Base completion reward
200 MarksBefore the tier multiplier. Your tier settings can change this amount.
Expeditions / Field guide
The Nether expedition · Brutal
Cinder Keep
Cinder Keep is the season's last raid, for two to eight players. Open the Ember Gate, bring Cindermaw down on the Chain Bridge, take the outer ward from Gorrak, the pens from Skarn and Vesh, and the Ash Cathedral from Vael. Hold the Great Bellows, then face Steward Ashkar at his throne. Under it is the Molten Heart. Normal is tuned for pickup groups; Heroic and Mythic are for organised raids. Each boss pays its loot once per tier per week, and only this raid gives Sovereign Ash, Wardens' Chain Links and the Heart of the Mountain. Defeating Gorrak opens the Nether's Cinder Shelf route to you.
Sealed until The Ember Gate View campaign →
- Entry level
- 26Higher tiers may require more
- Party size
- 2–8Players per private instance
- Time limit
- 90 minComplete the run before time expires
- Route
- 8 rooms4 boss encounters
- CindermawThe Chain Bridge
- Gorrak the KilnbreakerGorrak's Kiln
- Skarn, the Ash Hound & Vesh, the Ember HoundThe Hound Pens
- Vael, the Slag PriestThe Ash Cathedral
- Steward AshkarThe Steward's Throne
- Pyrrhax, the Ashen SovereignThe Molten Heart
01 · Before you enter
Prepare your party
On a run-back tier nobody runs out of lives: if you fall, you come back at the last fire you lit, and if the whole party falls the fight resets. On tiers with shared lives, each death spends one. You keep your gear either way.
- Bring fire resistance. Lava lies under the bridge and round the Heart, and many abilities set fires.
- Wither skeletons inflict Wither. Carry milk or plenty of food, and light every fire you pass.
- Cindermaw can't be touched in the air. Fire the ballistas on the deck to bring it down, and each ballista only fires once per flight.
- Skarn and Vesh are linked. Bring their health down evenly and kill both within ten seconds, or the first one rises again.
- The Ash Cathedral's doors stay shut until all three rune valves are turned, west, east and behind the altar.
- When the Steward speaks the Ashen Decree, turn your back on him.
- Sovereign Ash, Chain Links and the Heart of the Mountain only come from this raid. Take them to a forge.
Choose your difficulty
Open a tier for its requirements, modifiers and server records. Every party member must meet its entry requirements.
NormalLevel 26 · run back when you fall
- Shared lives
- None needed
- Completion Marks
- 200
- Server clears
- 0
No additional modifiers on this tier.
Fastest server clearNo clear recorded
/expedition start cinder_keep normalNeed a party? Use /expedition queue cinder_keep normal.
HeroicLevel 34 · run back when you fall
First clear this expedition on Normal.
- Shared lives
- None needed
- Completion Marks
- 300
- Server clears
- 0
No additional modifiers on this tier.
Fastest server clearNo clear recorded
/expedition start cinder_keep heroicNeed a party? Use /expedition queue cinder_keep heroic.
MythicLevel 42 · 6 shared lives
First clear this expedition on Heroic.
- Shared lives
- 6
- Completion Marks
- 500
- Server clears
- 0
- FortifiedRegular enemies have 30% more health and hit 15% harder.
- TyrannicalBosses have 30% more health and hit 15% harder.
Fastest server clearNo clear recorded
/expedition start cinder_keep mythicNeed a party? Use /expedition queue cinder_keep mythic.
02 · Room by room
Follow the route
The Ember Gate
PassageThe three seals go into the wall and the doors come down.
The Chain Bridge
BossCindermaw, a drake chained to the bridge. It circles out of reach until enough ballistas hit it, then it crashes to the deck. It goes up again at two-thirds and one-third. Fire runs across the deck the whole fight.
Gorrak's Kiln
BossGorrak charges and splashes fire, then slams below half health while fire spills across the yard. Ember hounds join at 70% and 35%. Beating him opens the Nether.
The Hound Pens
PassageSkarn and Vesh, linked. They charge and leap, and add fire below 40%. Kill both within ten seconds.
The Ash Cathedral
BossVael heals and scatters fire, calls penitents at 80%, 50% and 25%, and drops meteors in the last third. Shut the three rune valves too.
The Great Bellows
Survive 75sSurvive 75 seconds of waves while the vents erupt. Light the fire afterwards.
The Steward's Throne
PassageSteward Ashkar, two guards and a priest. Kill the priest first, and look away when he speaks the Decree.
The Molten Heart
BossPyrrhax, the Ashen Sovereign. See the boss briefing.
03 · Spoils
What the bosses leave
Every boss leaves a chest where it falls. Each of you opens it for a private share, rolled for you alone: materials, often a piece of the dungeon's gear, and a chance at something of that boss's own. The list below runs from the likeliest piece to the rarest.
- Normal
- 35%chance of a boss's own piece
- Heroic
- 47%chance of a boss's own piece, +6 item levels
- Mythic
- 60%chance of a boss's own piece, +12 item levels
Boss · The Chain BridgeCindermaw3 pieces
- Drakescale PauldronsShoulders · item level 34
Defense: +8 · Damage Bonus: +2%
Equipped: Last Stand. Below 30% health, you harden against hits for 5s. 60s cooldown.
- Harpoon BandRing · item level 34
Health: +5 · Damage Bonus: +3%
Equipped: Ember Aura. Enemies within 3 blocks burn.
- Gatewatch FangMain hand · item level 34
Damage: +11 · Damage Bonus: +3%
On Hit: Ember Brand. Burns your target for 4s. 30% chance, 6s cooldown.
Boss · Gorrak's KilnGorrak the Kilnbreaker3 pieces
- Kiln-Keeper's CuirassChest · item level 34
Health: +8 · Defense: +15
Equipped: Last Stand. Below 30% health, you harden against hits for 5s. 60s cooldown.
- Firebrick GreavesLegs · item level 34
Health: +3 · Defense: +11
Equipped: Last Stand. Below 30% health, you harden against hits for 5s. 60s cooldown.
- Harpoon BandRing · item level 34
Health: +5 · Damage Bonus: +3%
Equipped: Ember Aura. Enemies within 3 blocks burn.
BossThe Hound Pens3 pieces
- Twinbound CollarNeck · item level 34
Health: +9 · Damage Bonus: +2%
Equipped: Ember Aura. Enemies within 3 blocks burn.
- Packmaster's TreadsFeet · item level 35
Health: +3 · Defense: +8
Equipped: Fleet Stride. You move faster.
- Firebrick GreavesLegs · item level 34
Health: +3 · Defense: +11
Equipped: Last Stand. Below 30% health, you harden against hits for 5s. 60s cooldown.
Boss · The Ash CathedralVael, the Slag Priest3 pieces
- Censer of the Last RiteTrinket · item level 35
Health: +6 · Damage Bonus: +3%
Equipped: Ember Aura. Enemies within 3 blocks burn.
- Ash Priest's StoleBack · item level 35
Health: +9 · Defense: +3
Equipped: Last Stand. Below 30% health, you harden against hits for 5s. 60s cooldown.
- Slag ChaliceOff hand · item level 35
Health: +3 · Defense: +10
Equipped: Last Stand. Below 30% health, you harden against hits for 5s. 60s cooldown.
BossThe Steward's Throne4 pieces
- Steward's GauntletsHands · item level 36
Defense: +6 · Bonus Damage: +3
Equipped: Ember Aura. Enemies within 3 blocks burn.
- Keys of the KeepWaist · item level 36
Health: +4 · Defense: +6
Equipped: Last Stand. Below 30% health, you harden against hits for 5s. 60s cooldown.
- Ashkar's DecreeMain hand · item level 37
Damage: +13 · Damage Bonus: +5%
Right Click: Ember Sweep. Flame sweeps ahead for 150% weapon damage. 12s cooldown.
- Steward Ashkar's MantleChest · item level 36
Health: +9 · Defense: +9 · Damage Bonus: +4%
Equipped: Last Stand. Below 30% health, you harden against hits for 5s. 60s cooldown.
Boss · The Molten HeartPyrrhax, the Ashen Sovereign5 pieces
- Shackle of the SovereignWrists · item level 38
Health: +5 · Defense: +7
Equipped: Last Stand. Below 30% health, you harden against hits for 5s. 60s cooldown.
- Molten Crown ShardHead · item level 38
Health: +9 · Defense: +10 · Damage Bonus: +4%
Equipped: Ember Aura. Enemies within 3 blocks burn.
- Band of the HearthfireRing · item level 38
Health: +8 · Damage Bonus: +4%
Equipped: Ember Aura. Enemies within 3 blocks burn.
- Sovereign's HammerMain hand · item level 40
Damage: +12 · Damage Bonus: +10%
On Hit: Ember Brand. Burns your target for 4s. 30% chance, 6s cooldown.
Right Click: Ember Sweep. Flame sweeps ahead for 150% weapon damage. 12s cooldown.
- Crown of EmbersHead · item level 40
Health: +10 · Defense: +7 · Life Steal: +3%
Equipped: Ember Aura. Enemies within 3 blocks burn.
Gear for every slot
Set pieces can be found or forged. Found pieces turn up anywhere in the run: on enemies and in crates, chests and hidden caches.
- Head
- Kilnborn CrownSetMolten Crown ShardPyrrhax, the Ashen SovereignCrown of EmbersPyrrhax, the Ashen Sovereign
- Shoulders
- Drakescale PauldronsCindermaw
- Chest
- Kilnborn CuirassSetKiln-Keeper's CuirassGorrak the KilnbreakerSteward Ashkar's MantleThe Steward's Throne
- Back
- Slagcloth MantleFoundAsh Priest's StoleVael, the Slag Priest
- Wrists
- Cinder ClaspFoundShackle of the SovereignPyrrhax, the Ashen Sovereign
- Hands
- Kilnkeeper's GlovesFoundSteward's GauntletsThe Steward's Throne
- Waist
- Forgeguard BeltFoundKeys of the KeepThe Steward's Throne
- Legs
- Kilnborn GreavesSetFirebrick GreavesGorrak the KilnbreakerFirebrick GreavesThe Hound Pens
- Feet
- Kilnborn SabatonsSetEmber-Step TreadsFoundPackmaster's TreadsThe Hound Pens
- Neck
- Ward-Chain CollarFoundTwinbound CollarThe Hound Pens
- Ring
- Ashen SignetFoundHarpoon BandCindermawHarpoon BandGorrak the KilnbreakerBand of the HearthfirePyrrhax, the Ashen Sovereign
- Trinket
- Smoke CenserFoundCenser of the Last RiteVael, the Slag Priest
- Main hand
- Kilnbreaker MaulSetGatewatch FangCindermawAshkar's DecreeThe Steward's ThroneSovereign's HammerPyrrhax, the Ashen Sovereign
- Off hand
- Gatewatch BucklerFoundSlag ChaliceVael, the Slag Priest
04 · Bestiary
Enemies & possible drops
Health and damage are base values, before level, tier and party scaling. Drop chances apply to each player kill; they are separate from boss chests and completion rewards.
Boss · The Chain BridgeCindermaw7000 HP · 11 damage
| Item | Amount | Chance |
|---|---|---|
| Smoldering Core | 1–3 | 100% |
| Sovereign's Ember | 1 | 35% |
| Sovereign's Hammer or Crown of Embers or Steward Ashkar's Mantle | 1 | 4% |
| Coin purse (Marks) | 75–180 | 100% |
Boss · Gorrak's KilnGorrak the Kilnbreaker5000 HP · 12 damage
| Item | Amount | Chance |
|---|---|---|
| Smoldering Core | 1–3 | 100% |
| Sovereign's Ember | 1 | 35% |
| Sovereign's Hammer or Crown of Embers or Steward Ashkar's Mantle | 1 | 4% |
| Coin purse (Marks) | 75–125 | 100% |
Boss · The Ash CathedralVael, the Slag Priest4500 HP · 8 damage
| Item | Amount | Chance |
|---|---|---|
| Smoldering Core | 1–3 | 100% |
| Sovereign's Ember | 1 | 35% |
| Sovereign's Hammer or Crown of Embers or Steward Ashkar's Mantle | 1 | 4% |
| Coin purse (Marks) | 75–125 | 100% |
Boss · The Molten HeartPyrrhax, the Ashen Sovereign24000 HP · 14 damage
| Item | Amount | Chance |
|---|---|---|
| Smoldering Core | 1–3 | 100% |
| Sovereign's Ember | 1 | 35% |
| Sovereign's Hammer or Crown of Embers or Steward Ashkar's Mantle | 1 | 4% |
| Coin purse (Marks) | 75–400 | 100% |
Enemy · The Chain Bridge, The Ash Cathedral, The Great Bellows, Standing guardFlamewaker50 HP · 7 damage
Fire Pools: Marks the ground under each player; the marks burst into fire a moment later.
| Item | Amount | Chance |
|---|---|---|
| Cinder Shard | 1–2 | 25% |
| A piece of gear (may be sealed) | 1 | 1.2% |
| Bottled Lesson | 1 | 1% |
| Coin purse (Marks) | 1–5 | 20% |
Enemy · The Chain Bridge, The Great Bellows, Standing guardCinder Thrall40 HP · 7 damage
| Item | Amount | Chance |
|---|---|---|
| Cinder Shard | 1–2 | 25% |
| A piece of gear (may be sealed) | 1 | 1.2% |
| Bottled Lesson | 1 | 1% |
| Coin purse (Marks) | 1–4 | 20% |
Enemy · The Chain Bridge, Standing guardKeep Arbalest46 HP · 6 damage
Pinning Shot: A red line marks the target, then a heavy arrow flies down it and slows whoever it hits. Sidestep.
| Item | Amount | Chance |
|---|---|---|
| Cinder Shard | 1–2 | 25% |
| A piece of gear (may be sealed) | 1 | 1.2% |
| Bottled Lesson | 1 | 1% |
| Coin purse (Marks) | 1–4 | 20% |
Elite · The Chain Bridge, The Great Bellows, Standing guardLava Brute90 HP · 9 damage
Cleave: Winds up, then sweeps everything in front of it. Step behind or out of the arc. Charge: Lowers its head, then rushes the farthest player in a line, knocking aside anyone in the way.
| Item | Amount | Chance |
|---|---|---|
| Cinder Shard | 1–3 | 70% |
| Smoldering Core | 1 | 25% |
| A piece of gear (may be sealed) | 1 | 7% |
| Bottled Lesson | 1 | 5% |
| Coin purse (Marks) | 12–20 | 100% |
Enemy · Gorrak's Kiln, The Hound Pens, Standing guardEmber Hound40 HP · 6 damage
Leap: Leaps onto a far player and stuns everyone near the landing spot.
| Item | Amount | Chance |
|---|---|---|
| Cinder Shard | 1–2 | 25% |
| A piece of gear (may be sealed) | 1 | 1.2% |
| Bottled Lesson | 1 | 1% |
| Coin purse (Marks) | 1–4 | 20% |
Enemy · Gorrak's Kiln, The Great Bellows, Standing guardFiresworn36 HP · 5 damage
Frost Bolt: Fires a bolt of frost you can see coming at a marked spot. It leaves ice that slows anyone on it.
| Item | Amount | Chance |
|---|---|---|
| Cinder Shard | 1–2 | 25% |
| A piece of gear (may be sealed) | 1 | 1.2% |
| Bottled Lesson | 1 | 1% |
| Coin purse (Marks) | 1–4 | 20% |
Enemy · The Ash Cathedral, Standing guardAsh Penitent56 HP · 6 damage
Mend: Heals itself and wounded allies around it. A charged hit stops it.
| Item | Amount | Chance |
|---|---|---|
| Cinder Shard | 1–2 | 25% |
| A piece of gear (may be sealed) | 1 | 1.2% |
| Bottled Lesson | 1 | 1% |
| Coin purse (Marks) | 1–4 | 20% |
Elite · The Ash Cathedral, The Great Bellows, Standing guardSon of Flame70 HP · 8 damage
Ground Slam: A ring marks the ground around it, then a shockwave hits everyone inside.
| Item | Amount | Chance |
|---|---|---|
| Cinder Shard | 1–3 | 70% |
| Smoldering Core | 1 | 25% |
| A piece of gear (may be sealed) | 1 | 7% |
| Bottled Lesson | 1 | 5% |
| Coin purse (Marks) | 12–20 | 100% |
Enemy · Standing guardChain Warden120 HP · 9 damage
Cleave: Winds up, then sweeps everything in front of it. Step behind or out of the arc. Tether: Chains the nearest player and drags them in. Break line of sight to snap it.
| Item | Amount | Chance |
|---|---|---|
| Cinder Shard | 1–3 | 70% |
| Smoldering Core | 1 | 25% |
| A piece of gear (may be sealed) | 1 | 7% |
| Bottled Lesson | 1 | 5% |
| Coin purse (Marks) | 1–8 | 20% |
Elite · Standing guardRune Warden110 HP · 9 damage
Cleave: Winds up, then sweeps everything in front of it. Step behind or out of the arc. Fire Pools: Marks the ground under each player; the marks burst into fire a moment later.
| Item | Amount | Chance |
|---|---|---|
| Cinder Shard | 1–3 | 70% |
| Smoldering Core | 1 | 25% |
| A piece of gear (may be sealed) | 1 | 7% |
| Bottled Lesson | 1 | 5% |
| Coin purse (Marks) | 12–20 | 100% |
Enemy · Standing guardSteward's Guard150 HP · 10 damage
Cleave: Winds up, then sweeps everything in front of it. Step behind or out of the arc. Rally: Drives its allies on, and they hit harder for ten seconds. A charged hit stops it.
| Item | Amount | Chance |
|---|---|---|
| Cinder Shard | 1–3 | 70% |
| Smoldering Core | 1 | 25% |
| A piece of gear (may be sealed) | 1 | 7% |
| Bottled Lesson | 1 | 5% |
| Coin purse (Marks) | 1–10 | 20% |
No enemies or drops match your search.
05 · Finish the expedition
What you take home
Players present at completion receive their own rewards. Enemy drops listed above are additional chances, not guaranteed completion items. Runs with hired allies do not earn campaign progress or set expedition records.
Fixed completion items
- 8 × Gold ingot
- 16 × Quartz
- 6 × Experience bottle
These items are separate from random loot rolls.
/expedition guide cinder_keep