In modern times, the main groups of undead are the Scourge, the Forsaken, and the Knights of the Ebon Blade. Later, the studies of necromancy took an important role and were used heavily in the Third War when the Cult of the Damned spread the plague across Lordaeron resurrecting the majority of the dead denizens, including sapient races and animals, under the control of the Lich King. During the Second War, the essence of those necrolytes was used to power the Horde's death knights during their creation.
Undead have appeared all throughout Azeroth, they were used as a combat tool during the War of the Ancients when the nathrezim used them to scour the remains of Suramar, and once again during First War when the necrolytes of the Orcish Horde animated skeletal warriors to fight against the humans. Somehow, their knowledge came to be known by the nathrezim, as well as (and, in some cases, through them) various mortals. Necromancy and the creation of undead soldiers were invented by the necrolords of Maldraxxus in the Shadowlands who use undead as a militia force to use in defense of that entire plane, should it come under attack. All of them receive a portion of the Primus' power in order to carry out their duty. In the Shadowlands, they are all soldiers of the Necrolord Covenant, the armies that serve as the first line of defense in the realm of Death, and that honor those who seek power and glory in battle. But some have managed to retain their memories and be who they were in life. Most common examples being zombies or ghosts, undead are typically mindless, bloodthirsty fiends hostile toward any living thing that comes across their path. They derive power from necromantic magic. The undead are former mortals who have died and have had their souls trapped between life and death. Shadowlands, Azeroth, Outland, Alternate DraenorĬommon, Gutterspeak, Orcish, Nerubian, Vrykul, Zombie, Language of death Scourge, Forsaken, Knights of the Ebon Blade, Necrolord Covenant, Cult of the Damned, IndependentĪpothecary, Assassin, Dark ranger, Death knight, Hunter, Mad scientist, Mage, Monk, Necromancer, Priest, Rogue, Sorcerer, Warlock, Warriorįighter, Shadow ascendant, Spymaster, Lightslayer For the two main undead factions, see Forsaken and Scourge. For the undead Forsaken playable race, see Undead (playable). This article is about the living dead in general.