Bonus Loot Rolls & Ascendant Venomstones
While otherwise similar to the Ascendant Voidcore from Season 1, the addition of necklace upgrades is entirely new. Mechanically, they would appear to work the same way as before, including a lead-up quest, with the text, "Once this quest is completed and Orin has had time to do his research" implying that it will probably be another multi-week chain to unlock, rather than the upgrades becoming immediately available with the launch of Patch 12.1.5.
Orin Straylight is the new steward of the Voidforge, conveniently located in Silvermoon.
Although the preview does not specify, it seems quite likely that these Venomstones will increase relevant items by another 3 upgrade levels, taking Myth track to a maximum of 344 item level. This would allow any other Myth-track weapon, trinket, or necklace to match Mythic Coiled Altar and Ula'tek loot and open up many more gearing options for players, though lacking the extra socket of Aqirbane Reliquary or cantrip effect of Chausses of Unbound Rancor means those end-of-raid boss items will remain highly desirable.
Keep in mind that Mythic Coiled Altar and Ula'tek loot is already boosted beyond the typical upgrade level, so they are unlikely to be increased with the venomcore. We can also presume that the newly announced Unbinding of Kith’ix raid encounter will also drop already upgraded loot, similar to Rotmire before it.
Unleash New Power with Ascendant Venomstones
Following the launch of the 12.1.5 content update, Ascendant Voidcores will return as Ascendant Venomstones, allowing players to push their power to new heights.
To gather Ascendant Venomstones, chat with Orin Straylight near the Catalyst in Silvermoon City to start the quest "Ancient Depths, Ancient Venom." Once this quest is completed and Orin has had time to do his research, he will empower players to acquire Ascendant Venomstones that will drop from every Heroic or Mythic raid boss, Mythic+ Keystone dungeons +10 and above, Tier 11 Bountiful Delves, and Nightmare Prey Hunt Champion gear chests.
When you've collected 10 Ascendant Venomstones, use them to boost the item level of a fully upgraded Season 2 Hero, Mythic, or highest-quality Tidal Crafted weapon, trinket, or necklace.
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