': ''You called my name, puny lich, and I have come. You are Kel'Thuzad, are you not?''
+
:'''[[Archimonde]]''': You called my name, puny lich, and I have come. You are Kel'Thuzad, are you not?
:'''Kel'Thuzad''': ''Yes, great one. I am the summoner.''
+
:'''Kel'Thuzad''': Yes, great one. I am the summoner.
:'''Archimonde''': ''Very well, then. There is a special tome you must find... the only remaining spellbook of [[Medivh]], the [[Last Guardian]]. Only his lost incantations are powerful enough to bring me into your [[Azeroth|world]].''
+
:'''Archimonde''': Very well, then. There is a special tome you must find... the only remaining spellbook of [[Medivh]], the [[Last Guardian]]. Only his lost incantations are powerful enough to bring me into your [[Azeroth|world]].
:'''Kel'Thuzad''': ''Where should we search for it, great one?''
+
:'''Kel'Thuzad''': Where should we search for it, great one?
:'''Archimonde''': ''Seek out the mortal city of [[Dalaran]]. It is that the tome is kept. At twilight, three days from now, you will begin the summoning.''
+
:'''Archimonde''': Seek out the mortal city of [[Dalaran]]. It is that the tome is kept. At twilight, three days from now, you will begin the summoning.
* '''Arthas:''' ''The circle of power has been prepared per your instructions, lich. Are you ready to begin the summoning?''
+
* '''Arthas:''' The [[Circle of Power|circle of power]] has been prepared per your instructions, lich. Are you ready to begin the summoning?
: '''Kel'Thuzad:''' ''Nearly. I've been reading through [[Medivh]]'s spellbook. His knowledge on demons alone is staggering. I suspect that he was far more powerful than anyone ever realized.''
+
: '''Kel'Thuzad:''' Nearly. I've been reading through [[Medivh]]'s spellbook. His knowledge on demons alone is staggering. I suspect that he was far more powerful than anyone ever realized.
: '''[[Tichondrius]]:''' ''Not powerful enough to escape death, that is for certain. Suffice to say, the work he began, we will finish... today. Let the summoning commence!''
+
: '''[[Tichondrius]]:''' Not powerful enough to escape death, that is for certain. Suffice to say, the work he began, we will finish... today. Let the summoning commence!
 
* '''Kel'Thuzad:''' Come forth, Lord [[Archimonde]]! Enter this world and let us bask in your power!
 
* '''Kel'Thuzad:''' Come forth, Lord [[Archimonde]]! Enter this world and let us bask in your power!
 
::''The center begins to burn, and several flames around it shoot up as Archimonde appears.''
 
::''The center begins to burn, and several flames around it shoot up as Archimonde appears.''
Line 176: Line 269:
 
: '''Kel'Thuzad:''' Be patient, young death knight. The Lich King foresaw this as well. You may yet have a part to play in his grand design.
 
: '''Kel'Thuzad:''' Be patient, young death knight. The Lich King foresaw this as well. You may yet have a part to play in his grand design.
   
===[[Warcraft III:The Frozen Throne]]===
+
===[[Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne]]===
  +
{{WC3-section}}
: '''Kel'Thuzad:''' ''Back, you [[Banshee|mindless ones]]! You shall not fall today, my king.''
 
: ''Kel'Thuzad and his magi destroy Sylvanas' banshees.''
+
: '''Kel'Thuzad:''' Back, you [[Banshee|mindless ones]]! You shall not fall today, my king.
  +
: ''Kel'Thuzad and his magi destroy Sylvanas's banshees.''
: '''[[Sylvanas Windrunner]]:''' ''This isn't over, Arthas! I'll never stop hunting you!''
 
  +
: '''[[Sylvanas Windrunner]]:''' This isn't over, Arthas! I'll never stop hunting you!
: ''Kel'Thuzad leads Arthas to the shore.''
 
  +
: ''Kel'Thuzad leads Arthas to the shore.
: '''Kel'Thuzad:''' ''The effects of her arrow will wear off in time. All the preparations for your journey to [[Northrend]] have been made.''
 
  +
: '''Kel'Thuzad:''' The effects of her arrow will wear off in time. All the preparations for your journey to [[Northrend]] have been made.
: '''King Arthas:''' ''You have been a loyal friend, Kel'Thuzad. I don't know what the future holds, or if I'll even return, but I want you to watch over this [[Lordaeron|land]]. See to it that my legacy endures.''
 
  +
: '''King Arthas:''' You have been a loyal friend, Kel'Thuzad. I don't know what the future holds, or if I'll even return, but I want you to watch over this [[Lordaeron|land]]. See to it that my legacy endures.
: '''Kel'Thuzad:''' ''I shall, King Arthas, I shall.''
 
  +
: '''Kel'Thuzad:''' I shall, King Arthas, I shall.
  +
  +
===Road to Damnation===
  +
{{Novel-section}}
  +
:"Peasants remember the Second War just as well as we do. Say what you like about the orcs; their warlocks wielded great power. Power against which we had precious little defense. We have an obligation: we must learn to wield and counter these magics ourselves."<ref name="Road to Damnation" />
  +
:"We've been called [[heretic]]s for centuries. The church has never been fond of our methods. Such sentiments notwithstanding, we are still here."<ref name="Road to Damnation" />
   
 
===World of Warcraft===
 
===World of Warcraft===
  +
{{Wow-section}}
{{Main|Kel'Thuzad_(tactics)#Quotes}}
 
  +
{{Main|Shadow of the Necropolis trailer#Transcript}}
* "Enjoy! ... or I will FREEZE THE BLOOD IN YOUR VEINS."<ref>[[Lil' K.T.]] mail sent to player</ref>
 
  +
{{Main|Maexxna (Classic)#Quotes}}
* [[Scourge|"Minions, servants, soldiers of the cold dark]]... Obey the call of Kel'Thuzad!" <ref name="TCG Scourgewar 21">''[[TCG Scourgewar]]'', pg. 21</ref>
 
  +
{{Main|Thaddius (Classic)#Quotes}}
 
  +
{{Main|Loatheb (Classic)#Quotes}}
=== Naxxramas preview monologue ===
 
  +
{{Main|Four Horsemen (Classic)#Quotes}}
''I was cast out by [[Kirin Tor|my comrades]]. Exiled. Forced to wander the frozen wastes...but I was not alone. Not entirely. [[Lich King|The voice]], now my only companion, guided me to my destination. Strange, nightmarish creatures awaited me at the entrance. I felt my blood run cold, as cold as [[Icecrown]] itself.''
 
  +
{{Main|Sapphiron (Classic)#Quotes}}
 
  +
{{Main|Kel'Thuzad (Classic)#Quotes}}
''Inside, I bore witness to horrific acts, demonstrations of power, power that could be mine for the asking. Terrified, I ran...but did not get far. All too soon, my choice was made. Too late did I realize that such power does not come...without a price.''
 
 
''Now, the world shall pay a far greater toll, for I have returned.''
 
 
''I am Kel'Thuzad...''
 
 
''Your curiosity will be the death of you.''
 
   
===Conversation with Helcular===
+
===The Burning Crusade===
  +
{{Bc-section}}
  +
====Conversation with Helcular====
 
Kel'Thuzad appears in human form along with [[Helcular]] in the [[Old Hillsbrad Foothills]] wing of the [[Caverns of Time]]. He patrols between the main road through Hillsbrad and [[Southshore]]. At some point he stops and converses with Helcular:
 
Kel'Thuzad appears in human form along with [[Helcular]] in the [[Old Hillsbrad Foothills]] wing of the [[Caverns of Time]]. He patrols between the main road through Hillsbrad and [[Southshore]]. At some point he stops and converses with Helcular:
   
:{{text|say|'''Kel'Thuzad says:''' Keep your voice down, Helcular. Strangers abound...}}
+
:{{text|say|Kel'Thuzad|Keep your voice down, Helcular. Strangers abound...}}
 
:{{text|emote|Helcular nods.}}
 
:{{text|emote|Helcular nods.}}
:{{text|say|'''Helcular says:''' So you can teach me this...this...}}
+
:{{text|say|Helcular|So you can teach me this...this...}}
:{{text|say|'''Kel'Thuzad says:''' [[Necromancer|Necromancy]]. It is called necromancy. And yes, I have it within my power to bless you with this gift.}}
+
:{{text|say|Kel'Thuzad|Necromancy. It is called necromancy. And yes, I have it within my power to bless you with this gift.}}
:{{text|say|'''Helcular says:''' And the Kirin Tor? What have they to say of necromancy?}}
+
:{{text|say|Helcular|And the Kirin Tor? What have they to say of necromancy?}}
:{{text|say|'''Kel'Thuzad says:''' That is none of your concern, Helcular, as you are neither Kirin Tor nor a necromancer.}}
+
:{{text|say|Kel'Thuzad|That is none of your concern, Helcular, as you are neither Kirin Tor nor a necromancer.}}
:{{text|say|'''Kel'Thuzad says:''' But to be perfectly frank, I do not give a damn what the Kirin Tor think! They are fools, set in their archaic ways.}}
+
:{{text|say|Kel'Thuzad|But to be perfectly frank, I do not give a damn what the Kirin Tor think! They are fools, set in their archaic ways.}}
:{{text|say|'''Helcular says:''' Then teach me, Kel'Thuzad. Teach me everything you know...}}
+
:{{text|say|Helcular|Then teach me, Kel'Thuzad. Teach me everything you know...}}
 
:{{text|emote|Kel'Thuzad nods.}}
 
:{{text|emote|Kel'Thuzad nods.}}
:{{text|say|'''Kel'Thuzad says:''' In due time, Helcular... All in due time...}}
+
:{{text|say|Kel'Thuzad|In due time, Helcular... All in due time...}}
   
:''If the pair encounter the [[Captured Critter|captured critter]] that has been killed by the children [[Sally Whitemane]] and [[Renault Mograine]], then Kel'Thuzad continues:''
+
:''If the pair encounter the [[Captured Critter (Old Hillsbrad Foothills)|Captured Critter]] that has been killed by the children [[Sally Whitemane]] and [[Renault Mograine]] then Kel'Thuzad continues.''
   
:{{text|say|'''Kel'Thuzad says:''' Come, Helcular, let me give you a small taste...}}
+
:{{text|say|Kel'Thuzad|Come, Helcular, let me give you a small taste...}}
 
:{{text|emote|Kel'Thuzad utters some unintelligible words.}}
 
:{{text|emote|Kel'Thuzad utters some unintelligible words.}}
 
:''The critter is brought back to life.''
 
:''The critter is brought back to life.''
:{{text|say|'''Kel'Thuzad says:''' Now do you see, Helcular? Do you doubt the power? I control life!}}
+
:{{text|say|Kel'Thuzad|Now do you see, Helcular? Do you doubt the power? I control life!}}
:{{text|say|'''Kel'Thuzad says:''' And death...}}
+
:{{text|say|Kel'Thuzad|And death...}}
 
:''The critter dies again.''
 
:''The critter dies again.''
:{{text|say|'''Kel'Thuzad says:''' I'm still working out some minor details...}}
+
:{{text|say|Kel'Thuzad|I'm still working out some minor details...}}
   
 
He is still seen wearing the robes of the [[Kirin Tor]], but due to the nature of the conversation, it is presumed that he has already joined the Lich King, or was in the process of doing so.
 
He is still seen wearing the robes of the [[Kirin Tor]], but due to the nature of the conversation, it is presumed that he has already joined the Lich King, or was in the process of doing so.
   
  +
===Wrath of the Lich King===
== Trivia ==
 
  +
{{Wotlk-section}}
*During the Third War, Kel'Thuzad was 58 years old.<ref>[[Heroes and Villains]]</ref>
 
  +
{{Main|Maexxna#Quotes}}
  +
{{Main|Thaddius#Quotes}}
  +
{{Main|Loatheb#Quotes}}
  +
{{Main|Four Horsemen (tactics)#Quotes}}
  +
{{Main|Sapphiron (tactics)#Quotes}}
  +
{{Main|Kel'Thuzad (tactics)#Quotes}}
  +
  +
;Periodically at the Plains of Nasam
  +
:{{Text|emote|Kel'Thuzad cackles maniacally.}}
  +
  +
===Shadowlands===
  +
{{Sl-section}}
  +
====Dialogue====
  +
{{Main|It's Treason, Then#Notes}}
  +
{{Main|The Tithelord (quest)#Notes}}
  +
{{Main|The Baron's Plan#Notes}}
  +
{{Main|Designed to Fail#Notes}}
  +
{{Main|Caught in the Act#Notes}}
  +
{{Main|The Traitor Unmasked#Notes}}
  +
{{Main|The Medallion of Dominion#Notes|The Third Fall of Kel'Thuzad#Notes}}
  +
  +
====On-click====
  +
;Greeting
  +
*Well, what is it?
  +
*You had better not be wasting my time.
  +
*You may now address your master.
  +
  +
;Irritated
  +
*Here, [[Mr. Bigglesworth|kitty, kitty]]!
  +
  +
;Farewell
  +
*All proceeds according to plan.
  +
*Death's victory draws nigh.
  +
*Obey the will of Kel'Thuzad.
  +
  +
====Gossip====
  +
;Vault of Souls, while the player is wearing [[Illusory Guise]]
  +
:Prepare well, [[Acolyte Nelesis|Nelesis]], for the hour of our triumph is soon at hand.
  +
  +
;If the player has a melee weapon equipped
  +
:That is certainly an interesting armament you carry, acolyte.
  +
:I trust you're not contemplating a change in vocation?
  +
  +
===Other===
  +
*"Enjoy! ... or I will FREEZE THE BLOOD IN YOUR VEINS."<ref>[[Lil' K.T.]] mail sent to player</ref>
  +
*[[Scourge|"Minions, servants, soldiers of the cold dark]]... Obey the call of Kel'Thuzad!" <ref name="TCG Scourgewar 21">{{ref tcg|set=Scourgewar|number=21}}</ref>
  +
  +
==In the RPG==
  +
{{RPG-section}}
  +
He is perhaps the second most powerful undead entity in the world.<ref>''[[Manual of Monsters]]'', pg. 182</ref> Kel'Thuzad called [[Linnena Hallow]] to be by his side as he sowed the undead plague through [[Stratholme]].<ref>''[[Lands of Mystery]]'', pg. 190</ref> The [[Rod of Undead Mastery]] was given to [[Sylvanas Windrunner]] by Kel'Thuzad to aid her in her duties when she was part of the Scourge.<ref>''[[Manual of Monsters]]'', pg. 173</ref>
  +
  +
==Alternate timeline==
  +
A version of [[Kel'Thuzad (alternate universe)|Kel'Thuzad]] exists in a [[Alternate timeline|timeway]] where history turned out completely different and which was entered by [[Thrall]] during the [[Cataclysm]] era.<ref>''[[Thrall: Twilight of the Aspects]]''</ref>
  +
  +
==In Hearthstone==
  +
{{HS-section}}
  +
[[File:Kel'Thuzad card back.png|thumb|A {{HS|card back}} themed after Kel'Thuzad in ''[[Hearthstone (game)|Hearthstone]]''.]]
  +
*Kel'Thuzad is the primary antagonist, narrator and final boss of the ''[[Hearthstone: Curse of Naxxramas|Curse of Naxxramas]]'' adventure in ''[[Hearthstone (game)|Hearthstone]]''. Defeating every boss in the adventure, including the lich himself, awards him as [[hswiki:Kel'Thuzad|a legendary card]]. His flavor text reads: ''"Kel'Thuzad could not resist the call of the Lich King. Even when it's just a robo-call extolling the Lich King's virtues."''
  +
*Kel'Thuzad's living self appears in the ''[[Hearthstone: Scholomance Academy|Scholomance Academy]]'' expansion, as a legendary neutral minion known as [[hswiki:Headmaster Kel'Thuzad|Headmaster Kel'Thuzad]]. In this expansion, he runs [[Scholomance]] as the headmaster of the school alongside the dungeon's bosses as faculty members. His flavor text reads: ''"You wish to know my secrets, hmm? I carry a little bits of tuna in the sleeves of my robe, he loves that. Oh, you meant the risen dead? That was trivial, trivial."''
  +
**Before the expansion's release, Kel'Thuzad was purchasable as a promotional [[hswiki:Kel'Thuzad (hero)|mage hero]]. His flavor text reads: ''From Archmage to Archlich, Kel'Thuzad defies convention. Conventions like, "staying alive" or "being nice."''
  +
*Kel'Thuzad reappears in his Maldraxxi form in the ''{{HS|Murder at Castle Nathria}}'' expansion, as the legendary mage minion {{HS|Kel'Thuzad, the Inevitable}}. In the story of the expansion, the lich is one of ten guests who were invited to a dinner party in [[Castle Nathria]] by [[Denathrius|Sire Denathrius]], and consequently one of the prime suspects when Denathrius is found murdered. His flavor text reads: ''Looks like Kel'Thuzad is borrowing some of Mr. Bigglesworth's nine lives.''
  +
**A second Kel'Thuzad [[hswiki:Kel'Thuzad, the Inevitable (hero)|alternate mage hero]] was made available in the shop after the release of Murder at Castle Natharia expansion. His flavor text reads: ''"When an inevitable lich meets an unyielding cuteness. Obtained by purchasing in the shop."''.
  +
  +
==Notes and trivia==
  +
*Kel'Thuzad is credited as having created the Scourge's [[abomination]]s.<ref>[[Rottgut#Notes and trivia|Rottgut]]'s recruitment spell</ref>
  +
*During the [[Third War]], Kel'Thuzad was 58 years old.<ref>[[Heroes and Villains]]</ref>
 
*Kel'Thuzad wrote [[The Decree of the Scourge]].
 
*Kel'Thuzad wrote [[The Decree of the Scourge]].
*[[Bronjahm]] studied directly under Kel'Thuzad.
+
*The chains floating around him are the [[Chains of Kel'Thuzad]].
  +
*The [[Thuzadin]] necromancers in [[Stratholme]] are likely named after him.
*[[Ras Frostwhisper]] was said to be one his most trusted students.
 
  +
*[[Bronjahm]]<ref>[[Bronjahm#Adventure Guide]]</ref> and [[Ras Frostwhisper]] both studied directly under Kel'Thuzad. Ras, in particular, was one of his most trusted students.<ref>[[The Lich, Ras Frostwhisper]]</ref>
* In the [[Alternate timeline|alternative timeline]] where [[Thrall]] died as an infant, Kel'Thuzad did not take up necromancy but instead became chief adviser to King [[Aedelas Blackmoore]] of Lordaeron. Without Kel'Thuzad leading the Cult of the Damned, the Scourge never grew in large enough numbers to be a threat and history turned out completely different.
 
  +
*[[Noth the Plaguebringer|Noth]] initially joined Kel'Thuzad but when he saw that the Third War was taking numerous innocent lives, he began having second thoughts. Kel'Thuzad swiftly dealt with Noth's growing compassion by freezing the living heart in Noth's chest.<ref>[http://us.battle.net/hearthstone/en/blog/14642097 Naxxramas, the Floating Necropolis]</ref>
* Kel'Thuzad is voiced by [[Michael McConnohie]] in ''[[Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos]]'', ''[[Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne]]'', his original appearance in ''[[World of Warcraft]]'', and in ''[http://hearthstone.gamepedia.com/Curse_of_Naxxramas Hearthstone: Curse of Naxxramas]''.
 
  +
*Kel'Thuzad once nursed a [[Scourged Whelpling|plague-infected whelp]] to adulthood, feeding it only the finest liquefied remains.<ref>[[Scourged Whelpling]]</ref>
* Kel'Thuzad is voiced by a different (unknown) actor in ''[[World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King]]'', as Mr. McConnohie also portrays [[The Lich King]] and the producers thought this might "confuse the players".<ref>[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0566332/board/nest/124218842?d=134543785&p=1#134543785 Michael McConnohie on IMDb]</ref>
 
  +
*Kel'Thuzad is voiced by [[Michael McConnohie]] in ''[[Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos]]'', ''[[Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne]]'', and his original appearance in ''[[World of Warcraft]]''. The lich is voiced by a different (unknown) actor in ''[[World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King]]'', as McConnohie also portrays the [[Lich King]] and the producers thought this might "confuse the players".<ref>{{Ref web|url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0566332/board/nest/124218842?d=134543785&p=1#134543785|title=Michael McConnohie on IMDb|date=2009-04-01|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110508092322/http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0566332/board/nest/124218842?d=134543785&p=1|archivedate=2011-05-08|quote=''Actually, you're both right. They did recycle a lot of what I did as Kel'Thuzad from Warcraft III, but when they came back full circle and started using me as the Lich King again, they thought the voices of these two were far too similar. As I understand it, they re-voiced my KT dialogue to put some distance between the characters, being concerned they might "confuse the players."''}}</ref> McConnohie returned to voicing the character in ''[[Hearthstone (game)|Hearthstone]]'', ''[[Heroes of the Storm]]'',<ref>{{Ref web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbmpP0EW4OE|title=<nowiki>Resurrecting Kel’Thuzad: The Lich Comes to Life – Heroes of the Storm</nowiki>|publisher=YouTube|date=2017-09-05|accessdate=2020-12-26}}</ref> and ''[[World of Warcraft: Shadowlands]]''.
* Despite having a new voice actor in ''Wrath of the Lich King'', Kel'Thuzad still uses his original laugh. This can be sometimes heard when he kills a player during his encounter. Those wishing to avoid a repair bill can fly to his location at the [[Plains of Nasam]] in southwest [[Borean Tundra]], where Kel'Thuzad will laugh every 30 seconds or so.
 
  +
**Despite having a different voice actor in ''Wrath of the Lich King'', Kel'Thuzad still uses McConnohie's original laugh in his ''Wrath'' appearances. This can be heard every 30 seconds or so at his location at the [[Plains of Nasam]], and is sometimes also heard when he kills a player during his [[Kel'Thuzad (tactics)|encounter in Naxxramas]].
* [[Kel'Thuzad's Gold Coin]] is an in-game item. The description says, "Sometimes... I wish someone would come along and just give me a big, long hug."
 
  +
*[[Kel'Thuzad's Gold Coin]] can be [[Fishing|fished]] up from the [[Dalaran fountain]]. The description says, "Sometimes... I wish someone would come along and just give me a big, long hug."
* He has a pet based on him, [[Lil' Phylactery|Lil' K.T.]]. Kel'Thuzad himself will mail the player the pet and congratulate them on joining his fanclub.
 
  +
*The [[Kel'Thuzad's_Regalia_set|Alliance warlock Tier 9]] set is named after Kel'Thuzad. Though he is not normally classified as a warlock, Kel'Thuzad did learn a great deal about demons by studying the [[Book of Medivh]] (which allowed him to summon Archimonde). The historian team wasn't involved in the naming and this is likely an example of "[http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/RuleOfCool rule of cool]".<ref>[https://twitter.com/Loreology/status/490245998820618240 Sean Copeland on Twitter] (2014-07-18)</ref>
* The [[Lich King (tactics)|Lich King]] drops [[Bloodsurge, Kel'Thuzad's Blade of Agony]]. The blade had no prior in-game appearances.
 
  +
*He has a pet based on him, [[Lil' Phylactery|Lil' K.T.]]. Kel'Thuzad himself will mail the player the pet and congratulate them on joining his fanclub.
  +
*The [[Lich King (tactics)|Lich King]] drops [[Bloodsurge, Kel'Thuzad's Blade of Agony]]. The blade had no prior in-game appearances, but Kel'Thuzad mentions it in ''[[Heroes of the Storm]]''.
 
*During the events of [[Landfall]], when [[Jaina Proudmoore]] told [[Anduin Wrynn]] that the [[Kirin Tor]] had a legacy of abuse, she mentioned Kel'Thuzad, who turned his knowledge of the [[arcane]] arts towards [[necromancy]].
 
*During the events of [[Landfall]], when [[Jaina Proudmoore]] told [[Anduin Wrynn]] that the [[Kirin Tor]] had a legacy of abuse, she mentioned Kel'Thuzad, who turned his knowledge of the [[arcane]] arts towards [[necromancy]].
  +
*During the ''Legion'' beta, [[Grimoire of Damnation]], Kel'Thuzad's journal, was planned to be obtained by the Ebon Blade death knights.
* [[Nyorloth]] (creator of the WoW Story Forum and the [[Ask CDev]] project) confirmed Kel'Thuzad's continued existence by mentioning that he has "survived two separate Lich Kings".<ref>[https://twitter.com/Gromweld/status/175423443171426304 Nyorloth Twitter Post]</ref>
 
  +
*[[Nyorloth]] (creator of the WoW Story Forum and the [[Ask CDev]] project) confirmed Kel'Thuzad's continued existence by mentioning that he has "survived two separate Lich Kings".<ref>[https://twitter.com/Gromweld/status/175423443171426304 Nyorloth Twitter Post]</ref>
  +
*Although Kel'Thuzad's involvement in ''Shadowlands'' is first properly revealed to players in the later portions of the [[Necrolords Campaign|necrolord]] and [[Venthyr Campaign|venthyr]] [[Covenant Campaign]]s, players can find him idling in the [[Vault of Souls]] in [[Maldraxxus]] even before making any progress in the storyline.
  +
*Kel'Thuzad is a playable character in ''Heroes of the Storm''.
  +
*The servers [[Server:Kel'Thuzad US|Kel'Thuzad US]] and [[Server:Kel'Thuzad Europe|Kel'Thuzad Europe]] are named after him.
  +
*The line "Your curiosity will be the death of you", first used by Kel'Thuzad in [[The Cult of the Damned (WC3 Human)|The Cult of the Damned]] mission in ''[[Warcraft III]]'', and then later in the [[Shadow of the Necropolis trailer]], was originally spoken by Zhar the Mad, an optional mini-boss in the first ''[[Diablo]]'' game.
  +
*As Arthas was likely inspired by King Arthur, Kel'thuzad could also be considered a "reverse" version of Merlin.
  +
*During his encounter in the [[Sanctum of Domination]], Kel'Thuzad claims to have served [[Zovaal]] all along.<ref>[[Kel'Thuzad (Sanctum of Domination tactics)#Quotes]]</ref> However, as it was [[Denathrius]] who recruited him to Zovaal's side after his defeat in Northrend,<ref name="gamerant1"/><ref name="gamerant2"/> it is unknown if he boasting to intimidate his enemies or if the fact that the [[Lich King]] was meant to be the Jailer's herald<ref>[[The Jailer's Grasp]]</ref> convinced Kel'Thuzad that the Jailer was the true master of the [[Scourge]] all along.
  +
**According to Danuser, Kel'Thuzad being the Jailer's ally since the beginning was not their intention.<ref name="gamerant1"/><ref name="gamerant2"/>
  +
**This would mean that Kel'Thuzad can be taken as simply stretching the truth as previously stated. Or he may simply have been referring to Sin'dane and the other members of the House of Rituals during his rise through their ranks.
   
 
==Gallery==
 
==Gallery==
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
  +
Kel'thuzadNecromancer.jpg|The necromancer Kel'Thuzad in ''Warcraft III''.
File:Undeadthuzad.jpg|Warcraft III box artwork featuring Kel'Thuzad.
 
File:Kel'thuzad Ingame.png|Kel'Thuzad as seen in ''World of Warcraft''.
+
Kel'thuzad5.jpg|The lich Kel'Thuzad in ''Warcraft III''.
File:Kel'Thuzad Naxx TCG.jpg|Kel'Thuzad, on the box artwork for the Naxxramas raid deck (TCG).
+
Warcraft III Box - Kel'Thuzad.jpg|Warcraft III box artwork featuring Kel'Thuzad.
File:Kel'Thuzad TCG.jpg|Kel'Thuzad, master hero (TCG).
+
Kel'Thuzad.jpg|Kel'Thuzad art for [[Patch 1.11.0|Shadow of the Necropolis patch 1.11]].
File:Kel'Thuzad_TCG2.jpg|Kel'Thuzad, boss hero (TCG).
+
Kel'thuzad Ingame.png|Kel'Thuzad as seen in ''World of Warcraft''.
File:Kel'Thuzad_TCG3.jpg|Kel'Thuzad's Volley (TCG).
+
Kel'Thuzad Room Concept.jpg|Concept art of [[Kel'Thuzad's Chamber]] in Naxxramas.
  +
Kel'Thuzad's Chamber.jpg|Kel'Thuzad's chamber, as it appears in-game.
File:Signet of Manifested Pain TCG.jpg|Kel'Thuzad and his [[Signet of Manifested Pain|signet]] (TCG).
 
  +
Reforged credits art 7.png|''Reforged'' model.
File:Kel'Thuzad Room Concept.jpg|Concept art of his [[Kel'Thuzad's Chamber|chamber]] in Naxxramas.
 
  +
Reforged - Kel'Thuzad human concept.jpg|''[[Warcraft III: Reforged]]'' concept art of Kel'Thuzad as a human.
File:Kel'Thuzad's Chamber.jpg|Kel'Thuzad's chamber, as it appears in-game.
 
  +
Warcraft III Reforged - Kel'Thuzad concept art.jpg|''Warcraft III: Reforged'' concept art of Kel'Thuzad as a lich.
  +
</gallery>
  +
  +
;''TCG''
  +
<gallery>
  +
Naxxramas TCG key art.jpg|Kel'Thuzad, on the box artwork for the ''[[Naxxramas (TCG)|Naxxramas]]'' raid deck.
  +
Kel'Thuzad TCG.jpg|Kel'Thuzad, master hero.
  +
Kel'Thuzad TCG2.jpg|Kel'Thuzad, boss hero.
  +
Kel'Thuzad TCG3.jpg|Kel'Thuzad's Volley.
  +
Signet of Manifested Pain TCG.jpg|Kel'Thuzad and his [[Signet of Manifested Pain|signet]].
  +
Cult Master Kel'Thuzad.jpg|Cult Master Kel'Thuzad.
  +
</gallery>
  +
  +
;''Hearthstone''
  +
<gallery>
  +
Kel'Thuzad hero.jpg|The {{HS|Kel'Thuzad (hero)|Kel'Thuzad}} alternate hero.
  +
Headmaster Kel'Thuzad full.jpg|{{HS|Headmaster Kel'Thuzad}}.
  +
Scholomance Academy key art.jpg|''{{HS|Scholomance Academy}}'' expansion art.
  +
Scholomance Masquerade Ball art.jpg|Key art of Scholomance {{HS|Masquerade Ball}} event.
  +
Spirit of Kel'Thuzad HS.jpg|{{HS|Spirit of Kel'Thuzad}}.
  +
Kel'Thuzad, the Inevitable.jpg|{{HS|Kel'Thuzad, the Inevitable}} in ''{{HS|Murder at Castle Nathria}}'' (with Mr. Bigglesworth on his shoulder).
  +
Deathborne HS.jpg|Kel'Thuzad casting [[:Deathborne]].
  +
House of Rituals Gul'dan.jpg|Kel'Thuzad in the art for {{HS|House of Rituals Gul'dan}}.
  +
Kel'Thuzad, the Inevitable hero.jpg|{{HS|Kel'Thuzad, the Inevitable}} alternate hero.
  +
Lil' K.T. HS.jpg|{{HS|Lil' K.T.}}
  +
</gallery>
  +
  +
;''Heroes of the Storm''
  +
<gallery>
  +
Kel'Thuzad HotS Art.jpg|Kel'Thuzad in ''[[Heroes of the Storm]]''.
  +
Kel'Thuzad HotS Art - Alternate.jpg|Artwork with added background.
  +
Kel'Thuzad HotS.jpg|Kel'Thuzad, Archlich of Naxxramas.
  +
Kel'Thuzad HotS Star Lich.jpg|Star Lich Kel'Thuzad.
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
   
===Fanart===
+
===Fan art===
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
File:Kel'Thuzad ElGota.jpg|Kel'Thuzad.
+
Kel'Thuzad ElGota.jpg|Kel'Thuzad.
File:The Stars' Fury (Azeroth) - Jeremy Sun.jpg|The Stars' Fury.
+
The Stars' Fury (Azeroth) - Jeremy Sun.jpg|The Stars' Fury.
  +
Fanart - Scourge show no mercy by Alexey Kruglov.jpg|Scourge show no mercy by Alexey Kruglov.
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
   
 
==Videos==
 
==Videos==
 
<vplayer />
 
<vplayer />
*{{#vlink:QZX1M6KEozY|Warcraft III: Path of the Damned}}
+
*{{#vlink:QZX1M6KEozY|The Revelation|start=23}}
*{{#vlink:acwlPRFpXXc|Warcraft III: Undead Campaign Interlude}}
+
*{{#vlink:4n8owuBGyNE|Sylvanas' Farewell|start=16}}
 
*{{#vlink:vmEol3x3EA4|Lore of Warcraft: Kel'Thuzad}}
 
*{{#vlink:vmEol3x3EA4|Lore of Warcraft: Kel'Thuzad}}
  +
*{{#vlink:fh2pATQJmLw|Jaina tells Anduin about the past}}
  +
*{{#vlink:19oIz1LNsc0|The Story of Kel'Thuzad}}
   
 
==See also==
 
==See also==
* [[The Road to Damnation]]
+
*[[Kel'Thuzad's Deep Knowledge]]
  +
*[[Kel'Thuzad (Scourgewar)]], Scourgewar TCG card
  +
*[[Cult Master Kel'Thuzad]], Reign of Fire TCG card
  +
*[[Kel'Thuzad (Naxxramas Raid Deck)]], Naxxramas Raid Deck TCG card
  +
*[[Phylactery of Kel'Thuzad]]
   
 
==References==
 
==References==
{{reflist}}
+
{{Reflist}}
  +
  +
==External links==
  +
<!-- Please read https://wowpedia.fandom.com/wiki/Wowpedia:External_links_policy before adding new links. -->
  +
{{Elinks-NPCsearch|Kel'Thuzad}}
   
 
{{Succession|None|'''[[Scholomance|Headmaster of the Scholomance]]'''|[[Araj the Summoner]]}}
 
{{Succession|None|'''[[Scholomance|Headmaster of the Scholomance]]'''|[[Araj the Summoner]]}}
 
{{Succession|[[Magistrate Barthilas]]|'''Ruler of Stratholme'''|[[Baron Rivendare]]}}
 
{{Succession|[[Magistrate Barthilas]]|'''Ruler of Stratholme'''|[[Baron Rivendare]]}}
   
{{Final boss}}
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{{Scourge}}
{{undead}}
 
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[[Category:Maldraxxus NPCs]]
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[[es:Kel'Thuzad]]
 
[[es:Kel'Thuzad]]

Latest revision as of 07:01, 9 April 2024

This article is about the lore of the character. For his strategy in the Shadowlands encounter, see Kel'Thuzad (Sanctum of Domination tactics). For other encounter tactics and uses, see Kel'Thuzad (disambiguation).
NeutralKel'Thuzad
Image of Kel'Thuzad
Title Archlich[1][2] / Arch-Lich,[3]
Lich Lord of the Plaguelands,[4]
Lord of Naxxramas,[4] Icon-TCG Cult Master[5]
Gender Male
Race(s) Lich, formerly human (Undead / Humanoid)
Class Necromancer, Mage (formerly)
Affiliation(s) Mawsworn
Former affiliation(s) House of Rituals (Lichsworn), Cult of the Damned, Scourge, Kirin Tor (Council of Six), Magocracy of Dalaran, Alliance of Lordaeron
Occupation Lieutenant of the Jailer
Former occupation(s) Baron of the House of Rituals, majordomo of the Lich King, Archlich of Naxxramas, leader and founder of the Cult of the Damned, member of the Council of Six, Archmage of the Kirin Tor, Sorcerer[6]
Location Throne of the Damned (lore);
Various (in-game)
Status Deceased (lore)
Killable Shadowlands
Mentor(s) The Lich King
Student(s) Helcular, Ras Frostwhisper, Bronjahm, Nelesis
Companion(s) Mr. Bigglesworth (pet), Obrahiim (trusted adviser)

“I was cast out by my comrades, exiled, forced to wander the frozen wastes. But I was not alone. Not entirely. The voice, now my only companion, guided me to my destination. Strange, nightmarish creatures awaited me at the entrance. I felt my blood run cold, as cold as Icecrown itself. Inside, I bore witness to horrific acts, demonstrations of power, power that could be mine for the asking. Terrified, I ran, but did not get far. All too soon, my choice was made. Too late did I realize that such power does not come without a price. Now, the world will pay a far greater toll, for I have returned. I am Kel'Thuzad. Your curiosity will be the death of you.”

— Kel'Thuzad[7]

Kel'Thuzad (pronounced /'kɛlθuzɑːd/) was a powerful human mage, an archmage of the Kirin Tor, and member of the Council of Six until his interest in the dark arts caused him to be stripped of his rank and holdings, and exiled from Dalaran by the Grand Magus Antonidas. Driven by the voice in his head, he traveled to Northrend and climbed the Frozen Throne to offer his soul to the Lich King.

Now a necromancer of the Scourge, Kel'Thuzad returned to Lordaeron and founded in secret the Cult of the Damned, recruiting cultists among the nobility and the lower classes of the kingdoms with promises of immortality. Years later, he became one of the principal agents of the Lich King responsible for spreading the plague of undeath across Lordaeron,[8][9] resulting in his death at the hands of the paladin and Prince Arthas Menethil. When Arthas became a death knight and started the Scourging of Lordaeron, he resurrected Kel'Thuzad as a lich with the power of the Sunwell, so he could summon Archimonde the Defiler into Azeroth during the Third War.

Following Arthas's departure for Northrend, and his ascension as the new Lich King, Kel'Thuzad was left to command the Scourge in Lordaeron from the floating necropolis of Naxxramas. After making a deal with the nathrezim Balnazzar, he trapped the Highlord of the Silver Hand Alexandros Mograine at Stratholme, and recovered his body to make him the leader of the Four Horsemen and his champion, before replacing him by his son Darion Mograine after the first battle for Light's Hope Chapel. For years he held control of the Plaguelands and fought against the forces of the Scarlet Crusade, the Argent Dawn, the Alliance and the Horde, until his first defeat at the hands of adventurers.

With the help of a traitor among the ranks of the Brotherhood of the Light, Kel'Thuzad managed to resurrect and recover his phylactery. During the war against the Lich King, he moved to Northrend with his necropolis to serve the Dark Lord of the Scourge, until he was once again defeated at the hands of the champions of Azeroth.

In death, Kel'Thuzad entered the afterlife of Maldraxxus where he was approached by Sire Denathrius and soon rose to a position of power within the House of Rituals, a position he used to plunge Maldraxxus into chaos in order to further the efforts of his new master, Zovaal the Jailer, across the Shadowlands. After his machinations were revealed, the archlich escaped to his master's side in the Sanctum of Domination, where he was destroyed for good in a final confrontation with Azeroth's heroes.

Kel'Thuzad is one of the most iconic antagonists in the Warcraft franchise. He first appeared in Warcraft III as a hero in the undead campaigns. He appeared in World of Warcraft as the final encounter of Naxxramas, implemented in patch 1.11 and retuned in patch 3.0, and returned as a secondary antagonist in World of Warcraft: Shadowlands. He also makes appearances in Old Hillsbrad Foothills and the Plains of Nasam. Kel'Thuzad appears as a central character in the Hearthstone sets Curse of Naxxramas and Scholomance Academy, and he is a playable character in Heroes of the Storm.

Biography

The Kirin Tor

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Kel'thuzadhuman

Archmage Kel'Thuzad of the Kirin Tor before the Third War.

Before the Second War, Kel'Thuzad was a member of the Council of Six, the high council of the Kirin Tor — the masters of Dalaran. Of the Kirin Tor's leaders, Kel'Thuzad was the most eager to gain access to the Guardian's Library — the depository of knowledge hoarded by Medivh in his tower of Karazhan - and thus he was most upset when the library was lost. After Medivh's death, Kel'Thuzad and the other senior members of the Kirin Tor questioned Medivh's apprentice, Khadgar, about what happened; Kel'Thuzad seemed particularly interested in discovering more about the mysterious Order of Tirisfal, which — as he pointed out to Antonidas, the leader of the Kirin Tor — was relevant when discussing Medivh.[10]

When Jaina Proudmoore was in her third year of apprenticeship, Antonidas introduced her to Kel'Thuzad, who at the time was said to be one of the finest mages in the Kirin Tor. Kel'Thuzad's magics made her nauseous, and that was before he even caught interest in the dark arts.[11]

Kel'Thuzad witnessed the death knights of the Horde during their raid on Dalaran before the Invasion of Draenor and became even more interested in necromancy after seeing what its power was capable of.[12]

Call of the Lich King

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“As my lieutenant, you will gain knowledge and magic to surpass your most ambitious dreams. But in return, living or dead, you will serve me for the rest of your days. If you betray me, I shall make you into one of my mindless ones, and you will serve me still.”

— The Lich King's threat and promise of power
WC3Necromancer

The necromancer Kel'Thuzad.[13]

A handful of powerful individuals, scattered across the world, heard the Lich King's mental summons from Northrend. Kel'Thuzad was the most notable of them, and the first to answer the Lich King’s call.[14] Long considering him above the scriptures of his peers,[15] Kel'Thuzad had been considered a maverick for years due to his insistence on studying the forbidden arts of necromancy. Driven to learn all he could of the magical world and its shadowy wonders, he was frustrated by what he saw as his peers' outmoded and unimaginative precepts. Upon hearing the powerful summons from Northrend, the archmage bent all of his considerable will to communing with the mysterious voice. Convinced that the Kirin Tor was too squeamish to seize the power and knowledge inherent in the dark arts, he vowed to learn what he could from the immensely powerful being named the Lich King.

Kel'Thuzad and the Frozen Throne

Kel’Thuzad standing before the Frozen Throne and the Lich King.

Approximately five years before the Third War,[16] Antonidas learned that Kel'Thuzad had been experimenting with necromancy by reanimating dead rats. Fearing for the safety and reputation of Dalaran, Antonidas had Kel'Thuzad's properties searched, and all items tainted by dark magic were confiscated and destroyed. Antonidas warned Kel'Thuzad that he would be stripped of his rank and holdings, and exiled from both Dalaran and Lordaeron, if he did not abandon his "madness". Leaving behind his fortune and prestigious political standing, Kel'Thuzad abandoned the ways of the Kirin Tor and left Dalaran forever. Prodded by the Lich King's persistent voice in his mind, he sold his vast holdings and stored away his fortunes. Traveling alone over many leagues of both land and sea, he finally reached the frozen shores of Northrend. Intent on reaching Icecrown and offering his services to the Lich King, the archmage passed through the ravaged, war-torn ruins of Azjol-Nerub. Kel'Thuzad saw firsthand the scope and ferocity of Ner'zhul's power. He began to believe that allying himself with the mysterious Lich King would not only be wise, but potentially fruitful.

Kel'Thuzad met with Anub'arak, who told him of all the power he could wield. Frightened by the horrors that he saw in Naxxramas, Kel'Thuzad teleported out and tried to escape. Unfortunately, he was surrounded by wraiths and was brought back inside.[17]

After long months of trekking through the harsh arctic wastelands, Kel'Thuzad finally reached the dark glacier of Icecrown. He boldly approached Ner'zhul's dark citadel and was shocked when the silent undead guardsmen let him pass as though he was expected. Kel'Thuzad descended deep into the cold earth and found his way down to the bottom of the glacier. Within the endless cavern of ice and shadows, he prostrated himself before the Frozen Throne and offered his soul to the dark lord of the dead. The Lich King was pleased with his latest conscript. He promised Kel'Thuzad immortality and great power in exchange for his loyalty and obedience. Kel'Thuzad, eager for dark knowledge and power, accepted his first great mission: to go into the world of men and found a new religion that would worship the Lich King as a god.

To help the archmage accomplish his mission, Ner'zhul left Kel'Thuzad's humanity intact. The aged, yet still charismatic wizard was charged with using his powers of illusion and persuasion to lull the downtrodden, disenfranchised masses of Lordaeron into his confidence. Once he had their attention, he would offer them a new vision of what society could be — and a new figurehead to call their king.[18]

Cult of the Damned

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BTNKelThuzad-Reforged

The necromancer Kel'Thuzad in Warcraft III: Reforged.

Kel'Thuzad Reforged

The necromancer Kel'Thuzad in Warcraft III: Reforged.

Kel'Thuzad returned to Lordaeron in disguise and in the floating dread citadel Naxxramas,[19] and over the span of three years, he used his fortune and intellect to gather a clandestine brotherhood of like-minded men and women. The brotherhood, which he called the Cult of the Damned, promised its acolytes social equality and eternal life on Azeroth in exchange for their service and obedience to Ner'zhul. As the months passed, Kel'Thuzad found many eager volunteers for his new cult amongst the tired, overburdened laborers of Lordaeron. Surprisingly, Kel'Thuzad's goal to pervert the citizens' faith in the Holy Light towards belief in Ner'zhul's dark shadow was easily attained. As the Cult of the Damned grew in size and influence, Kel'Thuzad made sure to keep its workings secret from the authorities of Lordaeron at every turn.[20]

On Caer Darrow, Kel'Thuzad made a deal with the Barov family and some of his cultists moved into the Scholomance.[21] Kel'Thuzad also convinced his friend Baron Rivendare to join the cult.[22]

With Kel'Thuzad's success in Lordaeron, the Lich King made the final preparations for his assault against human civilization. Placing his plague energies into a number of portable artifacts called plague cauldrons, Ner'zhul ordered Kel'Thuzad to transport the cauldrons to Lordaeron where they would be hidden within various cult-controlled villages. The cauldrons, protected by the loyal cultists, would then act as plague generators by sending the plague seeping out across the unsuspecting farmlands and cities of northern Lordaeron.

The Lich King's plan worked perfectly. Many of Lordaeron's northern villages were contaminated almost immediately. Just as in Northrend, the citizens who contracted the plague died and arose as the Lich King's willing slaves. The cultists under Kel'Thuzad were eager to die and be raised again in their dark lord's service. They exulted in the prospect of immortality through undeath. As the plague spread, more and more feral zombies arose in the northlands. Kel'Thuzad looked upon the Lich King's growing army and named it the Scourge — for soon, it would march upon the gates of Lordaeron and scour humanity from the face of the world.[23][24]

Scourge of Lordaeron

WC3RoC-logo This section concerns content related to Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos or its expansion The Frozen Throne.
BTNKelThuzadCin

The lich Kel'Thuzad in Warcraft III: Reforged.

Lore in Short - Confronting Kel'Thuzad

Kel'Thuzad confronts Arthas Menethil and Jaina Proudmoore in Andorhal.

Kel'Thuzad Lich Reforged

The lich Kel'Thuzad in Warcraft III: Reforged.

Kel'Thuzad, upon the Lich King's instruction, oversaw the infection of the small town of Brill where he was discovered by Jaina Proudmoore and Prince Arthas. From there he quickly fled and they followed him back to Andorhal, where he told Arthas of Mal'Ganis in Stratholme. Enraged, Arthas hunted Kel'Thuzad down and killed him, but not before Kel'Thuzad told him his death would mean little. But they were not finished yet.

After Arthas had traveled to Northrend, and slain Mal'Ganis with Frostmourne, he returned to Lordaeron and betrayed his kingdom and became a servant of the Lich King. Kel'Thuzad began to appear to him as a ghostly apparition after his protector, Gavinrad the Dire, was slain by Arthas and Kel'Thuzad's remains were reclaimed. He appeared only to Arthas, and told him that he was not to trust the dreadlords, explaining to Arthas that they were the Lich King's jailors, and promised to explain all of the Lich King's plans to Arthas once he walked the earth again in Quel'Thalas.

Kel'Thuzad watched over Arthas as he made the slow procession to the Sunwell in Silvermoon against the stratagems of Sylvanas Windrunner. Eventually, Arthas ravaged his way through the two Elfgates and finally laid siege to Silvermoon itself, breaching through to the fabled Sunwell. Arthas placed Kel'Thuzad's remains within the well, and with the help of Tichondrius, Kel'Thuzad was reborn into the terrifying form of a lich.

Kel'Thuzad contacts Archimonde Reforged

Kel'Thuzad contacts Archimonde using the Demon Gate.

As they traveled to Alterac, Kel'Thuzad explained that the Scourge was merely the harbinger of the Burning Legion, and that he would summon the first of the demons, the eredar warlock Archimonde to the mortal world. After slaying the orcs guarding the Demon Gate, Kel'Thuzad communed with the dark lord who told him that he must go to Dalaran and steal the Book of Medivh.

Kel'Thuzad summons Archimonde Reforged

Kel'Thuzad summons Archimonde in Dalaran.

Warcraft III Reforged - Arthas and Archimonde

Arthas battling the forces of Dalaran while Kel'Thuzad summons the demon lord Archimonde.

After Arthas led the attack on Dalaran and killed Antonidas, the book was retrieved and Kel'Thuzad began the lengthy summoning process, with Arthas defending him from the many attacks of Dalaran and the Kirin Tor. When all was complete, Archimonde stepped through the portal and was free to act according to his plans. His first act was to promote Tichondrius to the leader of the Scourge, rendering Arthas and Kel'Thuzad of little use. However, Kel'Thuzad was confident in the Lich King's grand design and disappeared amidst the chaos of Dalaran's destruction. He told Arthas the final part of the Lich King's plan, then teleported him to Kalimdor.

Kel'Thuzad resurfaced as the Legion raked across the Plaguelands, and in the aftermath of the invasion, he remained in the Capital City as one of the Lich King's lieutenants. Arthas had gone to Kalimdor on Ner'zhul's command to find the rogue demon hunter, Illidan, leaving only Kel'Thuzad and the banshee Sylvanas Windrunner remaining in his stead. However, both knew that the Legion was defeated long before the dreadlords who remained in Lordaeron did.

Arthas returned in a fury and chased the dreadlords out of the capital, and Kel'Thuzad was relieved to see him. With the Legion's generals gone, they turned to the human villages who were escaping to the mountain passes. Kel'Thuzad thought that perhaps they would be a fitting sacrifice to the Lich King and led his necromancers into battle against the paladin Magroth the Defender and his men protecting the human refugees. But as they cut a swath through the human forces, Arthas suffered some violent seizures, and Kel'Thuzad considered recalling their forces, but the King forbade it, and they continued on their macabre mission. In the aftermath, Arthas received a vision from Ner'zhul, who told him to return to Northrend. Kel'Thuzad immediately prepared for his departure, but they were abruptly ambushed by the dreadlords, and separated. The dreadlords unleashed their forces against Arthas, but Kel'Thuzad found his own way out of the city.

Kel'Thuzad later came upon Arthas in the clutches of Sylvanas and her wicked banshees. She was about to strike when Kel'Thuzad unleashed his forces against her and her sisters. With the banshees dead, Sylvanas was forced to retreat. Kel'Thuzad escorted Arthas to the shore, where he had prepared a fleet of ships for his departure. Arthas asked Kel'Thuzad, as his most loyal servant and trusted friend, to remain in Lordaeron and ensure that his legacy endured. Kel'Thuzad swore on what was left of his life to carry out that mission at any cost. While Sylvanas and her Forsaken claimed the Tirisfal Glades, Kel'Thuzad returned to the Eastern Plaguelands, which he ruled from the flying necropolis Naxxramas.

At some point, Kel'Thuzad created the Four Horsemen, extremely powerful elite death knights of the Scourge created to serve as his royal guard.[25] Sapphiron also joined the citadel to guard Kel'Thuzad's chamber. In Naxxramas, Kel'Thuzad appointed Razuvious as the trainer of death knights.[26]

Ashbringer

Comics title This section concerns content related to the Warcraft manga or comics.
Last Chapter

Kel'Thuzad in the Ashbringer comic.

After being manipulated by Saidan Dathrohan (who was possessed by the dreadlord Balnazzar), Renault Mograine betrayed and murdered his father, Alexandros Mograine. Renault slew his father using the Ashbringer - an act of evil that corrupted the sword. Collecting the body and blade, Kel'Thuzad transformed Alexandros into a death knight - the leader of his Four Horsemen.

With assistance from members of the Argent Dawn, Darion Mograine managed to infiltrate Naxxramas and defeat his undead father. He then fled the necropolis with the corrupted Ashbringer. After conferring with Tirion Fordring, Darion learned that his father's soul was trapped in the sword and that only a great act of love could set it free.

When Kel'Thuzad staged an attack on Light's Hope Chapel, Darion ran the Ashbringer through his own heart - sacrificing his life to release his father's soul. An explosion of light destroyed most of the lesser Scourge, but Kel'Thuzad was unaffected. Follwoing the battle, he reanimated Darion as a death knight, and while his primary goal had eluded him, he was content to take Darion as his prize, reasoning that the Scourge could always return to Light's Hope.

Shadow of the Necropolis

WoW Icon update This section concerns content related to the original World of Warcraft.
Naxxramas Classic key art

Kel'Thuzad battling adventurers in his sanctum.

In the Lich King's haste to spread the plague of undeath over Azeroth, he gifted Kel'Thuzad, with the flying citadel of Naxxramas, a horrific base of operations for the Scourge. Consistent attacks from the Scarlet Crusade and Argent Dawn factions weakened the defenses of the floating fortress, enabling an incursion that led to Kel'Thuzad's defeat.[27]

Kel'Thuzad sought Atiesh.[28]

During the first Scourge Invasion, the Scourge attacked Stormwind City, which later led to an Alliance counterattack. Bolvar Fordragon recruited Alliance heroes who raided Naxxramas and defeated Kel'Thuzad.[29]

Kel'Thuzad was the last encounter of the dungeon Naxxramas, implemented in the patch 1.11, and was the end game boss of the original game of World of Warcraft. He was ultimately defeated by the players, but does not die. As a lich, he may reform using a magic item known as a phylactery. Had Kel'Thuzad's phylactery been destroyed along with him, Kel'Thuzad would have been defeated forever, but some things do not happen as they should.

The quest N [60R] The Fall of Kel'Thuzad describes how the player, who likely wanted to destroy the phylactery, is manipulated by some mental force to give the phylactery to Father Inigo Montoy in Light's Hope Chapel. Something very unusual was going on there, and the Argent Dawn reported that the phylactery did not reach their hands. A traitor among the ranks of the knightly order of the Argent Dawn absconded with Kel'Thuzad's cursed remains and fled to Northrend, where the fallen lich could be reanimated.[27]

Caverns of Time

Bc icon This section concerns content related to The Burning Crusade.

Within the Old Hillsbrad section of the Caverns of Time, a still-human Kel'Thuzad can be seen conversing with Helcular in Southshore.

Wrath of the Lich King

Wrath-Logo-Small This section concerns content related to Wrath of the Lich King.
Kel'Thuzad Borean Tundra

Kel'Thuzad at the Plains of Nasam.

Commander Eligor Dawnbringer: "The lich, Kel'Thuzad. He serves the Lich King without question, a necromancer of great prowess in life, turned into a master of necromancy after his death. It is said he is the most loyal of the Lich King's subjects. Kel'Thuzad has survived trials that would have long since shattered the souls of even the greatest of the Brotherhood. He readily gave his life at Arthas's hand, later to be brought back - reborn in the power of the Sunwell. In the Plaguelands, Kel'Thuzad was again defeated by the agents of the Argent Dawn. However, his phylactery was delivered to a false agent of the Brotherhood. We have yet to discover who stole his phylactery or why."

Kel'Thuzad once again returned as the final boss of the relocated Naxxramas — now floating above the Carrion Fields in the Dragonblight, besieging Wintergarde Keep. When the phylactery was given to Father Montoy, it was not delivered to the Argent Dawn; his hoarding of the artifact (instead of destroying it or giving it to the Argent Dawn) allowed Kel'Thuzad to regain corporeal form. (Montoy appears to have been rewarded for this effort as he is now a lich himself — known as Thel'zan the Duskbringer — and located within the Wintergarde Mausoleum below Wintergarde Keep, which is currently under siege by Naxxramas.)

In the quest H [10-30] The Plains of Nasam, Horde players are sent to the Plains of Nasam in a siege tank to destroy Scourge forces in the area and rescue injured Warsong Hold troops. They are also called on to identify the leader of the Scourge in the region — Kel'Thuzad himself, who stands upon a dais and is surrounded by Stitched Warsong Horrors, Plague Spreaders, and other Scourge constructs.

In Naxxramas, Kel'Thuzad appointed Baron Rivendare to replace Alexandros as the fourth Horseman.[26] In a manner very similar to how he was originally defeated, the champions of Azeroth stormed the dread citadel and defeated the lich lord once again.

Kel'Thuzad did not have his phylactery on his person during his second defeat, but it was nevertheless destroyed at some point.[30] After his defeat, rumors quickly spread that his soul was lost to the Shadowlands.[31]

Shadowlands

Shadowlands This section concerns content related to Shadowlands.
Kel'Thuzad Maldraxxus

Kel'Thuzad in the Vault of Souls.

Within the Shadowlands, the Arbiter assigned Kel'Thuzad's soul to the realm of Maldraxxus due to the great ambition he displayed in mortality. However, the broker Ta'lora notes that given Kel'Thuzad's importance to the schemes of the Jailer, it is possible that the Arbiter's judgment was somehow manipulated. It's unclear exactly when Kel'Thuzad started working for the Jailer, but Ta'lora notes that it is plausible that the Jailer was able to peer into the mortal plane and came to see Kel'Thuzad as a means to extend his influence on Azeroth back when he was still a living necromancer.[30] Kel'Thuzad himself later claimed that he had only pretended to serve "false masters" and that he had actually been working to architect Azeroth's end all along.[32] In reality, it was Sire Denathrius who reached to Kel'Thuzad after his ultimate defeat during the War against the Lich King, recruited him to Zovaal's side and supplied him with anima to aid the cause.[33][34]

Upon arriving among the necrolords of Maldraxxus, Kel'Thuzad joined the House of Rituals and rose through the house's ranks at a record pace due to his talent in necromancy and due to secretly receiving stores of anima from fellow servants of the Jailer in Revendreth.[30] He soon became one of the two barons serving under Margrave Sin'dane (the other being Baroness Ninadar). He took the place of Baron Balmedar, whom he then also shut out of the house's dealings.[35] Kel'Thuzad subsequently used his position and influence over Sin'dane, along with Margrave Gharmal of the House of Constructs, to begin turning the houses of Maldraxxus against each other through treachery and deceit in order to further the plans of the Jailer.[30][36][37]

Through his manipulation of Sin'dane and Gharmal, Kel'Thuzad caused the destruction of the House of Plagues in what looked like an accident.[30] Not long thereafter, he orchestrated the downfall of the House of Eyes—specifically the destruction of their necropolis Nurakkir and the death of their leader Margrave Akarek—through his servants in the House of Rituals, namely the liches Mor'Bitan,[38][39] Zelmany,[40] Drava'ora,[41] and Fal'zinge.[42] The baron then convinced Sin'dane and Gharmal to launch a joint invasion of the Temple of Courage in Bastion.[30] The invasion's leader, the lich Nalthor the Rimebinder, stated that his "master" had ordered him to destroy Bastion and harvest the corpses of its kyrian inhabitants for the Maldraxxi armies,[43] but it's not clear if he was referring to Sin'dane or Kel'Thuzad. Via his servant Lady Ouix'Ara, Kel'Thuzad also continued securing anima from Revendreth, now not just for himself but for all of the House of Rituals[44] and House of Constructs.[45] More specifically, the venthyr Tithelord supplied Lady Ouix'Ara and her fellow Kel'Thuzad loyalists at Death's End with anima[46] from Sire Denathrius' stockpiles[47] in return for Maldraxxian weapons.[48][49]

Shortly after the Maw Walkers arrived in Maldraxxus, Kel'Thuzad told Mor'Bitan to personally perform a ritual at the Rotting Mound that would apparently grant him more power as a reward for his assault on the House of Eyes,[38][39][50] but the ritual was sabotaged and Mor'Bitan was killed by Baroness Vashj and the Maw Walkers.[39]

Sire Denathrius later gave Kel'Thuzad—whom he called a "faithful ally"—the Medallion of Dominion, which had previously belonged to Prince Renathal.[51][52] This medallion would allow the baron to take control of countless venthyr and, with enough anima, even manipulate the very fabric of the Shadowlands.[3][52]

It's Treason, Then - Kel'Thuzad revealed

The image of Kel'Thuzad mocking his enemies at Death's End.

With the aid of Maw Walkers, Baroness Draka of the Necrolord Covenant and the soul of Kael'thas Sunstrider ultimately discovered Lady Ouix'Ara's operation at Death's End and that Kel'Thuzad was the one responsible for the unrest in Maldraxxus. After Ouix'Ara was killed, an image of Kel'Thuzad appeared to taunt the "meddlers" and invite them to face him in the House of Rituals.[53] Prince Renathal and Baroness Draka proceeded to work together with Maw Walkers to stop the traitorous Tithelord at his manor. Kel'Thuzad personally appeared during the battle, supplying the Tithelord with Maldraxxi troops. However, when the Tithelord told the Arch-Lich to use the Medallion of Dominion to help him defeat the invaders, Kel'Thuzad refused and instead left the Tithelord to die, stating that the venthyr had served his purpose and that he needed to attend to "the next part of the plan".[3]

Caught in the Act - ritual end

Kel'Thuzad's attempted ritual to breach the Maw.

Members of the House of Constructs later returned to Maldraxxus with spoils from their raid on Bastion, including Kel'Thuzad's "personal prize"—the kyrian Bearer Thedrin. Along with the Revendreth anima,[44] the baron planned to use the Bearer in a ritual to breach his master's prison: the Maw.[54] Meanwhile, the deposed baron Balmedar allied with the Necrolord Covenant[35] and helped Necrolord Maw Walkers infiltrate the House of Rituals by killing and taking on the appearance of Kel'Thuzad's favorite acolyte, Nelesis,[55][56] which would allow them to learn the Arch-Lich's intentions. Balmedar's invisible oculus continued accompanying the Maw Walkers as they reported to Kel'Thuzad in the Vault of Souls.[57] The Arch-Lich sent his "acolyte" to collect a set of tomes he'd ordered from Baroness Ninadar[58] followed by some ritual reagents from Jor'dan the Powerful.[59] Balmedar had the Maw Walkers bring the ingredients to him instead, but not before the heroes learned from Jor'dan that Kel'Thuzad was awaiting a broker shipment from Oribos containing the last of the reagents.[60] After ambushing the Cartel Ba shipment,[61] the Maw Walkers recovered the reagent in question: a Domination Blade from the Maw.[62] This caused Balmedar to realize what Kel'Thuzad was planning, but since the baron was too powerful to confront directly, the Maw Walkers would instead have to stop his ritual by returning with the now sabotaged reagents. Kel'Thuzad had begun to suspect that there was a traitor in the house's ranks after what happened to the broker caravan, but he was impressed by his "acolyte's" resourcefulness when she presented the Domination Blade to him[54] and asked her to assist him in the final ritual. The sabotaged reagents did cause the ritual to fail when the baron attempted to sacrifice Bearer Thedrin with the Domination Blade, but they also triggered a burst of feedback that shed the heroes' disguise and revealed Balmedar's oculus. Realizing that he had been deceived, Kel'Thuzad had both Balmedar and the heroes captured and imprisoned in the Vault of Souls.[63]

Balmedar and the heroes managed to escape, but before they had a chance to warn Sin'dane of her baron's treachery, Kel'Thuzad personally confronted her and Baroness Ninadar at the entrance to the Hall of Sorcery. Sin'dane told Kel'Thuzad that he could not match her power, but Ninadar suddenly betrayed the margrave by stealing her weapon, the Staff of the Primus, while stating that she was weak and that it was time to anoint a new margrave. Kel'Thuzad proceeded to bind Sin'dane in magical chains and mockingly asked Balmedar and the Maw Walkers if they had come to celebrate his victory. He then summoned his old ally, the dragon Sapphiron, to deal with the interlopers while he departed to the necropolis Exoramas with the captive Sin'dane.[64] With Ninadar's backing, Kel'Thuzad thus took full control of the House of Rituals.[65]

The Third Fall of Kel'Thuzad - Kel'Thuzad and Sin'dane

Kel'Thuzad with the Medallion of Dominion and the captive Sin'dane in Exoramas.

After mustering their respective forces, the Necrolord and Venthyr Covenants assaulted the House of Rituals to remove Kel'Thuzad's influence. The Arch-Lich's image taunted both of the invading parties—the former attacking the stronghold's southern walls, the latter teleporting into Exoramas—but the covenants managed to separately reach the Prime Arcanum in the house's center, where Kel'Thuzad and his minions successfully performed a ritual to open a portal to the Maw, summoning a Maw Infernous. Together, the two covenants defeated the creature and pushed on to Exoramas, where Kel'Thuzad was keeping Sin'dane trapped in a block of ice and drawing power from her. The Arch-Lich mocked the gathering, especially Kael'thas, who sought vengeance against the lich for his part in the destruction of Kael's homeland years before. Baroness Draka told Kel'Thuzad to surrender or be destroyed, but he merely replied that the Jailer's plan was unfolding "exactly as intended" and that they would not live to see its completion. Most of the attackers spread out to hold off the lich's skeletal minions while the Maw Walkers focused on weakening the traitorous baron himself so that Balmedar could free Sin'dane with the Staff of the Primus. When he placed the staff in her hand, it allowed her to shatter her icy prison, stunning Kel'Thuzad in the process. She declared that he would answer for his crimes against both Maldraxxus and her. Kael'thas wanted to claim his vengeance by incinerating the lich, but General Draven intervened to grab the Medallion of Dominion from the lich's chest. Before the covenants had a chance to detain the lich, a group of Mawsworn arrived through a portal from the Maw and helped the lich escape to his master's side.[36][66]

Chains of Domination

As the covenants invade the Maw to take the fight directly to the Jailer, Kel'Thuzad directed the Mawsworn in striking back.[67]

The Maw Walkers and their allies later assaulted the Sanctum of Domination, while the Jailer began enacting his plan to steal the final key from the Arbiter.[68] The heroes fought their way through his minions, eventually confronting Kel'Thuzad at the apex of the soul river. With all his schemes and manipulations coming to a head, Kel'Thuzad vowed that death would answer to nobody but him, and that he would have his vengeance on the mortal champions who foiled all his plans. During the ensuing battle, the Maw Walkers destroyed Kel'Thuzad's phylactery. With true death finally approaching the lich, Kel'Thuzad unleashed his full power and the armies of the dead in a final stand. After futilely attempting to trade "unimaginable power" in exchange for his continued existence, Kel'Thuzad would be struck down for the last time, his dying words expressing his disbelief that death did not answer to him. The remains of his power were used by Bolvar Fordragon to open a gateway to the Pinnacle of Domination.[69]

Locations

Notable appearances
Location Level range Health range
Kel'Thuzad (Classic) ?? 3,150,000
Old Hillsbrad Foothills 55 2,555
Borean Tundra ?? 6,693,600
Dragonblight ?? 13,945
Kel'Thuzad (tactics) ??
105,660,600
2514,660,000
Maldraxxus ?? ??

Abilities

Phylactery of Kel'Thuzad HS

The Phylactery of Kel'Thuzad in Hearthstone.

Naxxramas
Main articles: Kel'Thuzad (Classic), Kel'Thuzad (tactics)
During N [60] The Medallion of Dominion / N [60] The Third Fall of Kel'Thuzad
  • Ability creature cursed 03 Death and Decay — Inflicts Shadow damage on impact and leaves behind a necromantic pool that inflicts Shadow damage every 1 sec as long as enemies remain within it.
  • Spell frost frostblast Frost Blast — Conjures a frost orb and hurls it at an enemy, Inflicting Frost damage and rooting targets it collides with for 6 sec.
  • Ability deathknight pillaroffrost Glacial Spike — Summons a Glacial Spike at the enemy's destination, inflicting Frost damage to enemies within 6 yards and knocking them back. Once summoned, the Glacial Spike will death grip enemies greater than 10 yards away before it explodes, inflicting Frost damage to enemies within 7 yards.
  • Spell warlock soulburn Soul Fissure — The ground under the current enemy target explodes, inflicting Shadow damage to enemies within the impact.
Sanctum of Domination
Main article: Kel'Thuzad (Sanctum of Domination tactics)

Quests

The House of Rituals
  1. N [60] The Pupil Returns Activequest
  2. N [60] The Baron's Plan AvailablequestActivequest
  3. N [60] Mistress of Tomes Availablequest
  4. N [60] Cantrip Collections and N [60] Errant Enchantments
  5. N [60] The Hall of Tomes Activequest
  6. N [60] Necessary Ingredients Availablequest
  1. N [60] Designed to Fail Activequest
  2. N [60] Caught in the Act Availablequest
Objective of

Quotes

Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos

WC3RoC-logo This section concerns content related to Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos or its expansion The Frozen Throne.
For unit quotes, see Quotes of Warcraft III/Undead Scourge#Kel'Thuzad.
Kel'thuzadnecromancer

The necromancer Kel'Thuzad in Warcraft III.

Kel'thuzad face

The lich Kel'Thuzad in Warcraft III.

  • "We have been discovered, my brothers! Flee and continue with the operation!
  • "I'm sorry I can't stay and chat, but...duty calls."
  • "Hello again children. I am Kel'Thuzad and I've come to deliver a warning. Leave well enough alone. Your curiosity will be the death of you."
  • "Naive fool. My death will make little difference in the long run. For, now, the scourging of this land... begins."
  • "Tell him nothing! Only you can hear me. The dreadlords cannot be trusted. They are the Lich King's jailors! I will tell you all...when I walk this earth again."
  • "I am reborn, as promised! The Lich King has granted me eternal life!"
  • Arthas: So. You're not upset about me killing you that one time?
Kel'Thuzad: Don't be foolish. The Lich King told me how our encounter would end.
Arthas: The Lich King knew that I would kill you?
Kel'Thuzad: Of course. He chose you to be his champion long before the Scourge even began.
Arthas: If he's so all-knowing, then how can the Dreadlords control him like they do?
Kel'Thuzad: They are agents of the ones who created our master: The fiery lords of the Burning Legion.
Arthas: What is this Legion?
Kel'Thuzad: It is a vast, demonic army that has consumed countless worlds beyond our own. Now, it comes to set this world to the flame. Our master was created to pave the way for its arrival. The dreadlords were sent to make sure that he succeeded.
Arthas: So the plague in Lordaeron, the citadels of Northrend, the slaughtering of the elves... It was all just to prepare for some huge demonic invasion?
Kel'Thuzad: Yes. In time, you will find that our entire history has been shaped by the coming conflict. Now come; we have much work to do.
Arckel

Kel'Thuzad uses the Demon Gate to contact Archimonde.

Kel'Thuzad: I call upon thee, Archimonde! Your humble servant seeks an audience!
Archimonde: You called my name, puny lich, and I have come. You are Kel'Thuzad, are you not?
Kel'Thuzad: Yes, great one. I am the summoner.
Archimonde: Very well, then. There is a special tome you must find... the only remaining spellbook of Medivh, the Last Guardian. Only his lost incantations are powerful enough to bring me into your world.
Kel'Thuzad: Where should we search for it, great one?
Archimonde: Seek out the mortal city of Dalaran. It is that the tome is kept. At twilight, three days from now, you will begin the summoning.
  • Arthas: The circle of power has been prepared per your instructions, lich. Are you ready to begin the summoning?
Kel'Thuzad: Nearly. I've been reading through Medivh's spellbook. His knowledge on demons alone is staggering. I suspect that he was far more powerful than anyone ever realized.
Tichondrius: Not powerful enough to escape death, that is for certain. Suffice to say, the work he began, we will finish... today. Let the summoning commence!
  • Kel'Thuzad: Come forth, Lord Archimonde! Enter this world and let us bask in your power!
The center begins to burn, and several flames around it shoot up as Archimonde appears.
Archimonde: Tremble, mortals, and despair! Doom has come to this world!
Archimonde turns around, facing Kel'Thuzad.
Archimonde: You have done well, little lich. My plan worked perfectly.
Another green teleportation effect appears close to the center, and Tichondrius appears.
Tichondrius: Lord Archimonde, all the preparations have been made.
Archimonde: Very well, Tichondrius. Since the Lich King is of no further use to me, you dreadlords will now command the Scourge.
Tichondrius: As you wish, Lord Archimonde.
Archimonde: Soon, I will order the invasion to begin. But first, I will make an example of these paltry wizards... by crushing their city into the ashes of history.
Archimonde makes a flash of magic with his hand, as if to emphasize his point, and runs away. Tichondrius follows him.
Arthas: This has got to be a joke! What happens to us now?
Kel'Thuzad: Be patient, young death knight. The Lich King foresaw this as well. You may yet have a part to play in his grand design.

Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne

WC3RoC-logo This section concerns content related to Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos or its expansion The Frozen Throne.
Kel'Thuzad: Back, you mindless ones! You shall not fall today, my king.
Kel'Thuzad and his magi destroy Sylvanas's banshees.
Sylvanas Windrunner: This isn't over, Arthas! I'll never stop hunting you!
Kel'Thuzad leads Arthas to the shore.
Kel'Thuzad: The effects of her arrow will wear off in time. All the preparations for your journey to Northrend have been made.
King Arthas: You have been a loyal friend, Kel'Thuzad. I don't know what the future holds, or if I'll even return, but I want you to watch over this land. See to it that my legacy endures.
Kel'Thuzad: I shall, King Arthas, I shall.

Road to Damnation

WoW-novel-logo-16x62 This section concerns content related to the Warcraft novels, novellas, or short stories.
"Peasants remember the Second War just as well as we do. Say what you like about the orcs; their warlocks wielded great power. Power against which we had precious little defense. We have an obligation: we must learn to wield and counter these magics ourselves."[17]
"We've been called heretics for centuries. The church has never been fond of our methods. Such sentiments notwithstanding, we are still here."[17]

World of Warcraft

WoW Icon update This section concerns content related to the original World of Warcraft.
Main article: Shadow of the Necropolis trailer#Transcript
Main article: Maexxna (Classic)#Quotes
Main article: Thaddius (Classic)#Quotes
Main article: Loatheb (Classic)#Quotes
Main article: Four Horsemen (Classic)#Quotes
Main article: Sapphiron (Classic)#Quotes
Main article: Kel'Thuzad (Classic)#Quotes

The Burning Crusade

Bc icon This section concerns content related to The Burning Crusade.

Conversation with Helcular

Kel'Thuzad appears in human form along with Helcular in the Old Hillsbrad Foothills wing of the Caverns of Time. He patrols between the main road through Hillsbrad and Southshore. At some point he stops and converses with Helcular:

Kel'Thuzad says: Keep your voice down, Helcular. Strangers abound...
Helcular nods.
Helcular says: So you can teach me this...this...
Kel'Thuzad says: Necromancy. It is called necromancy. And yes, I have it within my power to bless you with this gift.
Helcular says: And the Kirin Tor? What have they to say of necromancy?
Kel'Thuzad says: That is none of your concern, Helcular, as you are neither Kirin Tor nor a necromancer.
Kel'Thuzad says: But to be perfectly frank, I do not give a damn what the Kirin Tor think! They are fools, set in their archaic ways.
Helcular says: Then teach me, Kel'Thuzad. Teach me everything you know...
Kel'Thuzad nods.
Kel'Thuzad says: In due time, Helcular... All in due time...
If the pair encounter the Captured Critter that has been killed by the children Sally Whitemane and Renault Mograine then Kel'Thuzad continues.
Kel'Thuzad says: Come, Helcular, let me give you a small taste...
Kel'Thuzad utters some unintelligible words.
The critter is brought back to life.
Kel'Thuzad says: Now do you see, Helcular? Do you doubt the power? I control life!
Kel'Thuzad says: And death...
The critter dies again.
Kel'Thuzad says: I'm still working out some minor details...

He is still seen wearing the robes of the Kirin Tor, but due to the nature of the conversation, it is presumed that he has already joined the Lich King, or was in the process of doing so.

Wrath of the Lich King

Wrath-Logo-Small This section concerns content related to Wrath of the Lich King.
Main article: Maexxna#Quotes
Main article: Thaddius#Quotes
Main article: Loatheb#Quotes
Main article: Four Horsemen (tactics)#Quotes
Main article: Sapphiron (tactics)#Quotes
Main article: Kel'Thuzad (tactics)#Quotes
Periodically at the Plains of Nasam
Kel'Thuzad cackles maniacally.

Shadowlands

Shadowlands This section concerns content related to Shadowlands.

Dialogue

Main article: It's Treason, Then#Notes
Main article: The Tithelord (quest)#Notes
Main article: The Baron's Plan#Notes
Main article: Designed to Fail#Notes
Main article: Caught in the Act#Notes
Main article: The Traitor Unmasked#Notes
Main articles: The Medallion of Dominion#Notes, The Third Fall of Kel'Thuzad#Notes

On-click

Greeting
  • Well, what is it?
  • You had better not be wasting my time.
  • You may now address your master.
Irritated
Farewell
  • All proceeds according to plan.
  • Death's victory draws nigh.
  • Obey the will of Kel'Thuzad.

Gossip

Vault of Souls, while the player is wearing Illusory Guise
Prepare well, Nelesis, for the hour of our triumph is soon at hand.
If the player has a melee weapon equipped
That is certainly an interesting armament you carry, acolyte.
I trust you're not contemplating a change in vocation?

Other

In the RPG

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

He is perhaps the second most powerful undead entity in the world.[72] Kel'Thuzad called Linnena Hallow to be by his side as he sowed the undead plague through Stratholme.[73] The Rod of Undead Mastery was given to Sylvanas Windrunner by Kel'Thuzad to aid her in her duties when she was part of the Scourge.[74]

Alternate timeline

A version of Kel'Thuzad exists in a timeway where history turned out completely different and which was entered by Thrall during the Cataclysm era.[75]

In Hearthstone

Hearthstone This section contains information exclusive to Hearthstone and is considered non-canon.
Kel'Thuzad card back

A card back themed after Kel'Thuzad in Hearthstone.

  • Kel'Thuzad is the primary antagonist, narrator and final boss of the Curse of Naxxramas adventure in Hearthstone. Defeating every boss in the adventure, including the lich himself, awards him as a legendary card. His flavor text reads: "Kel'Thuzad could not resist the call of the Lich King. Even when it's just a robo-call extolling the Lich King's virtues."
  • Kel'Thuzad's living self appears in the Scholomance Academy expansion, as a legendary neutral minion known as Headmaster Kel'Thuzad. In this expansion, he runs Scholomance as the headmaster of the school alongside the dungeon's bosses as faculty members. His flavor text reads: "You wish to know my secrets, hmm? I carry a little bits of tuna in the sleeves of my robe, he loves that. Oh, you meant the risen dead? That was trivial, trivial."
    • Before the expansion's release, Kel'Thuzad was purchasable as a promotional mage hero. His flavor text reads: From Archmage to Archlich, Kel'Thuzad defies convention. Conventions like, "staying alive" or "being nice."
  • Kel'Thuzad reappears in his Maldraxxi form in the Murder at Castle Nathria expansion, as the legendary mage minion Kel'Thuzad, the Inevitable. In the story of the expansion, the lich is one of ten guests who were invited to a dinner party in Castle Nathria by Sire Denathrius, and consequently one of the prime suspects when Denathrius is found murdered. His flavor text reads: Looks like Kel'Thuzad is borrowing some of Mr. Bigglesworth's nine lives.
    • A second Kel'Thuzad alternate mage hero was made available in the shop after the release of Murder at Castle Natharia expansion. His flavor text reads: "When an inevitable lich meets an unyielding cuteness. Obtained by purchasing in the shop.".

Notes and trivia

Gallery

TCG
Hearthstone
Heroes of the Storm

Fan art

Videos

See also

References

 
  1. ^ N Death knight [45] Champion: Rottgut
  2. ^ Inv wand 1h stratholme d 02 [Wand of the Archlich]
  3. ^ a b c N [60] The Tithelord
  4. ^ a b Inv misc urn 01 [Lil' Phylactery]
  5. ^ Cult Master Kel'Thuzad
  6. ^ World of Warcraft: Game Manual, pg. 158
  7. ^ Shadow of the Necropolis trailer
  8. ^ Kel'Thuzad and the Forming of the Scourge
  9. ^ The Scourge of Lordaeron (History of Warcraft)
  10. ^ Tides of Darkness, pg. 105-106
  11. ^ Cycle of Hatred, chapter 8
  12. ^ World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 3, pg. 29-30
  13. ^ Warcraft III Artwork: Kel'Thuzad
  14. ^ Naxxramas, the Floating Necropolis
  15. ^ 2017-09-05, Kel'Thuzad ENTERS THE NEXUS!. Blizzard Entertainment, retrieved on 2017-09-12
  16. ^ Arthas: Rise of the Lich King, chapter 9
  17. ^ a b c Road to Damnation
  18. ^ Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos manual, pg. 97-98
  19. ^ Ultimate Visual Guide, pg. 192
  20. ^ Kel'Thuzad and the Forming of the Scourge
  21. ^ Eva Sarkhoff
  22. ^ Ultimate Visual Guide, pg. 169
  23. ^ Inv misc book 05 [Compendium of the Fallen]
  24. ^ Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos manual, pg. 98
  25. ^ WoW Classic: Naxxramas is Now Live!
  26. ^ a b Eligor Dawnbringer#Dragonblight
  27. ^ a b Shadow of the Necropolis
  28. ^ N [60R] Atiesh, the Befouled Greatstaff
  29. ^ World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 3
  30. ^ a b c d e f World of Warcraft: Grimoire of the Shadowlands and Beyond, pg. 142 - 143
  31. ^ World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 3, pg. 175
  32. ^ Kel'Thuzad (Sanctum of Domination tactics)#Quotes
  33. ^ a b c World of Warcraft Developers Speak on Character Motivations, Consequences in Eternity's End
  34. ^ a b c World of Warcraft Interview: Steve Danuser and Morgan Day Talk Shadowlands Cutscenes, Characters, and Consequences
  35. ^ a b N [60] The Wayward Baron
  36. ^ a b N [60] The Third Fall of Kel'Thuzad
  37. ^ N [60] Grave Intent: Margrave Gharmal says: Our new allies have granted us power beyond imagining. Sin'dane's new baron spoke true!
  38. ^ a b N [53-60] War is Deception: Mor'Bitan says: Our new baron bids that I complete the ritual personally. Harvest the anima before my arrival. Do not fail me, Mephiles!
  39. ^ a b c N [53-60] Straight to the Heart
  40. ^ N [60] You Cannot Run
  41. ^ N [60] You Cannot Hide
  42. ^ N [60] You Can Only Die
  43. ^ N [51-60] Now or Never
  44. ^ a b N [60] The Baron's Plan
  45. ^ N [60] An Abominable Discovery
  46. ^ N [60] Reconnaissance... for my, uh, Recovery
  47. ^ N [60] You're Dead To Me
  48. ^ N [60] There's Always a Paper Trail
  49. ^ Inv letter 18 [Orders from the Tithelord]
  50. ^ N [53-60] Tainted Cores
  51. ^ N [58-60] The Authority of Revendreth: Sire Denathrius says: Bring the Accuser to me and her medallion shall be yours. The Prince's is already promised to another faithful ally.
  52. ^ a b Renathal's Notes
  53. ^ N [60] It's Treason, Then
  54. ^ a b N [60] Designed to Fail
  55. ^ N [60] Playing Favorites
  56. ^ N [60] A Fitting Guise
  57. ^ N [60] The Pupil Returns
  58. ^ N [60] Mistress of Tomes
  59. ^ N [60] Necessary Ingredients
  60. ^ N [60] The Final Reagent
  61. ^ N [60] Explosive Schemes
  62. ^ N [60] No Crate Unturned
  63. ^ N [60] Caught in the Act
  64. ^ N [60] The Traitor Unmasked
  65. ^ N [60] The Better Part of Valor
  66. ^ N [60] The Medallion of Dominion
  67. ^ Tormentors of Torghast
  68. ^ Shape the Fate of the Shadowlands in Chains of Domination
  69. ^ Kel'Thuzad's Sanctum of Domination encounter
  70. ^ Lil' K.T. mail sent to player
  71. ^ World of Warcraft Trading Card Game: Scourgewar. Blizzard Entertainment. 21: Kel'Thuzad.
  72. ^ Manual of Monsters, pg. 182
  73. ^ Lands of Mystery, pg. 190
  74. ^ Manual of Monsters, pg. 173
  75. ^ Thrall: Twilight of the Aspects
  76. ^ Rottgut's recruitment spell
  77. ^ Heroes and Villains
  78. ^ Bronjahm#Adventure Guide
  79. ^ N [43D] The Lich, Ras Frostwhisper
  80. ^ Naxxramas, the Floating Necropolis
  81. ^ Scourged Whelpling
  82. ^ Michael McConnohie on IMDb (2009-04-01). Archived from the original on 2011-05-08.​ “Actually, you're both right. They did recycle a lot of what I did as Kel'Thuzad from Warcraft III, but when they came back full circle and started using me as the Lich King again, they thought the voices of these two were far too similar. As I understand it, they re-voiced my KT dialogue to put some distance between the characters, being concerned they might "confuse the players."
  83. ^ Resurrecting Kel’Thuzad: The Lich Comes to Life – Heroes of the Storm. YouTube (2017-09-05). Retrieved on 2020-12-26.
  84. ^ Sean Copeland on Twitter (2014-07-18)
  85. ^ Nyorloth Twitter Post
  86. ^ Kel'Thuzad (Sanctum of Domination tactics)#Quotes
  87. ^ N [60] The Jailer's Grasp

External links

Preceded by:
None
Position:
Headmaster of the Scholomance
Succeeded by:
Araj the Summoner
Preceded by:
Magistrate Barthilas
Position:
Ruler of Stratholme
Succeeded by:
Baron Rivendare