Quick Facts

Series

1.	The Secret Compromised
2.	Ruse of the Ashtongue
3.	An Artifact From the Past
4.	The Hostage Soul
5.	Entry Into the Black Temple
6.	A Distraction for Akama A Distraction for Akama
7.	Seek Out the Ashtongue
8.	Redemption of the Ashtongue
9.	The Fall of the Betrayer

Screenshots

Videos

Comments

Comment by rodmin

Assuming "Oldum's sacrifice" on the quest "Ruse of the Ashtongue", http://www.wowhead.com/?quest=10946 , this is perhaps the quest that'll start the Black Temple Atunement, sending you to Akama to do this same quest chain.

Subject to confirmation or denial, of course...

Comment by Wraath

This is a quest involved in the Black Temple Attunement Chain:

The Black Temple attunement starts at The Altar of the Sha'tar for Aldors, and the Sanctum of the Sun for Scryers. Both are in Shadowmoon Valley.

Aldors start attunement from Anchorite Ceyla (http://www.wowhead.com/?npc=21402) at the Altar of Sha'tar in Shadowmoon Valley:
1. http://www.wowhead.com/?quest=10568 Tablets of Baa'ri
2. http://www.wowhead.com/?quest=10571 Oronu the Elder
3. http://www.wowhead.com/?quest=10574 The Ashtongue Corruptors
4. http://www.wowhead.com/?quest=10575 The Warden's Cage

Scyers start attunement from Arcanist Thelis (http://www.wowhead.com/?npc=21955) at the Sanctum of Stars:
1. http://www.wowhead.com/?quest=10683 Tablets of Baa'ri
2. http://www.wowhead.com/?quest=10684 Oronu the Elder
3. http://www.wowhead.com/?quest=10685 The Ashtongue Corruptors
4. http://www.wowhead.com/?quest=10686 The Warden's Cage

After that, the chain comes together for Aldor and Scryer.

5. http://www.wowhead.com/?quest=10622 Proof of Allegiance
6. http://www.wowhead.com/?quest=10628 Akama
7. http://www.wowhead.com/?quest=10705 Seer Udalo

Seer Udalo is found in the Arcatraz (http://www.wowhead.com/?zone=3846) just before the last boss.

8. http://www.wowhead.com/?quest=10706 A Mysterious Portent
9. http://www.wowhead.com/?quest=10707 The Ata'mal Terrace
10. http://www.wowhead.com/?quest=10708 Akama's Promise

After you finish this chain, you get to pick from some rewards and the chain seems like it ends. It continues however, inside Serpentshrine Cavern (http://www.wowhead.com/?zone=3607) from an NPC called Seer Olum (http://www.wowhead.com/?npc=22820) who you can speak with after killing Fathom-Lord Karathress. He starts the next part of the Black Temple Chain by offering the quest:

1. http://www.wowhead.com/?quest=10944 The Secret Compromised
For this quest you just return to Akama.
2. http://www.wowhead.com/?quest=10946 Ruse of the Ashtongue
In this quest, you must use the costume Akama provides, and kill A'lar in Tempest Keep: The Eye while wearing the Ashtongue Cowl. Attunement for The Eye is a whole different chain.
3. http://www.wowhead.com/?quest=10947 An Artifact From the Past
In this, you need to gain access to The Battle of Mount Hyjal in Caverns of Time, and slay the first boss, Rage Winterchill. Attunement for this involves killing Lady Vashj and Kael'Thas Sunstrider.
4. http://www.wowhead.com/?quest=10948 The Hostage Soul
For this you must speak with A'dal in Shattrath city.
5. http://www.wowhead.com/?quest=10949 Entry into the Black Temple
For this, just speak with the naaru Xi'ri in front of Black Temple.
6. http://www.wowhead.com/?quest=10985 A Distraction for Akama
Unknown what this quest asks of you, most likely you need to defend Xi'ri and make your way into Black Temple. At the end, you become attuned to enter and are granted The Medallion of Karabor (http://www.wowhead.com/?item=32649)

At this point, you are attuned and can enter Black Temple, although the chain continues and you can soon upgrade your medallion. It continues with:

1. http://www.wowhead.com/?quest=10958 Seek Out the Ashtongue
You just need to find Seer Kanai (http://www.wowhead.com/?npc=23158) inside Black Temple.
2. http://www.wowhead.com/?quest=10957 Redemption of the Ashtongue
This involves entering Black Temple, and killing the boss the Shade of Akama (http://www.wowhead.com/?npc=22841).
3. http://www.wowhead.com/?quest=10959 The Fall of the Betrayer
After killing the Shade of Akama and returning to Seer Kanai, he asks one last thing of you. Kill Illidan The Betrayer. After doing so, you are granted the Blessed Medallion of Karabor, an upgraded version of your original medallion, and allows teleportation to the Black Temple.

Comment by 3316

You have to do the Ata'Mal Terrace quest before talking to Seer Olum behind Karathress : http://www.wowhead.com/?quest=10707

If you have completed all the quests available from the Ashtongue Deathsworn in Shadowmoon Valley you should be at around 1925 reputation into Neutral, unless you're a human with the Diplomacy bonus.

Comment by Astralen

Observe! If you go inside SSC a day later after killing Karathress (within the reset) and attempt to fetch the quest...he wont be there =) Apparently he despawns.

Comment by 24449

Confirmed, despawns after a soft reset, which is basicly everyone leaving the instance and reforming a raid.

Comment by 82201

Do u have to get the heroic steam vaults first are do u have to kill the ladie?

Comment by 99583

After you turn in this quest, be sure to stick around for the amazing voiceover between Akama, Olum and Illidan =)

Comment by 121040

As of patch 2.3.3 1/23/08 - you do not have to be in the raid at the time Karathess dies - I was able to get a guild who had just downed Karathess to let me in and talk to Seer Olum and I was able to get the Al'ar quest from him. Just an FYI.

Comment by Sihmm

The process of attunement to the Black Temple begins in Shadowmoon Valley with a very long quest chain that requires trips to the Arcatraz, Serpentshrine Cavern, Mount Hyjal and finally the doorstep of the Black Temple itself. Even if you're not planning on raiding just yet, the chain does offer some nice blue rewards half way through. It starts differently depending on whether you're Aldor (A) or Scryer (S):

Aldors pick up the line from Anchorite Ceyla in the Altar of Sha'tar:
1. (A) Tablets of Baa'ri
2. (A) Oronu the Elder
3. (A) The Ashtongue Corruptors
4. (A) The Warden's Cage

Scyers get it from Arcanist Thelis at the Sanctum of Stars:
1. (S) Tablets of Baa'ri
2. (S) Oronu the Elder
3. (S) The Ashtongue Corruptors
4. (S) The Warden's Cage

At this point the chains converge for both factions:
5. Proof of Allegiance
6. Akama
7. Seer Udalo (Dungeon)

Here, you have to venture into the Arcatraz (which requires a Rogue with 350 lockpicking or somebody to open the door who's completed the Arcatraz Key chain, which requires trips to the Mechanar and the Botanica respectively) to the room just before the final boss. Sadly it's impossible to solo-stealth to. Finding Udalo leads to:

Talk to Akama:
8. A Mysterious Portent
Kill waves of nonelites, 3 elites and a boss (5-man) on a terrace outside the Black Temple:
9. The Ata'mal Terrace
Finally, deliver the medallion to A'dal in Shattrath City:
10. Akama's Promise

The chain ends here, and you're granted a choice of rewards:
Akama's Sash (cloth DPS belt)
Bloodwarder's Rifle (gun)
Spellbreaker's Buckler (spelldamage shield)
Ashtongue Blade (phsyical DPS dagger)
Verdant Gloves (feral leather gloves)
Staff of the Ashtongue Deathsworn (healing staff)
However, if you now go into Serpentshrine Cavern and kill Karathress, you'll be able to talk to Seer Olum who'll continue the quest chain for you:

1. The Secret Compromised
Go back to Warden's Cage in SMV and talk to Akama.
2. Ruse of the Ashtongue
Using the Ashtongue Cowl provided, kill Al'ar in Tempest Keep while disguised as a member of the Deathsworn.
3. An Artifact From the Past
You need to be attuned to Mount Hyjal for this. Simply kill Rage Winterchill and loot his phylactery (what is it with liches and their phylacteries?), then deliver it to Akama...
4. The Hostage Soul
...then return to Ad'al in Shattrath City...
5. Entry Into the Black Temple
...then go back to Shadowmoon and talk to Xi'ri on the road leading to the Black Temple. He'll ask you to help with
6. A Distraction for Akama
...but once you tell Xi'ri you're ready (talk to him after accepting the quest), you can watch a scripted sequence that you do not actually have to help with in any way. After this is finished, talk to Xi'ri again for your Medallion of Karabor and the completion of Black Temple attunement. Congratulations, you can now waltz in to Illidan's latest bachelor pad!

But before you go, the chain continues from Xi'ri with:
7. Seek Out the Ashtongue
Time to start exploring the Black Temple! When you find the Deathsworn, they'll give you
2. Redemption of the Ashtongue
...which requires you to kill the Shade of Akama. Finally you're given
3. The Fall of the Betrayer
Yup, kill Illidan. No problem. Then you're done.

Comment by Kiliana

As of 2.4 all BC attunements were removed, but don't let your guild leave this quest behind. As the final reward is reccomended, though not technically required, for Mother im BT. If you don't complete this chain you'll need to sub in SR enchants, greens, or the Pendant of Shadow's End.

Comment by 233907

How do you get the quest?

Comment by 258919

Requires completion of a quest chain in SMV before you can get this quest.

The hardest part of this quest, honestly, is finding a group who doesn't wanna just skip to Vashj for the achievement.

Comment by 88759

I just wanted to add that myself (prot warrior) and a hunter (SV) were just able to two-man Karathress. Our strategy without a healer was to ignore all of the adds, and just go to town on Karathress. I saved my cooldowns near the end when he had his massive damage buff, we both grabbed the quest and looted the boss before the adds were dead. Honestly, any DPS with a healer would probably be able to duo-kill this.

Comment by Aliok

The conversation which occurs after turning in the quest. I recommend sticking around because the entire conversation is voice-acted! If you didn't experience it - for whatever reason - here is the transcript. Enjoy. :)

Seer Olum says: Akama, my friend! Have you been informed? I was found out by Vashj's followers. Our secret is in peril!

Akama says: Olum... old friend. It is good to see that you are safe.

Seer Olum says: Illidan is looking for me. I am not safe here... none of us are.

Akama says: Illidan will become suspicious... that much is for certain. We will deal with it as we always do.

Seer Olum says: Illidan will find me and when he does... he will pry the Ashtongue secret from me - such is the power of the Betrayer! No... there is only one way. My usefulness to the cause has come to an end. I must venture into the spirit world!

Akama says: You cannot... be serious, Olum. Your sacrifice has already been too great.

Seer Olum says: My decision is final. I will not be dissuaded. I have devoted my life to our plan. To jeopardize it now would betray all who have died for the cause long before me.

Akama says: It appears your mind is set then. We will guide you to the spirit world with as much kindness as we can.

Seer Olum says: I thank you, Akama. You honor me by allowing me this moment, surrounded by my brothers. Farewell, friend. Guide our people well.

Akama says: Farewell, dear friend. We shall meet you in the next world when our duties in this one are fulfilled.

Akama says: Master! We've found the traitor who escaped Vashj! His body lies in front of me... lifeless!

Illidan's Presence says: You disappoint me, Akama. I wanted to question the traitorous worm myself! I'm beginning to question your allegiance, Broken.

Akama says: But, sire! You have misjudged my actions... I do have knowledge of someone close to you who plans to betray you. It is that dog, Kael'thas! He has allied with Kil'jaeden and intends to replace you as Lord of Outland!

Illidan's Presence says: I do not sense lies in your voice, Akama. That Kael'thas would betray me does not come as a big surprise - I'm not as oblivious as some would think. That one of your own was involved with him puts your loyalties into question.

Illidan's Presence says: Send your Ashtongue into Tempest Keep and slay his most prized possession, the phoenix known as Al'ar. I must know that you're not on his side. Do not think of betraying me, Broken. We both know who owns your soul!

Akama says: It will be done, my lord!

Comment by Jeolene

I never got to do raids back in BC 'cause I was still a noob and didn't know what I was doing, thus never got to see this entire quest line, including this "movie" until just tonight, solo'd the Fathom Lord to pick up the rest of this quest chain.

It reminds me how blizz, at one time, cared more about the story than number of people playing. That's not to say numbers aren't important, but a good story/game will always attract more people

Comment by warslayerxxx

this is most probably the ultimate final quest line for the burning crusade expansion. because the last quest tells you to kill Illidan Stormrage who is the final raid boss.

Comment by Vlad

If you feel lost and unsure where you are in the chain, use the following copy-paste scripts:

The Aldor
/run local y={568,571,574,575,622,628,705,706,707,708,944,946,947,948,949,985,958,957,959}print"The Aldor:"for i,q in ipairs(y)do q="10"..q print(i,"\124cffffff00\124Hquest:"..q.."\124h\124h\124r",IsQuestFlaggedCompleted(q)and YES or NO)end

The Scryers
/run local y={683,684,685,686,622,628,705,706,707,708,944,946,947,948,949,985,958,957,959}print"The Scryers:"for i,q in ipairs(y)do q="10"..q print(i,"\124cffffff00\124Hquest:"..q.."\124h\124h\124r",IsQuestFlaggedCompleted(q)and YES or NO)end

Simply copy the script and paste in chat. You'll find a lot of text saying Yes/No for each quest in the chain, chronologically. Find the quest that isn't completed and look that up on Wowhead to proceed.

Have fun obtaining your Blessed Medallion of Karabor

Comment by Aurleis1

Aldor Video Guide: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgdhPDmQ5VQ 1
Scryer Video Guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgAAW9ujGoQ 1

1The quest IDs are the same for The Aldor and The Scryers; however, the separate videos will direct you to the applicable flight locations.

Fly to Coilfang Reservoir (entrance is underwater in Zangarmarsh at coords 50.4, 40.7). Follow the steam tunnel (underwater) to Coilfang Reservoir. After reaching area above water, the entrance to Serpentshrine Cavern will be in front of you (at coords 51.9, 33.0).
• Take the elevator, in front of you, down below (be careful not to jump on it when it is in the process of going down, as you may not survive the fall without spells/player ability measures, such as Slow Fall).
• Once off the elevator, continue straight ahead and go up an elevator in front of you.
• Follow the wooden walkways (see video) to the northern most section of the Serpentshrine Cavern.
• Continue to follow this path, defeating Morogrim Tidewalker.
• Follow the path around to coords 48.0, 17.2, where you will find Fathom-Lord Karathress. Defeat him and his minions.
• Once Fathom-Lord Karathress has been killed, Seer Olum will leave his cage. Accept The Secret Compromised from him.

1. The Secret Compromised
• You can run out of the instance and fly back to Shadowmoon Valley (Outlands), or just hearth, if your home port is a city with the Shattrath (Outlands) portal.
• After using your Hearthstone to reach Shrine of Seven Stars / Shrine of Two Moons, go to the city's portal room.
o Alliance players: go to the room above the opposite of the Innkeeper and click the Shattrath portal at coords 69, 52.
o Horde players: go to the room above the Innkeeper and click the Shattrath portal at coords 64, 58.
• Once you have arrived on the other side of the portal, fly to and interact with the gryphon flight master, Nutral, at coords 63.8, 41.6.
o Aldor players will fly to the Altar of Sha'tar, in Shadowmoon Valley.
o Scryer players will fly to the Sanctum of the Stars, in Shadowmoon Valley.
• Fly to the Warden's Cage at coordinates 57.2, 49.6.
• Enter the Warden's Cage, and follow the underground passage and swim to Akama at coords 58.1, 48.2

Full Guide to obtain Blessed Medallion of Karabor.

If you're unsure about which stage of the quest line you are in to obtain the Blessed Medallion of Karabor, enter the following script into the chat box (special thanks to Vlad for the script):

The Aldor

/run local y={568,571,574,575,622,628,705,706,707,708,944,946,947,948,949,985,958,957,959}print"The Aldor:"for i,q in ipairs(y)do q="10"..q print(i,"\124cffffff00\124Hquest:"..q.."\124h\124h\124r",IsQuestFlaggedCompleted(q)and YES or NO)end

The Scryers

/run local y={683,684,685,686,622,628,705,706,707,708,944,946,947,948,949,985,958,957,959}print"The Scryers:"for i,q in ipairs(y)do q="10"..q print(i,"\124cffffff00\124Hquest:"..q.."\124h\124h\124r",IsQuestFlaggedCompleted(q)and YES or NO)end

Comment by Kilin

If you get to The Altar of the Sha'tar for Aldors, and the Sanctum of the Sun for Scryers, and there are no quests to be picked up, go back to Shattrath.

Pick up the quest from Haggard War Veteran that sends you to A'dal. A'dal sends you to Archmage Khadgar (standing right next to him) which gives the quest: City of Light and you need to follow the pink void walker looking guy around Shatt for 8:30 seconds (without getting too far from him, DO NOT jump down till you see the question mark over Archmage Khadgar or you will have to repeat the follow along) and pick your faction at the end.

Once you do this the flight path to the appropriate factions base in SMV will open up as will their quests.

Hoping this helps someone, I spent 2 days wondering what was wrong on an alt then realized I skipped the faction quest in Shatt.

Good hunting :)

Comment by DarknessRises

Fun Fact: If you were like me on my alt and did Serpentshrine Cavern first, then realized you need to start the earlier quest chain... You'll need to wait a week as the NPC de-spawns.

Don't do Serpentshrine Cavern before making sure you can pick up the quest.

Comment by dreamgarden

Here are the updated scripts originally written by Vlad, updated for current script API. After pasting the script in the chat window, hover your mouse over the quest numbers in the chat and the tooltip will show details for the quest.

The Aldor
/run local y={568,571,574,575,622,628,705,706,707,708,944,946,947,948,949,985,958,957,959}for i,q in ipairs(y)do q="10"..q print("Aldor: ",i,"\124cffffff00\124Hquest:"..q.."\124h\124h\124r",C_QuestLog.IsQuestFlaggedCompleted(q)and YES or NO)end

/run local y={683,684,685,686,622,628,705,706,707,708,944,946,947,948,949,985,958,957,959}for i,q in ipairs(y)do q="10"..q print("Scryers:",i,"\124cffffff00\124Hquest:"..q.."\124h\124h\124r",C_QuestLog.IsQuestFlaggedCompleted(q)and YES or NO)end

Comment by SilkCharm

JUST TO BE CLEAR. If you come back after a year of not playing etc, note that there is no quest in the quest log for this. You finished Akama's Promise and there is no quest in your log.
Head to Serpentshire Cavern, kill Fathom-Lord Karathress and the quest giver spawns next to Karathress dead body. Accept The Secret Compromised.
If you haven't got this far in the quest chain ie not finished Akama's Promise you'll have to finish the earlier quests then wait a week for weekly reset. (that would be me, don't be me).

Links

The Secret Compromised

Travel to the Warden's Cage in Shadowmoon Valley and speak to Akama.

Description

Thanks again, <name>. I recognize your name. Akama has entrusted you with his plans and so I will trust you as well.

The naga discovered I was working against Illidan and tried to get me to speak by torturing me. I did not tell them a thing - Akama himself taught me to master pain through meditation.

Illidan asked the naga to bring me to him. He would have seen right through my flesh and into my soul's deepest secrets.

Akama must be warned. Our plans are in jeopardy!

Completion

Rewards

You will receive:

Gains

Upon completion of this quest you will gain:

350 reputation with Ashtongue Deathsworn

See if you've already completed this by typing:

/run print(C_QuestLog.IsQuestFlaggedCompleted(10944))

Guides

Traveling Around Azeroth: A Transportation Guide