Black Temple Attunement Guide for TBC Classic Anniversary
Black Temple is one of the most iconic raids in The Burning Crusade Classic, but before you can walk through the gates and face Illidan Stormrage, you need to complete the Black Temple attunement quest chain. This guide breaks the full process into clear steps so you can unlock the Medallion of Karabor and enter Black Temple in TBC Classic Anniversary.
Black Temple Attunement Video Guide
Black Temple Attunement Requirements
Before starting the Black Temple attunement, make sure your character has already chosen either The Aldor or The Scryers in Shattrath City. If you are preparing for Black Temple, you have probably done this already for your shoulder enchant and reputation rewards.
What You Need Before Starting
- Level 70 character
- Aldor or Scryer allegiance selected
- Access to The Arcatraz
- A group for Shadowlord Deathwail
- Raid access for Serpentshrine Cavern, Tempest Keep: The Eye, and Hyjal Summit
Once you are ready, head to Shadowmoon Valley. Aldor players begin at the Altar of Sha’tar, while Scryer players begin at the Sanctum of the Stars.
The Ashtongue Quest Chain
The first section of the Black Temple attunement starts with the Ashtongue-related quests in Shadowmoon Valley. This portion introduces Akama’s forces and sends you through several objectives around the Ruins of Baa’ri and nearby areas.
Step 1: Tablets of Baa’ri
Pick up Tablets of Baa’ri from your faction hub in Shadowmoon Valley. Aldor players should visit the Altar of Sha’tar, while Scryer players should visit the Sanctum of the Stars.
Travel to the Ruins of Baa’ri and collect 12 Baa’ri Tablet Fragments. These can be gathered from the area and looted from nearby enemies.
Step 2: Oronu the Elder
After turning in Tablets of Baa’ri, pick up Oronu the Elder. Return to the Ruins of Baa’ri, kill Oronu, and loot Orders From Akama.


Step 3: The Ashtongue Corruptors
Next, you will receive The Ashtongue Corruptors. This quest sends you across Shadowmoon Valley to defeat four named Ashtongue enemies and collect their medallion fragments.
- Eykenen: Found in the Fel Pits near the center of Shadowmoon Valley.
- Haalum: Found near Netherwing Pass, south of the Sanctum of the Stars.
- Lakaan: Found near Coilskar Point to the north.
- Uylaru: Found in the Fel Pits near the Hand of Gul’dan.
Once all four fragments are collected, turn in the quest to move into the next major part of the Black Temple attunement: Akama’s Promise.

Akama’s Promise Quest Chain
After completing The Ashtongue Corruptors, you will begin the Akama’s Promise portion of the Black Temple attunement. This section takes you into the Warden’s Cage, introduces Akama directly, and eventually sends you into The Arcatraz.
Step 4: The Warden’s Cage
Pick up The Warden’s Cage and travel to the Warden’s Cage in Shadowmoon Valley. Speak with Sanoru to continue the chain.
Step 5: Proof of Allegiance
Next, complete Proof of Allegiance by killing Zandras, a demon located just outside the Warden’s Cage.
Step 6: Akama
After proving your allegiance, you will receive the quest Akama. Go deeper into the Warden’s Cage to speak with Akama himself. Inside the cage, move toward the guards, jump into the water to your right, swim forward, and exit up to the left to reach Akama.
Step 7: Seer Udalo
Akama will send you to find Seer Udalo inside The Arcatraz. Udalo is located inside the dungeon before the final boss area. This is one of the first dungeon-based requirements in the Black Temple attunement chain.
Step 8: A Mysterious Portent
After finding Udalo, complete A Mysterious Portent and return to Akama in Shadowmoon Valley.


Step 9: The Ata’mal Terrace
Akama will then send you to Ata’mal Terrace in Shadowmoon Valley. Defeat Shadowlord Deathwail with a group and loot the Heart of Fury.
Step 10: Akama’s Promise
Bring the Heart of Fury back to Akama. You will receive Akama’s Promise, which sends you to Shattrath City to speak with A’dal.


Serpentshrine Cavern, Tempest Keep, and Hyjal Summit Steps
After turning in Akama’s Promise, you will not immediately receive a follow-up quest. The next step of the Black Temple attunement begins inside Serpentshrine Cavern.
Step 11: The Secret Compromised
Enter Serpentshrine Cavern and defeat Fathom-Lord Karathress. After the boss dies, Seer Olum will appear and offer the quest The Secret Compromised.
Accept the quest and return to Akama in Shadowmoon Valley.
Step 12: Ruse of the Ashtongue
Akama will give you Ruse of the Ashtongue, which sends you into Tempest Keep. Your objective is to defeat Al’ar while using the provided Ashtongue Cowl.
Make sure you use the disguise before the encounter. If your raid wipes, remember to use the item again before the next pull. You can also keep the disguise active for the rest of the raid if you want.


Step 13: An Artifact From the Past
After completing the Tempest Keep step, Akama will offer An Artifact From the Past. This sends you into Hyjal Summit, where you must defeat Rage Winterchill and loot the Time-Phased Phylactery.
Return to Akama once you have the phylactery.

Entry into the Black Temple
Once the Hyjal Summit step is complete, Akama will offer The Hostage Soul, which sends you back to A’dal in Shattrath City.
Step 14: The Hostage Soul
Travel to Shattrath and speak with A’dal. This turns the chain toward the final Black Temple entry event.
Step 15: Entry into the Black Temple
A’dal will give you Entry into the Black Temple, sending you outside Black Temple in Shadowmoon Valley.
Step 16: A Distraction for Akama
Outside Black Temple, speak with Xi’ri and pick up A Distraction for Akama. Xi’ri is located near the Black Temple entrance area, not far from the summoning stone.
This quest is event-based. If Akama is not visible right away, wait a few minutes for the event to reset. Escort Akama and Maiev Shadowsong to the entrance of Black Temple to complete the quest.
After completing the event, you will receive the Medallion of Karabor. This item allows you to enter Black Temple.
Important Tip
The event outside Black Temple can occasionally feel buggy or delayed. If you do not see Akama immediately, wait near Xi’ri and give the event time to restart.

Medallion of Karabor and Blessed Medallion of Karabor
Completing A Distraction for Akama grants the Medallion of Karabor, which means you are now attuned to Black Temple. At this point, you can enter the raid and begin progressing toward Illidan Stormrage.
The quest chain continues after your initial attunement. Eventually, you will receive The Fall of the Betrayer, which requires you to defeat Illidan Stormrage. Completing this quest upgrades your medallion into the Blessed Medallion of Karabor.
The Blessed Medallion of Karabor is especially useful because it allows you to teleport to Shadowmoon Valley on a 15-minute cooldown. It does not share a cooldown with your Hearthstone, making it a valuable quality-of-life item for Netherwing dailies, Shadowmoon Valley quests, and quick access to Black Temple.
Black Temple Attunement Checklist
Use this quick checklist to track your Black Temple attunement progress in TBC Classic Anniversary.
- Choose Aldor or Scryer.
- Pick up and complete Tablets of Baa’ri.
- Complete Oronu the Elder.
- Complete The Ashtongue Corruptors.
- Go to the Warden’s Cage and complete Akama’s early quests.
- Find Seer Udalo in The Arcatraz.
- Kill Shadowlord Deathwail at Ata’mal Terrace.
- Complete Akama’s Promise and speak with A’dal.
- Kill Fathom-Lord Karathress in Serpentshrine Cavern.
- Complete Ruse of the Ashtongue by defeating Al’ar in Tempest Keep.
- Defeat Rage Winterchill in Hyjal Summit.
- Complete The Hostage Soul and Entry into the Black Temple.
- Escort Akama and Maiev during A Distraction for Akama.
- Receive the Medallion of Karabor.
- Defeat Illidan later to upgrade it into the Blessed Medallion of Karabor.
Black Temple Attunement FAQ
Where does the Black Temple attunement start?
The Black Temple attunement starts in Shadowmoon Valley. Aldor players begin at the Altar of Sha’tar, while Scryer players begin at the Sanctum of the Stars.
Do I need to choose Aldor or Scryer for Black Temple attunement?
Yes. You need to have declared for either The Aldor or The Scryers before beginning the early Shadowmoon Valley portion of the chain.
What item lets you enter Black Temple?
The Medallion of Karabor allows you to enter Black Temple after completing the attunement chain.
How do you get the Blessed Medallion of Karabor?
After becoming attuned, continue the quest chain until The Fall of the Betrayer. Defeat Illidan Stormrage in Black Temple to upgrade your Medallion of Karabor into the Blessed Medallion of Karabor.
Do you need Serpentshrine Cavern and Tempest Keep for Black Temple attunement?
Yes. The chain includes a Serpentshrine Cavern step from Fathom-Lord Karathress and a Tempest Keep step involving Al’ar and the Ashtongue Cowl.
What should I do if Akama is missing outside Black Temple?
The final event can take a few minutes to reset. Wait near Xi’ri outside Black Temple until Akama appears and the escort event becomes available.