In honor of Legion officially entering its beta phase, I’ve decided to do our next dungeon journal lore feature on one of the expansion’s raids for the occasion. Specifically, we’ll be looking at The Emerald Nightmare, the seven boss entry level raid in Legion.
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 is source.
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.
Elerethe Renferal: Elerethe, once a might druid and adept shapeshifter, was lead 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.
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. Its tendrils seep through the ground, emerging in countless horrifying eyestalks and limbs.
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.
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 coruption. Now, the path to the Nightmare’s core runs through the dragons’ lair.
Cenarius: The demigod Cenarius is the father of druidism in Azeroth, and one of Azeroth’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 within the Nightmare. That dark power now has complete hold over him, and he may lie beyond hope of redemption.
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.
World of Warcraft Writer and columnist for Blizzplanet. I am also known as The Red Shirt Guy (BlizzCon).
