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{{WorldEvent/Ahn'Qiraj}}{{questbox
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{{WorldEvent/Elemental Invasion}}
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[[File:CataclysmOrgrimmarElementalInvasion.jpg|thumb|right|Fire elementals attacking [[Orgrimmar]] as part of the pre-Cataclysm event.]]
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|name=Bang a Gong!
  
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The '''Elemental Unrest''' is a [[world event]] that heralds the ''[[World of Warcraft: Cataclysm|Cataclysm]]''. The event leads up to elementals attacking [[Stormwind]], [[Orgrimmar]], [[Ironforge]], and [[Thunder Bluff]]. If players can defeat these elementals and free trapped citizens within their entire city, they will be granted access to two special boss encounters. Until the name '''Elemental Unrest''' was used by a Blizzard employee on the official forums<ref>{{ref web|author=Zarhym|url=http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=27508585253&sid=1|title=The Impending Cataclysm|date=11/02/2010 07:00:27 PM PDT}}</ref>, the community generally referred to this event as the '''Elemental Invasion'''. This alternative name persists in the community, however, and is used by many other fan sites to refer to the same event.
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|level=60
  
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|levelreq=60
  
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|faction=Neutral
  
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|start=[[The Scarab Gong]]
  
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|previous={{questlong|Neutral|60|The Might of Kalimdor}}
  
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|next={{questlong|Neutral|60|Treasure of the Timeless One}}
  
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|reputation=+500 [[Brood of Nozdormu]]<br>+1000 [[Cenarion Circle]]
  
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|rewards={{loot|legendary|Black Qiraji Resonating Crystal}} and [[Scarab Lord]] title
  
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|id=8743
  
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|category=Silithus
  
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}}
  
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'''Bang a Gong!''' is the final quest of the [[the Scepter of the Shifting Sands quest chain]] to open the [[Gates of Ahn'Qiraj]]. [[The Scarab Gong]] at the [[Scarab Dais]] in [[Silithus]] offers this quest to players with the {{item|Scepter of the Shifting Sands|icon=}} in their possession five days after the [[Ahn'Qiraj War Effort]] collection quest is complete.
  
   
  +
The event is currently in its fourth and final phase, making it possible for players to complete all parts of the event including leading quest chains, defending against the invasions and hunting elementals to seek the {{achievementlong|Tripping the Rifts}} feat of strength. It is not yet clear how long the event will run, but it is probable that it will end no later than when the [[Shattering]] takes place.
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Completing the quest starts the [[10 Hour War]]. Any other players with the scepter in their possession are eligible for this quest during the war, but once it ends, ''this quest will no longer be available to any subsequent Scepter Bearers on the realm''. Any Scepter Bearer, the first as well as all others, is eligible for {{quest|Treasure of the Timeless One}} once the war reaches its conclusion.
  
   
  +
{| class="darktable zebra"
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== Patch 3.0.2 ==
  
  +
|+ Event progression
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When this patch was released, a bug closed the gates, and you were once again able to do this quest and the [[10 Hour War]]. All related quests were also made available, however, you did not have to gather supplies.
  
  +
|-
  +
! style="width: 8em" |Date
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! Event
  +
|-
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| 8 December 2009
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| '''Prelude:''' Rare [[#Prelude|Earthquakes]] begin on Azeroth.
  +
|-
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| 12 October 2010
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| Earthquakes increase in intensity and frequency. Magni Bronzebeard and Thrall call [[Elemental Unrest meetings|meetings]] in Stormwind Keep and Grommash Hold respectively.
  +
|-
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| 1 November 2010
  +
| '''Phase 1:''' [[#Phase 1|Twilight's Hammer cultists appear]] in cities, elementals begin invading questing zones. Quests are available from Stormwind and Orgrimmar.
  +
|-
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| 8 November 2010
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| '''Phase 2:''' [[#Phase 2|Additional quests]] from Earthen Ring NPCs are available.
  +
|-
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| 12 November 2010
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| '''Phase 3:''' [[#Phase 3|Further additional quests]] are available. The Twilight's Hammer cultists infiltrate both Stormwind and Orgrimmar and are preparing to summon forth elementals to raze the cities.
  +
|-
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| 15 November 2010
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| '''Phase 4:''' The event climaxes with [[#Phase 4|elemental invasions]] against Stormwind, Ironforge, Orgimmmar and Thunder Bluff. The event bosses are available upon successful city defenses.
  +
|}
   
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==Description==
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==Prelude==
  +
[[File:Meeting at Stormwind Keep.jpg|thumb|The Alliance leaders meet at Stormwind Keep.]]
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[[The Scarab Gong]] looms ominously before you. Steel yourself, <name>; for once the Scarab Gong is rung, the gates of [[Ahn'Qiraj]] will be opened.
  
  +
Starting with the release of [[Patch 3.3.0]] (8th of December 2009 for US realms), earthquakes begin in Azeroth.<ref name="wor091228catapre">{{ref web|url=http://www.worldofraids.com/news/1040-is-the-cataclysm-pre-launch-event-starting.html|title=Cataclysm pre-launch event starting?|author=Kody|date=2009-12-28|accessdate=2009-12-30|publisher=World of Raids}}</ref> They are very infrequent and of mild intensity. Many players failed to notice they were even occurring.
   
  +
Starting with the release of [[Patch 4.0.1]] (12th of October 2010 for US Realms) the random earthquakes begin to occur more frequently and with much greater intensity. They now have an accompanying sound effect and are very obvious when they occur. In response, the faction leaders of the Alliance and Horde [[Elemental Unrest meetings|have gathered]] in Stormwind and Orgrimmar respectively to deal with this turn of events. {{npc||Gavan Grayfeather}} stands at the entrance of [[Stormwind Keep]]'s [[Throne Room]].
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From the slackened maw of the beast can only come chaos and destruction. Defend your people!
  
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*{{item|icon=|The Scepter of the Shifting Sands}}
  
   
  +
On 16th of October 2010 the earthquakes have longer durations. Whenever there are earthquakes near the Orgrimmar or Stormwind Auction houses, or the bank in Ironforge, dust comes down from the ceilings.
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==Rewards==
  
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You will receive: {{item|icon=|Black Qiraji Resonating Crystal}}
  
   
  +
On 27th of October the earthquakes become more frequent.
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==Completion==
  
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From the ground near the gong springs a special crystal. Perhaps favor from the [[Brood of Nozdormu|Brood]].
  
   
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==Gains==
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==Phase 1==
  +
This phase was released on the 1st of November, 2010. The day the phase started, [[Zarhym]] stated "There are four stages of the event. We're on the first."<ref name="4phases">{{ref web|url=http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=27509093985&sid=1&pageNo=1#8|archiveurl=http://blue.mmo-champion.com/topic/122217/problem-with-elemental-invasion#post8|author=Zarhym|date=11/01/2010 04:40:24 PM PDT|archivedate=2010-11-01|title=Problem with Elemental Invasion|accessdate=2010-11-13}}</ref>
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Upon completion of this quest, you will gain:
  
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*The [[Scarab Lord]] title
  
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*+500 reputation with the [[Brood of Nozdormu]]
  
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*+1000 reputation with the [[Cenarion Circle]]
  
   
  +
The following changes are made to the world:
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==Notes==
  
  +
===Alliance===
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Banging the Gong starts the [[10 Hour War]]. Several worldwide/zonewide emotes happen at this time:
  
  +
* Doomsday Cultists set up camp at [[Mirror Lake Orchard]].
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: <name>, Champion of the [[Bronze Dragonflight]] has rung the [[The Scarab Gong|Scarab Gong]].
  
  +
* Groups of {{npc||Earthen Ring Emissary||Earthen Ring Emissaries}} consisting of both [[Broken]] and [[Wildhammer]] shamans appear in Alliance capitol cities. A second Ironforge group appears in the [[Hall of Explorers]].
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: The ancient gates of [[Ahn'Qiraj]] open, revealing the horrors of a [[War of the Shifting Sands|forgotten war]]...
  
  +
** {{npc||Erunak Stonespeaker}} leads the group in [[Trade District]].
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: [[Colossus of Zora]] casts its massive shadow upon the whole of [[Silithus]].
  
  +
** {{npc||Stormcaller Mylra}} leads the group in [[The Commons]], [[Ironforge]]. A [[gryphon]], {{npc||Stormbeak}} at her side.
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: [[Colossus of Ashi]] breaks free of its cocoon beneath [[Hive'Ashi]].
  
  +
* {{npc||Captain Anton}} is added to [[Stormwind Keep]].
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: [[Colossus of Regal]] hears the call to battle and rises to serve its master.
  
  +
* {{npc||Worried Citizen||Worried Citizens}} gather around Captain Anton in [[Stormwind Keep]], {{npc||Justine Demalier}} and {{npc||Melris Malagan}} in [[Trade District]], and {{npc||General Marcus Jonathan}} in [[Valley of Heroes]].
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: [[General Rajaxx]] yells: Soon you will know the price of your meddling, mortals... The master is nearly whole... And when he rises, your world will cease.
  
  +
* {{npc||Commander Cragfist}} is added to entrance to [[Ironforge]].
  +
* {{npc||Doomsayer||Doomsayers}} appear on [[Old Town]] to recruit {{npc||Stormwind Citizen||Stormwind Citizens}} into to the Doomsday Cult.
  +
* [[Elemental Device|Elemental Devices]] appear scattered around Stormwind.
   
  +
===Horde===
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==Quest progression==
  
  +
* Doomsday Cultists set up camp at [[Jaggedswine Farm]].
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{{:Quest:The Might of Kalimdor}}
  
  +
* Groups of {{npc||Earthen Ring Emissary||Earthen Ring Emissaries}} consisting of [[Orc]], [[Tauren]] and [[Darkspear Troll]] shamans appear in Horde capitol cities.
  +
** {{npc||Earthmender Norsala}} and {{npc||Earthcaller Torunscar}} lead the group in [[Valley of Honor]].
  +
* {{npc||Warden Gartok Ragefist}} is added to the entrance to the [[Ring of Valor]].
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* {{npc||Blood Guard Torek}} is added to [[Valley of Honor]].
  +
* {{npc||Blood Guard Kang}} is added to the south entrance of [[Orgrimmar]].
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* {{npc||Worried Citizen||Worried Citizens}} gather around Blood Guard Torek in [[Valley of Honor]] and Blood Guard Kang at the south entrance of [[Orgrimmar]].
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* {{npc||Doomsayer||Doomsayers}} appear on [[The Drag]] to recruit {{npc||Orgrimmar Citizen||Orgrimmar Citizens}} into to the Doomsday Cult.
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* [[Elemental Device|Elemental Devices]] appear scattered around Orgrimmar.
   
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==External links==
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===General===
  +
Rifts have begun to form randomly in all questing zones, spawning elementals; the spawn timers are erratic, and not tied to the beginning of the hour. The first phase of the quest chains are now active. Earthquakes are now felt around the world, and not just in capital cities. Doom-preaching cultists and mysterious devices have appeared in Orgrimmar and Stormwind.
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<!-- Read http://www.wowwiki.com/WoWWiki:External_links before posting your links here.
  
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Links that do not conform to the rules will be DELETED.
  
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Repeat violations may result in a BAN.
  
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Have a nice day. :) -->
  
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{{elinks-quest|8743}}
  
   
  +
To obtain the [[Feat of Strength]] {{achievementlong|Tripping the Rifts}}, players must obtain a buff from each type of elemental portal that spawns in [[Kalimdor]], [[Eastern Kingdoms]], [[Outland]] and [[Northrend]] (Earth, Fire, Water, and Wind). Players do not have to kill rifts of their level to qualify for the achievement. The daily quests {{quest|Hammering It Out}} and {{quest|A Natural Occurrence}} are obtained from the mysterious devices left after the portals have been defeated. Player level must be within typical honor/experience granting range to receive the quest.
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Bang a Gong!}}
  
  +
−
[[Category:Gates of Ahn'Qiraj]]
  
  +
See {{questlong|Both|5-80|Prophecies Of Doom}} to begin the quest chains.
−
[[Category:Ahn'Qiraj War quests]]
  
  +
  +
'''For a full list of Elemental Rift spawn locations, see {{achievement|Tripping the Rifts#Locations|Tripping the Rifts}}.'''
  +
  +
==Phase 2==
  +
This phase was released on the 8 November 2010 and simply opened up a few more quests in [[Orgrimmar]], [[Stormwind]] and [[Ironforge]].
  +
  +
===NPCs===
  +
* {{NPC||Doomsday Cultist}}s walk in areas of Stormwind and Orgrimmar wearing the {{item|Doomsday Message}} and are {{quest|Spreading The Word}}.
  +
* {{NPC||Courier Tormun}}, a dwarf explorer appears at [[Stormwind Harbor]]. He is injured, and surrounded by the scorched bodies of several Footmen and Twilight's Hammer cultists.
  +
* {{NPC||Durak Flamespeaker}}, an orc shaman appears by Orgrimmar's western [[Zeppelin Tower]]. He is injured, and surrounded by the scorched bodies of several Grunts and Twilight's Hammer cultists.
  +
===New quests===
  +
{{Cataclysm event part 2}}
  +
  +
==Phase 3==
  +
This was phase released on 12 November 2010.<ref>{{ref web|url=http://us.battle.net/wow/en/forum/topic/1020862687?page=1#9|archiveurl=http://blue.mmo-champion.com/topic/130537/phase-3-of-the-elemental-invasion#post9|author=Zarhym|date=November 13, 2010 12:31:16 AM UTC|title=Phase 3 of the Elemental Invasion|accessdate=2010-11-13|archivedate=2010-11-13}}</ref>
  +
===NPCs===
  +
* {{NPC||Cultist Infiltrator}}s appear scattered throughout Stormwind and Orgrimmar. They are (poorly) stealthed, and attempting rituals to summon powerful elementals to destroy the cities.
  +
* {{NPC||Stormwind Citizen}}s and {{NPC||Orgrimmar Citizen}}s are being held up at the gates to their respective cities by city guards.
  +
* In Stormwind, {{NPC||Cultist Incanter}}s appear in a vacant tavern in [[The Park]], the unused [[Argent Dawn]] building in [[Cathedral Square]], and the Ironforge "bank" in [[Dwarven District]].
  +
* In Orgrimmar, {{NPC||Cultist Incanter}}s appear outside the Inscription building in [[The Drag]], behind [[Hall of the Brave]] in [[Valley of Honor]], and east of the building housing {{npc||Keldran}} near the western entrance to [[Orgrimmar]].
  +
* The Alliance leaders have ended their meeting and left for their various home cities. {{npc||Gavan Grayfeather}} has left the [[Throne Room]] to meet up with Thrall.
  +
* Thrall has also ended his meeting and as he stated he would, has arrived at the [[Throne of the Elements]] in [[Nagrand]]. He is in a meeting with {{NPC||Aggra}} and Gavan Grayfeather. They are surrounded by a large number of level 1 {{NPC||Disturbed Element}}s.
  +
* {{npc||Vol'jin}} and {{npc||Eitrigg}} have returned to their usual spots within [[Grommash Hold]].
  +
* {{npc||Garrosh Hellscream}} now stands at the Warchief throne.
  +
* {{npc||Detained Cultist}}s have been penned in [[The Stockade]] in Stormwind (guarded by {{NPC||Stockade Guard}}s).
  +
* In [[Ring of Valor]] in Orgrimmar, only one Detained Cultist appears (next to Warden Gartok Ragefist), while several {{NPC||Doomsday Cultist}}s are held within the arena itself, guarded by {{NPC||Orgrimmar Grunt}}s.
  +
  +
===Quests===
  +
{{Cataclysm event part 3}}
  +
  +
==Phase 4==
  +
This phase was released on 15 November 2010.<ref>{{ref web|url=http://us.battle.net/wow/en/blog/1123263|archiveurl=http://blue.mmo-champion.com/topic/132028/the-invasion-has-begun|title=The Invasion Has Begun|date=Nov 16, 2010 1:07:24 AM UTC|archivedate=2010-11-16|author=Blizzard Entertainment}}</ref> The [[Elemental Rift (Cataclysm)|elemental rift]]s in Kalimdor and Eastern Kingdoms now spawn with very high frequency, about every 10-15 minutes.
  +
  +
===Preparing for the invasion===
  +
Before every invasion event starts, city guards will yell, warning players and citizens about incoming danger. {{npc||Orgrimmar Citizen}}s, {{npc||Thunder Bluff Citizen}}s, {{npc||Ironforge Citizen}}s, and {{npc||Stormwind Citizen}}s will periodically spawn in buildings of their respective cities and run to the main entrance or nearest Evacuation Portal (the portals won't actually appear until the invasion begins, though the citizens will continue to spawn after it does. After 5 minutes have elapsed, the battle against the invasion begins.
  +
  +
===Combating the invasion===
  +
[[File:CataclysmThunderBluffInvasion.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Viewing a city's map during an invasion will display all the districts and which are still under attack by elementals or need citizens freed.]]
  +
  +
When the attack begins, all NPCs and interact-able objects within the city will despawn. This means [[flight master]]s, signposts, fires, mailboxes, bankers, auctioneers, trainers, questgivers, and more will be inaccessible for the duration of the attack. In Stormwind and Ironforge, the [[Deeprun Tram]] cannot be entered. Instance portals to [[The Stockade]] and [[Ragefire Chasm]] are also unavailable, as are the two-way portals in Stormwind's [[Wizard's Sanctum]] (evacuation portals exist within the Sanctum, so those inside and those teleporting to Stormwind can get out, but there is no direct path to the outside while the invasion is active), and all portals to the [[Blasted Lands]]. City guards will be replaced with level 80 versions (regular city guards are level 75), and additional guards will spawn at key choke points. Boxes containing {{loot|common|Sandbag|Sandbags}} (Stormwind), {{loot|common|Wind Break|Wind Breaks}} (Thunder Bluff), {{loot|common|Wall Fortification|Fortifications}} (Ironforge), or {{loot|common|Barricade|Barricades}} (Orgrimmar) will appear throughout the city as well. At this time, players are instructed to grab barriers from stockpiles around their city (marked by green arrows) and place them in the designated regions (marked by red arrows).
  +
  +
:In Ironforge, {{NPC||Stormcaller Mylra}} moves to the entrance of to the bank. She acts as an {{NPC||Earthen Ring Defender}}.
  +
:In Ironforge, {{NPC||Stormbeak}} hovers over Stormcaller Mylra, occasionally circling [[the Commons]] and the [[Gates of Ironforge]].
  +
:In Ironforge, {{NPC||Commander Cragfist}} holds his position by the [[Gates of Ironforge]].
  +
  +
:In Stormwind, {{NPC||Earspeaker Nala}} appears in center of [[Trade District]]. He acts as an {{NPC||Earthen Ring Defender}}.
  +
:In Stormwind, {{NPC||General Marcus Jonathan}} holds his position in [[Valley of Heroes]], to warn approaching players of the danger they would face.
  +
  +
:In Orgrimmar, {{NPC||Warden Gartok Ragefist}}, his {{NPC||Detained Cultist||Detained Cultists}}, and the captured {{NPC||Doomsday Cultist|||Doomsday Cultists}} in the [[Ring of Valor]] remain in place.
  +
:In Orgrimmar, {{NPC||Earthcaller Torunscar}} relocates to the entrance of the Valley of Strength. He acts as an {{NPC||Earthen Ring Defender}}.
  +
:In Orgrimmar, {{NPC||Blood Guard Kang}} holds his position guarding the southern entrance to the city.
  +
  +
:In Thunder Bluff, {{NPC||Arch Druid Hamuul Runetotem}} stands guard at the southwestern lift to warn approaching players of the danger they would face.
  +
:In Thunder Bluff, {{NPC||Sark Ragetotem}} stands guard at the northern lift to warn approaching players of the danger they would face.
  +
:In Thunder Bluff, {{NPC||Maruut Stonebinder}} appears in center of [[Middle Rise]]. He acts as an {{NPC||Earthen Ring Defender}}.
  +
  +
{{NPC||Earthen Ring Defender}}s also spawn through the city. Speaking to one of them, players can obtain an {{loot|common|Earthen Ring Unbinding Totem}}. Each city also provides an avenue of rapid escape in the form of [[Evacuation Portals|Evacuation Portal]] maintained throughout the city by {{npc||Orgrimmar Mage}}s (among the first orc mages seen before Cataclysm) in Orgrimmar, {{npc||Forsaken Mage}}s (undead) in Thunder Bluff, {{npc||Ironforge Mage}}s (gnome and dwarf- among the first dwarf mages that aren't Dark Iron dwarves seen before Cataclysm) in Ironforge, and {{npc||Stormwind City Mage}}s (human) in Stormwind. These Evacuation Portals can be used to teleport directly outside the main entrance to the city. Low-level players and those unwilling to defend the city are advised to evacuate through an Evacuation Portal. Although low-level players are able to participate in the event, the invading elementals have area of affect attacks that will likely instantly kill less powerful players if they are caught within them. Alliance and Horde heroes will appear in some districts as well.
  +
  +
During the invasion, Stormwind and Thunder Bluff are hit by powerful rainstorms as they are invaded by Air and Water elementals. Orgrimmar and Ironforge are set ablaze as they are invaded by Fire and Earth elementals. During the initial phase, the elementals will attack any player, or city defender in range. Unlike the elemental invasions outside of the major cities, the elementals attacking the cities are '''not''' subject to immunities or resistances. The elementals will sometimes trap their targets in place. When this happens, an {{loot|common|Earthen Ring Unbinding Totem}} must be used to free the player or NPC (or simply wait the stun out). Freeing players and NPCs in combat will grant the First Responder buff, and will not place you in combat. Each target within the area of effect of the totem will apply one stack of the buff, so freeing several targets at once will apply multiple stacks. When all barriers are in place, the second phase of the invasion begins.
  +
  +
[[Elemental Rift]]s appear in each of the major districts of the cities, with each Rift spawning new elite elementals. Elite elementals that are killed are replaced with new ones by the rift. Every elite elemental has about 320,000 HP and every rift will spawn elite elementals until 32 are destroyed. As with elemental rifts outside the cities, only kills in which a player participates will count for damaging the rift (guards cannot close the rifts by themselves). The elite elementals are passive to players unless attacked; however, their area of effect abilities are still hazardous to nearby players and can one-shot lower-level characters. Any elementals remaining from the previous phase will still attack any player it sees unless already engaged in combat. Numerous {{NPC||Trapped Citizen}}s are in need of rescue within the attacked districts and must be freed using the {{loot|common|Earthen Ring Unbinding Totem}}. Freeing citizens will also grant the First Responder buff. On the top of the screen, the player can see how many districts in the city are still under attack, how many rifts remain in the current district, and how many civilians remain trapped in the current district. The zone map will also display flags in the districts that haven't been cleared yet and Horde/Alliance symbols in the ones that have.
  +
  +
After players defeat 32 elementals surrounding a rift, the rift will close and a buff will be applied to all nearby players within line of sight:
  +
  +
{| class="darktable"
  +
|-
  +
! rowspan=2 | Elemental !! colspan=2 | Faction !! rowspan=2 | Buff gained
  +
|-
  +
! Alliance !! Horde
  +
|-
  +
| Fire || rowspan=2 | Ironforge || rowspan=2 | Orgrimmar || {{ability|Fire Powered}}
  +
|-
  +
| Earth || {{ability|Earth Powered}}
  +
|-
  +
| {{NPC||Furious Water Elemental}}/{{NPC||Rippling Water Elemental}} || rowspan=2 | Stormwind || rowspan=2 | Thunder Bluff || {{ability|Water Powered}}
  +
|-
  +
| {{NPC||Furious Air Elemental}}/{{NPC||Turbulent Air Elemental}} || {{ability|Wind Powered}}
  +
|}
  +
  +
These buffs ''do'' count for {{achievement|Tripping the Rifts}}.
  +
  +
Players must clear the city of every rift and rescue every citizen within an hour in order to win the event.
  +
  +
===Summary of Invasion===
  +
''These tables are very incomplete and should be updated as more information is collected. Some numbers may be higher than recorded.''
  +
  +
====Ironforge====
  +
:49 {{loot|common|Wall Fortification|Fortifications}} to be placed.
  +
{| class="darktable"
  +
|-
  +
! rowspan=1 | District !! | # of Elemental Rifts !! | # of Trapped Citizens !! | Hero
  +
|-
  +
| [[The Commons]] || 2 || 47 or more || {{NPC||King Magni Bronzebeard}}
  +
|-
  +
| [[The Forlorn Cavern]] || 1 || 21 or more ||
  +
|-
  +
| [[The Great Forge]] || 2 or more || 48 or more ||
  +
|-
  +
| [[Hall of Explorers]] || 3 || 20 or more ||
  +
|-
  +
| [[Military Ward]] || 2 || 30 or more || {{NPC||High Tinker Mekkatorque}}
  +
|-
  +
| [[Mystic Ward]] || 2 || 30 or more || {{NPC||Muradin Bronzebeard}}
  +
|-
  +
|}
  +
=====Quotes=====
  +
:* '''All Fortifications in place:''' {{text|yell|[[King Magni Bronzebeard]]|Elemental rifts have opened up around the city. We need to shut them down now! Evacuate all non-combat ready citizens. Make sure they get to safety!}}
  +
:* '''Millitary Ward secure:''' {{text|yell|[[High Tinker Mekkatorque]]|The Millitary Ward is clear of rifts and we have completed the evacuation of the citizens in this district!}}
  +
:* '''The Commons secure:''' {{text|yell|King Magni Bronzebeard|The Commons are secured! Now, secure the rest of the city!}}
  +
  +
====Orgrimmar====
  +
:58 {{loot|common|Barricade|Barricades}} to be placed.
  +
{| class="darktable"
  +
|-
  +
! rowspan=1 | District !! | # of Elemental Rifts !! | # of Trapped Citizens !! | Hero
  +
|-
  +
| [[Cleft of Shadow]] || 1 or more || 12 or more ||
  +
|-
  +
| [[The Drag]] || 2 or more || 14 or more ||
  +
|-
  +
| [[Valley of Honor]] || 3 or more || 26 or more || {{NPC||Rexxar}}
  +
|-
  +
| [[Valley of Spirits]] || 2 || 14 or more || {{NPC||Vol'jin}}
  +
|-
  +
| [[Valley of Strength]] || 3 || 32 or more || {{NPC||Garrosh Hellscream}}
  +
|-
  +
| [[Valley of Wisdom]] || 2 || 3 or more ||
  +
|-
  +
|}
  +
  +
====Stormwind City====
  +
[[File:Battle for Stormwind.png|thumb|200px|right|Stormwind Harbor under attack by elementals]]
  +
:70 {{loot|common|Sandbag|Sandbags}} to be placed.
  +
  +
{| class="darktable"
  +
|-
  +
! rowspan=1 | District !! | # of Elemental Rifts !! | # of Trapped Citizens !! | Hero
  +
|-
  +
| [[Cathedral Square]] || 3 || 31 || {{NPC||Archbishop Benedictus}}
  +
|-
  +
| [[Dwarven District]] || 2 || 30 or more ||
  +
|-
  +
| [[Mage Quarter]] || 2 || 30 || {{NPC||Lady Jaina Proudmoore}}
  +
|-
  +
| [[Old Town]] || 2 || 38 or more ||
  +
|-
  +
| [[The Park]] || 2 || 24 ||
  +
|-
  +
| [[Stormwind Harbor]] || 3 || 31 ||
  +
|-
  +
| [[Trade District]] || 3 || 40 || {{NPC||King Varian Wrynn}}
  +
|-
  +
|}
  +
=====Quotes=====
  +
:* '''Warning:''' {{text|yell|[[Stormwind City Guard]]|Clear the streets! The skies darken and the elementals will soon attack. Be on your guard!}}
  +
:* '''Warning:''' {{text|yell|Stormwind City Guard|Be on your guard! The weather worsens, and the elementals are soon to follow! Seek shelter!}}
  +
:* '''All Sand Bags in place:''' {{text|yell|[[King Varian Wrynn]]|Elemental rifts have opened up around the city. We need to shut them down now! Evacuate all non-combat ready citizens. Make sure they get to safety!}}
  +
:* '''Fighting near another player:''' {{text|yell|King Varian Wrynn|Continue the attack, <name>!}}
  +
:* '''Fighting near another player:''' {{text|yell|King Varian Wrynn|Fight on, <name>!}}
  +
:* '''Fighting near another player:''' {{text|yell|King Varian Wrynn|Your skills in battle are impressive, <name>.}}
  +
:* '''Fighting near another player:''' {{text|yell|[[Lady Jaina Proudmoore]]|Your skills in battle are impressive, <name>.}}
  +
:* '''Fighting near another player:''' {{text|yell|Lady Jaina Proudmoore|Keep pressing the fight, <name>!}}
  +
:* '''Fighting near another player:''' {{text|yell|Lady Jaina Proudmoore|How can Stormwind fall when we have <classes> such as <name> to defend it? FOR STORMWIND!}}
  +
:* '''Fighting near another player:''' {{text|yell|[[Archbishop Benedictus]]|Fight on, <name>!}}
  +
:* '''Trade District secure:''' {{text|yell|King Varian Wrynn|The Trade District is sectured! Now, secure the rest of the city!}}
  +
:* '''Cathedral Square secure:''' {{text|yell|Archbishop Benedictus]]|The Cathedral District is under Stormwind Control again. The Light always prevails!}}
  +
:* '''Mage Quarter secure:''' {{text|yell|Lady Jaina Proudmoore|We have secured the Mage District! All invaders have been repelled and the evacuation has been completed!}}
  +
:* '''Victory:''' {{text|yell|King Varian Wrynn|The rifts are down and Stormwind is safe! These portals must be the second half of their attack!}} <br> {{text|yell|Quickly! Into the portal! We must press the attack while we have the advantage!}}
  +
  +
====Thunder Bluff====
  +
:54 {{loot|common|Wind Break|Wind Breaks}} to be placed.
  +
{| class="darktable"
  +
|-
  +
! rowspan=1 | District !! | # of Elemental Rifts !! | # of Trapped Citizens !! | Hero
  +
|-
  +
| [[Elder Rise]] || 2 || 18 or more ||
  +
|-
  +
| [[Hunter Rise]] || 2 || 24 || {{NPC||Aponi Brightmane}}
  +
|-
  +
| [[Spirit Rise]] || 2 or more || 36 || {{NPC||Baine Bloodhoof}}
  +
|-
  +
| [[Middle Rise|Thunder Bluff]] || 5 || 52 || {{NPC||Cairne Bloodhoof}}
  +
|-
  +
| [[Pools of Vision]] || 1 || 16 ||
  +
|-
  +
|}
  +
=====Quotes=====
  +
:* '''Warning:''' {{text|yell|[[Bluffwatcher]]|The sky darkens and the elements are restless! Seek Shelter!}}
  +
:* '''Warning:''' {{text|yell|Bluffwatcher|The wind grows stronger! Take the lifts to safer ground!}}
  +
:* '''Warning:''' {{text|yell|Bluffwatcher|Evacuate Thunder Bluff! Stay away from the sides of the bluff!}}
  +
:* '''Warning:''' {{text|yell|Bluffwatcher|Be on your guard! The clouds move in and the wind picks up! Seek shelter!}}
  +
:* '''All Wind Breaks in place:''' {{text|yell|[[Cairne Bloodhoof]]|Elemental rifts have opened up around the city. We need to shut them down now! Evacuate all non-combat ready citizens. Make sure they get to safety!}}
  +
:* '''Fighting near another player:''' {{text|yell|[[Aponi Brightmane]]|Keep pressing the fight, <name>!}}
  +
:* '''Fighting near another player:''' {{text|yell|Aponi Brightma|Fight on, <name>!}}
  +
:* '''Fighting near another player:''' {{text|yell|Aponi Brightma|Don't let up, <name>!}}
  +
:* '''Fighting near another player:''' {{text|yell|[[Baine Bloodhoof]]|Fight on, <name>!}}
  +
:* '''Fighting near another player:''' {{text|yell|Baine Bloodhoof|Don't let up, <name>!}}
  +
:* '''Fighting near another player:''' {{text|yell|Baine Bloodhoof|Keep pressing the fight, <name>!}}
  +
:* '''Fighting near another player:''' {{text|yell|Cairne Bloodhoof|Continue the attack, <name>!}}
  +
:* '''Fighting near another player:''' {{text|yell|Cairne Bloodhoof|Keep pressing the fight, <name>!}}
  +
:* '''Fighting near another player:''' {{text|yell|Cairne Bloodhoof|Fight on, <name>!}}
  +
:* '''Hunter's Rise secure:''' {{text|yell|Aponi Brightmane|We have secured the Hunter's Rise! All invaders have been repelled and the evacuation has been completed!}}
  +
:* '''Spirit Rise secure:''' {{text|yell|Baine Bloodhoof|Spirit Rise is secure! The invaders have been eliminated and the evacuation is complete!}}
  +
:* '''Middle Rise secure:''' {{text|yell|Cairne Bloodhoof|The Center Rise has been reclaimed! THe Earthmother be praised!}}
  +
:* '''Failure:''' {{text|yell|[[Maruut Stonebinder]]|Enough! The Earthen Ring will temporarily stop the invasion. But be warned, the elementals will return!}}
  +
  +
===Tips===
  +
* This event is not [[phasing|phased]]. Characters not participating can and will be targeted by the elementals. Most [[NPC]]s will vacate the area, including [[flight master]]s, [[auctioneer]]s, [[banker]]s, and [[innkeeper]]s. Mailboxes will disappear.
  +
* Unlike events such as [[Battle for the Undercity]], [[Operation: Gnomeregan]], or [[Zalazane's Fall]], players are not buffed into invulnerability against these powerful mobs. Those attempting to assault a rift on their own or with a few players without a healer present should only attack one elemental at a time and eat before attacking another.
  +
* Bring an unbinding totem provided by the Earthen Ring Defenders. If allies get trapped by an elemental, they must be freed or healed immediately else they might die within the time of the prison's stun.
  +
* The elementals' prisons are cast in a frontal AoE cone. It has a very short range, so it is possible to avoid it by simply running away during the cast.
  +
* Racial leader NPCs can't be killed by the elementals. They will remain at 1 HP and continue fighting. Other hero NPCs can die during the attacks, but will respawn later.
  +
* In some areas, hero NPCs or city guards will be able to kill an elemental. These kills do not count for damaging the Elemental Rift, but if a player uses an ability that would normally "tag" a mob, the kill ''will'' count. Thus, low level players can stand behind hero NPCs or guards and attack elementals to help with the kill counter. The hero NPCs and guards will do most of the work, but the player is the one who makes the kill count. Even abilities that miss (as is often the case with extreme level differences) will tag the elemental and count for kill credit.
  +
  +
===After the invasion===
  +
If an hour has elapsed since the start of the event, Earthen Ring Defenders will intervene and suddenly halt the invasion, removing all elementals from the city. However, players will not benefit and will have to wait until the next event occurs.
  +
  +
If players successfully secure a major city, two types of portals to special boss encounters open up for thirty minutes. The portals are always paired with their counterparts. In Orgrimmar, immediately upon victory, Garrosh will lead a counter attack, running directly into the portals. The NPCs and objects then respawn and the city continues to function as normal until the next attack. (The city leader also appears at his normal spot in addition to his appearance in the dungeon.)
  +
:*In Orgrimmar they are located in the Valley of Strength, near the main entrance, at the entrance to the Valley of Honor, and in the Valley of Wisdom outside of Grommash Hold.
  +
:*In Stormwind they are located in the center of Trade District, by the Wizard's Sanctum in Mage Quarter, and in the center of Cathedral Square.
  +
:*In Thunder Bluff they are located in Spirit Rise, Hunter Rise, Middle Rise (upper section), and Middle Rise (lower section).
  +
These encounters are also available via the [[Dungeon Finder]] for the same period of time. Inside, players find the leader of the city that has been secured and one boss representing the elementals that have been banished:
  +
* {{mob|Grand Ambassador Flamelash}} ([[Fire Portal]] inside [[Blackrock Depths]])
  +
* {{mob|Crown Princess Theradras}} ([[Earth Potal]], inside [[Maraudon]])
  +
* {{mob|Kai'ju Gahz'rilla}} ([[Water Portal]], inside [[Zul'Farrak]])
  +
* {{mob|Prince Sarsarun}} ([[Air Portal]], inside the [[Ruins of Ahn'Qiraj]])
  +
  +
The leader offers a non-repeatable quest to kill the boss and then report back to the capital city with news. However, the boss can be killed as often as desired during the thirty minute window for a chance at item level 251 epic loot.
  +
  +
=== Loot ===
  +
  +
All of the elemental bosses drop items of level 251, equivalent to ICC10 loot.
  +
  +
{{Cataclysm event loot table}}
  +
  +
===Quests===
  +
{{Cataclysm event part 4}}
  +
  +
==Videos==
  +
<youtube>xFfjMpU3Dc8</youtube>
  +
<youtube>sEeW15CVaCM</youtube>
  +
  +
==Patches and hotfixes==
  +
*{{Patch 4.0.1|note=Added.|comment=Phase 1 activated on 1 November 2010. Phase 2 activated on 8 November 2010. Phase 3 activated on 12 November 2010. Phase 4 activated on 15 November 2010.}}
  +
  +
== References ==
  +
{{reflist}}

Revision as of 02:10, 22 November 2010

Elemental Unrest
The subject of this article or section was part of the Elemental Unrest, a world event that heralded the beginning of the earth-shattering Cataclysm.
CataclysmOrgrimmarElementalInvasion

Fire elementals attacking Orgrimmar as part of the pre-Cataclysm event.

The Elemental Unrest is a world event that heralds the Cataclysm. The event leads up to elementals attacking Stormwind, Orgrimmar, Ironforge, and Thunder Bluff. If players can defeat these elementals and free trapped citizens within their entire city, they will be granted access to two special boss encounters. Until the name Elemental Unrest was used by a Blizzard employee on the official forums[1], the community generally referred to this event as the Elemental Invasion. This alternative name persists in the community, however, and is used by many other fan sites to refer to the same event.

The event is currently in its fourth and final phase, making it possible for players to complete all parts of the event including leading quest chains, defending against the invasions and hunting elementals to seek the Inv enchant voidsphere [Tripping the Rifts] feat of strength. It is not yet clear how long the event will run, but it is probable that it will end no later than when the Shattering takes place.

Event progression
Date Event
8 December 2009 Prelude: Rare Earthquakes begin on Azeroth.
12 October 2010 Earthquakes increase in intensity and frequency. Magni Bronzebeard and Thrall call meetings in Stormwind Keep and Grommash Hold respectively.
1 November 2010 Phase 1: Twilight's Hammer cultists appear in cities, elementals begin invading questing zones. Quests are available from Stormwind and Orgrimmar.
8 November 2010 Phase 2: Additional quests from Earthen Ring NPCs are available.
12 November 2010 Phase 3: Further additional quests are available. The Twilight's Hammer cultists infiltrate both Stormwind and Orgrimmar and are preparing to summon forth elementals to raze the cities.
15 November 2010 Phase 4: The event climaxes with elemental invasions against Stormwind, Ironforge, Orgimmmar and Thunder Bluff. The event bosses are available upon successful city defenses.

Prelude

Meeting at Stormwind Keep

The Alliance leaders meet at Stormwind Keep.

Starting with the release of Patch 3.3.0 (8th of December 2009 for US realms), earthquakes begin in Azeroth.[2] They are very infrequent and of mild intensity. Many players failed to notice they were even occurring.

Starting with the release of Patch 4.0.1 (12th of October 2010 for US Realms) the random earthquakes begin to occur more frequently and with much greater intensity. They now have an accompanying sound effect and are very obvious when they occur. In response, the faction leaders of the Alliance and Horde have gathered in Stormwind and Orgrimmar respectively to deal with this turn of events. Gavan Grayfeather stands at the entrance of Stormwind Keep's Throne Room.

On 16th of October 2010 the earthquakes have longer durations. Whenever there are earthquakes near the Orgrimmar or Stormwind Auction houses, or the bank in Ironforge, dust comes down from the ceilings.

On 27th of October the earthquakes become more frequent.

Phase 1

This phase was released on the 1st of November, 2010. The day the phase started, Zarhym stated "There are four stages of the event. We're on the first."[3]

The following changes are made to the world:

Alliance

Horde

General

Rifts have begun to form randomly in all questing zones, spawning elementals; the spawn timers are erratic, and not tied to the beginning of the hour. The first phase of the quest chains are now active. Earthquakes are now felt around the world, and not just in capital cities. Doom-preaching cultists and mysterious devices have appeared in Orgrimmar and Stormwind.

To obtain the Feat of Strength Inv enchant voidsphere [Tripping the Rifts], players must obtain a buff from each type of elemental portal that spawns in Kalimdor, Eastern Kingdoms, Outland and Northrend (Earth, Fire, Water, and Wind). Players do not have to kill rifts of their level to qualify for the achievement. The daily quests Hammering It Out and A Natural Occurrence are obtained from the mysterious devices left after the portals have been defeated. Player level must be within typical honor/experience granting range to receive the quest.

See B [5-80] Prophecies Of Doom to begin the quest chains.

For a full list of Elemental Rift spawn locations, see Money achievement Tripping the Rifts.

Phase 2

This phase was released on the 8 November 2010 and simply opened up a few more quests in Orgrimmar, Stormwind and Ironforge.

NPCs

New quests

Optional Alliance-only breadcrumb: A [80] What's Shaking in Ironforge

Phase 3

This was phase released on 12 November 2010.[4]

NPCs

Quests

  1. B [80] Show Me Your Papers
  2. B [80] Arrest the Infiltrators
  3. B [80] Back Under Cover
  4. B [80] I Said the Words...

Side quest:

Phase 4

This phase was released on 15 November 2010.[5] The elemental rifts in Kalimdor and Eastern Kingdoms now spawn with very high frequency, about every 10-15 minutes.

Preparing for the invasion

Before every invasion event starts, city guards will yell, warning players and citizens about incoming danger. Orgrimmar Citizens, Thunder Bluff Citizens, Ironforge Citizens, and Stormwind Citizens will periodically spawn in buildings of their respective cities and run to the main entrance or nearest Evacuation Portal (the portals won't actually appear until the invasion begins, though the citizens will continue to spawn after it does. After 5 minutes have elapsed, the battle against the invasion begins.

Combating the invasion

CataclysmThunderBluffInvasion

Viewing a city's map during an invasion will display all the districts and which are still under attack by elementals or need citizens freed.

When the attack begins, all NPCs and interact-able objects within the city will despawn. This means flight masters, signposts, fires, mailboxes, bankers, auctioneers, trainers, questgivers, and more will be inaccessible for the duration of the attack. In Stormwind and Ironforge, the Deeprun Tram cannot be entered. Instance portals to The Stockade and Ragefire Chasm are also unavailable, as are the two-way portals in Stormwind's Wizard's Sanctum (evacuation portals exist within the Sanctum, so those inside and those teleporting to Stormwind can get out, but there is no direct path to the outside while the invasion is active), and all portals to the Blasted Lands. City guards will be replaced with level 80 versions (regular city guards are level 75), and additional guards will spawn at key choke points. Boxes containing [Sandbags] (Stormwind), [Wind Breaks] (Thunder Bluff), [Fortifications] (Ironforge), or [Barricades] (Orgrimmar) will appear throughout the city as well. At this time, players are instructed to grab barriers from stockpiles around their city (marked by green arrows) and place them in the designated regions (marked by red arrows).

In Ironforge, Stormcaller Mylra moves to the entrance of to the bank. She acts as an Earthen Ring Defender.
In Ironforge, Stormbeak hovers over Stormcaller Mylra, occasionally circling the Commons and the Gates of Ironforge.
In Ironforge, Commander Cragfist holds his position by the Gates of Ironforge.
In Stormwind, Earspeaker Nala appears in center of Trade District. He acts as an Earthen Ring Defender.
In Stormwind, General Marcus Jonathan holds his position in Valley of Heroes, to warn approaching players of the danger they would face.
In Orgrimmar, Warden Gartok Ragefist, his Detained Cultists, and the captured in the Ring of Valor remain in place.
In Orgrimmar, Earthcaller Torunscar relocates to the entrance of the Valley of Strength. He acts as an Earthen Ring Defender.
In Orgrimmar, Blood Guard Kang holds his position guarding the southern entrance to the city.
In Thunder Bluff, Arch Druid Hamuul Runetotem stands guard at the southwestern lift to warn approaching players of the danger they would face.
In Thunder Bluff, Sark Ragetotem stands guard at the northern lift to warn approaching players of the danger they would face.
In Thunder Bluff, Maruut Stonebinder appears in center of Middle Rise. He acts as an Earthen Ring Defender.

Earthen Ring Defenders also spawn through the city. Speaking to one of them, players can obtain an [Earthen Ring Unbinding Totem]. Each city also provides an avenue of rapid escape in the form of Evacuation Portal maintained throughout the city by Orgrimmar Mages (among the first orc mages seen before Cataclysm) in Orgrimmar, Forsaken Mages (undead) in Thunder Bluff, Ironforge Mages (gnome and dwarf- among the first dwarf mages that aren't Dark Iron dwarves seen before Cataclysm) in Ironforge, and Stormwind City Mages (human) in Stormwind. These Evacuation Portals can be used to teleport directly outside the main entrance to the city. Low-level players and those unwilling to defend the city are advised to evacuate through an Evacuation Portal. Although low-level players are able to participate in the event, the invading elementals have area of affect attacks that will likely instantly kill less powerful players if they are caught within them. Alliance and Horde heroes will appear in some districts as well.

During the invasion, Stormwind and Thunder Bluff are hit by powerful rainstorms as they are invaded by Air and Water elementals. Orgrimmar and Ironforge are set ablaze as they are invaded by Fire and Earth elementals. During the initial phase, the elementals will attack any player, or city defender in range. Unlike the elemental invasions outside of the major cities, the elementals attacking the cities are not subject to immunities or resistances. The elementals will sometimes trap their targets in place. When this happens, an [Earthen Ring Unbinding Totem] must be used to free the player or NPC (or simply wait the stun out). Freeing players and NPCs in combat will grant the First Responder buff, and will not place you in combat. Each target within the area of effect of the totem will apply one stack of the buff, so freeing several targets at once will apply multiple stacks. When all barriers are in place, the second phase of the invasion begins.

Elemental Rifts appear in each of the major districts of the cities, with each Rift spawning new elite elementals. Elite elementals that are killed are replaced with new ones by the rift. Every elite elemental has about 320,000 HP and every rift will spawn elite elementals until 32 are destroyed. As with elemental rifts outside the cities, only kills in which a player participates will count for damaging the rift (guards cannot close the rifts by themselves). The elite elementals are passive to players unless attacked; however, their area of effect abilities are still hazardous to nearby players and can one-shot lower-level characters. Any elementals remaining from the previous phase will still attack any player it sees unless already engaged in combat. Numerous Trapped Citizens are in need of rescue within the attacked districts and must be freed using the [Earthen Ring Unbinding Totem]. Freeing citizens will also grant the First Responder buff. On the top of the screen, the player can see how many districts in the city are still under attack, how many rifts remain in the current district, and how many civilians remain trapped in the current district. The zone map will also display flags in the districts that haven't been cleared yet and Horde/Alliance symbols in the ones that have.

After players defeat 32 elementals surrounding a rift, the rift will close and a buff will be applied to all nearby players within line of sight:

Elemental Faction Buff gained
Alliance Horde
Fire Ironforge Orgrimmar Inv summerfest firespirit [Fire Powered]
Earth Inv elemental mote earth01 [Earth Powered]
Furious Water Elemental/Rippling Water Elemental Stormwind Thunder Bluff Inv elemental mote water01 [Water Powered]
Furious Air Elemental/Turbulent Air Elemental Inv elemental mote air01 [Wind Powered]

These buffs do count for Money achievement Tripping the Rifts.

Players must clear the city of every rift and rescue every citizen within an hour in order to win the event.

Summary of Invasion

These tables are very incomplete and should be updated as more information is collected. Some numbers may be higher than recorded.

Ironforge

49 [Fortifications] to be placed.
District # of Elemental Rifts # of Trapped Citizens Hero
The Commons 2 47 or more King Magni Bronzebeard
The Forlorn Cavern 1 21 or more
The Great Forge 2 or more 48 or more
Hall of Explorers 3 20 or more
Military Ward 2 30 or more High Tinker Mekkatorque
Mystic Ward 2 30 or more Muradin Bronzebeard
Quotes
  • All Fortifications in place: King Magni Bronzebeard yells: Elemental rifts have opened up around the city. We need to shut them down now! Evacuate all non-combat ready citizens. Make sure they get to safety!
  • Millitary Ward secure: High Tinker Mekkatorque yells: The Millitary Ward is clear of rifts and we have completed the evacuation of the citizens in this district!
  • The Commons secure: King Magni Bronzebeard yells: The Commons are secured! Now, secure the rest of the city!

Orgrimmar

58 [Barricades] to be placed.
District # of Elemental Rifts # of Trapped Citizens Hero
Cleft of Shadow 1 or more 12 or more
The Drag 2 or more 14 or more
Valley of Honor 3 or more 26 or more Rexxar
Valley of Spirits 2 14 or more Vol'jin
Valley of Strength 3 32 or more Garrosh Hellscream
Valley of Wisdom 2 3 or more

Stormwind City

Battle for Stormwind

Stormwind Harbor under attack by elementals

70 [Sandbags] to be placed.
District # of Elemental Rifts # of Trapped Citizens Hero
Cathedral Square 3 31 Archbishop Benedictus
Dwarven District 2 30 or more
Mage Quarter 2 30 Lady Jaina Proudmoore
Old Town 2 38 or more
The Park 2 24
Stormwind Harbor 3 31
Trade District 3 40 King Varian Wrynn
Quotes
  • Warning: Stormwind City Guard yells: Clear the streets! The skies darken and the elementals will soon attack. Be on your guard!
  • Warning: Stormwind City Guard yells: Be on your guard! The weather worsens, and the elementals are soon to follow! Seek shelter!
  • All Sand Bags in place: King Varian Wrynn yells: Elemental rifts have opened up around the city. We need to shut them down now! Evacuate all non-combat ready citizens. Make sure they get to safety!
  • Fighting near another player: King Varian Wrynn yells: Continue the attack, <name>!
  • Fighting near another player: King Varian Wrynn yells: Fight on, <name>!
  • Fighting near another player: King Varian Wrynn yells: Your skills in battle are impressive, <name>.
  • Fighting near another player: Lady Jaina Proudmoore yells: Your skills in battle are impressive, <name>.
  • Fighting near another player: Lady Jaina Proudmoore yells: Keep pressing the fight, <name>!
  • Fighting near another player: Lady Jaina Proudmoore yells: How can Stormwind fall when we have <classes> such as <name> to defend it? FOR STORMWIND!
  • Fighting near another player: Archbishop Benedictus yells: Fight on, <name>!
  • Trade District secure: King Varian Wrynn yells: The Trade District is sectured! Now, secure the rest of the city!
  • Cathedral Square secure: Archbishop Benedictus]] yells: The Cathedral District is under Stormwind Control again. The Light always prevails!
  • Mage Quarter secure: Lady Jaina Proudmoore yells: We have secured the Mage District! All invaders have been repelled and the evacuation has been completed!
  • Victory: King Varian Wrynn yells: The rifts are down and Stormwind is safe! These portals must be the second half of their attack!
    Quickly! Into the portal! We must press the attack while we have the advantage!

Thunder Bluff

54 [Wind Breaks] to be placed.
District # of Elemental Rifts # of Trapped Citizens Hero
Elder Rise 2 18 or more
Hunter Rise 2 24 Aponi Brightmane
Spirit Rise 2 or more 36 Baine Bloodhoof
Thunder Bluff 5 52 Cairne Bloodhoof
Pools of Vision 1 16
Quotes
  • Warning: Bluffwatcher yells: The sky darkens and the elements are restless! Seek Shelter!
  • Warning: Bluffwatcher yells: The wind grows stronger! Take the lifts to safer ground!
  • Warning: Bluffwatcher yells: Evacuate Thunder Bluff! Stay away from the sides of the bluff!
  • Warning: Bluffwatcher yells: Be on your guard! The clouds move in and the wind picks up! Seek shelter!
  • All Wind Breaks in place: Cairne Bloodhoof yells: Elemental rifts have opened up around the city. We need to shut them down now! Evacuate all non-combat ready citizens. Make sure they get to safety!
  • Fighting near another player: Aponi Brightmane yells: Keep pressing the fight, <name>!
  • Fighting near another player: Aponi Brightma yells: Fight on, <name>!
  • Fighting near another player: Aponi Brightma yells: Don't let up, <name>!
  • Fighting near another player: Baine Bloodhoof yells: Fight on, <name>!
  • Fighting near another player: Baine Bloodhoof yells: Don't let up, <name>!
  • Fighting near another player: Baine Bloodhoof yells: Keep pressing the fight, <name>!
  • Fighting near another player: Cairne Bloodhoof yells: Continue the attack, <name>!
  • Fighting near another player: Cairne Bloodhoof yells: Keep pressing the fight, <name>!
  • Fighting near another player: Cairne Bloodhoof yells: Fight on, <name>!
  • Hunter's Rise secure: Aponi Brightmane yells: We have secured the Hunter's Rise! All invaders have been repelled and the evacuation has been completed!
  • Spirit Rise secure: Baine Bloodhoof yells: Spirit Rise is secure! The invaders have been eliminated and the evacuation is complete!
  • Middle Rise secure: Cairne Bloodhoof yells: The Center Rise has been reclaimed! THe Earthmother be praised!
  • Failure: Maruut Stonebinder yells: Enough! The Earthen Ring will temporarily stop the invasion. But be warned, the elementals will return!

Tips

  • This event is not phased. Characters not participating can and will be targeted by the elementals. Most NPCs will vacate the area, including flight masters, auctioneers, bankers, and innkeepers. Mailboxes will disappear.
  • Unlike events such as Battle for the Undercity, Operation: Gnomeregan, or Zalazane's Fall, players are not buffed into invulnerability against these powerful mobs. Those attempting to assault a rift on their own or with a few players without a healer present should only attack one elemental at a time and eat before attacking another.
  • Bring an unbinding totem provided by the Earthen Ring Defenders. If allies get trapped by an elemental, they must be freed or healed immediately else they might die within the time of the prison's stun.
  • The elementals' prisons are cast in a frontal AoE cone. It has a very short range, so it is possible to avoid it by simply running away during the cast.
  • Racial leader NPCs can't be killed by the elementals. They will remain at 1 HP and continue fighting. Other hero NPCs can die during the attacks, but will respawn later.
  • In some areas, hero NPCs or city guards will be able to kill an elemental. These kills do not count for damaging the Elemental Rift, but if a player uses an ability that would normally "tag" a mob, the kill will count. Thus, low level players can stand behind hero NPCs or guards and attack elementals to help with the kill counter. The hero NPCs and guards will do most of the work, but the player is the one who makes the kill count. Even abilities that miss (as is often the case with extreme level differences) will tag the elemental and count for kill credit.

After the invasion

If an hour has elapsed since the start of the event, Earthen Ring Defenders will intervene and suddenly halt the invasion, removing all elementals from the city. However, players will not benefit and will have to wait until the next event occurs.

If players successfully secure a major city, two types of portals to special boss encounters open up for thirty minutes. The portals are always paired with their counterparts. In Orgrimmar, immediately upon victory, Garrosh will lead a counter attack, running directly into the portals. The NPCs and objects then respawn and the city continues to function as normal until the next attack. (The city leader also appears at his normal spot in addition to his appearance in the dungeon.)

  • In Orgrimmar they are located in the Valley of Strength, near the main entrance, at the entrance to the Valley of Honor, and in the Valley of Wisdom outside of Grommash Hold.
  • In Stormwind they are located in the center of Trade District, by the Wizard's Sanctum in Mage Quarter, and in the center of Cathedral Square.
  • In Thunder Bluff they are located in Spirit Rise, Hunter Rise, Middle Rise (upper section), and Middle Rise (lower section).

These encounters are also available via the Dungeon Finder for the same period of time. Inside, players find the leader of the city that has been secured and one boss representing the elementals that have been banished:

The leader offers a non-repeatable quest to kill the boss and then report back to the capital city with news. However, the boss can be killed as often as desired during the thirty minute window for a chance at item level 251 epic loot.

Loot

All of the elemental bosses drop items of level 251, equivalent to ICC10 loot.

Item Spec Dropped by Slot Type
Inv bracer 28 [Twilight Offering Bands] Tank Kai'ju Gahz'rilla Wrist Plate
Inv shield 66 [Barrier of the Earth Princess] Tank Crown Princess Theradras Off-Hand Shield
Inv chest plate23 [Salamander Skin] Tank Grand Ambassador Flamelash Chest Plate
Inv belt 44b [Girdle of Oblation] Healer Kai'ju Gahz'rilla Belt Plate
Inv chest cloth 65 [Earth Bride's Gown] Healer Crown Princess Theradras Chest Cloth
Inv spiritshard 02 [Pendant of Burning Spirits] Healer Grand Ambassador Flamelash Neck
Inv boots leather01 [Flamewaker's Treads] Healer Grand Ambassador Flamelash Feet Leather
Inv pants mail 09 [Sacrificial Mail] Physical DPS (Agility) Kai'ju Gahz'rilla Legs Mail
Inv jewelry ring 26 [Old Gods' Blessing] Physical DPS (Strength) Kai'ju Gahz'rilla Finger
Inv jewelry necklace 22 [Amulet of the Centauri] Physical DPS (Agility) Crown Princess Theradras Neck
Inv jewelry ring 12 [Sulfuron's Favor] Physical DPS (Agility) Grand Ambassador Flamelash Finger
Inv jewelry necklace 33 [Flamelash Amulet] Physical DPS (Strength) Grand Ambassador Flamelash Neck
Inv misc cape 02 [Cloak of Mocking Winds] Physical DPS (Agility) Prince Sarsarun Back
Inv chest leather 23 [Pulmonary Casing] Physical DPS (Agility) Prince Sarsarun Chest Leather
Inv chest plate23 [Tectonic Plate] Physical DPS (Strength) Crown Princess Theradras Chest Plate
Inv jewelry ring ahnqiraj 02 [Ring of the Three-Headed Beast] Spell DPS Kai'ju Gahz'rilla Finger
Inv misc cape 06 [Zaetar's Deathshroud] Spell DPS Crown Princess Theradras Back
Inv boots cloth 03 [Sandfury Sandals] Spell DPS Prince Sarsarun Feet Cloth
Inv jewelry necklace 39 [Amulet of Evil Winds] Spell DPS Prince Sarsarun Neck
Inv bracer 60 [Sul'lithuz Scale Bracers] Spell DPS Prince Sarsarun Wrist Mail

Quests

Quests which follow the invasion of a city:

Videos

Patches and hotfixes

  • Cataclysm Patch 4.0.1 (2010-10-12): Added.
    Phase 1 activated on 1 November 2010. Phase 2 activated on 8 November 2010. Phase 3 activated on 12 November 2010. Phase 4 activated on 15 November 2010.

References

 
  1. ^ Zarhym 2010-11-03. The Impending Cataclysm.
  2. ^ Kody 2009-12-28. Cataclysm pre-launch event starting?. World of Raids. Retrieved on 2009-12-30.
  3. ^ Zarhym 2010-11-01. Problem with Elemental Invasion. Archived from the original on 2010-11-01. Retrieved on 2010-11-13.
  4. ^ Zarhym 2010-11-13. Phase 3 of the Elemental Invasion. Archived from the original on 2010-11-13. Retrieved on 2010-11-13.
  5. ^ Blizzard Entertainment 2010-11-16. The Invasion Has Begun. Archived from the original on 2010-11-16.
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