Two Bosses Enter: Gal'darah vs. Loken
Two Bosses Enter ... but only One Boss Leaves, in WoW.com's series of fantasy death matches. This season's combatants come from the original five-man instances of Wrath of the Lich King.
This week's match in the Two Bosses Thunderdome makes the healer in me cringe: Gal'darah (Gundrak) versus Loken (Halls of Lightning). Gal'darah steps into the Thunderdome on the laurels of a solid 68.4 percent victory in his last battle against Moorabi. However fearsome his reputation, Loken creeps into the ring as an underdog, having lost his most recent battle against Anub'arak and subsequently re-earning a berth through the reader vote that brought back three vanquished combatants.
This week's ground rules:
Assume that the opponents share similar levels, health pools and comparative overall damage output.
This deathmatch takes place in neutral territory, which shall in no way hinder either opponent from using his usual resources.
Don't get caught up in gameplay mechanics and what actual players might do in each encounter.
Don't neglect style, story and scale.
Let the doors open, let the crowds take to their feet. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls ... Dyin' time's here.
Gal'darah (Gundrak)
I'm gonna spill your guts, mon!
Gal'darah, the High Prophet of Akali, is the last boss of Gundrak. During battle, he summons Spirit Rhinos that charge opponents, knocking them back and dealing significant damage. Gal'darah periodically morphs into Rhino form, Impaling combatants with Puncture damage and immobilizing them on his horn for 5 seconds. His Whirling Slash: nasty, just nasty.
Enrage 125% attack speed increase for 10 seconds
Whirling Slash Vicious AoE damage
Puncture Stacking DoT
Impale Randomly impales an opponent, immobilizing for 5 seconds and dealing damage
Read more about Gal'darah's frenetic battle style, and share the insights of players who've faced off with him in battle.
Loken (Halls of Lightning)
My master has shown me the future, and you have no place in it. Azeroth will be reborn in darkness. Yogg-Saron shall be released! The Pantheon shall fall!
Loken, the Dark Titan who resides in the Halls of Lightning, has an extensive history with links to none other than Yogg-Saron. From wowwiki.com: "According to the Tribunal of Ages in Ulduar'sHalls of Stone, Loken -- also known by various sources as "Keeper Loken," "Sentinel Loken," "Kronus" and "prime designate" -- was named the supreme protector of Azeroth by the Pantheon, leading the Aesir (Storm Giants) and Vanir (Earth Giants) following the containment of the Old Gods. Along with his brother Thorim, the Stormlord, as well as Watchers Hodir, Freya, Mimir and Tyr, Loken was designated as a guardian to watch over the prison of Yogg-Saron, deep within Ulduar. Over time, however, Loken succumbed to the whispers of the Old God and turned on his allies, taking control of Ulduar and seeking to unravel the plans of his former masters. At some point, he provoked a global war between the Storm Giants and Earth Giants, which was ended by Loken's 'neutralizing' them. After the conclusion of that war, Loken placed the Earthen, Giants and Vrykul into stasis at designated holding facilities (presumably, facilities like Uldaman or Ulduar)."
Learn more about Loken's battle abilities, and review comments from players who've battled him.
The Thunderdome clash
Remember: no game-mechanic nitpicking. Set aside differences in opponents' health pools, game level and actual damage output. Vote for the spirit of the battle as set forth above, considering each opponent's abilities -- plus the style, scale and story he or she brings to the table.
After you cast your vote, we challenge you to hit the comments with a convincing scenario that will sway fellow readers to vote for your opponent of choice!
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