On this day in 2007, the second Scourge Invasion began with a Zombie Infestation. This event marked the beginning of the end for Azeroth as players struggled to survive against overwhelming odds and dwindling supplies. It was also considered one of Blizzard’s most difficult patches at that time because it introduced many new features such as instanced raids and battlegrounds which made things even more chaotic than before.
On the 13th day of the month, The Zombie Infestation and the Second Scourge Invasion Happened. Thirteen years ago on this day, the undead marched into Stormwind City with a vengeance.
The Zombie Infestation began 13 years ago on October 23, 2008, and led to the Second Scourge Invasion.
The author, Blizzard CM Bornakk, posted the following on the forums on October 22, 2008.
Survival Guide for a Zombie Infestation
Eric Farrington’s decaying journal was discovered in the dead city of Andorhal…
Wednesday
Andorhal, my dear home, has succumbed to a terrible disease. I’ve personally observed the Scourge’s brutality and witnessed unspeakable things. My loved ones were not allowed to die. Instead, every single person I’ve ever met has become a monster. Unfathomable monsters with a never-ending vengeance!
I was unconcerned about a few sicknesses and fevers. We continued to bring containers of grain to Lordaeron, unconcerned about the new disease since we knew our healers could manage it. I see now it was a mistake, a blunder.
The Scourge converted the people of Andorhal into horrible zombies. These monstrosities had lost all memories of their mortal life, including their ideas and skills. Most importantly, they effortlessly employed new abilities we had never seen before to spread the sickness and speed the city’s death.
I’ve been hiding in the sewers for two days, but I need to go out soon to locate supplies or a route out of the city to the trees.
Friday
I’ve been bitten! Please help me!
I can’t believe I was so naive as to suppose I could slip by them all on the streets. The zombies have taken over, and Andorhal is now only a shadow of its former self, a sad and twisted relic of my once-beautiful home.
I can already feel myself succumbing to the sickness. May the light bless me as I return to see my family and friends. I’m not sure how much longer I’ll be able to maintain my sanity. I’m a wimp. I’m hungry and need to eat…
Eat…
Brains…
And that was the start of it. The Zombie Plague swept over Azeroth over the following 5 days, infecting both NPCs and PCs. The Second Scourge Invasion started on the fourth day. In the run-up to Wrath of the Lich King, NPC Argent Healers fought the epidemic with the Light, while apothecaries sought to discover a cure with science and afflicted Bosses kept the Heroes of Azeroth busy. The first Scourge Invasion led to the start of the Naxxramas raid, when we saw Kel’Thuzad for the first time as a raid boss. Prior to the release of Shadowlands, a third version of the Scourge Invasion, greatly influenced by the Second Scourge Invasion, was released. In Shadowlands, we’ll be battling Kel’Thuzad as a raid boss for the second time.
This World Event contained World Bosses, Raid Bosses, quests, and token drops that carried the plot into the opening of Northrend, Wrath of the Lich King, and many of the events that have inspired our experiences in the Shadowlands.
Bornakk’s forum post went on to say:
The Invasion of the Scourge is here! Prepare yourself for the Scourge’s terrible invasion on Azeroth and all its inhabitants.
FAQ
Q: How can I turn into a zombie? A: Disease-infected crates are strewn over Azeroth’s cities, spreading a disease that turns its victims into zombies. When zombies attack, their victims may get infected with the sickness as well.
Q: How do you get rid of your zombie status? A: Other players who can cast ‘Treat Condition’ or special healer NPCs in the cities may cure the disease. The only treatment for a character who has become a zombie after the sickness has taken its course is death.
Q: Is it possible for me to revert to a zombie state? A: Of course.
Q: As a zombie, what am I able to do and what am I unable to do? A: You can no longer use the spells/abilities you had as a regular character, and formerly friendly NPCs have turned against you. You may, however, create new zombie spells that are unique to you.
Q: Is there anything else I should be aware of as a zombie? A: As a zombie, you are a member of a unique group that is friendly to all zombies and can communicate with them, regardless of whether they were ever members of the Horde or the Alliance.
Save this…you never know when you’ll need it…
On This Day: The Zombie Infestation and the Second Scourge Invasion Happened Thirteen Years Ago. Reference: scourge invasion patch notes.
Related Tags
- shadowlands scourge invasion
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- death to the scourge and death to the living