The Wailing Caverns is the second instance open to Horde players. I
wouldn't say it's fun, but it's a must-run for the Horde because you get
a ton of XP between the mobs inside and the quests available. It helps
that the Fang gear set is great for Shamans and Druids, too (Hunters
will certainly roll on them, like they can't help themselves).
Almost all of the quests for WC are found in the Barrens, with one being found
in Thunder Bluff. A fair portion of these quests is available to both
Horde and Alliance players, in particular, those found in Ratchet and
the ones given by the NPCs hanging out in the skull above the dungeon.
There is also an item-given quest named The Glowing Shard, which is
granted by a gem you find inside the instance. This can be turned in
with an NPC in Ratchet and is available to both factions as well.
This quest requires you to obtain Wailing Essence from the ectoplasms in the
Wailing Caverns. It's very possible you'll have to run WC twice to get
all the Essence, but maybe you'll get lucky!
You don't have to actually go into the instance to complete Trouble at the Docks, but you
do have to beat up a Level 18 elite Goblin in the cave leading up to WC
named Mad Magglish. He'll drop his port, and you can turn in your
quest.After the Altered Beasts quest, which is the one that makes you go
beat up Level 16 Snapjaws for their shells, you'll be able to pick up
Hamuul Runetotem, which sends you out to Thunder Bluff.
There are a few small hiccups between the Hamuul Runetotem quest and the Leaders
of the Fang quest, but it's worth the effort. The notable rewards for
Leaders of the Fang are a blue staff or dagger, plus a nice chunk of
reputation with Thunder Buff and 13 Silver. Ace.People have been having
trouble finding the NPC (Nalpak) that gives this quest for ages, and
that's understandable. He's actually above the entrance to the Wailing
Caverns.
Coming from the road, run past the skull-shaped entrance to the WC and keep your eyes open for a portion of mountain you can run
up. Make your way up the mountain a bit and turn back towards the
entrance. You'll see what appears to be a rock, though it's really the
upper portion of the entrance's skull shape.
