SoD Phase 8: New Scarlet Enclave Quest & Trinket

World of Warcraft Classic's Season of Discovery Phase 8 is shaping up to be a lore-rich adventure, and the latest questline in the Scarlet Enclave is proof of that. Dropped fresh on the PTR, this quest doesn't just tease the upcoming Scarlet Enclave raid—it dives deep into the tangled history of key characters and hands out some seriously tempting trinket rewards. Whether you're a story junkie or just here for the loot, this questline has something worth your time. Let's break it down and see what's waiting for us in the Plaguelands.

The journey begins at Light's Hope Chapel with Leonid Bartholomew the Revered, a familiar face with a grim past. His new quest, “My Old Enemy,” sets the tone by introducing Baln Calderon—a Scarlet Crusade zealot who's left a trail of pain in his wake. Leonid's warning is clear: don't trust Calderon. His shaky hands and bitter words hint at a personal vendetta that's been simmering for years. It's not just setup for the raid—it's a window into why we're even messing with the Scarlet Crusade again.

From there, Lord Maxwell Tyrosus chimes in with “The Wrecked Caravan,” sending you north to Plaguewood near Stratholme. You'll meet Leonid again to investigate a busted Scarlet caravan, uncovering mysterious alchemical samples and research notes. What's the Scarlet Crusade up to? Apparently, they're cooking up a plague that targets both the living and the undead—nasty stuff that could spell trouble for everyone, including the Forsaken.

The next step gets hands-on. “Testing the Plague” has you weakening undead like Cannibal Ghouls and Scourge Soldiers (ignore the banshees—they're immune) to about 50% health, then dosing them with the plague sample. It's a creepy mechanic—watching them keel over without lootable corpses feels eerie, though that might change when it hits live servers. The PTR hiccups aside, it's a cool twist that ties into the lore: this plague is a game-changer, and the Scarlet Crusade isn't messing around.

Then comes “Servants of Death,” a quest that'll test your patience. You're tasked with using the plague on Cult of the Damned necromancers near Stratholme, but their spawn rate is brutal. It's a slog—over an hour of camping on the PTR—so here's hoping Blizzard adds more spawns or a ritual circle to smooth it out. Leonid's reaction to the research notes confirms the stakes: this plague is a Scarlet-crafted nightmare, and its origins tie back to Stratholme's dark history.

The questline takes a poignant turn with “The Culling” at Stratholme's service gate (you'll need the key, so grab it if you haven't). Leonid relives the moment Calderon ordered his family's execution during the city's purge—a gut-wrenching flashback that explains his hatred. You'll escort him to a cart in the Gauntlet, feeling the weight of his loss as he recalls crawling away, wounded and helpless, only to rise later as a Scourge thrall.

The final leg sends you to Teridale, a haunted village in Western Plaguelands. Here, you'll clear out Nerubian drones—a straightforward fight that's more about closure than challenge. Leonid reflects on Calderon's betrayal: the man slaughtered his father and burned his home, all in the name of “purity.” It's heavy stuff, but it ends on a hopeful note. Back at Light's Hope Chapel, Leonid chooses peace over vengeance, honoring his son's dream of curing undeath.

After all that, you're not walking away empty-handed. Completing the chain nets you a choice of four trinkets, each with solid stats for different playstyles:  

Leonid's Charm: +1% hit, +14 defense, +20 stamina—a tank's dream, rivaling the Onyxia trinket.  

Hand of Reborn Justice (Melee): 2% chance for an extra attack, +52 attack power—think Hand of Justice vibes, but unique-equipped.  

Hand of Reborn Justice (Healing): +1% crit, +10 intellect, +48 spell power, +5 mana per 5—great for healers on a budget.  

Journal of the Revered: +1% hit, +1% crit, +30 spell power—a caster gem that might edge out Zandalarian trinkets for some builds.

These aren't just shiny baubles; they're practical upgrades that'll hold you over until the Scarlet Enclave raid drops more goodies. Plus, the flavor text—like “What's an undead got to do to reach exalted?”—adds a cheeky nod to Leonid's journey.

This isn't just busywork—it's a narrative bridge to the Scarlet Enclave raid, hinting at Calderon's role and the Crusade's plague experiments. The PTR version suggests it's not an attunement (no raid lock yet), but it could be a prerequisite for bigger things when Phase 8 launches on April 8, 2025. The story's gripping, the tasks are varied, and the rewards are worth the effort. Sure, the necromancer camping needs a fix, but the bones of this questline are solid.

That's the scoop on the new Scarlet Enclave quest in Season of Discovery Phase 8! From heartbreaking lore to plague-testing action, it's a wild ride with trinkets that'll boost your arsenal. Keep an eye on MMOJUGG for more as we inch closer to the big reveal. Stay safe out there in the Plaguelands!