This article or section includes speculation, observations or opinions possibly supported by lore or by Blizzard officials. It should not be taken as representing official lore.
It could be that these Necrolytes are being forced into the Lick King's service, as they seem rather weak and snivel for mercy, whereas other cultists would be thought to rejoice in dying for their master. Or perhaps they knew what they were doing the whole time, but got more than they bargained for.