Creation screen - Undead

Any race can be a Death Knight, but some are better suited than others. For me, the Undead are a natural choice.

Creation screen - Tauren

This could work.

Creation screen - Gnome

Ah – no! The idea of evil and Gnome just don’t go together in my book.

Creation screen - Draeni

Not a bad choice on the Alliance side.

Creation screen - Unrepentant

Choosing a name is difficult for some players (Bill Detwiler can attest to that). But I have a set of names I have been using for years. Unrepentant is one of my favorites.

The Lich King is not impressed

The first person you meet is the Lich King himself. He wants some proof you are worthy.

Acherus: The Ebon Hold

The starting area for Death Knights is a floating fortress named Acherus: The Ebon Hold.

They are unworthy

Like any good anarchist regime, you move up the ranks by stepping on someone else. In this case, the Lich King wants me to dispatch one of these unworthy in a fight to the death.

The Lich King is pleased

After a quick battle showing my superior ability, I am made part of the Lich King’s invincible army.

Target one: New Avalon

The peaceful little town of New Avalon is about to feel the full wrath of the Lich King.

Base camp

This is the initial base camp players are directed to after leaving Acherus: The Ebon Hold. As you progress through the 48-quest Death Knight chain, your base camp will move with the advance of the Lich King’s army.

Nice horse

I sure could use a horse with plasma fire feet.

A quest

This tall evil NPC has a quest for you. There are several quest qivers in this first area.

Grand Theft Palomino

What do you know – as a member of the most evil army, if you want a horse steal one.

Giddy up

After a short quest sequence and some demon magic, I now have a horse, or more specifically, a Acherus Deathcharger.

Evil is as evil does

As a Death Knight in service to the Lich King you are not a nice person. In fact, you are pretty much entirely evil. You have no hero tendencies. However, at this point you are still of low enough rank that you get a quest to collect used arrows.

Skeleton archers

There are several new or enhanced NPC models in WotLK. The skeletons shown here are a big improvement.

Death Knight benefits

One of the perks of being a Death Knight in good standing with the Lich King is a free sword.

Rune forge

One of the ways a Death Knight creates fear is with a powerful weapon. So one of the first things you learn is how forge a runed weapon

Talents

Talents are an important part of any class, and because the Death Knight starts at Level 58, the selection of talents is accelerated. Unrepentant chose a life dedicated to the unholy arts.

The Wrath of the Lich King expansion for the World of Warcraft has been fantastic so far. The Death Knight class is a blast to play. Blizzard did an excellent job all around.