So now we know the origin of the HEAL MEH!!! meme...
click to view
The tenth encounter for TDC in Icecrown Citadel was Valithria. She's a definite change of pace for us, and a great chance to showcase the ability of a group that is generally underappreciated - our healers.
The fundamental difference in the Val encounter is that instead of needing to kill a boss, we needed to heal Val in order to break her out of her captivity. This is accomplished by healing her directly, and taking advantage of the portals she periodically opens to the Emerald Dream in order to gain a buff that makes healing her more manageable. While some of our healers were concentrating on Val, our tanks, dps, and remaining healing group was focused on managing the numerous adds that show up during the fight, each of which must be managed differently. From zombies that must be kited, suppressors that inhibit healing done to Val, and blazing skeletons that must be burned down quickly before they wipe the raid, each of these mobs presented a unique and difficult challenge for the group. This is a chaotic fight, with a clear need for everyone to do their jobs effectively in order to free Val.
While this unique encounter was a challenge for TDC, we proved quickly that Val's captivity was destined to end, and with her freedom, another nail was hammered into the Lich Kings coffin. Great job to all our healers, and we're on to Sindragosa!