With the Normal and Heroic versions unlocking next week and Mythic the week after, Blizzard have given us this preview of things to come in the very first raid of Legion:
The heroes of Azeroth venture into danger for countless reasons, and you’ll encounter seven of the most malignant in the upcoming Emerald Nightmare raid. Meet the twisted creatures who dwell within the once-pristine Emerald Dream, including corrupted druids, dragons, and demigods—along with the malevolent source of the Dream’s deep corruption.
The Emerald Dream was created by the titans as a blueprint for Azeroth itself—a verdant and perfect mirror that reflects the state of nature had it remained unspoiled by so-called civilization. For many years the druids and keepers who are closest to nature have noticed signs of an unsettling presence stirring within the Dream. Spurred on by the Legion and Nightmare Lord Xavius, that creeping corruption has now burst forth, and will engulf all of Azeroth if it is not rooted out at its source.
Developer Insights: : Ever since the first hints of the Emerald Dream were unearthed in classic World of Warcraft over a decade ago, it has been a place players and developers alike have wanted to explore. From the moment the earliest design documents took shape for Val’sharah, with a story revolving around the Nightmare seeping into a peaceful druidic grove, we had “Emerald Dream raid” penciled in as a central piece of the expansion’s content.
Because of the Dream’s nature as a mirror of our world—initially perfect, but now deeply corrupt—we began by brainstorming specific locations in Azeroth that had strong ties to druidism, and those set pieces served as the building blocks for the raid zone. Of course, showcasing the corrupt Emerald Nightmare does not necessarily scratch that itch to see the verdant and unspoiled Dream itself, glimpsed so many years ago. But if adventurers can persevere through the trials of the Nightmare Lord’s twisted realm, perhaps a piece of the pure Dream can still be reclaimed. . . .
The raid features multiple paths and portals, each taking players deeper into madness of the Emerald Nightmare. Save for Nythendra, Cenarius, and Xavius, the list below does not necessarily reflect the order in which you might encounter these corrupted horrors—but every brave hero should take careful note of who they’ll be facing within the Nightmare.
Minimum level: 110
Location: Val'sharah
Bosses:7
Clutch of Corruption
#7–Nythendra- Nythendra was once a member of the Green Dragonflight charged with guarding the world tree, Shaladrassil. When Xavius’ corruption of the Nightmare consumed Shaladrassil it consumed the sleeping guardian as well. Nythendra is now nothing more than a skeletal version of herself, swarming in pestilence, ready to devour anyone or anything foolish enough to enter her lair.
Mulgore
#6–Elerethe Renferal- Elerethe, once a mighty druid and adept shapeshifter, was led down a dark path by the belief that she was betrayed by her closest allies. Her consciousness now resides in the Nightmare, damning her to an existence of fear, confusion, and hatred.
Un’goro Crater
#5–Il’gynoth, Heart of Corruption- Lodged in the hollows of a now decrepit world tree, Il’gynoth is a manifestation of the horrors that lie at the heart of the Nightmare. It is a mass of corruption— a thing that should not be. It’s tendrils seep through the ground, emerging in countless horrifying eyestalks and limbs.
The Emerald Nightmare
#4–Dragons of Nightmare- The Emerald Dream was entrusted to Ysera for safekeeping, and the mightiest of her green dragon brood were assigned to stand watch over four portals that connected directly to Azeroth. But even before the Cataclysm, these dragons began to show signs of corruption. Now, the path to the Nightmare’s core runs through the dragon’s lair.
Grizzly Hills
#3–Ursoc- Ursoc is one of the Wild Gods. Patron of the furbolg, and closely linked to the druidic power of shapeshifting, the ancient great bear has long been a protector of Azeroth. But as Ursoc slumbered at his shrine in the Grizzly Hills, the world around him was plunged into corruption, and he awoke to torment and Nightmare, consuming and twisting his being.
Moonglade
#2–Cenarius- The demigod Cenarius is the father of druidism in Azeroth and one of the world's oldest and most powerful protectors. His disturbing slumber within the groves of Val’sharah was the first sign of the depth of the growing threat from within the Nightmare. That dark power now has complete hold over him, and he may lie beyond hope of redemption.
Rift of Aln
#1–Xavius- Once a powerful mage, and a councilor to Queen Azshara, Xavius forged a pact with Sargeras to enable the Legion’s first invasion of Azeroth. Cursed and tormented in the wake of that defeat, Xavius plots vengeance against the world from within the Rift of Aln. Those who venture into the Nightmare will face the full extent of his power, and his true form—a grotesque and distended monstrosity.
Learn more about the complete unlock schedule for this raid dungeon in the Legion Release Schedule post.
