Wowpedia

We have moved to Warcraft Wiki. Click here for information and the new URL.

READ MORE

Wowpedia
Don't have an account?
Register
Register
Wowpedia
Wowpedia
274,795
pages
in: Articles to clean up, Skeletons
This article needs to be cleaned up.
English

Changes: Skeleton

Back to page
Sign in to edit
m (added Gallery)
mNo edit summary
Tag: Source edit
 
(204 intermediate revisions by 31 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
  +
{{Cleanup|Focus on describing humanoid skeletons, merge some of the unrelated information (skeletal gryphons, etc.) to [[Skeletal creature]].}}
−
{{Racebox
  
  +
{{About|undead skeleton creatures|inanimate skeletal remains|corpse|other uses|Skeleton (disambiguation)}}
−
| image = Skeleton.jpg<!--From Monster Guide-->
  
  +
{{Infobox race
 
| name = Skeletons
  
| name = Skeletons
  +
| image = Skeleton (1-1) full.jpg
−
| capital = [[Icecrown]]
  
  +
| faction = [[Necrolord Covenant]], [[Scourge]], [[Cult of the Damned]], [[Forsaken]], [[Knights of the Ebon Blade]], [[Independent]]
−
| leader = [[Lich King]]
  
−
| faction = [[Scourge]], formerly [[History of the Horde|Orcish Horde]]
 +
| character = [[Warrior]], [[Mage]], [[Archer]], [[Warlock]], [[Necromancer]]
  +
| language = [[Common (language)|Common]]
−
| character = [[Warrior]]<ref>[[Skeletal warrior]]</ref>, [[Mage]]<ref>[[Skeletal mage]]</ref>
  
−
| mount =
 
−
| homeworld =
  
−
| language =
  
−
| height = Varies according to species
  
 
}}
  
}}
   
  +
'''Skeletons''' are [[undead]] beings that have been reanimated by magic, often being used as fodder or shock troops by their masters. While gangly and seemingly frail, skeletons can possess superhuman strength and be highly resistant to most physical attacks.<ref name="Beastiary">[[The World of Warcraft Townhall/Beastiary#Skeleton]]</ref> Some have retained their consciousness and intellect, and are capable of attacking with weapons and [[magic]]. They can be summoned by [[necromancer]]s, [[lich]]es, [[death knight]]s, and [[dark ranger]]s.
−
'''Skeletons''' are mindless [[undead]] created through [[necromancy]]. Most skeletons are raised from battlefields and thus are often seen still clothed in rotting garments and rusting armor. Some skeletons still fight with the weapons they died clutching. Others, specifically created only by the most advanced necromancers, are able to cast magical spells. Whatever they attack with, skeletons are basically mindless automatons who are either directly controlled, or made to follow a specific order from their creator. If sufficiently damaged, the magic holding their bones together will dissipate, and they will crumple lifelessly to the ground. Some skeletons, however, actually seem to possess some kind of intelligence, like [[Mordresh Fire Eye]] found in [[Razorfen Downs]]. He can be seen talking to and encouraging his brethren, holding a speech about how the [[undead]] [[Scourge]] will consume the whole of Kalimdor. Another skeleton who has retained his full human consciousness is [[Devlin Agamand]]. Skeletons are exclusively male.
  
   
  +
Many skeletons are found among the ranks of the [[Scourge]], [[Forsaken]] and [[Knights of the Ebon Blade]]. In the past skeletons were notably used by the [[Old Horde]] and [[Horde of Draenor]].
−
A strange darkness has recently engulfed the region of [[Duskwood]], bringing out skeletons and other [[undead]] creatures from deep within the shadows. While gangly and seemingly frail, the skeletons possess superhuman strength and are highly resistant to most physical attacks. Though it is unclear whom the Skeletons work for or whether they serve a greater purpose at all, it is alarmingly clear that they seek to destroy anything in their paths.<ref>{{ref web|url = http://eu.blizzard.com/en/wow/townhall/beastiary/skeleton.html|title = Skeletons|accessdate = 25-06-2009|work = Beastiary|publisher = [[Blizzard Entertainment]]|language = English}}</ref>
  
   
  +
{{OTOC|300|260}}
−
==Types of Skeletons==
  
−
*[[Skeletal mage]]
  
−
*[[Skeletal warrior]]
  
−
*[[Bone giant]]
  
   
−
== Gallery ==
 +
==History==
  +
===First War===
  +
{{WC1-section}}
  +
{{Main|Skeleton (Warcraft I)}}
  +
[[File:WC1PSkeleton.gif|right]]
  +
[[File:WC1Skeleton.gif|right]]
  +
Uncontrolled spirits of the underworld sometimes roam the lands where their bodies were slain. Rotted cloth and flesh hangs from their bones as they seek revenge upon those who caused them to endure this eternal damnation. Held together by forces too dark for most to comprehend, they are more difficult to destroy than might be anticipated.<ref>''[[Warcraft: Orcs & Humans]]'' manual, ''[[Warcraft: Orcs & Humans manual#Skeleton 2|Creatures of the Land]]'', Skeleton</ref>
  +
  +
These abominations are magical constructs made from the bones of the dead. They roam the forbidden lands and forgotten realms of [[Azeroth (continent)|Azeroth]], seeking to take their anguish out on the living. They know only pain and death, and strive to embrace the living in their arms so they may drag them into the pits of hell.<ref>''[[Warcraft: Orcs & Humans]]'' manual, ''[[Warcraft: Orcs & Humans manual#Skeleton|Monster Descriptions]]'', Skeleton</ref>
  +
  +
===Second War===
  +
{{WC2-section}}
  +
{{Main|Skeleton (Warcraft II)}}
  +
[[File:Raisedeadico.gif|right]]
  +
[[File:SkeletonWC2.gif|right]]
  +
These unfortunate warriors gave their lives in battle only to be brought back into soulless servitude by arcane Orc [[Magic|magiks]] to fight for the [[Old Horde|Horde]]. Rising up from the battlefield, the Undead tirelessly hack and slash at their terrified enemies. These skeletal horrors retain none of the personality or emotions that permeated their living bodies and thus will do their master's bidding until they are destroyed. Only mortal creatures such as the [[Human]]s, [[High elf|Elves]], [[Orc]]s, [[Forest troll|Trolls]], and [[Ogre]]s can be bound by these dark powers and be remade into the Undead.<ref>''[[Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness]]'' manual, ''[[Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness manual#The Undead|Creatures of the Land]]'', The Undead</ref>
  +
  +
===Third War===
  +
{{WC3-section}}{{Stub/Lore-section}} <!--Should contain story involvement and notes of skeletons. Other "gameplay" notes should be in "In Warcraft III" section.-->
  +
Called forth from the grave by the insidious [[necromancer]]s, [[skeletal warrior]]s are mindless slaves of the [[Lich King]]'s powers. These lumbering fighters are highly resilient and tireless. When operating in great numbers, skeleton warriors serve as an invaluable part of the [[Scourge]]'s combat force.<ref>''[[Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos Game Manual]]'', pg. 42</ref>
  +
  +
In the early days of the [[Third War]], skeletons, and other undead beings, were seen terrorizing the human villages of the [[kingdom of Lordaeron]].<ref>[[Ravages of the Plague (WC3 Human)]]</ref>
  +
  +
During the Third War, [[Thrall]] encountered several skeletons in the [[Stonetalon Peak caverns]].<ref>[[The Oracle (WC3 Orc)]]</ref>
  +
  +
[[Corrupted Ancients]] were a group of in service of the [[Burning Legion]] that had skeletons in their ranks. They operated in [[Winterspring]] where they were defeated by the [[Sentinels]] led by [[Tyrande Whisperwind]] and [[Malfurion Stormrage]], and in [[Felwood]] where they were encountered by [[Illidan Stormrage]].
  +
  +
[[Drak'thul]] was haunted by [[skeletal orc]]s until [[Maiev Shadowsong]] destroyed them.<ref>[[The Broken Isles (WC3 NightElf)]]</ref>
  +
  +
The [[Tomb of the Ancients (Warcraft III)|Tomb of the Ancients]] hosted skeletons led by [[Lord Talendar]].
  +
  +
===World of Warcraft===
  +
{{wow-section}}{{Stub/Lore-section}} <!-- Other places where they can notably be seen -->
  +
[[File:Bestiary Thumb Skeleton.gif|right]]
  +
A strange darkness has recently engulfed the region of [[Duskwood]], bringing out skeletons and other [[undead]] creatures from deep within the shadows. Though it is unclear [[Morbent Fel|whom]] the skeletons work for or whether they serve a greater purpose at all, it is alarmingly clear that they seek to destroy anything in their paths.<ref name="Beastiary"></ref>
  +
  +
[[Mordresh Fire Eye]] found in [[Razorfen Downs]] can be seen talking to and encouraging [[Splinterbone skeletons|his brethren]], holding a speech about how the undead [[Scourge]] will consume the whole of [[Kalimdor]].
  +
  +
{{bc-section}}
  +
Large concentration of skeletons are in the [[Dead Scar]] in the [[Ghostlands]] and in the [[Bone Wastes]] in [[Terokkar Forest]] and in [[Auchindoun]].
  +
  +
===Wrath of the Lich King===
  +
{{wotlk-section}}
  +
First introduced with the ''[[Wrath of the Lich King]]'' expansion, a more menacing looking skeleton was added and mostly appeared in only [[Northrend]] until ''[[World of Warcraft: Cataclysm]]'' made them available in several other locations. These skeletons were used for the risen skeletons of [[vrykul]], [[storm giant]]s, and [[frost giant]]s, but they seem to be used for any undead skeleton to give a stronger appearance.
  +
  +
===Cataclysm===
  +
{{Cata-section}}
  +
When the [[Alliance]] and [[Horde]] fought for control of [[Andorhal]], [[Araj the Summoner]] called skeletons to his aid through magical towers.<ref>[[The Endless Flow]]</ref><ref>[[Araj the Summoner (quest)]]</ref>
  +
  +
[[Uldum]] temples contain skeletons.
  +
  +
===Warlords of Draenor===
  +
{{wod-section}}
  +
''[[Warlords of Draenor]]'' introduced a new skeleton model, mainly used for [[skeletal orc]]s.
  +
  +
During the encounter with an [[Ner'zhul (alternate universe)|alternate version of Ner'zhul]] in the [[Shadowmoon Burial Grounds]], Ner'zhul used tendrils of [[void]] to bind ritual bones together,<ref>{{abilities|Ritual of Bones|Ner'zhul summons an army of shadow and death which marches across his platform, eradicating all life in its path. Tendrils of void bind the ritual bones together, inflicting 29250 to 30750 Shadow damage per second to those who cross their threshold.|type=Deadly|type2=Important|image=spell_shadow_chilltouch}}</ref> creating an army of the dead.
  +
  +
The [[Shadow Council (alternate universe)|Shadow Council]] [[warlock]] [[Ogzor the Necrothurge]] has spellcasting skeletons called [[Ogzor's Bones]] serving him. These spellcasting skeletons seem to have been imbued with necromantic knowledge as they are shown casting [[Shadow Bolt]]s.
  +
  +
A [[pirate]] fleet of skeletal orcs, known as the [[Bonefleet]], appear in southern {{Au|Shadowmoon Valley}} during [[Hallow's End]].
  +
  +
===Battle for Azeroth===
  +
{{bfa-section}}
  +
The individuals who fell at the [[Battle for Lordaeron]] were raised into skeletal [[Blighted Soldier]]s by the [[Forsaken Blight]].
  +
  +
There are [[skeletal troll]]s, [[devilsaur]]s and [[raptor]]s raised in [[Zandalar]].
  +
  +
The Drust on [[Kul Tiras]] appear as skeletons.
  +
  +
===Shadowlands===
  +
{{sl-section}}
  +
In the [[Death Rising]] event skeletons are raised among the forces of the Scourge.
  +
  +
In the [[Shadowlands]] there are skeletons in [[Maldraxxus]], in [[Torghast, Tower of the Damned|Torghast]] in the [[Maw]] and skeletal trolls in [[Ardenweald]].
  +
  +
==Notable==
  +
{{Columns|2|
  +
*{{mob|Archmage Galus|icon=SkeletalMage}} {{cata-inline}}
  +
*{{mob|Arkeddon|Lord of the Void|icon=BoneGiant}} {{wod-inline}}
  +
*{{mob|Captain Bonerender|icon=SkeletalOrc}} {{wod-inline}}
  +
*{{mob|Captain Dargol|icon=SkeletalWarrior}}
  +
*{{mob|Captain Ironbeard (Tanaan Jungle)|The True Scourge of the Iron Seas|Captain Ironbeard|icon=SkeletalOrc}} {{wod-inline}}
  +
*{{mob|Cauldron Lord Malvinious|icon=SkeletalWarrior}}
  +
*{{mob|Cauldron Lord Razarch|icon=SkeletalMage}}
  +
*{{NPC|Neutral|Corvus|icon=Skeleton}} {{wotlk-inline}}
  +
*{{mob|Commander Felstrom|icon=SkeletalWarrior}}
  +
*{{mob|Clerk Horrace Whitesteed|icon=BoneGiant}}
  +
*{{mob|Dark Summoner|icon=SkeletalMage}} {{mop-inline}}
  +
*{{mob|Devlin Agamand|icon=SkeletalMage}}
  +
*{{mob|Eldreth|icon=BoneGiant}} {{wotlk-inline}}
  +
*{{mob|Father Jhadras|icon=BoneGiant}} {{wotlk-inline}}
  +
*{{mob|First Lieutenant Connor|icon=BoneGiant}} {{cata-inline}}
  +
*{{mob|Geness Half-Soul|icon=BoneGiant}} {{wotlk-inline}}
  +
*{{mob|Gharsul the Remorseless|icon=SkeletalMage}} {{bc-inline}}
  +
*{{mob|Grimmy|icon=SkeletalGnome}} {{bfa-inline}}
  +
*{{mob|Ironspine|icon=SkeletalWarrior}}
  +
*{{mob|Jagganath|Koros Soulsplinter's Minion|icon=SkeletalOrc}} {{wod-inline}}
  +
*{{mob|Lord Darkscythe|icon=BoneGiant}}
  +
*{{NPC|Neutral|Lord Talendar|icon=Skeleton}} {{wc3-inline}}
  +
*{{NPC|Alliance|Lurid|icon=SkeletalWarrior}} {{wotlk-inline}}
  +
*{{mob|Magistrate Burnside|icon=SkeletalMage}}
  +
*{{NPC|Neutral|Malmortis|icon=Skeleton}} {{wotlk-inline}}
  +
*{{mob|Masophet the Black|icon=SkeletalMage}} {{bc-inline}}
  +
*{{mob|Masud|icon=BoneGiant}} {{wotlk-inline}}
  +
*{{mob|Morbidius|The Tomb Guardian|icon=BoneGiant}} {{cata-inline}}
  +
*{{NPC|Boss|Mordresh Fire Eye (Classic)||Mordresh Fire Eye|icon=Skeleton}}
  +
*{{mob|Mor'Ladim|icon=SkeletalWarrior}}
  +
*{{NPC|Neutral|Nass|icon=Skeleton}} {{wotlk-inline}}
  +
*{{NPC|Neutral|Obrahiim, the Traveler|icon=Skeleton}}
  +
*{{mob|Oktel Dragonblood|icon=BoneGiant}} {{legion-inline}}
  +
*{{NPC|Neutral|Orithos the Sky Darkener|icon=Skeleton}} {{wotlk-inline}}
  +
*{{mob|Rith|icon=BoneGiant}} {{wotlk-inline}}
  +
*{{mob|Rythas the Oracle|icon=BoneGiant}} {{legion-inline}}
  +
*{{NPC|Neutral|Sarhule the Risen|Reagents|icon=SkeletalMage}} {{wotlk-inline}}
  +
*{{NPC|Neutral|Skeleton King|icon=Skeleton}} {{wc3-inline}}
  +
*{{NPC|Boss|Skul|icon=SkeletalMage}}
  +
*{{mob|Stephen Bhartec|icon=Skeleton}}
  +
*{{mob|Talla|icon=BoneGiant}} {{wotlk-inline}}
  +
*{{NPC|Boss|Thalnos the Soulrender|icon=SkeletalMage}} {{mop-inline}}
  +
**{{mob|Bloodmage Thalnos|icon=SkeletalMage}}
  +
*{{mob|The Unknown Soldier|icon=BoneGiant}} {{cata-inline}}
  +
*{{NPC|Horde|Tsimonh|icon=SkeletalOrc}} {{wod-inline}}
  +
*{{NPC|Boss|Vectus|icon=SkeletalMage}}
  +
*{{mob|Vegard the Unforgiven|icon=BoneGiant}} {{wotlk-inline}}
  +
*{{mob|Watch Commander Branson|icon=BoneGiant}} {{wod-inline}}
  +
}}
  +
  +
==Types==
  +
{{col-begin}}
  +
{{col|4}}
  +
Major [[humanoid]] types:
  +
*{{RaceIcon|Lich|Male}}{{RaceIcon|Lich|Female}}{{RaceIcon|Lich2}} [[Lich]] <!-- Not sure about this one, liches are not raised by necromancers like the other ones -->
  +
*{{RaceIcon|Skeleton}} [[Skeletal archer]]
  +
*{{RaceIcon|SkeletalMage}} [[Skeletal mage]]
  +
*{{RaceIcon|Skeleton}}<!--[[Mordresh Fire Eye (Classic)]]-->{{RaceIcon|SkeletalOrc}} [[Skeletal orc]]
  +
*{{RaceIcon|Skeleton}}{{RaceIcon|SkeletalTroll}} [[Skeletal troll]]
  +
*{{RaceIcon|SkeletalWarrior}} [[Skeletal warrior]]
  +
  +
Maldraxxus only types:
  +
*{{RaceIcon|Necrolord}} [[Maldraxxi necromancer]]
  +
*{{RaceIcon|Ossein}} [[Maldraxxi skeleton]]
  +
*{{RaceIcon|SlimeSkeleton}}{{RaceIcon|Stradama}} [[Slime giant]]
  +
{{col|4}}
  +
Minor humanoid types:
  +
*{{RaceIcon|Skeleton}} Skeletal [[draenei]]<!--[[Auchenai Crypts]]-->
  +
*{{RaceIcon|BoneGiant}} Skeletal [[drust]]
  +
*{{RaceIcon|SkeletalDwarf}} Skeletal [[dwarf]]
  +
*{{RaceIcon|BoneGiant}} Skeletal [[giant]]
  +
*{{RaceIcon|SkeletalGnome}} Skeletal [[gnome]]
  +
*{{RaceIcon|SkeletalGoblin}} Skeletal [[goblin]]
  +
*{{RaceIcon|Skeleton}}{{RaceIcon|SkeletalWarrior}}{{RaceIcon|SkeletalMage}}{{RaceIcon|BoneGiant}}<!--[[Risen Alliance Soldier]]-->{{RaceIcon|SkeletalHuman}} Skeletal [[human]]
  +
*{{RaceIcon|SkeletalTauren}} Skeletal [[tauren]]
  +
*{{RaceIcon|BoneGiant}} Skeletal [[vrykul]]
  +
{{col|4}}
  +
[[Skeletal animal]]s:
  +
*{{RaceIcon|UndeadEagle}} Skeletal [[bird of prey]]
  +
*{{RaceIcon|SkeletalDevilsaur}} Skeletal [[devilsaur]]
  +
*{{RaceIcon|SkeletalGryphon}}{{RaceIcon|DeathKnightGryphon}} [[Skeletal gryphon]]
  +
*{{RaceIcon|SkeletalHorse}} [[Skeletal horse]]
  +
*{{RaceIcon|HellHound}}{{RaceIcon|BlazingHound}}{{RaceIcon|SkeletalHound}} [[Skeletal hound]]
  +
*{{RaceIcon|SkeletalMonkey}} Skeletal [[monkey]]
  +
*{{RaceIcon|SkeletalRaptor}} [[Skeletal raptor]]
  +
*{{RaceIcon|SkeletalWindSerpent}} [[Skeletal wind serpent]]
  +
*{{RaceIcon|SlimeCat}} [[Slime cat]]
  +
{{col|4}}
  +
[[Undead dragon|Skeletal dragons]]:
  +
*{{RaceIcon|Frostbrood}}{{RaceIcon|FrostWyrm}}{{RaceIcon|WhelpUndead}} [[Frost wyrm]]
  +
*{{RaceIcon|Emberwyrm}}{{RaceIcon|FelDragon}}{{RaceIcon|BoneDragon}} Others
  +
  +
Skeletal constructs:
  +
*{{RaceIcon|BoneGolem}} [[Bone golem]]
  +
*{{RaceIcon|BoneWraith}}{{RaceIcon|Amalgam}} [[Bone wraith]]
  +
*{{RaceIcon|Boneguard}} [[Boneguard]]
  +
  +
Miscellaneous:
  +
*{{RaceIcon|Spine}} [[Crawling spine]]
  +
*{{RaceIcon|FloatingSkull}} [[Floating skull]]
  +
*{{RaceIcon|HandSkeletal}} Skeletal [[crawling hand]]
  +
*{{RaceIcon|PitLordSkeleton}} Skeletal [[pit lord]]
  +
{{col-end}}
  +
  +
==Groups==
  +
*[[Splinterbone skeletons|Splinterbone]]
  +
  +
==As a companion pet==
  +
*[[Macabre Marionette]] is rewarded from [[The Grateful Dead]] during the [[Day of the Dead]].
  +
*[[Rattling Bones]] is a rare drop from [[Conflagros]] in [[Darkshore]].
  +
  +
==In Warcraft III==
  +
{{WC3-section}}
  +
Many skeletons can be [[summon]]ed or are found as [[creep]]s.
  +
  +
*[[File:BTNSkeletonWarrior.png|20px]] [[Skeleton Warrior (Warcraft III)|Skeleton Warrior]] (summonable in multiple ways or creep)
  +
*[[File:BTNSkeletonMage.png|20px]] [[Skeletal Mage (Warcraft III)|Skeletal Mage]] (summoned by necromancers) {{WC3FT-inline}}
  +
*[[File:BTNSkeletonArcher.png|20px]] [[Skeleton Archer (Warcraft III)|Skeleton Archer]] (creep or summoned form an item)
  +
*[[File:BTNSkeletonArcher.png|20px]] [[Burning Archer]] (creep)
  +
*[[File:BTNSkeletonArcher.png|20px]] [[Skeletal Marksman]] (creep)
  +
*[[File:BTNSkeletonWarrior.png|20px]] [[Giant Skeleton Warrior]] (creep)
  +
*[[File:BTNSkeletalOrc.png|20px]] [[Skeletal Orc]] (creep) {{WC3FT-inline}}
  +
*[[File:BTNSkeletalOrcGrunt.png|20px]] [[Skeletal Orc Grunt]] (creep) {{WC3FT-inline}}
  +
*[[File:BTNSkeletalOrcChampion.png|20px]] [[Skeletal Orc Champion]] (creep) {{WC3FT-inline}}
  +
*[[File:BTNSkeletonWarrior.png|20px]] [[Dark Minion]] (summoned by Dark Ranger's Black Arrow abbility) {{WC3FT-inline}}
  +
*[[Skeletal Archer (Warcraft III)|Skeletal Archer]] (campaign only enemy unit)
  +
*[[File:BTNSkeletonArcher.png|20px]] [[Skeletal Orc Archer]] (campaign only enemy unit) {{WC3FT-inline}}
 
<gallery>
  
<gallery>
  +
SkeletonWarriorWC3.gif|Skeletal Warrior
−
Image: Skeleton.png|Skeletons from Warcraft I.
  
  +
Skeletonarcher.gif|Skeletal Archer
−
Image: Undeadwc2.gif|Skeleton from Warcraft II.
  
  +
Skeletal mage.gif|Skeletal Mage
−
Image: SkeletalOrc.jpg|Skeletal orc as seen in Warcraft III.
  
  +
Skeletalorc.gif|Skeletal Orc
 
</gallery>
  
</gallery>
  +
  +
[[Skeleton Warrior (Warcraft III)|Skeleton Warrior]]s and [[Skeletal Mage (Warcraft III)|Skeletal Mage]]s can be summoned by [[Necromancer (Warcraft III)|Necromancer]]s from [[corpse]]s. [[Book of the Dead (Warcraft III)|Book of the Dead]] summons 4 Skeleton Warriors and 4 [[Skeleton Archer (Warcraft III)|Skeleton Archers]]. [[Rod of Necromancy]] creates 2 Skeleton Warriors from a corpse.
  +
  +
==In the RPG==
  +
{{RPG-section}}
  +
[[Image:Skeleton.png|thumb|100px|Skeleton from the ''[[Monster Guide]]'' RPG book.]]
  +
A '''skeletal creature''' is the reanimated bone structure of a formerly living creature, a type of [[undead]]. Necromantic magic powers the skeleton, forcing it back into a parody of its living self. Most skeletons are mindless automatons, servants of necromancers or other spellcasters, but a few possess some degree of sentience and free will. A skeleton is seldom garbed in anything more than the rotting remnants of any clothing or armor it was wearing when slain. A mindless skeleton does only what it is ordered to do; it can draw no conclusions of its own and has no iniative. Because of this limitation, its instructions must always be simple. A skeleton ordered to attack does so without pause and fights until destroyed.<ref>''[[Monster Guide]]'', pg. 125-126</ref>
  +
  +
===Risen===
  +
The risen are skeletal guardians created from the bones and corpses of dead warriors. Unlike a typical skeletal soldier, risen are exceptionally tough and resistant to damage. They also retain the fighting skills they had in life, so they make excellent guards, defenders, or skirmishers. Risen often accompany columns of ordinary skeletons into battle.
  +
  +
Risen typically wear plate or chain armor, although it is often ragged and poorly maintained. Some of the more powerful risen are garbed in magic armor and given magic weapons.
  +
  +
Although virtually mindless, a risen retains a high degree of cunning regarding combat, always employing feats to the best of its ability.<ref>''[[Monster Guide]]'', pg. 114-115</ref>
  +
  +
[[Risen centaur warrior]] is a centaur that has risen in undeath into a skeletal creature.
  +
  +
===Sapient skeletons===
  +
Every so often, a skeleton retains its intellect or develops sapience over long years of undeath. No one has been able to create this circumstance intentionally, nor does anyone understand why or how it happens.<ref>''[[Monster Guide]]'', pg. 126</ref>
  +
  +
==Notes and trivia==
  +
[[File:Blight Boar skeleton hand grave.jpg|thumb|Skeleton hands show out of graves and rock out to [[Blight Boar]] in [[Darkmoon Faire]].]]
  +
*According to [[Crusader Kevin Frost]], huge piles of skeleton skulls seem to keep the waves of undead away.<ref>[[Add 'em to the Pile]]</ref>
  +
*Older skeletons use the animations of male [[Forsaken]].
  +
*Skeletal draenei in [[Auchenai Crypts]] look like any other skeleton, even though in the loading screen art for the dungeon shows draenei skulls that look different.
  +
*[[Fire elemental]] [[Hell hound]]s have a skeletal appearance and [[Ragnaros]] and ''Warcraft III'' [[Firelord (Warcraft III)|Firelord]]s have a skull like face.
  +
*The dark energy that flows through the bodies of reanimated skeletons tends to accumulate primarily in their spine. [[Blood elf]] [[mage]]s discovered a method of instilling this energy into a potion that boosts their magical abilities against the undead.<ref>[[Spinal Dust (quest)]]</ref>
  +
  +
==Gallery==
  +
<gallery>
  +
Darkeye Bonecaster.jpg|A skeleton casting a spell.
  +
Commander Felstrom.jpg|A [[skeletal warrior]]
  +
Uprez Skeleton Warrior model.jpg|Updated Skeletal warrior model from patch 8.1.
  +
Cursed Mage.jpg|A [[skeletal mage]] in ''World of Warcraft''.
  +
Coldwraith.jpg|A skeletal mage in ''Wrath of the Lich King''.
  +
Wrathbone Flayer.jpg|Skeleton with the same animations as a playable undead male.
  +
Blighted Soldier (orc).jpg|An [[orc]] [[Blighted Soldier]]
  +
Blighted Soldier (human).jpg|A [[human]] Blighted Soldier
  +
Blighted Soldier (dwarf).jpg|A [[dwarf]] Blighted Soldier
  +
Blighted Soldier (gnome).jpg|A [[gnome]] Blighted Soldier
  +
Blighted Soldier (tauren).jpg|A [[tauren]] Blighted Soldier
  +
Blighted Soldier (goblin).jpg|A [[goblin]] Blighted Soldier
  +
Recruit of the Damned.jpg|[[Skeletal troll]]
  +
Risen Vrykul Ancestor.jpg|A [[Risen Vrykul Ancestor]]
  +
Drust Evoker.jpg|A [[Drust Evoker]]
  +
Bone Giant.jpg|A giant skeleton
  +
Reanimated Pit Lord.jpg|A skeletal [[pit lord]]
  +
Cleanskin Survivor.png|A [[Maldraxxi skeleton]]
  +
Slimed Skeleton.png|A [[Slimed Skeleton]]
  +
Giant skeleton wcr.png|Giant skeleton
  +
Failed Scalecommander Haerothal.png|[[Dracthyr]] skeleton
  +
</gallery>
  +
  +
===Cinematics===
  +
<gallery>
  +
Skeletons in the 2001 Cinematic Trailer.jpg|Skeletons in the [[World of Warcraft 2001 ECTS Cinematic Trailer|2001 Cinematic Trailer]].
  +
Undead army WotLK Cinematic.jpg|Skeletons in the [[O Thanagor|Wrath of the Lich King cinematic]].
  +
Shadowlands Cinematic artstation 1.jpg|Skeletons in the [[Shadowlands cinematic]].
  +
</gallery>
  +
  +
===Art===
  +
<gallery>
  +
Warcraft I - Skeleton.jpg|Skeletons from the [[Warcraft: Orcs & Humans manual|''Warcraft I'' manual]].
  +
Undeassecondwar.JPG|Skeleton from the [[Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness manual|''Warcraft II'' manual]].
  +
Afterlives - House of Rituals.png|Maldraxxi skeletons in ''[[Afterlives]]: Maldraxxus''.
  +
Traveler The Bone Pile.jpg|Skeletons including those of [[quillboar]], [[tauren]] and a [[harpy]] in ''[[Traveler: The Spiral Path]]''.
  +
Turov the Risen.jpg|[[Turov the Risen]], a skeletal mage in the ''[[World of Warcraft Trading Card Game|Trading Card Game]]''.
  +
Soldier of the Frozen Wastes TCG.jpg|[[Soldier of the Frozen Wastes]] in the TCG.
  +
Valthak Spiritdrinker full.jpg|[[Valthak Spiritdrinker]], a skeletal warlock in the TCG.
  +
Death and Decay TCG.jpg|[[Death and Decay (Scourgewar)|Death and Decay]] in the TCG.
  +
Frost Burst TCG.jpg|[[Frost Burst]] in the TCG.
  +
Khankrenka.JPG|[[Krenka]] becoming a [[risen centaur warrior]] from the [[Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game|Warcraft RPG]].
  +
</gallery>
  +
  +
'''Hearthstone'''
  +
<gallery>
  +
Plagued Champion TCG.jpg|{{HS|Skeleton (Normal)|Skeleton}}
  +
Skeletal Enforcer.jpg|{{HS|Skeletal Enforcer}}
  +
Skeletal Knight.jpg|{{HS|Skeletal Knight}}
  +
Skeletal Sidekick HS.jpg|{{HS|Skeletal Sidekick}}
  +
Risen Skeleton HS.jpg|{{HS|Risen Skeleton}}
  +
The Skeleton Knight.jpg|{{HS|The Skeletal Knight}}
  +
Volatile Skeleton HS.jpg|{{HS|Volatile Skeleton}}
  +
Wicked Skeleton.jpg|{{HS|Wicked Skeleton}}
  +
Coldwraith HS.jpg|{{HS|Coldwraith}}
  +
Eternal Knight HS.jpg|{{HS|Battlegrounds/Eternal Knight|Eternal Knight}}
  +
Jolly Roger HS.jpg|{{HS|Jolly Roger}}
  +
Rattling Rascal.jpg|{{HS|Rattling Rascal}}
  +
Rime Sculptor HS.jpg|{{HS|Rime Sculptor}}
  +
Risen Groom HS.jpg|{{HS|Risen Groom}}
  +
Soulsplitter HS.jpg|{{HS|Battlegrounds/Soulsplitter|Soulsplitter}}
  +
Soulstealer HS.jpg|{{HS|Soulstealer}}
  +
Wyrmguard.jpg|{{HS|Wyrmguard}}
  +
Cold Case HS.jpg|{{HS|Cold Case}}
  +
</gallery>
  +
  +
==Patch changes==
  +
*{{Patch 8.0.1|note=Models for dwarf, gnome, goblin, tauren and troll skeletons added, skeletal human model with the same animations as the regular human male added, skeletal devilsaur models added and skeletal monkey models added.}}
  +
*{{Patch 6.2.0|note=Skeletal pit lord model added.}}
  +
*{{Patch 6.0.2|note=[[Skeletal orc]] model added.}}
   
 
==References==
  
==References==
−
{{reflist}}
 +
{{Reflist}}
  +
  +
{{Creaturefooter|Undead}}
  +
{{Scourge}}
   
−
{{undead}}
  
−
{{Warcraft I units}}
  
 
[[Category:Skeletons| ]]
  
[[Category:Skeletons| ]]
   
  +
[[es:Esqueleto]]
 
[[fr:Squelette]]
  
[[fr:Squelette]]

Latest revision as of 16:36, 11 September 2023

This article is about undead skeleton creatures. For inanimate skeletal remains, see corpse. For other uses, see Skeleton (disambiguation).
Skeletons
Skeleton (1-1) full
Faction/Affiliation Necrolord Covenant, Scourge, Cult of the Damned, Forsaken, Knights of the Ebon Blade, Independent
Character classes Warrior, Mage, Archer, Warlock, Necromancer
Language(s) Common

Skeletons are undead beings that have been reanimated by magic, often being used as fodder or shock troops by their masters. While gangly and seemingly frail, skeletons can possess superhuman strength and be highly resistant to most physical attacks.[1] Some have retained their consciousness and intellect, and are capable of attacking with weapons and magic. They can be summoned by necromancers, liches, death knights, and dark rangers.

Many skeletons are found among the ranks of the Scourge, Forsaken and Knights of the Ebon Blade. In the past skeletons were notably used by the Old Horde and Horde of Draenor.

History

First War

WCOnH logo This section concerns content related to Warcraft: Orcs & Humans.
Main article: Skeleton (Warcraft I)
WC1PSkeleton
WC1Skeleton

Uncontrolled spirits of the underworld sometimes roam the lands where their bodies were slain. Rotted cloth and flesh hangs from their bones as they seek revenge upon those who caused them to endure this eternal damnation. Held together by forces too dark for most to comprehend, they are more difficult to destroy than might be anticipated.[2]

These abominations are magical constructs made from the bones of the dead. They roam the forbidden lands and forgotten realms of Azeroth, seeking to take their anguish out on the living. They know only pain and death, and strive to embrace the living in their arms so they may drag them into the pits of hell.[3]

Second War

WC2BnE-logo This section concerns content related to Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness or its expansion Beyond the Dark Portal.
Main article: Skeleton (Warcraft II)
Raisedeadico
SkeletonWC2

These unfortunate warriors gave their lives in battle only to be brought back into soulless servitude by arcane Orc magiks to fight for the Horde. Rising up from the battlefield, the Undead tirelessly hack and slash at their terrified enemies. These skeletal horrors retain none of the personality or emotions that permeated their living bodies and thus will do their master's bidding until they are destroyed. Only mortal creatures such as the Humans, Elves, Orcs, Trolls, and Ogres can be bound by these dark powers and be remade into the Undead.[4]

Third War

WC3RoC-logo This section concerns content related to Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos or its expansion The Frozen Throne.
Stub This section is a lore stub.

Called forth from the grave by the insidious necromancers, skeletal warriors are mindless slaves of the Lich King's powers. These lumbering fighters are highly resilient and tireless. When operating in great numbers, skeleton warriors serve as an invaluable part of the Scourge's combat force.[5]

In the early days of the Third War, skeletons, and other undead beings, were seen terrorizing the human villages of the kingdom of Lordaeron.[6]

During the Third War, Thrall encountered several skeletons in the Stonetalon Peak caverns.[7]

Corrupted Ancients were a group of in service of the Burning Legion that had skeletons in their ranks. They operated in Winterspring where they were defeated by the Sentinels led by Tyrande Whisperwind and Malfurion Stormrage, and in Felwood where they were encountered by Illidan Stormrage.

Drak'thul was haunted by skeletal orcs until Maiev Shadowsong destroyed them.[8]

The Tomb of the Ancients hosted skeletons led by Lord Talendar.

World of Warcraft

WoW Icon update This section concerns content related to the original World of Warcraft.
Stub This section is a lore stub.
Bestiary Thumb Skeleton

A strange darkness has recently engulfed the region of Duskwood, bringing out skeletons and other undead creatures from deep within the shadows. Though it is unclear whom the skeletons work for or whether they serve a greater purpose at all, it is alarmingly clear that they seek to destroy anything in their paths.[1]

Mordresh Fire Eye found in Razorfen Downs can be seen talking to and encouraging his brethren, holding a speech about how the undead Scourge will consume the whole of Kalimdor.

Bc icon This section concerns content related to The Burning Crusade.

Large concentration of skeletons are in the Dead Scar in the Ghostlands and in the Bone Wastes in Terokkar Forest and in Auchindoun.

Wrath of the Lich King

Wrath-Logo-Small This section concerns content related to Wrath of the Lich King.

First introduced with the Wrath of the Lich King expansion, a more menacing looking skeleton was added and mostly appeared in only Northrend until World of Warcraft: Cataclysm made them available in several other locations. These skeletons were used for the risen skeletons of vrykul, storm giants, and frost giants, but they seem to be used for any undead skeleton to give a stronger appearance.

Cataclysm

Cataclysm This section concerns content related to Cataclysm.

When the Alliance and Horde fought for control of Andorhal, Araj the Summoner called skeletons to his aid through magical towers.[9][10]

Uldum temples contain skeletons.

Warlords of Draenor

Warlords of Draenor This section concerns content related to Warlords of Draenor.

Warlords of Draenor introduced a new skeleton model, mainly used for skeletal orcs.

During the encounter with an alternate version of Ner'zhul in the Shadowmoon Burial Grounds, Ner'zhul used tendrils of void to bind ritual bones together,[11] creating an army of the dead.

The Shadow Council warlock Ogzor the Necrothurge has spellcasting skeletons called Ogzor's Bones serving him. These spellcasting skeletons seem to have been imbued with necromantic knowledge as they are shown casting Shadow Bolts.

A pirate fleet of skeletal orcs, known as the Bonefleet, appear in southern Shadowmoon Valley during Hallow's End.

Battle for Azeroth

Battle for Azeroth This section concerns content related to Battle for Azeroth.

The individuals who fell at the Battle for Lordaeron were raised into skeletal Blighted Soldiers by the Forsaken Blight.

There are skeletal trolls, devilsaurs and raptors raised in Zandalar.

The Drust on Kul Tiras appear as skeletons.

Shadowlands

Shadowlands This section concerns content related to Shadowlands.

In the Death Rising event skeletons are raised among the forces of the Scourge.

In the Shadowlands there are skeletons in Maldraxxus, in Torghast in the Maw and skeletal trolls in Ardenweald.

Notable

Types

Groups

As a companion pet

In Warcraft III

WC3RoC-logo This section concerns content related to Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos or its expansion The Frozen Throne.

Many skeletons can be summoned or are found as creeps.

  • Skeletal Warrior

    Skeletal Warrior

  • Skeletal Archer

    Skeletal Archer

  • Skeletal Mage

    Skeletal Mage

  • Skeletal Orc

    Skeletal Orc

Skeleton Warriors and Skeletal Mages can be summoned by Necromancers from corpses. Book of the Dead summons 4 Skeleton Warriors and 4 Skeleton Archers. Rod of Necromancy creates 2 Skeleton Warriors from a corpse.

In the RPG

Icon-RPG This section contains information from the Warcraft RPG which is considered non-canon.
Skeleton

Skeleton from the Monster Guide RPG book.

A skeletal creature is the reanimated bone structure of a formerly living creature, a type of undead. Necromantic magic powers the skeleton, forcing it back into a parody of its living self. Most skeletons are mindless automatons, servants of necromancers or other spellcasters, but a few possess some degree of sentience and free will. A skeleton is seldom garbed in anything more than the rotting remnants of any clothing or armor it was wearing when slain. A mindless skeleton does only what it is ordered to do; it can draw no conclusions of its own and has no iniative. Because of this limitation, its instructions must always be simple. A skeleton ordered to attack does so without pause and fights until destroyed.[12]

Risen

The risen are skeletal guardians created from the bones and corpses of dead warriors. Unlike a typical skeletal soldier, risen are exceptionally tough and resistant to damage. They also retain the fighting skills they had in life, so they make excellent guards, defenders, or skirmishers. Risen often accompany columns of ordinary skeletons into battle.

Risen typically wear plate or chain armor, although it is often ragged and poorly maintained. Some of the more powerful risen are garbed in magic armor and given magic weapons.

Although virtually mindless, a risen retains a high degree of cunning regarding combat, always employing feats to the best of its ability.[13]

Risen centaur warrior is a centaur that has risen in undeath into a skeletal creature.

Sapient skeletons

Every so often, a skeleton retains its intellect or develops sapience over long years of undeath. No one has been able to create this circumstance intentionally, nor does anyone understand why or how it happens.[14]

Notes and trivia

Blight Boar skeleton hand grave

Skeleton hands show out of graves and rock out to Blight Boar in Darkmoon Faire.

  • According to Crusader Kevin Frost, huge piles of skeleton skulls seem to keep the waves of undead away.[15]
  • Older skeletons use the animations of male Forsaken.
  • Skeletal draenei in Auchenai Crypts look like any other skeleton, even though in the loading screen art for the dungeon shows draenei skulls that look different.
  • Fire elemental Hell hounds have a skeletal appearance and Ragnaros and Warcraft III Firelords have a skull like face.
  • The dark energy that flows through the bodies of reanimated skeletons tends to accumulate primarily in their spine. Blood elf mages discovered a method of instilling this energy into a potion that boosts their magical abilities against the undead.[16]

Gallery

Cinematics

Art

Hearthstone

Patch changes

  • Battle for Azeroth Patch 8.0.1 (2018-07-17): Models for dwarf, gnome, goblin, tauren and troll skeletons added, skeletal human model with the same animations as the regular human male added, skeletal devilsaur models added and skeletal monkey models added.
  • Warlords of Draenor Patch 6.2.0 (2015-06-23): Skeletal pit lord model added.
  • Warlords of Draenor Patch 6.0.2 (2014-10-14): Skeletal orc model added.

References

 
  1. ^ a b The World of Warcraft Townhall/Beastiary#Skeleton
  2. ^ Warcraft: Orcs & Humans manual, Creatures of the Land, Skeleton
  3. ^ Warcraft: Orcs & Humans manual, Monster Descriptions, Skeleton
  4. ^ Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness manual, Creatures of the Land, The Undead
  5. ^ Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos Game Manual, pg. 42
  6. ^ Ravages of the Plague (WC3 Human)
  7. ^ The Oracle (WC3 Orc)
  8. ^ The Broken Isles (WC3 NightElf)
  9. ^ B [15-30] The Endless Flow
  10. ^ B [15-30] Araj the Summoner
  11. ^ Spell shadow chilltouch Ritual of Bones Deadly Important — Ner'zhul summons an army of shadow and death which marches across his platform, eradicating all life in its path. Tendrils of void bind the ritual bones together, inflicting 29250 to 30750 Shadow damage per second to those who cross their threshold.
  12. ^ Monster Guide, pg. 125-126
  13. ^ Monster Guide, pg. 114-115
  14. ^ Monster Guide, pg. 126
  15. ^ N [15-30] Add 'em to the Pile
  16. ^ H [1-30] Spinal Dust
Creature group
Undead creatures
Corporeal
Incorporeal
Skeletal
Leaders
Characters
Undead types
Corporeal
Incorporeal
Skeletal
Living followers
Cities
Territories
Groups
Defectors
Buildings & constructs
Español Français
Community content is available under CC BY-SA 3.0 unless otherwise noted.
More Fandoms