Regarding these creatures who dressed like mages but possessed the bodies of withered mummies, Kel'Thuzad had entirely different ideas.
These were extremely rare troops—innate casters from the Shadowlands. Although they currently only knew a single skill called "Death Cloud," its area of effect was decent and its lethality was terrifyingly simple and direct.
"Power Liches are natural casters with vast reserves of death energy. Using that energy for such rudimentary spells is a waste. My plan," Kel'Thuzad began, "is to transform them into true Liches, granting them the ability to cast frost spells. Of course, they will be mass-produced 'Lesser Liches' under our absolute control."
Unlike Death Knights, who could be raised from any powerful corpse—be it warrior or paladin—to learn specific knightly arts, a true Lich was usually a mage in life. Upon transformation, they could command death, shadow, and frost magic.
They also possessed unique Phylacteries; as long as the phylactery remained intact, the Lich was immortal, capable of regenerating even after their physical form was destroyed.
"Phase One: Soul Stabilization. Using necromantic arrays and soul gem technology, we will stabilize and strengthen the Power Lich's soulfire, making it resistant to dispel or purification while increasing their mana capacity and recovery speed.
Phase Two: Phylactery Mimicry. We cannot create independent, fully-functional phylacteries for every unit. However, we can create a 'Simplified Cluster Phylactery'—a massive central energy core. When a modified Lich is destroyed, its core soul imprint will instantly return to this cluster.
After a period of energy nourishment and material reconstruction, it can 'respawn' within Naxxramas or a designated necropolis. This provides high survivability and cost-efficiency without the immense resource drain of true immortality."
Kel'Thuzad couldn't make "genuine" phylacteries because these Shadowlands spirits didn't follow Azeroth's rules and lacked individual consciousness. By binding a portion of their souls to a massive array, he could grant them a form of functional immortality.
"I can work with that," Rhodes nodded. "But what about the Frost and Shadow spells?"
"That leads to Phase Three: Specialization. Based on their aptitude, we will train them into different paths:
Plaguebringers: Specialized in enhanced [Death Clouds], summoning plague slimes, or casting [Death Coil] to heal undead allies. I can replicate the slime-manipulation abilities I used on the constructs here in Naxxramas.
Bone Weavers: Masters of ossific manipulation. They can instantly [Summon Skeleton Armies] from corpses, erect [Bone Walls] to obstruct enemies, or cast [Bone Armor] to buff allies. Note: their summoned skeletons will be temporary constructs that collapse after a few minutes.
Curse Masters: Focused on debuffing, mastering [Curse of Silence], [Curse of Agony], and [Cripple], alongside [Life Tap] to sustain themselves.
Frost Specialists: Mastering the Lich's signature [Frost Nova], [Death and Decay], [Frost Armor], and [Dark Ritual] to sacrifice lesser undead for mana.
Through this, we will have a high-tier necromancer corps with clear roles and incredible longevity!" Kel'Thuzad explained. It was a massive project that would take years to complete for Rhodes's entire army, but the result would be a force more valuable than current Bone Dragons.
"Excellent idea," Sandro added, nodding. "Kel'Thuzad's suggestions for the Vampires, Dread Knights, Liches, and Frost-Wraith Dragons will elevate our combat strength to an entirely new tier."
"Very well. Every week, I will send you two Dread Knights, two Ghost Dragons, eight Vampires, six Power Liches, and a large number of Skeletons and Zombies," Rhodes decided. "You will stay here in Naxxramas and focus on these modifications and your research into new necromancy."
Rhodes would use his mastery of teleportation to facilitate the weekly transport. Meanwhile, Sandro and Kel'Thuzad, both being high-level casters, would share spells from their respective "spellbooks," a process of mutual learning that would be highly efficient.
"With your addition, my undead legion will experience a qualitative leap. I look forward to seeing how this new force—fusing the Death Primal Force of Azeroth with your combined wisdom—will strike fear into our enemies!"
"We shall not fail your expectations!" Kel'Thuzad and Sandro replied in unison.
With Rhodes's final order, the necropolis of Naxxramas began to hum with efficient, dark energy. Laboratories were cleared, complex arrays were drawn, and Sandro coordinated with Straker back in the Undercity to begin the logistics of the "Great Modification."
As dawn began to break over the Eastern Plaguelands, Rhodes prepared to depart. He issued a few final instructions and then activated his teleportation spell.
With a flash of blue light, Rhodes returned to Stormwind City. The entire excursion had taken less than twenty hours. Truthfully, he felt a bit disappointed; he was so powerful now that the "trash mobs" of Naxxramas didn't even require strategy anymore.
Returning to his quarters, he first checked on his prisoner. Onyxia had played no tricks; the two Archangels and the Fire Phoenix Rhodes had left behind successfully intimidated the Black Dragon Princess into submission.
Anveena, Jaina, Finnall, and the blue dragon Tyrygosa all breathed a sigh of relief upon his return.
"Rhodes, you're finally back."
"My business is finished. How was the dragon? Any trouble?" Rhodes asked.
"With all of us watching her? She wouldn't dare," Anveena said.
"King Varian has been busy today," Jaina added. "After you defeated Onyxia, her Dragonspawn legions in the city rioted. The main Stormwind forces are currently clearing them out."
"Did Varian ask for help?"
"No," Tyrygosa replied. "The King is quite confident. He doesn't want to rely on you for everything. Those Dragonspawn aren't that strong; he can handle them."
"Good. We've been in Stormwind long enough. It's time to return to Lordaeron. This time, we're bringing the Varians and the Stormwind nobility with us."
"Are we teleporting back, Rhodes? Or flying?"
"Neither," Rhodes smirked. "We're taking the land route. We'll head to Lakeshire, cross the Burning Steppes, and arrive at Blackrock Mountain. It's time I paid a visit to Onyxia's older brother, Nefarian."