The Stonecore

Within the Temple of Earth, locked in the heart of Deepholm, lies the Stonecore. It was inside this mysterious domain that the Twilight's Hammer toiled over Deathwing, hammering elementium plates to the Dragon Aspect's skin to hold his tormented body together. It was also here that Deathwing began his ascent into Azeroth, shattering the fabled World Pillar and destabilizing the entire region of Deepholm.

Although the corrupted Dragon Aspect is now gone, his fanatical Twilight's Hammer followers are still entrenched within the deepest recesses of the Stonecore. For these zealous worshippers, the point of Deathwing's ascent is sacred ground, and they would gladly give their lives to preserve its sanctity.

Shaman of the Earthen Ring have recently arrived in Deepholm to mend the broken World Pillar, but their efforts have come under attack by a host of malevolent forces, not the least of which is the Twilight's Hammer. As Horde and Alliance heroes struggle to aid the shaman, the Stonecore has become a demoralizing symbol of the grim hold that Deathwing's followers still have on Deepholm.

Aside from the presence of Twilight's Hammer cultists, details concerning the Stonecore are scarce. The few explorers who have braved the Temple of Earth's inner sanctum tell of jagged, erratic passageways--the work of some yet-unseen elemental beasts--twisting throughout the area and, more times than not, leading to dead ends. Most troubling of all are reports of a monstrous stone wyrm lurking in the shadows of the subterranean region. Beyond that, whatever guards the site of Deathwing's ascendance in the deepest caverns of the Stonecore is a mystery.

Whether or not the Stonecore's native elemental creatures are under the sway of the Twilight's Hammer is unknown. There is no doubt, however, that they will view intruders with hostility. Unless the subterranean lair is cleansed, the efforts of the Earthen Ring and other benevolent forces in Deepholm will be meaningless. As long as the Twilight's Hammer retains its hold over the Temple of Earth, the entire region will remain covered in Deathwing's lingering shadow.