WoW Cataclysm - Twilight Highlands Zone Overview
Twilight Highlands, a striking region on the eastern coast of Khaz Modan in the Eastern Kingdoms, is home to the Wildhammer Dwarves and the Dragonmaw Orcs, both former inhabitants of Grim Batol. This zone is not only defined by the presence of these two groups but also by the influence of the Twilight Cultists, drawn by the proximity of the Old Gods. Players will explore this connection in the questline "Consumed by Nightmare". Additionally, a Ring of Blood-style quest series, called "Round Three. Fight!", rewards adventurers with powerful weapons. Twilight Highlands is the fifth and final leveling zone, designed for characters ranging from levels 74 to 85, though only those who have reached level 84 can begin questing here. This region offers a mix of challenges and rewards, making it a crucial stage for players on their journey through the Eastern Kingdoms.
How to Get to Twilight Highlands
To access Twilight Highlands quickly, each faction has a portal located in their major city. To unlock this portal, players must start a quest chain from the Warchief's Command Board (Horde) or Hero's Call Board (Alliance). This initial quest chain involves a short series of tasks within the city before directing players to Twilight Highlands.
The beginning of the zone features distinct storylines for the Alliance and Horde. However, once players reach the Maw of Madness, the storylines converge, and both factions share the same narrative for the remainder of the zone. These storylines are extensive and engaging, so prepare for an exciting adventure!
Activities in Twilight Highlands
1. Quests: Twilight Highlands is a vast zone teeming with quests, making it an ideal place for leveling up. In addition to the numerous quests, there are also several daily quests that players can complete for consistent gold rewards.
2. Rare NPCs: There are several rare NPCs in the zone. More details about these will be covered later in the guide.
3. The Crucible of Carnage Questline:
This exciting questline begins with "The Crucible of Carnage: The Bloodeye Bruiser!" Completing this chain offers one of five rewards:
- Gurgthock's Garish Gorebat
- Laquered Lung-Leak Longknife
- Calder's Coated Carrion Carver
- Oversized Oblique Ogre Obliterator
- Very Manly Staff
- Big Bendy Blasting Bow
4. Reputation Farming: Farming reputation in Twilight Highlands provides good rewards and decent gold, making it a worthwhile activity for players.
5. Dungeons and Raids:
- Grim Batol: This is the sole dungeon in Twilight Highlands, offering a challenging experience for players.
- The Bastion of Twilight: This is the max-level raid instance in the zone, providing significant challenges and rewards for end-game players.
Notable NPCs
- Julak-Doom: A formidable world boss, Julak-Doom can be found patrolling the northernmost part of Twilight Highlands, east of the Maw of Madness. Defeating him offers a high chance of obtaining the Vitreous Beak of Julak-Doom and several other Bind on Equip (BOE) epic items, jewelcrafting designs, and enchantments. (Note: These items may not be fully populated in the database yet.)
- Karoma: Karoma is a rare wolf spirit beast with a unique spectral skin, making it highly sought after by hunters. It is the only tamable form of the Spirit Wolf model introduced in Wrath of the Lich King. Hunters will be dismayed if you kill this NPC, as it only drops a grey item.
- Overlord Sunderfury: This NPC drops a single item: BOE pants called Sunderfury's Sundries.
- Sambas: Sambas is a rare tamable lion with a model similar to the Reins of the Golden King. Hunters often seek out this majestic beast.
- Tarvus the Vile: This rare dragon drops BOE boots known as Tarvus's Poison-Scarred Boots.
- Airbase in a Box Brochure: A readable book that provides lore enthusiasts with additional backstory and information about the area.
- Sturdy Treasure Chest: Scattered throughout the zone, these chests can contain potions or a variety of blue BOE gear, offering valuable rewards for those who find them.
Factions in Twilight Highlands
1. Wildhammer Clan: The Wildhammer Clan is a storied group of dwarves who found their home primarily in The Hinterlands and Twilight Highlands after the War of the Three Hammers. Known for their exceptional bond with gryphons, the Wildhammers treat these majestic creatures as equals in battle rather than mere pets. This unique relationship has been a cornerstone of their numerous victories in the Second and Third Wars. The Wildhammer dwarves hold nature in high regard and have deep connections to shamanism, embracing the spiritual aspects of the natural world. Their reverence for nature and skill in battle have made them a formidable force in the Eastern Kingdoms.
2. Dragonmaw Clan: The Dragonmaw Clan is one of the many orc clans that participated in the invasion of Azeroth when Warchief Blackhand first created the Horde. Unlike other orc clans that relied primarily on brute strength, the Dragonmaws utilized magic and cunning to achieve their goals. This strategic approach enabled them to enslave numerous red dragons and nether dragons in Outland, using these powerful creatures as battle mounts. One of their most notable captives was Alexstrasza the Life-Binder. After suffering defeats and being pushed back to the Wetlands and Twilight Highlands, the Dragonmaw Clan remained relatively inactive. However, during the events of Cataclysm, Garrosh Hellscream welcomed these skilled dragon riders back into the Horde, allowing them to reclaim their place as a significant power. Their return marked a resurgence in their influence and activities, making them key players in the ongoing conflicts within Azeroth.