Maldraxxi

Maldraxxi
Faction/Affiliation	Necrolord Covenant; Mawsworn
Racial capital	Seat of the Primus
Racial leader(s)	The Primus
Homeworld	Maldraxxus, Shadowlands
Area(s)	Maldraxxus; Bastion; The Maw

Maldraxxi (or Necrolords) are the various types of undead that inhabit the eponymous realm of the Shadowlands known as Maldraxxus and make up the forces of the Necrolord Covenant and it's loyal Undying Army.

In the birthplace of necromantic magic among the necrolords, strength is rewarded and weakness cast aside. The souls of the ambitious and contentious are forged into an immortal army charged with the defense of the Shadowlands, with masters of the powers of death turning legions of ambitious souls into relentless immortal armies, and necrotic soldiers being forged by an eternity of war or are made from the bodies taken as spoils of war.

As part of their credo, those who enter into Maldraxxus are able to reshape themselves into any form they see fit if they are strong enough. While some, such as Draka and Alexandros Mograine choose shapes similar to their original bodies; many shift into greater or imposing forms.

Overview

Maldraxxus is the birthplace of necromantic magic and home to the forces that were called upon by the Lich King and the Scourge on Azeroth. The Maldraxxi were unified under an Eternal One known as the Primus. The most tactical and long-thinking of the Eternal Ones, he was a master strategist who was nearly unbeatable on the field of battle and was notorious for always thinking far ahead of everyone else. The Primus embodied the five traits of the ideal Maldraxxi soldier, traits he also instilled into the five houses: ambition, might, insight, guile, and the relentless pursuit of victory. In addition to his military might, he was also known as a legendary weaponsmith. All Necrolords receive a portion of the Primus' power in order to carry out their duty of defending the Shadowlands from external forces.

The Maldraxxi are split into five houses, the House of the Chosen, the House of Constructs, the House of Eyes, the House of Rituals and the House of Plagues; each with their own specialties. These houses pledged unending loyalty to the Primus, but began to waver from his vision as protectors of the Shadowlands after his disappearance. This led to the destruction of the House of Eyes and Plagues by the House of Rituals and Constructs. In absence of the Primus, the leaders of the three remaining houses now ruthlessly fight one another to claim the Seat of the Primus and the position of commanding the armies of Maldraxxus. Before he disappeared, the Primus left behind cryptic messages and prophecies concerning the coming of one who would embody the might of Maldraxxus and save the realm from itself.

The House of Rituals and House of Constructs were the first to expose their betrayal by invading Bastion, to the horror of Margrave Krexus. Margrave Krexus was betrayed by Vyraz, who had also aligned with these traitors and claimed the title of Margrave for himself, and it is revealed both that Margrave Akarek and the House of Eyes as well as Margrave Stradama and the House of Plagues fell because of the House of Rituals. It is revealed the civil war had been orchestrated by Kel'Thuzad as Baron of Rituals, who betrays Margrave Sin'dane and claims power.

The maining Maldraxxi loyal to the purpose of Maldraxxus and the leadership of the Primus took base in the Seat of the Primus; Margrave Sin'dane has allied herself with them after Kel'Thuzad's attempted betrayal. Margrave Vyraz retains control of the House of the Chosen and House of Constructs territory, with many members of the House of Rituals remaining loyal to Kel'Thuzad.

Organization

Do not assume the strength of which I speak is based on physical might alone. The talents of the Margraves who govern the Houses of Maldraxxus are a testament to that.

House	Current Margrave	Current Barons	Primary Forces
House of the Chosen	Vyraz	Draka  Alexandros Mograine	Maldraxxi gladiator
House of Eyes	Vacant* (see below)	Baroness Vashj Vacant	Aranakk
House of Plagues	Vacant	Vacant* (see below) Vacant* (see below)	Plague Inventors Plague Slimes Plague Constructs
House of Constructs	Vacant	Vacant Vacant	Abomination Fleshstitcher Surgeons
House of Rituals	Sin'dane	Balmedar Vacant	Lich Necromancers

• Note: Manipulator Zalisar has reformed the House of Eyes under his leadership, but is not described or named "Margrave" and is killed in the same quest he is introduced.
• Note: Plague Deviser Marileth was the soulbind and confidant of the late Margrave Stradama and considered himself responsible for the House of Plagues before his madness. Likewise, the other survivors seem to take direction from him. The game does not refer to him as Baron explicitly however.
• Note: Foul-Tongue Cyrlix is the "Master of Mixing" and directing the other survivors in their continued experimentation, and thus may be the other Baron.

Margraves

The Margraves are the leaders of the five Houses found in Maldraxxus.

Active

•  Vyraz - Margrave of the House of the Chosen
•  Sin'dane - Margrave of the House of Rituals

Former

•  Stradama - Margrave of the House of Plagues
•  Gharmal - Margrave of the House of Constructs
•  Akarek - Margrave of the House of Eyes
•  Krexus - Margrave of the House of the Chosen

Houses

The Houses of Maldraxxus are the five divisions of the Undying Army. A soul is selected for a House by its Margrave in the midst of combat upon arrival, with the Primus serving as the tie-breaker. Each House has a specific approach to training and development corresponding to the nature and role of their forces.

However, many aspects of Maldraxxus by necessity require collaboration, such as all necropoli requiring a lich to fly, a construct to serve as the mechanic, and an aranakk to navigate, or how both fleshcrafting of the constructs and soul manipulation of the liches is needed in the creation of abomination, or how the slimes of the plagues would create the poisons of the eyes.

Types

As stated, the Maldraxxi take various forms and shapes to fit and suit their roles. From the imposing gladiators to the stealthy aranakk, some also choose largely unique shapes.

Skeletons

A Maldraxxi skeleton

In Maldraxxus, skeletons, also called animates, appear to be the most common form of undead within the realm of the Shadowlands, seen in all five houses. They serve a multitude of roles amongst the Maldraxxi; from serving as mages, warriors, craftsmen and fodder. They are shown to be capable of being summoned by some of the greater Maldraxxi necromancers in great numbers, though they should not be underestimated. Quite a few skeletons serve in high positions, such as Bonesmith Heirmir, who was apprenticed by the Primus himself.

Unlike traditional skeletons, these warriors have flesh that still sticks to their frames like sinew and come in a uniform style that appears to be unique to the Maldraxxi.

Gallery

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  Chinese client model.

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  Concept art

Afterlives animated short

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Necromancers

A Maldraxxi necromancer

A form typically adopted by spellcasters and researchers; the necromancers of Maldraxxus draw reminiscent claim to the Liches and mortal necromancers of Azeroth. Adorned in flowing robes with magnificent crystals and dark hoods, these undead typically fall into the employ of the House of Rituals as eponymous necromancers, the House of Constructs as those who piece together the various abominations that give the house its name and, before its destruction, the House of Plagues as researchers such as Plague Deviser Marileth.

Despite this, necromancers could be found in the employ of the Chosen and Eyes, though in lesser numbers. Some of these necromancers also seem to take on the path of the warrior, fighting with blades or riding atop massive beasts. Necromancers experiment on the souls of the ambitious and contentious, reforming only the greatest into undead soldiers who protect the Shadowlands.

Gallery

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  A necromancer.

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  A higher-ranking necromancer who has achieved the rank of ritualist for the House of Rituals.

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  Various acolytes and a ritualist sorcerer conducting a ritual in the House of Rituals.

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  A plague inventor and pox experimenter performing an experiment for the House of Plagues.

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  Two surgeons of the House of Constructs imbuing abominations with anima.

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  A forgewarden of the House of the Chosen sharpening a runeblade.

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  A necromancer in Afterlives.

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  Concept art.

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  Concept art.

Gladiators

Maldraxxi gladiators

The most powerful warriors and champions become gladiators within the ranks of the House of the Chosen. These peerless battlefield tacticians tirelessly train with a variety of rune-forged weapons and are unmatched in martial combat. They are much more stocky than their ossein skeleton companions; garbed in anything from simple small clothes to full sets of imposing boneplate armor. They are, as stated, almost exclusively in service to the House of the Chosen; seen as the hallmark warriors of the house. Peerless battlefield tacticians, gladiators are unmatched in martial combat and train with a variety of rune-forged weapons.

The Gladiators make their appearance predominantly in the Necrolord Covenant as part of the forces of Baroness Draka and Baron Mograine, though they also make up the treasonous host of Vyraz, who usurped the House of the Chosen from Krexus after slaying him.

Notable

• Margrave Krexus
• Margrave Vyraz
• Olgra

Gallery

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  Male gladiator

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  Female gladiator

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  Margrave Krexus

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  Krexus in Afterlives without a helmet

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  A gladiator, using a male Kul Tiran model fully covered in armor.

Scientists

Mad scientist from Maldraxxus.

A form very reminiscent of the Forsaken of Azeroth, the Scientists of Maldraxxus are a semi-common form of undead that specialize, as the name implies, in scientific pursuits. These mad surgeons typically give their employ to the House of Constructs and the now fallen House of Plagues. They are typically accompanied either by vicious abominations and beasts of flesh, or plague-formed monstrosities as a result. Most carry backpacks with containers of plague upon their back, as well as numerous vials and potions from their unstable concoctions. Most unsettlingly, their heads are typically wrenched open; containing domes of what seem to be plague fluid or their exposed brains.

Notable

• Doctor Ickus
• Surgeon Stitchflesh

Gallery

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  Shadowlands concept art.

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  Shadowlands concept art.

Liches

See also: Lich

File:Margrave Sin'dane.jpg

Maldraxxi lich Margrave Sin'dane of the House of Rituals.

In Maldraxxus, liches are scheming skeletal sorcerers who use anima to fuel their potent magic and practice their craft primarily in the House of Rituals. Margrave Sin'dane had been manipulated by her new Baron, Kel'Thuzad, who in turn was in service to the Jailer, causing a civil war within Maldraxxus and helping an invasion of Bastion and Revendreth.

Liches are virtually identical to their Azerothian counterparts, including possessing a phylactery that allows them to reincarnate as long as it is not destroyed. They have been found working for houses outside of the House of Rituals, such as the House of the Chosen.

Notable

• Margrave Sin'dane
• Kel'thuzad
• Balmedar

Gallery

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  A Maldraxxi lich.

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  Concept art for Maldraxxi liches.

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  Kel'Thuzad, as seen in Shadowlands.

Abominations

See also: Abomination

A Maldraxxi abomination, with a similar appearance to Scourge abominations.

In Maldraxxus, the corpses of the slain are brought to the House of Constructs, where the finest pieces of flesh and bone are skillfully assembled into a new form. These reanimated monstrosities are given new purpose in a body that is greater than the sum of its once separate parts. Constructs have formed the backbone of Maldraxxi armies in more wars than anyone can count. A well-constructed body can turn any soul into a potent frontline weapon. These abominations are far more advanced than those of the Scourge, being fully sealed, sometimes possessing extra mouths, and, most notably, being capable of far greater intelligence. Indeed the leader of the House of Constructs is an abomination, Margrave Gharmal, with intelligence fully suited to match its station.

Unlike Azerothian abominations, Maldraxxi abominations come in all shapes and sizes, with some resembling Plague eruptors, while others resemble Ghouls. Some of these abominations have been found working for houses outside of the House of Constructs, such as Ansid the Mechanic, who works as a member of the House of Eyes.

Notable

• Margrave Gharmal
• Baron Halis
• Baroness Antolyte
• Emeni
• Chordy
• Ansid the Mechanic

Gallery

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  A small type of abomination in Maldraxxus.

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  A type of abomination in Maldraxxus, with a similar appearance to a plague eruptor.

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  Margrave Gharmal, leader of the House of Constructs.

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  Concept art for abomination leftovers.

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  Concept art for abomination lord.

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  Concept art for type of abomination filled with bone and slime.

Aranakk

An Aranakk.

The aranakk are a spider-like race belonging primarily to the House of Eyes in Maldraxxus. They once served as the house's master assassins and scouts, but with their necropolis lying in ruins, they now find themselves bannerless nomads. However, they still retain their sense of purpose and are willing to share their secrets for a price. A venthyr historian speculated that the aranakk were created long ago specifically for their purpose to be spies for Maldraxxus.

Some Aranakk have been found outside of the House of Eyes, with a number of them working for the House of Constructs. Under Thread Mistress Leeda, they appear to be providing the silk used for stitchwork that the house uses.

Notable

• Akarek
• Domina Venomblade
• Kearnen the Blade, who was in life a human rogue Amber Kearnen.
• Thread Mistress Leeda

Boneguards

A Maldraxxi boneguard.

Boneguards are a type of powerful, skeletal Maldraxxi construct. Summoning one of these beings requires a large amount of anima. Successfully summoning one and defeating it is the test of the House of Rituals for the ritualist's mantle.

Boneguards appear most dangerously as an ascended form of another soul, as seen with Mortanis who transforms himself from a necromancer into a boneguard, and with Thanikos; who is forcibly changed from a kyrian into a boneguard as Thanikos Spinerender. In the latter case, Thanikos was capable of being controlled by another Maldraxxi.

Boneguards appear to be the precursors to the similar-looking bone wraiths of Azeroth.

Notable

•   Aloskixxa <Specter of Doom>
•   Mortanis
•   Thanikos Spinerender
•   Visectus <Specter of War>
•   Carcaeus

Unique

Maldraxxi Vashj, Draka and Alexandros Mograine in forms similar to those they had in life.

Not all Maldraxxi share a template. Some have managed to craft for themselves unique bodies. These are often inspired by the forms they took in life, such is the case for Draka and Alexandros Mograine. Vashj was given the opportunity to return to a night elf form, but opted instead for a take on her naga appearance, preferring the way people treated her when she was a naga over a handmaiden. The margraves, Krexus, Stradama, Sin'dane, Gharmal and Akarek all took unique variants of the most iconic form their house employed.

Notable

• Draka
• Alexandros Mograine
• Vashj
• Mordretha, the Endless Empress

Notes

• The Necrolord Covenant mage ability [Deathborne] transforms the caster into a Maldraxxi skeleton.
• One of the random effects of  [The Necronom-i-nom] toy turns the player into a Maldraxxi skeleton.
• The aranakk of the Maldraxxi are the fifth spider-like race in Warcraft, after the nerubians, some of the fire spiders, the aranasi, and the fal'dorei.
• Maldraxxi necromancers are visually inspired by the undead unit of the same name from Warcraft III. Artist Matthew McKeown started designing the Maldraxxian necromancers by pushing shapes to get a distinct silhouette and incorporating iconic elements from the Warcraft III necromancers, such as crossing daggers, large sleeves, and a giant spell book. These elements show the necromancers' ritualistic nature and keeps them recognizable as necromancers that players know. Since necromancers live alongside liches in the House of Rituals, they wear similar purple-and-gold clothing and have similarly-shaped skulls with long chins resembling Egyptian pharaohs.
• Purple robes on Maldraxxi necromancers seems to indicate allegiance to the House of Rituals, green is usually only seen in the Houses of Plagues and Constructs, and black is primarily used in the House of the Chosen.
• In-game Maldraxxi necromancers have three fingers on each hand, but Afterlives: Maldraxxus depicts a necromancer with a five-fingered hand.
• Maldraxxi skeletons use the Kul Tiran male rigging.
• Maldraxxi necromancers use the same animations as male Zandalari trolls.
• Maldraxxi gladiator female version has the Kul Tiran female animation rig.
• Maldraxxi gladiator male version has the ogre animation rig with a different standing posture.
• Maldraxxi scientists use the same animations as the Forsaken male. They appear to be a spin on the mad scientist characters that can be found in the Forsaken and Scourge.
• Maldraxxi skeletons sound files are named "ossien summon" for combat sounds, "bony skeleton" for males, and "salgin" and "Maldraxxus Skeleton" for females.
• Maldraxxi gladiators sound files are named "Maldraxxus Gladiator".
• Maldraxxi scientists sound files are named "MadScientist2".

See also

Creatures that can be formed from fallen Maldraxxi:

• Crawling hand
• Crawling spine
• Plague House remnant
• Soul-rotted flesh

Gallery

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  "Skeletal wraith" concept art for Maldraxxus.

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  Generic concept art of a Maldraxxus inhabitant that blends the current subtypes.