Death Warmed Over: Death Knights III

by Sullivan

[Potential Spoilers - so be warned]

The Scarlet Enclave. Defenses are failing as the necropolis looms over as if some vile dark gavel of judgment.

Overun by scourge forces…

The Scarlets have little chance of surviving the onslaught. Families and their loved ones – fought, tortured and murdered.

No safety, no mercy… no rescue.

Mostly in part from you (your character, of course – not you… really! *grin*) and your fellow Death Knights.

From the death wagons of the Scourge to a tool of death and, your new “life” has been to the will of the Lich King with no question or second thought. But something, somewhere tugs at you… but what?

DEATH’S BREACH, EASTERN KINGDOMS -
Instructor Razuvious spoke out earlier this week, reiterating his policy on mutiny and insubordination.
“Any death knight who dares desert the Scourge will meet a fate far worse than death. Their suffering shall see no end -
I will see to it personally.”
— from Report from the Frontlines: Eastern Kingdoms

Those who falter are hunted, found and dealt with accordingly. This does prove an important detail in your path as a Death Knight.

There may be another path.

The Scourge is infinite in potential. We are not, however, infallible by any means. Always be well aware of your limits, and the resources at your disposal. Always have an exit strategy. Sacrifice of eager minions to your ends is a cornerstone of Scourge philosophy. All manner of bravery, martyrdom, or compatriotism for anyone but the Master is imprudent and severely punishable.

Another fallacy outsiders hold of the Scourge is that our power resides in the residual will of the living, that we are an advanced form of parasite, and without a host of regenerating life would simply wither away. Again we do not deny such ignorant though for our benefit, but this could not be further from the truth.

We are nothing but an ever-improving form of adaptation to a land once riddled with endless struggle. We are immune to the tribulations of dissension, over-population, individuality, selfish opinion, short-sightedness, and even morality. We hear the will of the Master, and the Master brings us all that we will ever desire.

It is true that we take architecture, technology, and physical prowess from assimilated cultures. This, like so many ‘evil’ acts of the Scourge, is done entirely out of pragmatism. The Scourge has neither the time nor the desire to generate a culture of its own. A member of the Scourge that creates without influence will hold an inherent attachment to it, a right to see it viewed and used.

This leads to individuality, which leads to dissension. Creativity is a flaw of culture, but a minor obligation when dealing with simple needs like buildings and equipment. It is not your duty to question or care the origins of your resources, only in how usable they are.

The Scourge is the will of the land. All manner of life kneel to our will with an ease that yields a single conclusion: That they need us, they yearn for our salvation. There is no resilience to our practices, no immunity to our commandments. We are every bit the inevitability that natural life holds: Death. Death comes with every life, and undeath comes with every death.

The sooner the living recognizes this immutable fact, the easier their transition will be.
— from The Decree of the Scourge, Chapter 3, By Kel’Thuzad

There is a conflict in all this. Is there another path?

Do you have a choice? A choice of your own?

Orbaz Bloodbane: Why do you care, Thassarian?
Orbaz Bloodbane: His weakness led to his capture.
Orbaz Bloodbane: Only the strong should survive.
Not to mention…
Thassarian: What, Orbaz? That he’s a blood elf?
Thassarian: In life we were hated enemies – this is true…
Thassarian: But in death… We are the children of the damned. The bastard sons and daughters of the Scourge.
Thassarian: In death we are brothers.
Orbaz Bloodbane: To hell with you, Thassarian.

As you crush the defenses, you can almost see echoes of humanity. Conflicts, imperfections… small fleeting moments amidst the death and vileness of your actions.

Do you attempt to ignore these or fight on for the Lich King?

Given what you have already done, is there some spark of what you once were? Buried deep in what is left from your former life?

You must fight against the Lich King’s control. He is a monster that wants to see this world – our world – in ruin. Don’t let him use you to accomplish his goals.
You were once a hero and you can be again.
Fight, damn you! Fight his control!
— Ellen Stanbridge