Plague cauldron
Plague cauldrons (aka Scourge cauldrons) are giant cauldrons filled with the vile toxins and poisons of the Scourge. Infused with the necromantic sorcery of Kel'Thuzad, these cauldrons are constantly boiling and spewing the Plague of Undeath into the air; corrupting and twisting the land, and empowering the agents of the Scourge. Each of the cauldrons has its own unique mix of toxins and is guarded by a Cauldron Lord with a retinue of formidable Scourge soldiers. The vast forces that protect each cauldron make these landmarks the second largest concentration of scourge in the area, behind Andorhal. Recently agents in the employ of the Argent Dawn were able to defeat the Cauldron Lords, and gain samples of the deadly toxins, which are still used to this day by the Argent Dawn in a constant battle to try and counteract the deadly concoctions.
Origins
The enchanted cauldrons were masterminded by the necromancer Heigan the Unclean.[1]
In preparation for the siege on the north lands, the Cauldrons were moved to Kel'Thuzad's recent acquisition, the Barov Manor on Caer Darrow (Scholomance) where the Plague of Undeath was perfected within them. Using samples from the cauldrons, Kel'Thuzad began to poison grain shipments exported from Andorhal, thus dooming the populace of Lordaeron to the plague. After Arthas' final "purge" of the region, the cauldrons were ordered to be placed in the various fields around Andorhal by Araj the Summoner to help support the Scourge forces in the area. Whether this was a tactical decision (cleared, level ground easily protected), or an ironic monument to the beginnings of the Scourge (the cauldrons sitting in the very fields that produced the corrupted grain), is unknown.
In-game cauldron locations
Western Plaguelands
The Scourge Cauldrons were located in the Dalson's Tears, Felstone Field, Gahrron's Withering, and The Writhing Haunt farms.
Eastern Plaguelands
- Plaguewood (two)
- The Fungal Vale
- The Noxious Glade
- Ruins of the Scarlet Enclave (in what used to be the Havenshire Farms)
- Death Cultist Base Camp (Mereldar Plague Cauldron)
Naxxramas
- Heigan the Unclean's room
Ghostlands
- Outside the Tower of the Damned, Deatholme
Hyjal Summit
- Inside Scourge area in the instance Battle for Mount Hyjal.
Scarlet Enclave 
Borean Tundra
Broken Isles 
- Acherus: The Ebon Hold (possible)
Building a cauldron
Death knights are tasked with aiding Noth the Plaguebringer in the creation of a Plague Cauldron at the Havenshire Farms. It is involved in the following quests:
[8-30] The Plaguebringer's Request
[8-30] Noth's Special Brew
[8-30] More Skulls For Brew
The cauldron is no longer available after completing the quest [8-30] The Light of Dawn, although it can still be seen in the ruined farm afterwards.
Speculation
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This article or section includes speculation, observations or opinions possibly supported by lore or by Blizzard officials. It should not be taken as representing official lore.
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In Icecrown, there are several of what appears to be plague cauldrons mounted on wagons. These may be weapons of war used to spread the plague amongst enemy ranks during battles, or alternatively simply tools to help spread the plague across large areas quickly.
A "Plague Cart" in Icecrown.
A "Plague Wagon" in Icecrown, seemingly built to spill or spew vile concoctions.
