Deviate creature
Deviate creatures exist where the corruptive powers of the Wailing Caverns spread out, such as the Caverns themselves, the Overgrowth and several oases in the Barrens where mutated fish can be found.
Background
World of Warcraft
When Archdruid Naralex descended into his nightmare, a strange breed of creatures emerged. They have otherworldly properties. According to Nalpak, they are evil in nature and their existence causes great pain to the earth.[1]
Mebok Mizzyrix discovered a substance called Wailing Essence, and theorized that it was the cause of the strange plants and animals in the Barrens. The essence gathered in ectoplasmic creatures.[2]
Cataclysm
Since the Cataclysm the Southern Barrens has formed the Overgrowth and within it the Emerald Nightmare. Not only did the Nightmare cause the jungles to grow rapidly but changed many creatures in the area into deviate creatures.[3]
Legion
- Main article: Wailing Critters
By the time of the third invasion of the Burning Legion, corruption continued to flourish in the Wailing Caverns since Naralex's awakening.[4] Some deviate critters had survived, and they were now growing and multiplying in numbers.[5] An Adventurer went there to cleanse the caverns.
Battle for Azeroth
During the Fourth War, Azerite flowed through the Wailing Caverns in tremendous quantities,[6] which caused the deviate animals of the Overgrowth to act strangely.[7][8]
Known deviate creatures
- The Overgrowth
- Wailing Caverns
Deviate Faerie Dragon
Deviate Adder
Deviate Coiler
Deviate Coiler Hatchling
Deviate Creeper
Deviate Crocolisk
Deviate Dreadfang
Deviate Guardian
Deviate Lasher
Deviate Lurker
Deviate Moccasin
Deviate Python
Deviate Ravager
Deviate Shambler
Deviate Smallclaw
Deviate Slayer
Deviate Stalker
Deviate Stinglash
Deviate Venomwing
Deviate Viper
Deviate Fish (item)
In the RPG
This magic infuses creatures that dwell in or near the caverns, but has no permanent effect on temporary visitors. Studies of this area attempt to identify the source of the deviate magic, but all attempts thus far have ended in failure. Creatures that live most of their lives in the Wailing Caverns gain the use of a spell-like ability for as long as they continue to dwell in or near that area. A deviate creature radiates an aura identical to its spell-like ability’s effect. A deviate black ooze with a mirror image ability bears a faint illusion aura, even if the mirror image is not active. The identify spell can determine a deviate creature’s spell-like ability, although most will not sit still long enough for this spell to be cast. Dispel magic has no effect on a deviate creature’s spell-like ability until it is used, in which case resolve the dispel effect normally.[9]
References
- ^
[8-30D] Deviate Hides
- ^
[18D] Smart Drinks
- ^
[10-30] Biological Intervention
- ^
[45] A Call from the Caverns
- ^
[45] Wailing Critters
- ^
Azeroth Bleeds
- ^
Animal Research Project
- ^
Overgrown Animals
- ^ Horde Player's Guide, pg. 228