Darkheart Thicket



Darkheart Thicket is a dungeon located in Val'sharah at the base of the World Tree. It is the heart of the Nightmare corruption that is spreading throughout the zone. A version exists fully built underneath Shaladrassil, but players enter it at Shala'nir, far from the start of the road in the instance. Entering that version causes the player character to fall asleep and wake up outside the entrance.

Background
This grand forest was once rich in wildlife and magic. Sitting in below the great tree Shaladrassil, this is where some of the most ancient druids would practice their art. Unfortunately Xavius has rekindled the Emerald Nightmare and is spreading it throughout Val'sharah. Now, almost everything here has been consumed by it.

The great druids that once mended these lands now defile it. Some druids now morph into hideous spiders, while others strive to warp the minds of their once tamed beasts. However, sometimes the Nightmare is simply too strong for some to comprehend and many druids simply perish in its wake. Horrors and abominations occupy the deeper part of the dungeon. elementals tormented by the Nightmare wander aimlessly in the Tainted Burrow. Xavius' satyr army stands guard of the Heart of Dread, where Malfurion is being held prisoner.

Dungeon Journal
''In the shadow of Shaladrassil, the Nightmare permeates every inch on the once-lush forest. Where the eldest and greatest druids once tended to the woods, meditating beneath the great world tree, corruption and madness now reign. Deep within the tangled thicket, the Nightmare Lord Xavius works to break the will of his greatest prize.''

Maps and subregions
Darkheart Thicket is a rather linear dungeon. However, about two thirds in a deviation in the path allows access to either the Heart of Dread or the Tainted Burrow.

Dungeon denizens

 * Night elves
 * Nightsabers
 * Water elementals
 * Owls
 * Bears
 * Nightmare creatures
 * Oozes
 * Imps
 * Bats
 * Fungal giants
 * Hippogryphs
 * Mandragoras

Encounters

 * Archdruid Glaidalis
 * Oakheart
 * Dresaron
 * Shade of Xavius

Achievements

 * Darkheart Thicket (achievement)
 * Heroic: Darkheart Thicket
 * Mythic: Darkheart Thicket
 * Mythic: Darkheart Thicket Guild Run
 * Egg-cellent!
 * Burning Down the House