Beyond the Dark Portal #17: the last chance

August 24, 2026•Lore•Brendo Arruda

"Beyond the Dark Portal" series — Beyond the Dark Portal #17. The story of Beyond the Dark Portal, from the internment camps to the end of Draenor. The episodes are listed in order at the end of the post.

With the clock running, the Alliance made a risky decision: split the expedition. Danath and Kurdran went after Ner'zhul, who had the Book of Medivh. Khadgar, Turalyon and Alleria went after Deathwing, who had the Skull of Gul'dan. It was the last chance to stop the spell before the stars aligned.

Two artifacts, two paths

After the Citadel, the Alliance found out that the artifacts were not all in the same place. Ner'zhul carried the Book of Medivh. Deathwing had kept the Skull of Gul'dan.

Without both, the spell would not work. The Alliance needed to take at least one of them.

Splitting the expedition

Danath Trollbane and Kurdran Wildhammer went after Ner'zhul.
Khadgar, Turalyon and Alleria went after Deathwing.

Splitting the expedition weakened both groups, but it was the only way to reach both artifacts in time.

A race against time

The star alignment was getting closer. Both groups knew that, if they failed, Ner'zhul would open the portals and maybe destroy Draenor with them still on it.

What this changes in the story

Splitting the expedition is one of the riskiest decisions of the campaign. With the group divided, each half faced enemies stronger than itself: one group went after Ner'zhul and the Horde, the other went after a Dragon Aspect.

The choice of groups also makes sense. Danath and Kurdran were warriors, good for chasing an army. Khadgar, Turalyon and Alleria had magic, the Light and a ranger's bow, which was what they needed against a dragon.

The fate of the two groups shapes the end of the story: one reaches Auchindoun, the other Gorgrond, and both meet again at the Black Temple.

Episode timeline

The Alliance discovers the artifacts are in different places.
Ner'zhul has the Book of Medivh, and Deathwing has the Skull.
The expedition splits into two groups.
Danath and Kurdran go after Ner'zhul.
Khadgar, Turalyon and Alleria go after Deathwing.

Who's who in this episode

| Name | Who they are | |------|--------| | Danath Trollbane | Leader of the group that chased Ner'zhul. | | Kurdran Wildhammer | The gryphon rider who went with Danath. | | Khadgar, Turalyon and Alleria | The group that went after Deathwing. | | Ner'zhul | The Chieftain of the Horde, with the Book of Medivh. | | Deathwing | The black dragon, with the Skull of Gul'dan. |

Where to see it in WotLK

Terokkar Forest: Auchindoun, where Ner'zhul's trail leads.
Blade's Edge Mountains: the Gorgrond region, home to Deathwing's eggs and Gruul.
Shadowmoon Valley: the Black Temple, Ner'zhul's final destination.