The defining trait of Blackrock Depths was its size.
Big meant confusing terrain, getting lost easily, bosses everywhere, and half of those bosses tucked away in completely different corners of the dungeon.
Since they were working on the Shadowforge Key, Gabryell did not take everyone to the Grim Guzzler right away. Instead, he went to kill Pyromancer Loregrain first.
"This boss is trash."
After Loregrain fell, Igor said disdainfully, "I'm starting to think every boss in BRD is kind of weak."
He was not wrong. Most of the bosses in Blackrock Depths really were weak. Otherwise, how could so many classes solo-farm them in so many different ways?
"That's why BRD isn't one of the big three level-60 dungeons," Gabryell said. "The real three are UBRS, Stratholme, and Scholomance."
In Gabryell's opinion, Lower Blackrock Spire was not hard enough to count either. The bosses there were just like BRD bosses, getting solo-farmed by every class under the sun. They had no dignity at all.
"We're just overleveled," he added. "Come here at level 50 and BRD will make you cry."
They had to admit that the main reason the dungeon felt easy now was because their levels were too high.
A four-Mage-one-Priest spellcleave group could even blast through parts of BRD faster than a normal party, as long as they knew what they were doing.
"Leather spell-damage chest. Luna, that's yours."
Loregrain dropped two items. One was Flamestrider Robes, with Spirit, Stamina, Intellect, Fire Resistance, and a green effect that added spell damage. For this stage, it was useful healer gear.
"Formula too," Gabryell said. "Igor, take it."
The other drop was an Enchanting formula.
Formula: Enchant Weapon - Fiery Weapon
Uncommon
Requires Enchanting (265)
Use: Teaches you how to permanently enchant a weapon to often strike for additional Fire damage.
For high-level characters, this enchant was more for looks than actual power. It covered the weapon in flame, which made it perfect for showing off in town.
"This is actually good stuff," Gabryell said. "After the enchant procs, it deals a fixed 40 Fire damage."
He genuinely thought it was useful.
"Don't laugh at 40 damage. Put this on low-level weapons for Warriors, Rogues, and Paladins, and they'll tear through starter-zone mobs. Their leveling speed will shoot up."
"There are a ton of new players right now. Post a little promotion on the Azeroth National Geographic forums, enchant some level 1 white weapons, and list them on the Auction House. People will buy them."
Low-level white weapons could be traded freely, so this business had almost no risk.
"Do low-level alts even have gold?" Igor asked. He did not think new players would have much money.
"No gold?" Gabryell smiled. "They have real money. Trust me, this country has way more rich gamers than you think."
Right now, there were no Mages carrying people through every dungeon under the sun. Everyone had to rely on questing to level. Rich players would not mind spending a little money to make leveling faster.
Take Rogues, for example. From level 1 to 10, if they used a level 1 weapon enchanted with Fiery Weapon, they could easily cut their way to 10. After unlocking Dual Wield, they could keep that momentum going to 15. Their mob-killing speed would be at least twice as fast as someone using a normal weapon.
Every goblin understood the truth.
Time is money, friend.
After defeating Loregrain, they headed to the Black Vault.
"We don't have many keys, so we're not opening the coffers this time. Once we have enough, we'll come back and help Carlos get Burning Essence."
Gabryell planned to buy some Relic Coffer Keys in a couple of days and run the vault several more times so they could prepare a few more arcanums.
"Just kill the boss."
The bosses at the entrance to the vault were Warder Stilgiss and his hound, Verek.
Stilgiss was a Mage and not hard to kill. As long as the main tank held both him and the dog, they could burn down Stilgiss first, then kill Verek afterward.
"Luna, if you pull Boreal Mantle, I'll tip you 10 gold."
Gabryell had not skipped the Warden because his target was Boreal Mantle. At this stage, those shoulders were the best Frost-damage shoulders for Mages, even better than tier 1 shoulders.
"Deal."
For 10 gold, Lunatori was determined to loot the mantle no matter what.
As soon as Stilgiss fell, she did not even wait for the dog to die. She went straight up and opened the loot window.
Boreal Mantle
Rare
Binds when picked up
Shoulder
Cloth
61 Armor
+8 Intellect
+5 Stamina
Requires Level 52
Equip: Increases damage done by Frost spells and effects by up to 29.
"Holy crap," Carlos said with exaggerated emotion. "Congratulations to Luna for earning 10 gold."
Hugo immediately followed up. "Luna's hands are blessed. We should let her loot everything."
Lunatori could not hide her grin.
Gabryell was just as happy. He equipped Boreal Mantle right away. After going this far into BRD, he had already upgraded three slots in a single run. The only pity was that Omnicast Boots had not dropped.
"The dog dropped nothing?"
Maybe Stilgiss had used up all their luck with Boreal Mantle. Verek only dropped Red Wolf Meat and Thick Wolfhide. No Verek's Collar.
"What were you expecting from a dog, a sword?" Gabryell said. "Take the hide and sell it."
He had Lunatori trade the Thick Wolfhide to Igor.
After killing the Vault boss, the next target was Fineous Darkvire, the quest boss for the Shadowforge Key.
Fineous was a paladin-type enemy who patrolled the stairs near Lord Incendius, another fire elemental boss.
"Wait for his patrol. When he comes over, pull him here and kill him."
Gabryell could not be bothered to clear too many extra mobs. He simply waited until Fineous patrolled close enough, then had Carlos pull him in.
"Interrupt Holy Light."
In truth, he did not need to remind them. If someone had played this long and still did not know to interrupt a boss's heal, they might as well quit before dragging their teammates down.
As long as Fineous was not allowed to heal, he was just a training dummy.
Basically a Ret Paladin from this era.
"Whoa. These pants are insane."
Lunatori opened the loot window and immediately cried out in surprise. Clearly, something good had dropped again.
Senior Designer's Pantaloons
Rare
Binds when picked up
Legs
Cloth
69 Armor
+18 Spirit
+8 Stamina
+7 Intellect
Requires Level 50
Equip: Increases healing done by spells by up to 40.
"That is a lot of healing," Lunatori said. "Why are they cloth, though?"
Cloth or not, healing gear belonged to her.
With Senior Designer's Pantaloons, Lunatori no longer had to torture herself farming Ghoul Skin Leggings from Scholomance. The leggings were on the shared loot table for six bosses, but with only around a one-percent drop rate, farming them would make anyone hate the game.
Gabryell looted Ironfel. Now they could go back and claim the Shadowforge Key.
"Back to the shrine."
Gabryell led the way.
They placed Ironfel into the hand of the Dark Iron statue. A small compartment opened at the base, completing Dark Iron Legacy.
Shadowforge Key acquired.
They had finally obtained the key. Next time they came to BRD, things would be much more convenient. They could take the shortcut to the East Garrison.
"No keyring is such a pain."
Another key meant another bag slot gone. Bag space was extremely precious for a Mage.
"Come on. I'll take you to the Grim Guzzler."
Gabryell thought it over and decided to go there first. Lord Incendius was bait: random-enchant bracers, a pile of disappointment, and not much reason to bother unless someone was chasing a perfect damage roll.
The Wayfarer's Knapsack from the Grim Guzzler was much more tempting.