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Backpacking around Azeroth: Molten Core & Blackwing Lair

August 05, 2009 :: Posted by - Stompalina :: Category - Other

Welcome Rawrcast fans,

Crikey, having been parched by the Searing Gorge it would seem that I over-indulged myself in the Blackrock Depths bar where the grog is likely to hit you hard!!
Six weeks I’ve been down and out but never mind that, my eyesight may be bleary and my head a little foggy but we’ve finally come to the Molten Core where I plan to unravel the history of Ragnaros.
Summoned from the elemental plane the Titans had banished him to in centuries past, Ragnaros seethes in his molten lake as he wrestles with the forces of Azeroth and searches for a way back to his homeland. Ragnaros proved one of the fiercest lieutenants of the Old Gods in the fight to control Azeroth but was ultimately pushed back. Thrown into a new war waged against the elemental forces – Ragnaros, with the help of his allies Baron Geddon and Garr, succeeded in laying waste to Prince Thunderaan during the Elemental Sundering. Dealing an unmerciful strike with the legendary mace Sulfuron Ragnaros brought Thunderaan down and feasted on his essence, though he was unable to consume all of his power.

Dragged into Azeroth at the hands of Thaurissan (who paid with his life) Ragnaros is locked in battle with Nefarian as each strives to control Blacrock mountain. Ragnaros with his army of Stone Golems sits at the heart of the mountain whilst Nefarian (surrounded by Orcs) with his unnatural Chromatic Dragonflight warriors… ye need a stern, belly full of courage to wander into this mix!!
It is fortunate then that I stumbled across this diary at the entrance to Black Wing Lair. Flicking through its tattered pages I pulled out some photos grabbed by other thrill-seeking adventurers. It warms the heart to know that others out there are as keen as I am to explore the mysteries of this land, so it is these images I shall use to illustrate some of the foes in this mountain.
In the core, after pressing your way through molten giants and core hounds the first test you will come across is Lucifron. Guardian to Ragnaros’ favoured pet Magmadar, Lucifron roams the molten core eager to pounce on any weakness presented by the Flamewalkers placed higher up the food chain! Beware Lucifron’s guardians who have the ability to dominate minds but take comfort in knowing that should Lucifron fall, your progress will be much smoother without the hounds at your heels.
Garr and Gehennas make up the numbers of those looking up enviously at those in the Fire-lord’s favour, but none toil as restlessly as Baron Geddon. Humiliated at the hands of the Old Gods during the war with the titans and banished into the Elemental plain along with his master, Geddon found salt rubbed into his wounds as he was demoted by Ragnaros. Majordomo Executus stepped into his place and now provides the path to summoning the fire-lord within Molten Core.
There are more guardians in this dungeon, each tasked with protecting the runes that will call forth Majordomo and ultimately bring you face to face with Ragnaros but we shall move quickly on to Blackwing Lair where the Black Dragonflight toil and squabble as equally restless in their efforts to bring chaos to Azeroth.
As you enter Blackwing Lair you are immediately confronted with evidence of Nefarian’s experimenting. Razorgore the Untamed stands shackled by the Orcs controlling orb which you must possess if you are to clear the egg chamber. The Orcs will not stand idly by if you interfere so be sure to bring friends along if you wish to explore this dungeon.
Vaelastrasz awaits you in the room next door, a fallen dragon of the Red Dragonflight corrupted at the hands of Nefarian. Adventurers may have met Vael before they find him in this sorry state, in Lower Blackrock Spire he is the disguised Orc that aids you in fashioning the key to Upper Blackrock spire. In the fight with Rend (UBRS) you may use the Seal of Ascension to call upon Vael who will project an image of himself into the arena and aid your cause.

Having vowed to hunt him until the end of his days Vaelastrasz finally caught up with Nefarian in Blackwing Lair, but was defeated. Nefarian then corrupted the mighty dragon and ordered him to kill any that stray into his lair. With one final effort the red dragon will empower any that draw close with the strength to take on the broken red dragon and take up his cause to bring down Nefarian. It is a harsh deed to bring down one so powerful and noble, but better to die then serve at the behest of Nefarian.

Should you survive the suppression room the Broodlord Lashlayer will guard the way into Nefarian’s inner sanctum. Further evidence of Nefarian’s meddling with the bloodlines the Broodlord is a powerful example of the Drakonid race; other forms can be found in the Caverns of Time (Bronze) and under the rule of Illidan Stormrage in the Shadowmoon Valley.

Wrap yourselves tight with a Scale of Onyxia if you wish to get past the drakes Ebonroc and Flamegor, even experienced adventurers will suffer under the blast of their shadowflame!

We’re not far from Nafarian’s throne but before you get that far you will meet the two-headed beast Chromaggus. Shimmering with all the colours of the Dragonflight this beast is said to have evolved through the capture of the core hounds from Molten core; injected with dragon’s blood this fearsome servant to Nefarian will call upon all schools of magic in his attacks upon you and your party.

With the beast subdued and Nefarian’s experiments dealt with it is time to face up to the black dragonflight’s current leader. Brother to the traitorous Stormwind official (Onyxia whom we shall get to at a later date) and son to the infamous Deathwing who toys with bloodlines deep within Grim Batol, Nefarian claims the title Lord of Blackrock.

Ruling over the Blackrock Orcs and rebuilding the power of the black Dragonflight Nefarian is a true threat to the safety of Azeroth. Should you survive the perils presented in Blackwing Lair and reach the throne room then I wish you the best of luck in bringing down this monster.

Personally, it is here I shall draw a line under my exploration of Blackrock mountain, for I fear that I may yet draw the attention of the denizens of this hell hole and I would rather not taste the wrath of fire and brimstone.

My respects go to WoWwiki for providing the facts and many of the images used in this article, and thanks to Stomp for the shots of Ragnaros and Razorgore.

Join me in my next installment when I plan to skip through the Burning Steppe into the more accommodating climate of Redridge Mountains.

Until then eat well, drink deep and good hunting!
Emeny.
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