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Cult of the Damned is a sinister and fanatical organization in World of Warcraft, dedicated to the spread of undeath and the will of the Lich King. The cultists serve as the mortal agents of the Scourge, acting as spies, necromancers, and foot soldiers in their dark master’s quest to spread the Plague of Undeath across Azeroth.
After defeating Azjol-Nerub in the War of the Spider and securing control over Northrend, the Lich King Ner'zhul turned his focus southward toward Quel'Thalas and Lordaeron, following Kil'jaeden's directives. Though physically trapped within the Frozen Throne, Ner'zhul reached out telepathically, seeking individuals hungry for power and knowledge of necromancy. Those who responded became the first members of the Cult of the Damned.
Among them, Kel'Thuzad, a high-ranking archmage of Dalaran, was the most notable. Renouncing his place in the Kirin Tor, he journeyed alone to Northrend, where he witnessed the ruins of the Nerubian empire. Recognizing the Lich King’s strength, Kel'Thuzad swore allegiance, receiving promises of immortality and power in exchange for unwavering loyalty. However, he remained mortal to fulfill his immediate mission: establishing the Cult of the Damned within Lordaeron to prepare the way for the Scourge’s rise. His natural charisma made him an effective recruiter, drawing in Lordaeron’s downtrodden and ambitious elite with assurances of eternal life and liberation from societal constraints.
For three years, Kel'Thuzad expanded the Cult’s influence, recruiting nobles like Baron Rivendare, scholars such as Ras Frostwhisper, and other ambitious individuals. By the time the Lich King was ready to act, entire settlements in northern Lordaeron were under the Cult’s sway.
The Third War[]
As war erupted, the Cult of the Damned fully aligned with the Scourge. They distributed plagued grain across northern Lordaeron, infecting entire towns and turning them into undead legions. Prince Arthas Menethil sought to root out the Cult, but their reach had already spread too far. Eventually, Arthas himself succumbed to the Lich King’s influence, transforming into a death knight.
Tichondrius soon commanded Arthas to rally the scattered Cultists. In Vandermar Village, where many acolytes hid from authorities, Arthas annihilated the town and fully integrated the Cult into the Scourge’s forces. Plague cauldrons were deployed across Lordaeron, accelerating the spread of undeath. Cultists welcomed this transformation, seeing it as a reward for their service.
After Arthas shattered the Frozen Throne and merged with Ner'zhul to become the new Lich King, the Cult remained devoted, continuing its operations in the years that followed.
World of Warcraft[]
Following the Third War, the Cult of the Damned maintained a presence in both Alliance and Horde cities, though their objectives remained unclear. With Kel'Thuzad’s fate uncertain, other figures like Grand Widow Faerlina and Maleki the Pallid upheld the Cult’s presence. The Thuzadin necromancers in Stratholme also remained active, ensuring the Cult's continued survival in secrecy.
Wrath of the Lich King[]
With the Lich King’s resurgence, the Cult of the Damned played a key role in spreading the Plague of Undeath across Northrend, infecting settlements such as Farshire and attacking key locations controlled by the Horde and Alliance. They also launched assaults in Sholazar Basin, crippling the Lifeblood Pillar and attempting to destroy the Glimmering Pillar, though their efforts were thwarted by the Avatar of Freya.
Icecrown served as their main base of operations, where they trained recruits, conducted twisted experiments, and raised frost wyrms from Sindragosa’s Fall. The Cult remained steadfast until the Lich King’s defeat at Icecrown Citadel, suffering major losses in the process.
Cataclysm[]
With Arthas gone and Bolvar Fordragon taking up the Lich King’s mantle, the Cult of the Damned became fragmented. Without the Scourge’s full backing, they operated independently, attempting to spread the plague and hinder the Plaguelands’ recovery. Despite these efforts, they failed to regain their former strength.
In the Hour of Twilight, a bleak future where the Old Gods triumphed, remnants of the Cult still commanded undead forces in Galakrond’s Rest, indicating their persistence despite heavy setbacks.
Legion[]
During the third Burning Legion invasion, the Cult of the Damned remained active, particularly in Caer Darrow and Scholomance. Despite multiple attacks on their stronghold, they maintained control over the necromantic academy and even possessed the Book of Medivh until it was seized by Gul’dan and the Shadow Council.
Exploring Azeroth[]
After the Fourth War, reports from the Argent Crusade and Mathias Shaw confirmed that the Cult was still entrenched in Scholomance, with Darkmaster Gandling leading their remaining forces. Though their power had waned, they continued researching dark magic in an effort to revive the Scourge’s influence.
Shadowlands[]
The destruction of the Helm of Domination shattered the Lich King’s control over the Scourge, leading to chaos across Azeroth. The Cult of the Damned capitalized on this turmoil, reemerging in various locations. They aligned with the Mawsworn, following Herald Dalora’s proclamations that Zovaal the Jailer—the "Banished One"—would soon claim Azeroth’s soul. Their renewed efforts sought to spread undeath once again, bolstered by the Jailer’s dark influence.
However, the Cult’s ambitions were once more thwarted by Azeroth’s champions. Despite their losses, they remain a lingering threat, ever waiting for another opportunity to strike.
Members[]
Structure and Hierarchy[]
The Cult of the Damned operates within a rigid hierarchy, with each member striving for higher standing through acts of devotion and service:
Kel'Thuzad: The founder and supreme leader, second only to the Lich King.
Necrolytes and Necromancers: Powerful spellcasters responsible for raising the dead and spreading the plague.
Death Cultists: Zealous followers who aid in recruitment and espionage.
Plaguebringers: Those tasked with spreading the Plague of Undeath across Azeroth.
Acolytes: Low-ranking initiates undergoing indoctrination and training in dark magic.
Villains