I just checked on Wowhead for abilities called Pierce. Found one that was added in WoD that is used by a rare in Tanaan Jungle, but nothing that explains what you’re describing here.
Unfortunately that’s all I’ve got. This hasn’t happened to me (yet). But I tried.
While you’re running against the wind, the area has birds surrounding it, mainly the areas around the edges of the platform. THe birds stay idle for a few seconds, then do a dash into the wind (where you are) which does damage. This damage is the Pierce that is hitting you.
Essentially don’t just mindlessly hit W, watch for the birds, let them dash in, then move between them while they’re recovering.
Typically you need to be getting hit by multiple of them to actually die.
It’s always been a thing. The damage and how threatening they are has possibly changed over the various scaling changes with Timewalking and what not. I can’t recall actually dying to them, but I can definitely recall being lazy and running through a bunch knowing I’d survive with half health.
No they’ve always done large chunks of damage (likely percentage based). Getting hit by multiple of them in a row has always been lethal, even back during WoD.
As a healer I hate those birds! If they don’t kill me they kill someone in my party. I have learned to shield myself. cast long-lasting heal over time spells, use a speed ability if possible, whatever to survive.
