The Hunt is On

Quest Giver: Vindicator Yaala, Valiant Rest inn, second floor [58.5, 67.3]

Turn In: Vindicator Yaala

Objective: Use the Oculus of the Exorcist in three locations within Valiance Keep to reveal and defeat Cult of the Damned members.

Quick Facts

• Prerequisite: Further Investigation
• Minimum Level: 68
• Achievement: Completing this quest fulfills the “Hiding in Plain Sight” criterion for Nothing Boring About Borean

Cultist Targets

• “Salty” John Thorpe — Inn kitchen (downstairs from Yaala) [59, 67]
• Tom Hegger — Lower docks (behind the flight master) [59, 68]
• Guard Mitchells — Jail in barracks basement [57, 72]

Mechanic: How the Oculus Works

1. Use the Oculus of the Exorcist near a target. This applies a buff to you called “Righteous Vision.”
2. While the buff is active, cultists who have recently used necromancy appear with a dark aura (the “Shroud of the Death Cultist” effect).
3. Speak to the revealed cultist. They will turn hostile and attack.
4. Kill them to receive credit.

Important: You must deal damage to the cultist to receive credit. If nearby guards kill them before you can tag them, the kill won’t count.

Walkthrough

“Salty” John Thorpe (Kitchen)

• From Vindicator Yaala, go downstairs to the inn’s kitchen.
• Use the Oculus, speak to John Thorpe, and kill him.
• He’ll say: “Well… I suppose this is it, then? I won’t go down quietly!”

Tom Hegger (Docks)

• Exit the inn and turn left. Take the stairs down to the lower docks (behind the flight master).
• Use the Oculus, speak to Tom Hegger, and kill him.
• He’ll say: “You don’t know who you’re messing with, <class>! Death beckons!”

Guard Mitchells (Jail) — CRITICAL TIPS

This target causes the most problems because Alliance guards stand nearby and may kill Mitchells before you can tag him.

Recommended approach:

1. Enter the barracks (Inner Hold) and look for the three iron gates. The left gate is open. Go through and downstairs.
2. Guard Mitchells is in the small room at the bottom, on your right.
3. Before speaking to him: Walk into the empty jail cell behind him.
4. Use the Oculus while standing in the cell.
5. Talk to Mitchells through the cell bars, then immediately move to the far corner of the cell.
6. He will run into the cell to attack you, separating himself from the other guards. This prevents them from engaging.
7. Kill him. He’ll say: “Finally! This charade is over… Arthas give me strength!”

Lore Context

• These three cultists infiltrated Valiance Keep by disguising themselves as ordinary citizens and soldiers. A dock worker, a cook, and a guard – unremarkable positions that grant access throughout the Keep.
• Vindicator Yaala’s closing words carry weight: “I can’t shake the feeling that this is not the last we’ve seen of these death cultists. Darkness has a way of hiding even in plain sight.”
• This proves true. While these three operatives are eliminated, the mastermind remains: Counselor Talbot, who has been manipulating General Arlos from the start. The larger conspiracy continues in the Thassarian chain that exposes Prince Valanar’s true identity.