Get The Nexus Key

The Nexus Key is an epic two-handed caster staff added in The Burning Crusade expansion. It is a long shaft topped with a massive crystalline head in a cold blue-purple palette that echoes the energy of the Twisting Nether in which Netherstorm drifts. The silhouette is clean and "magical," without flashy spikes, so the staff fits easily into the looks of mages, warlocks, priests, shamans, and balance druids.

Beyond its appearance, the staff was once a top-tier caster item: it carries +236 spell power, +51 critical strike rating, and +76 stamina, while its built-in Call of the Nexus effect had a chance to trigger on a spell critical hit and temporarily added spell power. Today its stats are outdated and the staff's value is purely cosmetic — it is one of the recognizable caster staves of the Outland era.

The Nexus Key drops from the final, fourth boss of the Tempest Keep raid — the wing of this flying citadel is called "The Eye." The raid itself sits in Netherstorm, in the northeast of Outland, and can only be reached by flying transport.

• The drop source is Kael'thas Sunstrider, the last boss of "The Eye" wing.
• The drop chance is around 20 percent, which makes the staff one of the boss's most reliable trophies.
• Originally it was a 25-player raid, but in the current Midnight expansion this Outland-level boss is easily soloed at level 90.
• There is no attempt limit: on a solo run the fight can be repeated every week until the staff drops.
• Kael'thas is known for a long, multi-phase fight, but with the huge level gap the phases fly by almost instantly.

• Suits looks in a cold blue-purple palette — for example, blue and silver mage and priest sets.
• Harmonizes with the theme of the Twisting Nether and mana energies, nicely complementing "starry" and arcane sets.
• Contrasts with warm armor of fire and nature themes — a debatable but expressive trick.
• Looks great on balance druids and elemental shamans thanks to the neutral "magical" head.