Pahk, Loa of the Depths, is a new loa that can be unlocked through the Abyss Anglers activity in Zul’Aman. But who is this mysterious loa?
According to the Alter Keeper, Du’gal, Pahk is the “Loa of the Depths, Lord of Dark Oceans”, who guards the strait of Hexx’alor, which separates Zul’Aman from the mysterious island of Atul’Utek.
“Pahk: Loa of de Depths, Lord of Dark Oceans. He is de guardian of de straight separatin’ us and… de forbidden lands beyond.
“You will likely never see Pahk. He dwells far below any depths you could even try swimmin’ in. Some say they have seen his dark shadow in the water or his long neck on de horizon, comin’ up once a century for air. He is never visible long.
“That doesn’t mean he isn’t worshipped. Many trolls of de forest tribes that hunt for sustenance or adventure beneath the waves often carry idols of Pahk close by.”
There is no in-game model of Pahk yet, but descriptions make it sound like Pahk is some sort of sea monster, similar to a threshadon or, for an out-of-Azeroth comparison, the Loch Ness Monster. The Champion of Pahk, which is the only mythic “fish” that can spawn during a dive, is a threshadon. Despite Du’gal’s claim that we are never likely to meet this loa ourselves, we may end up encountering them when we finally cross the strait they’re guarding.
At the moment, we can see Atal’Utek in the distance, and the zone is outlined on Zul’Aman’s map, but if we try to reach it, we’re given a warning message telling us to turn back before we are teleported to the broken bridge that once led to Atal’Utek. This is very similar to areas like the Forbidden Reach and Amirdrassil during Dragonflight, before those were ready to visit – leading to speculation that Atal’Utek is the planned 12.1 zone.
Pahk is unlocked through the Idol of the Depths, a quest item that can be purchased from Depthdiver Tu’nakit for 1500 Angler Pearls, but only once you’ve completed a meta-achievement, Abyss Anglers: Idol of the Depths. Once you can purchase the idol, it starts the quest Blessing of the Depths, where you’re sent to speak with Du’gal. Afterwards, Pahk is added to the list of loa whose blessings you can carry in Zul’Aman. It allows you to walk on the ocean’s floor, which is mildly useful during treasure-focussed Abyss Angler dives. Sadly, attempting to walk to Atal’Utek doesn’t seem to allow you any closer than attempting to fly there.
