Karynaku is the broodmother of the netherwing dragonflight, consort of its patriarch Neltharaku and mother of Mordenaku. Like all nether drakes, she is a descendant of the Black Dragon Aspect Deathwing. Karynaku has been captured by Zuluhed the Whacked, chieftain of the Dragonmaw Clan, and her children are being forced into the service of Illidan Stormrage's legions. After a long chain involving proving their worth to Netherwing, Neltharaku sends the player to locate Karynaku and free her from Zuluhed's control. After freeing her, the player becomes an ally of Netherwing.