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| + | :''This article is about Ner'zhul's life as an orc. See [[Lich King]] for his existence after being transformed.'' |
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| + | :''For the US server, see [[Server:Ner'zhul US]]. For the European server, see [[Server:Ner'zhul Europe]].'' |
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{{npcbox |
{{npcbox |
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| − | |image= |
+ | | image = nerzhul.jpg |
| + | | titles = Elder Shaman, Warchief of Draenor, Lich King |
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| − | | name = Fiona's Caravan |
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| − | | |
+ | | name = Ner'zhul |
| + | | gender = Male |
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| − | | creature = Uncategorized |
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| − | | |
+ | | race = Orc |
| − | | |
+ | | character = [[Shaman]] |
| + | | affiliation = [[Scourge|Undead Scourge]], formerly the [[Burning Legion]] (as the Lich King), [[Horde of Draenor]], [[Shadowmoon Clan]], [[Kil'jaeden]] (as the [[Warchief]] and Elder Shaman) |
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| − | | aggro = {{aggro|1|1}} |
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| + | | faction = Neutral |
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| − | | location = [[Eastern Plaguelands]] |
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| + | | Location = [[Northrend]] |
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| + | | occupation = The [[Lich King]], Warchief of [[Draenor]], Elder Shaman and chieftain of the [[Shadowmoon Clan]] (former) |
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| + | | status = Consumed by Arthas<ref>[[Warcraft: Legends Volume 4]], [[Fate]] (preview at [http://wow.incgamers.com/blog/comments/warcraft-legends-vol.-4-exclusive-preview-scans/ WoW:IncGamers])</ref> |
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| + | | relatives = {{NPC||Rulkan}} (mate), {{NPC||Arthas Menethil}} (former conjoined spirit of the {{NPC||Lich King}}) |
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| + | | students = [[Gul'dan]]}} |
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| + | The Elder Shaman '''Ner'zhul''' was the [[Warchief]] of [[Draenor]], the clans that remained uncaptured after the [[Dark Portal]] was destroyed in [[Azeroth (world)|Azeroth]]. He was tricked into making a Blood Pact with [[Kil'jaeden]] the Deceiver; one that bound the orcs into the service of the [[Burning Legion]]. Following the [[Second War]], he opened several portals on Draenor in an attempt to seek out new lands to escape to and conquer, but was immediately captured by Kil'jaeden. His mortal form was destroyed and his spirit was transformed into the spectral [[Lich King]], which was then encased in the mystical ice of the [[Frozen Throne]] atop the [[Icecrown]] glacier in distant [[Northrend]]. |
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| + | ==Biography== |
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| − | '''Fiona's Caravan''' is a [[stagecoach]] used by [[Fiona]] to travel with her goods and team to various locations. Pulled by [[Argyle]] and [[Preston]], the carriage is first found in [[Eastern Plaguelands]] near the bridge from [[Western Plaguelands]]. After completing all quests for the group the carriage will always be found at [[Light's Hope Chapel]] from then on. |
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| ⚫ | |||
| + | [[File:ner zhul2.jpg|left|thumb|Ner'zhul, Warcraft II cinematic]] |
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| + | :''See also: [[Rise of the Horde]]'' |
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| + | Ner'zhul was the chieftain and elder shaman of the [[Shadowmoon clan]] and one of the most popular figures in orcish society. He was admired, respected and venerated by all for his deep connection to the [[Elemental Spirits|spirits]], and was the closest thing the orcish race had to a single leader prior to the foundation of the Horde. However, deep within, Ner'zhul craved a power he did not have... |
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| − | The location of the caravan can be seen on the in-screen map when in certain areas. This location is depicted by a miniature caravan, and when hovered over, displays Fiona's Caravan in a tool-tip. |
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| + | One day, Ner'zhul was contacted by the spirit of his deceased mate, [[Rulkan]] (with whom he had a regular correspondence), who warned him about the menace of the draenei, who were plotting to destroy the orcs. After several moons, she introduced him to [[Kil'jaeden]], the "Great One", who began to instruct him in the treachery of the draenei. Though Ner'zhul was elated that he was saving his people (and finally getting the power and respect he secretly desired), he was puzzled why the ancestors would no longer speak to him, and why the spirits grew more distant. |
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| − | ==Vehicle== |
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| − | [[File:Fionas Caravan on Map.jpg|thumb]] |
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| − | {{mount||carriage}} |
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| + | Ner'zhul managed to get the rest of the clans to begin attacks on draenei settlements, supposedly by order of the ancestors, but, as he saw more and more of the draenei, he gradually became puzzled; apart from his horns, clothes, and skin tone, Kil'jaeden bore an uncanny resemblance to the draenei and possessed a hatred of [[Velen]] unbecoming of a divine being. Seeking answers, he attempted to commune with the ancestors in [[Oshu'gun]], the "Mountain of the Spirits." He was horrified when the ancestors greeted him as a monster, and the ''real'' Rulkan revealed the truth: Kil'jaeden had been manipulating him all along. |
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| − | The carriage is used to transport players and Fiona's people with amusing dialog between the towers of Eastern Plaguelands. Upon arrival that area will [[phase]] and allow for more quests provided by the group. |
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| + | Ner'zhul resolved to defy his demon master, but [[Gul'dan]], his apprentice, had followed him, and, greedy for his own power, informed Kil'jaeden of the betrayal of the shaman. Kil'jaeden, ever one to reward good service, elevated Gul'dan to Ner'zhul's position, and Ner'zhul was relegated to a decorative position, his powers stripped from him. Kil'jaeden forced Ner'zhul to watch helplessly as the orcs slid into bloodlust and warlock magic. He was powerless to stop the rise of the [[Shadow Council]], privy to all their secrets but able to reveal none. |
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| − | Each time the caravan reaches a new tower, a huge orb of what looks to be pure [[Light]] energy will shine just above the top of the tower. The orb is like a miniature sun, and can be seen from a great distance; if you can see the tower, you can see the Light. This likely makes a handy visual reference to new players to get their bearings in an unfamiliar zone. |
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| + | But Gul'dan grew careless. Thinking Ner'zhul completely powerless, he allowed his former teacher access to all of the Shadow Council's documents, and it was thus that Ner'zhul discovered that Kil'jaeden was planning to feed the [[Blood of Mannoroth]] to the orcs. Ner'zhul's wasted position and Gul'dan's baleful influence meant that none of the chieftains would listen to his warnings, with the exception of one. |
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| − | ==Members== |
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| − | *[[Fiona]] Runs the Caravan. |
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| − | *[[Gidwin Goldbraids]] is one of the starting members of the Caravan, leaves to join Argent Crusade. |
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| − | *[[Tarenar Sunstrike]] is one of the starting members of the Caravan, leaves to join Argent Crusade. |
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| − | *[[Argus Highbeacon]] joins the Caravan to forward this quest to maintain the towers of the Eastern Plaugelands. |
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| − | *[[Pamela Redpath]] |
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| − | *[[Vex'tul]] joins the caravan after [[Zaeldarr the Outcast]] is killed and the adventure proves their strength to him. He leaves the caravan when said adventure burns [[Body of Warlord Thresh'jin|Warlord Thresh'jin's body]]. |
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| − | *[[Beezil Linkspanner]] is picked up at Lights Hope. |
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| − | *[[Rimblat Earthshatter]] joins the Caravan after you help the food situation at Lights Hope. |
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| + | As a result of Ner'zhul's anonymous advice, [[Durotan]] of the [[Frostwolf Clan]] refused to allow his clan to drink the blood of Mannoroth, and saved them from the worst of the corruption. Alas, Durotan and his mate [[Draka]] were the only people aware of Ner'zhul's actions- a secret that died with them years later. Today, no one has any idea that one of Azeroth's greatest enemies saved the orcs from complete and utter annihilation. |
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| − | ==Achievement== |
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| − | {{achievement|Full Caravan}} |
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| + | ===Beyond the Dark Portal=== |
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| − | ==Zone Buff== |
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| + | :''See also: [[Beyond the Dark Portal]]'' |
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| − | Once you complete [[Quest:A Gift For Fiona]], the caravan offers zone buffs that offers a nice bonus, depending on what you need a boost of. Every new NPC that joins the caravan gives a buff. |
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| + | [[File:NerzhulWoW.jpg|left|thumb|Ner'zhul, Black Temple trailer]] |
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| + | Following the [[History of the Horde|Horde]]'s defeat in the [[Second War]] the Alliance pressed the Horde back to the [[Blasted Lands]], ultimately destroying the portal. On the Draenor side Ner'zhul was caught in the blast and gravely wounded. For two years while he recovered the clans of Draenor fought amongst themselves until [[Teron Gorefiend]] devised a plan of opening new portals and finding fresh worlds for the Horde to conquer. Teron went to Ner'zhul and asked the old shaman to lead the Horde once again. Ner'zhul having since recovered, had isolated his clan in Shadowmoon Valley, where he began seeing visions of death (potentially a foreshadowing of his future fate). He painted his face with a white skull. When Gorefiend, a being of undeath, came to him, Ner'zhul was not surprised, and after some persuasion, agreed to Gorefiend's plan to open more portals. In order to fullfill the plan he sought out several artifacts from [[Azeroth (world)|Azeroth]]: the [[Skull of Gul'dan]], the [[Book of Medivh]], the [[Jeweled Scepter of Sargeras]], and the [[Eye of Dalaran]]. |
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| − | *[[Quest:Fiona's Lucky Charm]] {{Queststartfinishrrq}} |
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| − | *[[Quest:Gidwin's Weapon Oil]] {{Queststartfinishrrq}} |
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| − | *[[Quest:Tarenar's Talisman]] {{Queststartfinishrrq}} |
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| − | *[[Quest:Argus' Journal]] {{Queststartfinishrrq}} |
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| − | *[[Quest:Pamela's Doll (Cataclysm)]] {{Queststartfinishrrq}} |
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| − | *[[Quest:Vex'tul's Armbands]] {{Queststartfinishrrq}} |
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| − | *[[Quest:Beezil's Cog]] {{Queststartfinishrrq}} |
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| − | *[[Quest:Rimblat's Stone]] {{Queststartfinishrrq}} |
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| + | The first item he acquired, the Skull of Gul'dan, soon began to influence the old shaman. His wayward apprentice was speaking to Ner'zhul through his last remains. Ner'zhul became more and more concerned with his own power and well being rather than that of the Horde. |
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| − | Other than a buff giving the indicated bonus, no other experience or reputation is provided on the repeatable buff. |
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| + | Upon retrieving all of these artifacts save the Skull, he attempted to open portals throughout Draenor. Feeling the surge of power that came with having control of Draenor's magic, Ner'zhul stopped caring about the welfare of the Horde, and thought only of harnessing his new powers. In his hubris, he ordered his followers through the portals, leaving behind the Horde. [[Obris]], one of his servitors, protested at Ner'zhul's choice to abandon the rest of the Horde. In response, Ner'zhul blasted him aside; he no longer cared. Inundated with power he could only dream of previously, Ner'zhul's greed overcame him, and whatever vestiges of honor and altruism still remained in him vanished as he and his followers went through the first portal, abandoning the rest of the Orcish Horde to its fate. The vast energies that the spell created then tore the planet apart once Ner'zhul had fled, and the shattered realm of [[Outland]] was created. |
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| ⚫ | |||
| − | *{{abilities|Fiona's Lucky Charm|Grants a chance to loot extra gold and items from creatures in Eastern Plaguelands.|id=85612|image=inv_gauntlets_02}} |
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| − | *{{abilities|Gidwin's Weapon Oil|Grants a chance to deal extra Holy damage on melee and ranged attacks within Eastern Plaguelands. The amount of damage dealt increases as more travelers join Fiona's Caravan.|id=85613|image=inv_potion_101}} |
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| − | *{{abilities|Tarenar's Talisman|Grants a chance to deal extra Holy damage on successful spell attacks within Eastern Plaguelands. The amount of damage dealt increases as more travelers join Fiona's Caravan.|id=85614|image=inv_jewelry_necklace_16}} |
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| − | *{{abilities|Argus' Journal|Grants an additional 2% XP bonus within Eastern Plaguelands.|id=85617|image=inv_misc_book_17}} |
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| − | *{{abilities|Pamela's Doll|Summon the spirit of Pamela Redpath to accompany you through Eastern Plaguelands.|id=85615|image=inv_misc_toy_01}} |
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| − | *{{abilities|Vex'tul's Armbands|Grants a chance to knock enemies a short distance in the air on successful attacks.|id=85616|image=inv_bracer_08}} |
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| − | *{{abilities|Beezil's Cog|Increase movement speed within Eastern Plaguelands by 10%.|id=85619|image=inv_misc_enggizmos_30}} |
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| − | *{{abilities|Rimblat's Stone|Grants a chance to cast a small self-heal when killing creatures within Eastern Plaguelands.|id=85618|image=inv_pet_scorchedstone}} |
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| + | ===Birth of the Lich King=== |
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| − | ==Patch changes== |
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| + | {{main|Lich King}} |
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| − | {{Patch 4.0.3a|note=Added.}} |
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| + | [[File:Lichking ft.jpg|thumb|The Lich King in the Frozen Throne.]] |
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| + | Upon entering one of the portals, Ner'zhul and his followers were immediately captured by [[Kil'jaeden]]. The Elder Shaman was torn apart, though his spirit was kept alive. Agreeing to enter into the service of the demon once more, Ner'zhul was bound to the [[Frozen Throne]]. His perception, mental powers, and magical abilities expanded tremendously. Thus the [[Lich King]] was born. As the Lich King, Ner'zhul would rule the Scourge alone until his merger with [[Arthas Menethil]], who later consumed his spirit to rule as the Lich King alone. |
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| + | ==Abilities== |
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| − | == External links == |
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| + | Ner'zhul had the gift of true visioning and all he had seen would indeed come to pass.<ref name="ARotLK 30345">''[[Arthas: Rise of the Lich King]]'', 303-305</ref> He had seen many events that take place in ''[[World of Warcraft]]'', including: |
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| − | {{elinks-NPCsearch}} |
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| + | *Humans of [[Stormwind]] and orcs of the [[Horde]] fighting side by side against the [[Scourge]] |
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| + | *[[Forsaken|Undead with minds that were clearly their own]] |
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| + | *[[Quel'Thalas]] being rebuilt |
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| + | *[[Frost wyrm|Skeletal dragons]] assaulting Stormwind and [[Orgrimmar|a hot, dry place crowded with orcs]] |
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| + | *[[Silithid|A race of desert nerubians]] serving [[Obsidian destroyer|mammoth creatures with the heads of dogs]], [[Anubisath|golems made of obsidian]] |
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| + | *The ''L'' of [[Lordaeron]] [[Scarlet Crusade|depicted in red]] and becoming [[Crimson Legion|a red flame on a white background]] |
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| + | *[[Maelstrom|The surface of the ocean churning]] with a horrible [[Deathwing|sound of laughter]] assaulting his ears, along with the screams of [[Shattering|a world wrenched from its proper place]] |
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| + | *[[Emerald Nightmare|Green, shadowy and nightmarish images]] dancing, [[Cenarius|a deer or a man]], [[Mountain giant|mountains coming to life]] and crushing everything |
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| + | *[[Lich King#One King Falls, Another Rises|Frostmourne clashing with a long and powerful blade named Ashbringer]] |
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| + | ==Quotes== |
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| + | *''I...have dreamed of [[Teron Gorefiend|you]]. I have had visions of death, and now you are here.''<ref name="BTDP">''[[Beyond the Dark Portal]]''</ref> |
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| − | [[Category:Eastern Plaguelands NPCs]] |
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| + | *''[[Gul'dan]] and his twisted schemes — they reach out and destroy lives even from beyond the grave! [[Teron Gorefiend|You]] and your plans! And how much power would you gain from success? Power is all you [[Shadow Council]] bastards care about!''<ref name="BTDP" /> |
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| + | *''The other [[orcs]] are lost. They have served their purpose. From this point on, all that we gain will be ours alone. I am the [[Horde]], and I will survive. Choose me, or choose death!''<ref name="BTDP" /> |
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| + | *''There is so much more. So much more, but only if [[Arthas|you]] continue to walk this path fully.''<ref>''[[Arthas: Rise of the Lich King]]'', 303, 305</ref> |
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| + | *''Yes! I knew you would make this choice. For so long you have wrestled with the last dregs of goodness, of humanity in you, but no longer. The boy held you back, and now you are free. We are one, [[Arthas]]. Together, we are the [[Lich King]]. No more Ner'zhul, no more Arthas—only this one glorious being. With my knowledge, we can—''<ref>''[[Arthas: Rise of the Lich King]]'', 306-307</ref> |
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| + | |||
| + | ==Videos== |
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| + | {| class="darktable" style="text-align:center; float:left;" |
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| + | |- |
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| + | ! Ner'zhul captures the Dark Portal |
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| + | |- |
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| + | | <youtube>zPvth0TC_B4</youtube> |
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| ⚫ | |||
| + | {{clr}} |
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| + | |||
| + | ==Trivia== |
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| + | *It was stated that [[Amnennar the Coldbringer]] had a direct telepathic link to Ner'zhul (when he and Arthas were the Lich King).<ref>[[Quest:Bring the End]]</ref> |
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| + | *[[:File:The_Dead.png|This piece of art]] "may" have inspired Ner'zhul's story.<ref>http://us.blizzard.com/en-us/community/conceptart/#325</ref> |
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| + | *When asked about Ner'zhul at [[BlizzCon]] 2010, [[Chris Metzen]] said, "Yes. Yeah, Ner'zhul is done. He served us well in that capacity, but really the Lich King idea... really is the ultimate expression, you know, as Arthas or whatever. Ner'zhul's done."<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUek4R-2baA BlizzCon 2010 Lore Q&A Panel]</ref> |
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| + | |||
| + | ==References== |
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| + | {{reflist}} |
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| + | |||
| + | {{Succession|None|'''[[Shadowmoon clan|Chieftain of the Shadowmoon Clan]]|Earliest known:<br/>[[Teron Gorefiend]]}} |
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| + | {{Succession|None|'''[[Warchief]] of the [[Horde]]'''|[[Gul'dan]] and [[Blackhand]]}} |
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| + | {{Succession|[[Orgrim Doomhammer]]|'''[[Warchief]] of the [[Horde]]'''|[[Orgrim Doomhammer]]}} |
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| + | {{Succession|[[Gul'dan]]<br/>(as Master of the Black Temple)|'''[[Black Temple|Lord of Shadowmoon Fortress]]'''|[[Magtheridon]]<br/>(as Master of the Black Temple)}} |
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| + | {{Succession|None|'''[[Draenor|Ruler of Draenor]]|[[Magtheridon]]}} |
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| + | {{Succession|None|'''[[Lich King|Lich King of the Scourge]]''' (alone)|[[Arthas Menethil]] and [[Ner'zhul]]<br/>(conjoined spirits)}} |
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| + | {{Succession|[[Ner'zhul]] (alone)|'''[[Lich King|Lich King of the Scourge]]'''<br/>(conjoined spirits with [[Arthas Menethil|Arthas]])|[[Arthas Menethil]] (alone)}} |
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| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | {{Orc Clans}} |
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| + | {{Main characters}} |
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| + | [[es:Ner'zhul]] |
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| + | [[fr:Ner'zhul]] |
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| + | [[pl:Ner'zhul]] |
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| ⚫ | |||
| + | [[Category:Game characters]] |
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| + | [[Category:Lore characters]] |
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| + | [[Category:World of Warcraft: Rise of the Horde characters]] |
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| + | [[Category:World of Warcraft: Beyond the Dark Portal characters]] |
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| + | [[Category:World of Warcraft: Arthas: Rise of the Lich King characters]] |
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| + | [[Category:Warcraft: Legends characters]] |
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| + | [[Category:Shamans]] |
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| + | [[Category:Scourge]] |
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| + | [[Category:Burning Legion]] |
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| + | [[Category:Shadowmoon clan]] |
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| + | [[Category:Deceased characters]] |
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Revision as of 21:49, 18 September 2011
- This article is about Ner'zhul's life as an orc. See Lich King for his existence after being transformed.
- For the US server, see Server:Ner'zhul US. For the European server, see Server:Ner'zhul Europe.
 Ner'zhul | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Title | Elder Shaman, Warchief of Draenor, Lich King |
| Gender | Male |
| Race | Orc |
| Class | Shaman |
| Affiliation(s) | Undead Scourge, formerly the Burning Legion (as the Lich King), Horde of Draenor, Shadowmoon Clan, Kil'jaeden (as the Warchief and Elder Shaman) |
| Occupation | The Lich King, Warchief of Draenor, Elder Shaman and chieftain of the Shadowmoon Clan (former) |
| Status | Consumed by Arthas[1] |
| Relative(s) | Rulkan (mate), Arthas Menethil (former conjoined spirit of the Lich King) |
| Student(s) | Gul'dan |
The Elder Shaman Ner'zhul was the Warchief of Draenor, the clans that remained uncaptured after the Dark Portal was destroyed in Azeroth. He was tricked into making a Blood Pact with Kil'jaeden the Deceiver; one that bound the orcs into the service of the Burning Legion. Following the Second War, he opened several portals on Draenor in an attempt to seek out new lands to escape to and conquer, but was immediately captured by Kil'jaeden. His mortal form was destroyed and his spirit was transformed into the spectral Lich King, which was then encased in the mystical ice of the Frozen Throne atop the Icecrown glacier in distant Northrend.
Biography
Rise of the Horde
Ner'zhul, Warcraft II cinematic
- See also: Rise of the Horde
Ner'zhul was the chieftain and elder shaman of the Shadowmoon clan and one of the most popular figures in orcish society. He was admired, respected and venerated by all for his deep connection to the spirits, and was the closest thing the orcish race had to a single leader prior to the foundation of the Horde. However, deep within, Ner'zhul craved a power he did not have...
One day, Ner'zhul was contacted by the spirit of his deceased mate, Rulkan (with whom he had a regular correspondence), who warned him about the menace of the draenei, who were plotting to destroy the orcs. After several moons, she introduced him to Kil'jaeden, the "Great One", who began to instruct him in the treachery of the draenei. Though Ner'zhul was elated that he was saving his people (and finally getting the power and respect he secretly desired), he was puzzled why the ancestors would no longer speak to him, and why the spirits grew more distant.
Ner'zhul managed to get the rest of the clans to begin attacks on draenei settlements, supposedly by order of the ancestors, but, as he saw more and more of the draenei, he gradually became puzzled; apart from his horns, clothes, and skin tone, Kil'jaeden bore an uncanny resemblance to the draenei and possessed a hatred of Velen unbecoming of a divine being. Seeking answers, he attempted to commune with the ancestors in Oshu'gun, the "Mountain of the Spirits." He was horrified when the ancestors greeted him as a monster, and the real Rulkan revealed the truth: Kil'jaeden had been manipulating him all along.
Ner'zhul resolved to defy his demon master, but Gul'dan, his apprentice, had followed him, and, greedy for his own power, informed Kil'jaeden of the betrayal of the shaman. Kil'jaeden, ever one to reward good service, elevated Gul'dan to Ner'zhul's position, and Ner'zhul was relegated to a decorative position, his powers stripped from him. Kil'jaeden forced Ner'zhul to watch helplessly as the orcs slid into bloodlust and warlock magic. He was powerless to stop the rise of the Shadow Council, privy to all their secrets but able to reveal none.
But Gul'dan grew careless. Thinking Ner'zhul completely powerless, he allowed his former teacher access to all of the Shadow Council's documents, and it was thus that Ner'zhul discovered that Kil'jaeden was planning to feed the Blood of Mannoroth to the orcs. Ner'zhul's wasted position and Gul'dan's baleful influence meant that none of the chieftains would listen to his warnings, with the exception of one.
As a result of Ner'zhul's anonymous advice, Durotan of the Frostwolf Clan refused to allow his clan to drink the blood of Mannoroth, and saved them from the worst of the corruption. Alas, Durotan and his mate Draka were the only people aware of Ner'zhul's actions- a secret that died with them years later. Today, no one has any idea that one of Azeroth's greatest enemies saved the orcs from complete and utter annihilation.
Beyond the Dark Portal
- See also: Beyond the Dark Portal
Ner'zhul, Black Temple trailer
Following the Horde's defeat in the Second War the Alliance pressed the Horde back to the Blasted Lands, ultimately destroying the portal. On the Draenor side Ner'zhul was caught in the blast and gravely wounded. For two years while he recovered the clans of Draenor fought amongst themselves until Teron Gorefiend devised a plan of opening new portals and finding fresh worlds for the Horde to conquer. Teron went to Ner'zhul and asked the old shaman to lead the Horde once again. Ner'zhul having since recovered, had isolated his clan in Shadowmoon Valley, where he began seeing visions of death (potentially a foreshadowing of his future fate). He painted his face with a white skull. When Gorefiend, a being of undeath, came to him, Ner'zhul was not surprised, and after some persuasion, agreed to Gorefiend's plan to open more portals. In order to fullfill the plan he sought out several artifacts from Azeroth: the Skull of Gul'dan, the Book of Medivh, the Jeweled Scepter of Sargeras, and the Eye of Dalaran.
The first item he acquired, the Skull of Gul'dan, soon began to influence the old shaman. His wayward apprentice was speaking to Ner'zhul through his last remains. Ner'zhul became more and more concerned with his own power and well being rather than that of the Horde.
Upon retrieving all of these artifacts save the Skull, he attempted to open portals throughout Draenor. Feeling the surge of power that came with having control of Draenor's magic, Ner'zhul stopped caring about the welfare of the Horde, and thought only of harnessing his new powers. In his hubris, he ordered his followers through the portals, leaving behind the Horde. Obris, one of his servitors, protested at Ner'zhul's choice to abandon the rest of the Horde. In response, Ner'zhul blasted him aside; he no longer cared. Inundated with power he could only dream of previously, Ner'zhul's greed overcame him, and whatever vestiges of honor and altruism still remained in him vanished as he and his followers went through the first portal, abandoning the rest of the Orcish Horde to its fate. The vast energies that the spell created then tore the planet apart once Ner'zhul had fled, and the shattered realm of Outland was created.
Birth of the Lich King
- Main article: Lich King
The Lich King in the Frozen Throne.
Upon entering one of the portals, Ner'zhul and his followers were immediately captured by Kil'jaeden. The Elder Shaman was torn apart, though his spirit was kept alive. Agreeing to enter into the service of the demon once more, Ner'zhul was bound to the Frozen Throne. His perception, mental powers, and magical abilities expanded tremendously. Thus the Lich King was born. As the Lich King, Ner'zhul would rule the Scourge alone until his merger with Arthas Menethil, who later consumed his spirit to rule as the Lich King alone.
Abilities
Ner'zhul had the gift of true visioning and all he had seen would indeed come to pass.[2] He had seen many events that take place in World of Warcraft, including:
- Humans of Stormwind and orcs of the Horde fighting side by side against the Scourge
- Undead with minds that were clearly their own
- Quel'Thalas being rebuilt
- Skeletal dragons assaulting Stormwind and a hot, dry place crowded with orcs
- A race of desert nerubians serving mammoth creatures with the heads of dogs, golems made of obsidian
- The L of Lordaeron depicted in red and becoming a red flame on a white background
- The surface of the ocean churning with a horrible sound of laughter assaulting his ears, along with the screams of a world wrenched from its proper place
- Green, shadowy and nightmarish images dancing, a deer or a man, mountains coming to life and crushing everything
- Frostmourne clashing with a long and powerful blade named Ashbringer
Quotes
- I...have dreamed of you. I have had visions of death, and now you are here.[3]
- Gul'dan and his twisted schemes — they reach out and destroy lives even from beyond the grave! You and your plans! And how much power would you gain from success? Power is all you Shadow Council bastards care about![3]
- The other orcs are lost. They have served their purpose. From this point on, all that we gain will be ours alone. I am the Horde, and I will survive. Choose me, or choose death![3]
- There is so much more. So much more, but only if you continue to walk this path fully.[4]
- Yes! I knew you would make this choice. For so long you have wrestled with the last dregs of goodness, of humanity in you, but no longer. The boy held you back, and now you are free. We are one, Arthas. Together, we are the Lich King. No more Ner'zhul, no more Arthas—only this one glorious being. With my knowledge, we can—[5]
Videos
| Ner'zhul captures the Dark Portal |
|---|
Trivia
- It was stated that Amnennar the Coldbringer had a direct telepathic link to Ner'zhul (when he and Arthas were the Lich King).[6]
- This piece of art "may" have inspired Ner'zhul's story.[7]
- When asked about Ner'zhul at BlizzCon 2010, Chris Metzen said, "Yes. Yeah, Ner'zhul is done. He served us well in that capacity, but really the Lich King idea... really is the ultimate expression, you know, as Arthas or whatever. Ner'zhul's done."[8]
References
- ^ Warcraft: Legends Volume 4,
[Fate] (preview at WoW:IncGamers)
- ^ Arthas: Rise of the Lich King, 303-305
- ^ a b c Beyond the Dark Portal
- ^ Arthas: Rise of the Lich King, 303, 305
- ^ Arthas: Rise of the Lich King, 306-307
- ^ Quest:Bring the End
- ^ http://us.blizzard.com/en-us/community/conceptart/#325
- ^ BlizzCon 2010 Lore Q&A Panel
| Preceded by: None |
Position: Chieftain of the Shadowmoon Clan |
Succeeded by: Earliest known: Teron Gorefiend |
| Preceded by: None |
Position: Warchief of the Horde |
Succeeded by: Gul'dan and Blackhand |
| Preceded by: Orgrim Doomhammer |
Position: Warchief of the Horde |
Succeeded by: Orgrim Doomhammer |
| Preceded by: Gul'dan (as Master of the Black Temple) |
Position: Lord of Shadowmoon Fortress |
Succeeded by: Magtheridon (as Master of the Black Temple) |
| Preceded by: None |
Position: Ruler of Draenor |
Succeeded by: Magtheridon |
| Preceded by: None |
Position: Lich King of the Scourge (alone) |
Succeeded by: Arthas Menethil and Ner'zhul (conjoined spirits) |
| Preceded by: Ner'zhul (alone) |
Position: Lich King of the Scourge (conjoined spirits with Arthas) |
Succeeded by: Arthas Menethil (alone) |
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