Biodata
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Kel'Thuzad 21 |
| Species/Race | Human before becoming undead 21 236 |
| Gender | Male 21 |
| Affiliation | Formerly the Kirin Tor of Dalaran; later the Cult of the Damned and the Scourge 100 110 138 |
| Occupation/Role | Former archmage; founder of the Cult of the Damned and agent of the Lich King 21 134 |
| Status | Undead archlich 238 |
| First Appearance | Chapter 21 21 |
Power Progression
| Stage / Realm / Level | Chapter | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Legendary-level archmage | 21 | Introduced as a Dalaran archmage with powerful mana fluctuations. |
| Necromancer | 110 | Returned from Northrend with mastery of necromancy that Jandice Barov found difficult to gauge. |
| Lich | 138 | Appeared among Arthas's Scourge during the assault on Dalaran. |
| Sunwell-empowered demilich | 141 | Resurrected using the Sunwell's power, but recognized that he could not withstand Taelan Fordring's demigod-level attack. |
| Archlich | 238 | Entered the battle against Malygos alongside Sindragosa and Patchwerk. |
Background / History
Kel'Thuzad was a Dalaran archmage and mentor to an apprentice nicknamed Little Goblin Magic Wand. He met Taelan Fordring in Antonidas's study, where he was introduced as a legendary-level mage 21 100. After a fierce argument with Antonidas, he resigned from the Kirin Tor and left Dalaran. A mysterious voice had called him toward Northrend with promises of power and eternal life 100 102.
On his return, Kel'Thuzad devoted himself to necromancy and founded the Cult of the Damned. He supplied personnel and magical expertise for the Barov family's planned Scholomance at Caer Darrow, where undead magic and experiments would be studied 33 110. As the Lich King's agent, he also promised immortality and power to recruits such as Horgus, whom he transformed and later modified into an unusually intelligent Ghoul 134.
After becoming a lich, Kel'Thuzad accompanied Arthas's Scourge in its assault on Dalaran. He sought to exploit Jaina as a weakness of Taelan Fordring, but Taelan's arrival forced him to abandon a spell and flee. Three successive Fists of the Heavens left him badly injured and cost him a horn 138 141. Later, from Naxxramas, he helped orchestrate an attack on Malygos using Sindragosa's remains and the undead under his command 236 239.
Appearance
Kel'Thuzad's appearance changes markedly after his transformation:
- As a Dalaran archmage, he wore slightly soiled robes and had a pale complexion 21.
- As a lich, he floated in midair, had white bony fingers, and bore demonic horns; one horn was shattered during his encounter with Taelan 138 140 141.
- He is described as large enough to be especially vulnerable to additional Holy Bolt strikes 141.
Personality
Kel'Thuzad pursues power and immortality at the expense of his former colleagues and his own people. He favors manipulation: he targets Jaina to provoke Taelan and taunts Malygos with his losses while the undead attack him 138 141 238.
His defeat by Taelan leaves him fixated on revenge. He repeatedly complains about Taelan's spellcasting talent and demands the return of his cat, Mr. Bigglesworth 236. Despite his ambitions, he must obey Arthas, who painfully corrects him for failing to address him as “King” 140.
Abilities & Skills
Necromancy and transformation
Kel'Thuzad's necromancy underpins his work for the Cult of the Damned 33 110.
- He performs a ritual that grants Horgus undead life and strength, then modifies him to possess greater intelligence than an ordinary Ghoul 134.
- He can use Dark Ritual to consume an Abomination and restore his mana 141.
Curses and offensive magic
- He curses Tirion Fordring during Tirion's fight against Arthas 140.
- His Eternal Silence Wither drains life within a magic circle; he stops casting it to escape Taelan 140 141.
- He uses Blink to evade attacks, though Taelan repeatedly strikes him after he moves 141 236.
Command and battlefield control
- His power of Command protects him from some effects, but cannot stop Taelan's Holy Freeze; it also prevents Chromie from stealing his future time 141 240.
- He draws on the Chains of Domination against Malygos. Taelan later cuts the chains with Xal'atath, freeing the dragon 238 240.
- He cannot fully mobilize the Frozen Throne's power after Noth is given a share of his authority 237.
Equipment / Items
- Chains of Domination — a source of power he uses during the confrontation with Malygos 238.
- Soulseeker — an item whose charge is drained during his battle with Taelan 236.
Relationships
- Arthas Menethil — Kel'Thuzad serves him in the Scourge and helps guide his use of power, though Arthas distrusts him and grants authority to other servants 138 140 146.
- Taelan Fordring — his chief adversary; Taelan nearly kills him at Dalaran, leaving him obsessed with revenge 141 236.
- Antonidas — his former teacher in Dalaran; their dispute precedes Kel'Thuzad's departure, and Antonidas later calls him a traitor 100 138.
- Little Goblin Magic Wand — his former apprentice, whose refusal to follow him he regrets; the apprentice also takes Mr. Bigglesworth 139.
- Malygos — Kel'Thuzad lures him into conflict at Naxxramas and uses Sindragosa to undermine him 239 238.
- Sindragosa — the undead Frost Wyrm used in Kel'Thuzad's attack on Malygos 238.
Notable Quotes
“By the time I finally understood the price I would have to pay for such power, it was already too late.” 236
“My cat! Give Mr. Bigglesworth back to me!” 236