On the Various Types of Undead

*Stacked neatly on Ilhedith Knox's desk sits a meticulously prepared research paper*

On the Various Types of Undead- By Malandrae Moonwhisper

Creatures that were once living beings which died and were later reanimated by necromantic forces are generally called 'undead'. These undead creatures are empowered by this dark magic, which originated from the Burning Legion many centuries ago. These creatures come in a variety of types and the objective of this paper is to categorize them for easy identification. 

The Scourge

The most prevalent and dangerous type of undead, the Scourge can be categorized as mindless beasts, intent on the destruction of anything living around them. When unguided, they will wander within a certain predefined area, usually not having enough self awareness to travel great distances. They can range in speed from very slow to very fast and can vary in type from corporeal to spirit based creatures.

When guided by a more sinister intelligence, the scourge can represent an endless army of the dead, intent on covering the world in its creatures. Scourge can work together when controlled with magic in such a fashion, and even when uncontrolled all scourge are extremely dangerous. Scourge creatures can be identified by their unwavering and uncanny ability and desire to seek out and destroy the living around them. They are highly likely to bite a victim (something around the order of 95%), spreading additional plagues and potential curse of undead with each bite.

The Forsaken

Originally a part of the scourge, the Forsaken represent a type of undead with a free will. Lacking the mindless compulsion to simply slaughter the living, Forsaken are free to roam large distances and pursue careers, hobbies, interests, and crafting skills as they see fit.

As with the scourge, the Forsaken are extremely likely to be hostile to members of the Alliance. Their hostility, when left unchecked, can result in devastation or annexation of lands not belonging to the scourge. Led by their Dark Lady, the Forsaken have launched multiple campaigns across the former nation of Lordaeron, destroying much of these former kingdoms, in some cases permanently.

Like scourge, Forsaken tend to be completely rotted away in some areas, and exhibit a foul odor. They are extremely likely to bite a victim (something around the order of 75%) and should be avoided in large groups.

Death Knights and unaffiliated Undead

While the two main groups above include approximately 95% of all undead, there do remain unaffiliated undead that are neither of these groups. Spirits, wraiths, walking corpses and liches that have no desire to slay the living or become involved in wars can be classified in this category. One such group of these creatures are known as the Knights of the Ebon Blade, and perform services for both the alliance and horde.

This type of undead is less irrationally aggressive, and has a very low probability of biting a victim at any given time. The nature of these creatures is harder to determine however since they are willing to work with both the horde and alliance (or neither). Approaching with caution is recommended.

Summary

In summary, the world is filled with a variety of undead, each of which must be approached with caution. No undead creature is entirely safe, even if it falls into the 'unaffiliated' category. Avoiding direct physical contact, bites, and saliva are the best methods of preventing the spread of the undead curse.

Under no circumstances should one assume that ANY undead is 'safe', 'passive', or a non-threat. These creatures can become deadly in moments, and can build in unbelievable numbers if not put in check right away. The most aggressive forms of undead should be eradicated in order protect the population centers that could be threatened by a mass of such creatures.