by JR Cook - 9 years ago     show comments

Exploring Draenor delves into the hidden places of the world that will one day become Outland. From the volcanic landscape of Frostfire to the gloomy dells of Shadowmoon, these articles are your guide to events that are off the beaten path.

Location: Darktide Roost, Shadowmoon Valley

Rewards: Massive Rockworm Fang, Hydraskin Shoulderguards, Rugged Crystal Cudgel

Far to the south, off the coast of Shadowmoon Valley, lies Darktide Roost, the nesting grounds of the Darkwing Rylaks. While the creatures prefer the open ledges and mountaintops of the island, we are interested in what’s underground.

Caves honeycomb the interior of Darktide Roost, and each one contains a rare spawn. You will find Slivermaw the rockworm at the lowest level, with a cave entrance at 60,87. Climbing higher is Nagidna the hydra, whose cave lies to the south-west at 59,89. Finally, the earth giant Avalanche can be found on the craggy spire of rock to the east, in a cave at 66,87.

Each creature has its own unique abilities, with both Slivermaw and Nagidna posing an equal challenge to ranged and melee players alike (except Hunters, because screw those mobile bastards) – especially at early gear levels, when you might have trouble bursting down their 1 million hp. While each beast can be kited, none is susceptible to crowd control.

The rockworm’s passive buff is what can really ruin melee classes’ day; his bacteria-laden mouth will put the bite on (sorry) with Festering Maw, causing Infected Wound. Even if he can’t catch his prey, though, Slivermaw can block their escape with Acid Spit, forming a pool of ouch, and chase them down without moving using Sliver Barrage. Yes, this creature is so desperate to eat you it is literally choking up its own bones as a weapon. I guess he’s hungry – rylaks are all leather and sinew.

Going up in the world, next we reach Nagidna, on the mid-tier of Darktide Roost. How a hydra got out here I have no idea, but that’s beside the point. The three-headed beastie will keep you running with two abilities, which she will cycle between. The first is Avalanche – watch out for the brown circles, marking where the globs of mud will land. Be aware that each ball will bounce after landing, so there won’t be much free space – it’s best to outrange this ability when cast.

The hydra also has a channelled attack, coughing up choking dust from her middle head with Petrifying Breath, causing Petrification. Nagidna’s ability to spit mud and dust say to me that she either has a very good relationship with an earth elemental, or she’s so sick of rylak meat that she’s been chewing the walls of her cave. She also has another attack, which is melee-range only, called Thrashing Bite. Like Slivermaw she can also deal Nature damage passively with the Hydra-family ability Vile Blood.

Finally, Avalanche (maybe the elemental that helped Nagidna?) is all on his lonesome on the small rocky outcrop to the east. You’ll need to cross the water to reach him, but there’s a beach and path on the islet’s side, facing Darktide Roost; the path leads directly past the creature’s cave.

You may run into an issue with Avalanche where he spawns underground; simply use /target Avalanche to acquire him. As soon as he attacks you (just walk into his aggro range) or you attack him, he’ll appear to you.

Avalanche can be kited easily if necessary – simply run around the stony pillar in the centre of his room. He stops to cast Stone Spike every so often, giving you time to get away from him. This ability is extremely easy to avoid; just run out of the small brown circle. Avalanche’s only other ability is to draw on the power of the crystals around his room to heal himself with Renewing Radiance, but the increase to his health is barely noticeable – 5% over 5 seconds.

At the back of Avalanche’s room you will find a Shadowmoon treasure: the Scaly Rylak Egg. This is a silly treasure, though – suitable for being guarded by such as easy rare – and only contains the Wrath-era food Aged Yolk. Guess the yolk’s on you (sorry).