[The Tempest Key] allows players to enter The Eye - the center palace of Tempest Keep - and defeat Kael'thas Sunstrider. This fight is required for several attunement quests. The Tempest Key is not used like an actual key, but rather, like the [Drakefire Amulet], it is a passive item that attunes you to the instance.
Obtaining the Tempest Key
The Tempest Key is given after a long quest chain that begins after completing The Hand of Gul'dan quest chain (starts with [70] The Hand of Gul'Dan) for [The Cipher of Damnation] in Shadowmoon Valley. Upon completing the Cipher quest, you will receive (immediately) a letter in the mail from Khadgar, asking you to travel to Shattrath City to speak to him.
- [70] The Tempest Key: Khadgar instructs you to speak to A'dal, who sends you on a series of trials.
- [70] Trial of the Naaru: Mercy: A'dal sends you to the Shattered Halls of Hellfire Citadel to retrieve the [Unused Axe of the Executioner]. You must kill all three of the bosses in the Halls. This MUST be done on Heroic difficulty.
- [70] Trial of the Naaru: Strength: This requires two instance runs, both on Heroic: You must kill Warlord Kalithresh in the Steamvault of Coilfang Reservoir and retrieve [Kalithresh's Trident], then travel to the Shadow Labyrinth in Auchindoun, destroy Murmur, and take [Murmur's Essence].
- [70] Trial of the Naaru: Tenacity: Enter the Arcatraz - a satellite of Tempest Keep - and rescue Millhouse Manastorm. This must be done on Heroic difficulty.
- [70] Trial of the Naaru: Magtheridon: Finally, you must enter Magtheridon's Lair and slay Magtheridon, a 25-man raid boss.
Upon completing all four quests, A'dal will grant you the Tempest Key (along with [Phoenix-fire Band]) and you will be allowed to enter The Eye, Kael'thas' sanctum, for the final confrontation with the "Sun King".
Quest progression
The Hand of Gul'dan quest chain Either read the letter from Khadgar or speak to him in Shattrath City.
- [70] The Tempest Key
- [70R] Trial of the Naaru: Magtheridon
Keys required for quests
The following Heroic entry keys are required, and you must be Honored with a certain faction to obtain them:
- [Flamewrought Key] (Honor Hold/Thrallmar): Unlocks Heroic mode in Hellfire Citadel.
- [Reservoir Key] (Cenarion Expedition): Unlocks Heroic mode in Coilfang Reservoir.
- [Auchenai Key] (Lower City): Unlocks Heroic mode in Auchindoun.
- [Warpforged Key] (Sha'tar): Unlocks Heroic mode in Tempest Keep.
- The Shattered Halls, Shadow Labyrinth, and The Arcatraz also have their own entry keys; however, only one person in the group with the key or a lockpicker is required to get past them.
Title: Champion of the Naaru
In Patch 2.3.0, players who complete (or have completed) this quest chain as well as [70R] The Cudgel of Kar'desh will be given the title "Champion of the Naaru" [2]. Players who complete (or have completed) this quest but still do not obtain the title are advised to talk to A'dal once more and then reload the client.
As of Patch 3.0.2, the ability to receive this title has been removed. Those who had accepted the quests required for the title before this patch may apparently complete those quests and receive the title. Others are unable to receive the title. See [Champion of the Naaru] for more information.