Maraudon, pronounced as MORE-uh-don, is a 5-player dungeon found in the Valley of Spears in Desolace. It comprises three wings – the Wicked Grotto, Foulspore Cavern, and Earth Song Falls. This dungeon is a mix of ancient centaur burial grounds and a primal temple devoted to the elemental earth. Maraudon was introduced in patch 1.2, making it the initial dungeon to be included following the launch of World of Warcraft.
Adventure Guide
Legend has it that Zaetar, the son of Cenarius, and the princess of earth elementals, Theradras, were responsible for the birth of the savage centaur race. Unfortunately, soon after their creation, the centaurs mercilessly killed their own father. Overwhelmed with sorrow, Theradras is believed to have imprisoned the spirit of her beloved within Maraudon, causing the corruption of the entire area. As a result, malevolent centaur ghosts and deformed elemental servants now haunt every nook and cranny of the vast caves.
History
Maraudon originated as a vast cavern beneath the meadows of Mashan’she. Princess Theradras was not the first inhabitant of this place; before her, the mountain giant Landslide tended crystal gardens within the cavern. Legend also speaks of the giant crocolisk Rotgrip residing in Maraudon’s waters for countless years.
In ancient times, Princess Theradras sought refuge in these caverns to evade imprisonment in the Elemental Plane, eventually falling into a deep slumber. A tauren shaman, 1,100 years before the Dark Portal, mistakenly awakened Theradras, believing her voice to be that of the Earth Mother. Upon emerging, she drained the life energies of Mashan’she to restore her power, transforming the region into the desolate wasteland of Desolace. Zaetar, son of Cenarius, ventured from the Emerald Dream to investigate and encountered Theradras in her lair, where he fell in love with her. Together, they bore the first centaur khans, who later slew their father. When Theradras reprimanded them, the centaur sought forgiveness and vowed to honor Zaetar’s memory. Fearing Cenarius’ retribution, Theradras interred Zaetar’s body in her hidden sanctuary, the Crystal Caverns of Terramok. Under the influence of the Old Gods, she ensnared Zaetar’s spirit, using its power to corrupt her abode into a place of decay and torment. However, the area surrounding Zaetar’s Grave remained untouched, blossoming into a lush paradise due to the life energies emanating from Zaetar’s remains.
The centaur christened the cave system “Maraudon” and revered it as sacred ground, even as they spread throughout Desolace and Kalimdor. Guarded by the Maraudine clan, the cavern/temple stands as one of the most revered sites in Desolace. The centaur clans fiercely protect this place, allowing only the most devout individuals—spirits, esteemed priests, and priestesses—to enter its hallowed halls. The subterranean tunnels are said to be haunted by the spirits of the original khans.
World of Warcraft
Following the Horde’s ascension to power, Theradras feared for the survival of her centaur offspring. She bestowed upon them her own strength and led them to conquer new lands beyond Desolace. Horde explorers ventured into Desolace and were enlightened by the Magram clan—the sole clan that did not pledge allegiance to Theradras—that Maraudon was the epicenter of corruption in the area. The Horde’s heroes assisted the Magram in subduing the other clans in Desolace before delving into the depths of the burial site and vanquishing every being within, including Theradras. This act eradicated the spreading corruption in the region and pacified the centaur’s savage tendencies. This act also liberated Zaetar’s imprisoned spirit, although he opted to remain within Maraudon.
During the Elemental Unrest, Theradras resurfaced as Crown Princess Theradras and supported the Twilight’s Hammer by unleashing earthquakes upon the surface world. Forces from both the Alliance and Horde ventured into Maraudon alongside King Magni Bronzebeard and Garrosh Hellscream, ultimately defeating her.
Following the Cataclysm, Kherrah found herself imprisoned in the upper reaches of Maraudon by the Maraudine clan.
Bloodsworn
After the Cataclysm, a new powerful elemental arose in Maraudon. This elemental created a fresh breed of centaur known as the perfect ones, with the intention of spreading them throughout Azeroth to reclaim it from the other mortal races. The perfect ones, led by Aratas, established Maraudon as their headquarters as they strategized their invasion of the Horde cities. Meanwhile, the elemental remained concealed in the depths of the caves, accumulating strength and reinforcing the ranks of the perfect ones on a daily basis. Aratas prohibited the “older breed” of centaur from entering Maraudon, allowing only himself and his followers to dwell in the temple. In an attempt to halt the centaur’s plans, a group from the Horde’s Garad’kra militia launched an assault on Maraudon, resulting in the defeat of most of the perfect ones. However, Aratas managed to capture their leader Shagara, retreated into Maraudon, and summoned his elemental father. With the assistance of the wanderer Malgar, the Garad’kra successfully eliminated Aratas and utilized his enchanted spear to vanquish the elemental, ultimately safeguarding the Horde.
Wings
The various sections, despite being part of the same connected area, can be directly reached through three distinct gateways from the main world in Desolace. Upon entering Maraudon, players will traverse a tunnel known as “Maraudon” until they reach a junction called Zaetar’s Choice. If they proceed north, they will arrive at the upper Wicked Tunnels and the entrance to the Wicked Grotto. Heading east through the Earth Song Gate will lead them to the lower Wicked Tunnels and the portal to Earth Song Falls. Lastly, heading south will take them to the Foulspore Pools and the entrance to Foulspore Cavern.
Wicked Grotto
The Wicked Grotto features Tinkerer Gizlock, Lord Vyletongue, and Celebras the Cursed as its bosses. Meshlok the Harvester, a rare boss, may occasionally appear near Celebras’s location. Completing this wing in Dungeon Finder only requires defeating Lord Vyletongue.
There are groups of non-elite imps that patrol the area, so having AoE capability can be beneficial. Some satyrs have the ability to Gouge, which incapacitates the tank and redirects the monsters’ attacks to the next person on the threat list. Vyletongue is accompanied by stealthed guards and has the ability to teleport around the room during combat.
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The bosses in The Wicked Grotto are Tinkerer Gizlock, Lord Vyletongue, and Celebras the Cursed. Meshlok the Harvester, a rare boss, can sometimes be found near Celebras’s area. To receive the Dungeon Finder completion reward for this wing, only Lord Vyletongue needs to be defeated.
There are groups of non-elite imps that patrol the area, so having AoE capability can be beneficial. Some satyrs have the ability to Gouge, which incapacitates the tank and redirects the monsters’ attacks to the next person on the threat list. Vyletongue is accompanied by stealthed guards and has the ability to teleport around the room during combat.
Foulspore Cavern
The bosses found in the Foulspore Cavern are Razorlash and Noxxion. The inhabitants of this area consist mainly of oozes, lashers, and dryads. Be cautious of the knockback abilities of the plants and the oozes, which should be dealt with by ranged DPS. The oozes emit an aura that inflicts significant damage every three seconds.
Maraudon Dungeon Strategy Guide
Quick run down
Maraudon is divided into multiple sections. Initially, you will effortlessly defeat the mobs. As you progress, you will come across an area with glowing purple rocks on the left and orange rocks on the right. Additionally, there is a central entrance that leads to the Princess, but it is advisable to explore the entire dungeon first. Following the path of the rocks, you will encounter either an orange or purple area, each with corresponding entrances to the instance.
To undertake Orange or Purple Maraudon, it is recommended to be at level 32 or 33. However, if you wish to challenge the Princess, you will need a group of players at least level 39. It is crucial to highlight the importance of having strong area-of-effect (AoE) abilities. Throughout the dungeon, you will face numerous attacks from non-elite enemies, and AoE attacks will be essential in dealing with them effectively.
Orange side
Several noteworthy aspects: the bright green Creeping Sludge move at a slow pace and deliver powerful blows, making it advisable to avoid close combat, with a tank leading them away while ranged DPS eliminates them individually. These creatures are not particularly challenging to lead around due to their slow movement. Some recommendations:
– Melee fighters should focus on finishing off weakened enemies.
– Ranged attackers should use all their abilities and lead the creatures on a chase. Arcane Missiles can be especially effective.
– Anyone with a slowing ability (such as Mind Flay) should use it on the frontmost creature.
– It is feasible to evade these creatures indefinitely by running in circles. During a chaotic battle, I witnessed a paladin lure seven of them through the instance. We managed to defeat them one by one, preventing a wipe.
– Noxxion must be defeated to obtain (N [10-30D] Servants of Theradras. Around halfway through the battle, he will divide and summon non-elite elementals, reuniting once they are eliminated.
Purple side
The interior of this location presents a straightforward scenario where numerous green AH fodder can be obtained. Vyletongue is accompanied by four stealthed guards, two of which can be engaged without alerting him. Despite his presence, defeating him is not a challenging task. It is essential to eliminate him to acquire N [10-30D] Corruption within Maraudon. It is worth noting that the Satyrs have the ability to incapacitate your tank, posing a significant threat if precautions are not taken. The abundance of details regarding the orange side contrasts with the limited information available about the purple side, which is notably less demanding.
Celebras
To reach him, you can either proceed through the orange or purple sides. Engaging in this encounter can be quite chaotic as he continuously summons non-elites. Utilizing area-of-effect attacks is crucial in this situation. Fortunately, no additional monsters will emerge, ensuring your safety during this phase. Take a moment to breathe a sigh of relief, as you have now reached the midpoint of the instance. However, be cautious, as advancing further will lead you to a massive lake.
The Princess
Before Patch 3.0.8, accessing the final part of Maraudon required the use of the Inv staff 16 [Scepter of Celebras]. By bringing the staff to a specific alcove in the middle of the pre-instance area and using it, a portal would open, leading to the shallow part of Earth Song Falls. However, after the patch, the portal to Inner Maraudon became accessible to all players without the need for the staff.
The initial section of this area contains several bosses that are interesting to defeat, but they are generally easy except for the Princess. The regular mobs, on the other hand, pose more of a challenge:
The basilisks in this area frequently silence their targets. Casters should position themselves further back than usual to avoid being affected.
The rock elementals split into non-elite versions upon defeat. Area of Effect (AoE) attacks are highly effective against them. Managing aggro is crucial to prevent healers from being overwhelmed.
There are numerous patrols in the area. It is important to always wait for them, as they can quickly wipe out even a skilled group. The most dangerous situation is being caught between patrols going in different directions at T junctions.
The Princess herself is an elite level 39 enemy and possesses powerful attacks. She frequently fears melee attackers and has a wide-range AoE attack. Nature protection potions are extremely useful in this fight. If your party is underleveled, it is advisable to purchase some potions before engaging her. Although she is fast, she can be easily kited. Hunters or mages can safely attack her from a distance. To maximize damage output, it is recommended to position ranged casters on opposite sides of her, although this may pose challenges for healers. Importantly, ensure that you do not stand near the edges, as being knocked off into the river below can be detrimental.
In the RPG
Maraudon holds great significance for the centaur, as it is the final resting place of Zaetar, the keeper of the grove and son of Cenarius, and the dwelling of Princess Theradras, an earth elemental. The story of Maraudon is filled with tragedy and forbidden love. Zaetar, in defiance of his heritage, formed a forbidden union with Theradras, resulting in the birth of deformed and cursed centaur. These centaur promptly killed their father for his role in their creation. Fearing the wrath of Cenarius, Theradras hid Zaetar’s body in the Crystal Caverns of Terramok, where she continues to watch over him. Travelers who visit Desolace can easily locate Zaetar’s tomb, as it has been transformed into a lush paradise of vegetation and serene pools, thanks to the natural blessings that emanate from Zaetar’s being. Today, Maraudon is claimed as a sacred stronghold by Zaetar’s descendants.
The tomb itself is a complex network of underground caves and tunnels, inhabited by the spirits of long-deceased centaur khans, as well as earth elementals, basilisks, and rock borers. There are also rumors of satyrs and other minions of the Burning Legion taking up residence in these caverns.
In the past, Maraudon served as the capital of Desolace, when the centaur tribes were the dominant force in the region. However, with the rise of other civilizations and the loss of centaur influence, Maraudon is now just one of several major settlements in Desolace. The centaur tribes, known as the Black tribe, Brown tribe, Green tribe, Red tribe, and Yellow tribe, each had their own strongholds scattered throughout Desolace. But Maraudon was the central hub where all centaur tribes would gather for cultural events and meetings.
The Valley of Spears, surrounding Maraudon, was once filled with grand tents and protected by a palisade. It served as a cultural center and meeting place for all centaur. However, the current state of the Valley of Spears is unknown.
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