With Kel’Thuzad’s success in Lordaeron, the Lich King made the final preparations for his assault against human civilization. Placing his plague energies into a number of portable artifacts called plague cauldrons, Ner’zhul ordered Kel’Thuzad to transport the cauldrons to Lordaeron where they would be hidden within various cult-controlled villages. The cauldrons, protected by the loyal cultists, would then act as plague generators, sending the plague seeping out across the unsuspecting farmlands and cities of northern Lordaeron.

The Lich King’s plan worked perfectly. Many of Lordaeron’s northern villages were contaminated almost immediately. Just as in Northrend, the citizens who contracted the plague died and arose as the Lich King’s willing slaves. The cultists under Kel’Thuzad were eager to die and be raised again in their dark lord’s service. They exulted in the prospect of immortality through undeath. As the plague spread, more and more feral zombies arose in the northlands. Kel’Thuzad looked upon the Lich King’s growing army and named it the Scourge – for soon, it would march upon the gates of Lordaeron… and scour humanity from the face of the world.

Though the Dreadlords were pleased that Ner’zhul’s true mission had finally begun, the Lich King himself brooded within the tight, shadowy confines of the Frozen Throne. Despite his vast psychic powers and his complete dominion over the undead, he longed to be free of his icy prison. He knew that Kil’jaeden would never release him from his curse. And, due to his great power, he knew that the demons would destroy him as soon as his mission was completed.

Still, he had one chance for freedom – one chance to escape his terrible curse. If he could find a suitable host – some hapless dupe who was torn between darkness and light – he could possess that body and escape the confines of the Frozen Throne forever.

Thus, the Lich King sent his vast consciousness out once again and sought out the perfect host…

Text above is taken from the Warcraft III manual
http://ftp.blizzard.com/pub/misc/Warc...

Original thumbnail artwork by Justin Thavirat

Music composed by Tracy W. Bush, Derek Duke, Jason Hayes, Glenn Stafford and Victor Crews

0:00 - Blight
5:06 - Arcane Echoes
10:12 - Carrion Waves
15:06 - Last Days of the Scourge
19:38 - Arcane Echoes

24:48 - Blight
29:53 - Last Days of the Scourge
34:23 - Carrion Waves
39:19 - Blight

44:25 - Arcane Echoes
49:32 - Carrion Waves
54:26 - Last Days of the Scourge
58:57 - Arcane Echoes

©2002 Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved. Reign of Chaos, Warcraft and Blizzard Entertainment are trademarks or registered trademarks of Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries.