Project Lore

Blizzard debuted the Wrath of the Lich King cinematic trailer during last week's Leipzig Games Convention to much discussion. Many, yours truly included, felt that it was lacking something. At the same time, others enjoyed how Blizzard "hid" the lore by not explaining it during the video but eluding to the backstory. Either way, just about everyone loved the animation and art.

Surely, not everyone is a lore nut and therefore may not know what Arthas is doing in Northrend, or simply forgot. Today we will add a little lore to ProjectLore with a quick re-cap of Arthas and his ascension as the new Lich king.

Prince Arthas was first introduced to the Warcraft univserse with the release of Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos. Blizzard's third RTS in the series revolved around the return of the Burning Legion to the land and the four races' attempts to stop them. Arthas begins his career as a Knight of the Silver Hand by defending Strahnbrad before moving onto Stratholme. His actions in Stratholme mark the beginning of his turn, as he purges the town of its people in an attempt to stave off the plague.

With Kel'Thuzad, the plague bringer, dead, Arthas pursues Mal'Ganis into Northrend where he and Muradin Bronzebeard find Frostmourne. In his final conversation with Muradin, Arthas explains that "I would gladly bear any curse to save my homeland!" shortly before a powerful explosion shatters the ice surrounding the sword, wounding Muradin. With Frostmourne in hand Arthas seeks revenge upon Mal'Ganis. Striking the dreadlord down before he returns to Lordaeron. To kill his father.

Now corrupted, following the bidding of Tichondrius, hearing the Lich King's sweet nothings and lacking a soul, Arthas began performing unthinkable acts. For months he carried out Tichondrius' bidding, including exhuming the corpse of Kel'Thuzad, and obtaining a magical urn for his body. An urn protected by his former mentor Uther the Lightbringer and one that possessed his father's ashes. Without remorse, the former Prince dispatched of his mentor and discarded the last remains of King Terenas Menethil II.

The Death Knight proceeded to resurrect Kel'Thuzad as a powerful lich after destroying Silvermoon and plundering the Sunwell for its power. With his resurrection complete, Kel'Thuzad tells Arthas of the Lich King's full plan. The pair sought the Book of Medivh and succeeded in summoning Archimonde to their lands. The demon - not knowing their plan - disregarded the pair, allowing them to meet with Archimonde's enemies. Arthas located the recently freed Illidan Stormrage and divulged the secret to Archimonde's demise, the Skull of Gul'dan.

Arthas made his return shortly after the combined forces of the Night Elves, Humans, and Orcs defeated Archimonde. Archimonde's remaining three dreadlords realized that the Lich King's power was waning and moved to seek their revenge. Thanks to Kel'Thuzad, Arthas narrowly escaped an assassination attempt by his former aide, Sylvanas Windrunner. The ordeal left Arthas shaken and the Lich King called him to protect The Frozen Throne in Northrend.

After being saved by Anub'arak, the former king of Azjol-Nerub, the pair ventured towards the Icecrown Glacier via the remains of Azjol-Nerub. During their descent into the caves they first claimed the treasures of Sapphiron and after his defeat, Arthas managed to raise him once again as a powerful frost wyrm. Then, they were confronted by the remaining forces of Muradin, led by Baelgun. After dispatching of the dwarves, the team ran into the legendary race known as the Faceless Ones before managing to reach the Upper Kingdom. Arthas' forces clashed with Illidan's as he attempted to open the path to The Frozen Throne. Upon starting his ascent he was greeted by Illidan.

Arthas quickly dispatched the demon-infused elf and so he climbed the icy stairs to receive the Lich King's armor. With a powerful cry Arthas shattered the throne and claimed the helm of the Lich King. The act merged the soul of Arthas with that of the Lich King. Ner'Zhul and Arthas became one and await you in Icecrown Glacier.

For more information on Arthas check out his WoWWiki page or the plot's to Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos and Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne.