How to Summon Nightbane: Karazhan & Quest Chain | WoW TBC Anniversary

Imagine a skeletal dragon rising amid Karazhan's spires, promising epic gems and Tier 4-level gear weekly. Nightbane is the ultimate optional challenge in Karazhan, requiring a lengthy attunement process that blends dungeon crawling with high-stakes raiding. We've tracked the Anniversary launch trends—Nightbane remains a top priority for his unique loot, especially the Shield of Impenetrable Darkness.

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Prerequisites: The Road to the Blackened Urn

Nightbane cannot be summoned by just anyone. You must first prove your worth to The Violet Eye.

• Reputation: You must reach Honored with The Violet Eye. This is achieved by clearing Karazhan bosses and trash.

• Starting NPC: Once Honored, speak to Archmage Alturus outside Karazhan (/way 47 75) to begin the quest chain.

The Nightbane Quest Chain Walkthrough

This nine-quest arc is the only way to obtain the Blackened Urn.

1. Medivh's Journal: Find the journal in the Karazhan Library (after The Curator).

2. The Shade of Aran: Defeat Shade of Aran and loot his journal.

3. The Master's Terrace: Witness the RP event at the Terrace (accessible via the side entrance).

4. Kalynna's Request: The "Wall." You must enter two Heroic dungeons to retrieve:

   • Tome of Dusk: Dropped by Grand Warlock Nethekurse in Heroic Shattered Halls.

   • Book of Forgotten Names: Dropped by Darkweaver Syth in Heroic Sethekk Halls.

5. Nightbane: After heroics, obtain the Blackened Urn from Kalinnal. Return to Master's Terrace, use it to summon, defeat Nightbane, loot Faint Arcane Essence, and turn in to Alturus for permanent Urn.

The Heroic dungeon step is where most players stall. Secure your Heroic keys early by grinding Honor Hold/Thrallmar and Lower City reputation to Revered. If you need a boost to get your gear raid-ready, MMOJUGG offers the fastest gold delivery to help you skip the pre-raid grind.

Nightbane Boss Mechanics & Strategy

Nightbane is an undead dragon with distinct Ground and Air phases.

Phase 1: Ground (100% - 75%, 50% - 25%)

• Bellowing Roar: AoE Fear. Use Fear Ward, Tremor Totem, or Berserker Rage.

• Charred Earth: Targets a random player with fire. Move out immediately.

• Cleave & Tail Sweep: Standard dragon rules—never stand directly in front or behind.

Note: Anniversary nerfs reduce melee/Smoking Blast damage by ~50-80%, making it more accessible early.

Phase 2: Air (75%, 50%, 25%)

• Rain of Bones: Spawns Skeletons. Ranged must AoE these down quickly.

• Smoking Blast: High physical and fire damage on the target with the highest threat. Healers must focus-heal and dispel the DoT.

During the Air Phase, the boss's threat table is unique. The person with the most healing or damage threat will be bombarded by Smoking Blast. Paladins using Righteous Fury or high-threat healers should be prepared to use defensives.

Boss Loot: Why Kill Nightbane?

Nightbane drops some of the best non-set items in Phase 1.

FAQs on WoW TBC Anniversary Nightbane Summoning

How do I start the Nightbane summon quest chain?

Begin with the quest Medivh's Journal at Archmage Alturus (/way Deadwind Pass 47 75). You must be Honored with The Violet Eye. The chain eventually requires you to clear up to Shade of Aran in Karazhan.

What reputation levels are needed for Nightbane access?

You need Honored with The Violet Eye to start the chain. Additionally, you will need Revered with Lower City and Honor Hold/Thrallmar to access the Heroic dungeons required for the final quest items.

How do I get the Blackened Urn for future summons?

Once you complete the final quest, "Nightbane," you will receive the Blackened Urn. This is a permanent item (with a 30-second cooldown) that you can use to summon the boss every weekly reset without repeating the quest.

What is the best positioning for the Nightbane encounter?

The Tank should face Nightbane sideways relative to the raid. The rest of the group stacks on the boss's flank to avoid both the frontal Cleave/Breath and the rear Tail Sweep.

When does Nightbane enter aerial phases, and how to handle them?

Nightbane flies up at 75%, 50%, and 25% health. During this time, focus on killing the Restless Skeletons immediately. Healers must prioritize dispelling Smoking Blast and keeping the target alive.

What rewards does defeating Nightbane provide beyond loot?

The first-time quest completion allows you to choose an Epic Gem (such as Pulsing Amethyst (+12 Spell Power / 8 MP5)) and awards a massive 3,000 reputation with The Violet Eye.

Thanks for Reading

Mastering the Nightbane summon is a badge of honor for any TBC raider. Stay tuned to MMOJUGG for more WoW TBC Classic Anniversary guides. To ensure your raid is fully stocked with flasks and oils for this fight, visit our TBC Anniversary Gold Shop for the most reliable gold on the market!

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