Nefarian is the son of the evil dragon, Deathwing, and the brother of Onyxia. He first appeared in his human guise, Lord Victor Nefarius, working with the Blackrock Orcs. With the help of the Orcs and their Warchief, Rend Blackhand, Nefarian ruled over the volcano, Blackrock Mountain. The players invaded the Blackrock Spire, where Nefarian watched from a balcony as they battled Rend Blackhand. Blackhand was killed, and Nefarian fled further into the mountain.