Eastern Kingdoms
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The Eastern Kingdoms in the fantasy Warcraft Universe refer to the eastern land mass found in the World of Azeroth. The other two land masses are Northrend and Kalimdor.
Currently there are three major continents within the Eastern Kingdoms:
- The Dwarven kingdom of Khaz Modan, with its capital at Ironforge;
- The Undead realm of Undercity, former human kingdom of Lordaeron; and
- The Human kingdom of Azeroth with its capital at Stormwind, one of the two last bastions of human civilization in the world of Azeroth (with the other founded on Theramore Isles by Jaina Proudmoore).
History
Long ago, Azeroth consisted only of a massive continent, surrounded by a seemingly endless ocean. This landmass was called Kalimdor, meaning "the Land of Eternal Starlight", by the Night Elves, a nocturnal humanoid race that inhabited it. At the rough geographical center of the landmass stood the Well of Eternity crafted by the Titans, the creators of Azeroth. The Night Elves were lured to the Well of Eternity by its potent magical energies and eventually settled along its shores. As time passed, the Night Elven Queen, Azshara, ordered her personal assistants, the Quel'Dorei (or Highborned) to plume the secrets fo the well. The Highborne delved too deeply into the newly discovered arts of magic and triggered a huge invasion of demons from the plane that interconnects the worlds in the universe, the Twisting Nether. After an epic battle between the demonic Burning Legion and the Night Elves, the Burning Legion was defeated but the Portal at the bottom of the Well buckled upon itself, triggering a cataclysmic explosion and splitting the land asunder. The seas rushed in to fill in the massive crater and at it's center, where the Well once stood, was the twisting cyclone called Maelstrom. The Night Elves returned to the continent to the west completely unaware of land that existed across the seas. This continent was divided into two sections separated by the sea. The northern half would become the kingdom of Lordearon with the southern half sharing the planet's name, Azeroth.
Geography
The Eastern Kingdoms are broken down into three areas.
- The Dwarven kingdom of Khaz Modan, with its capital at Ironforge;
- The Forsaken realm of Undercity, formerly the Human kingdom of Lordaeron; and
- The Human kingdom of Azeroth with its capital at Stormwind Castle.
Lordaeron from World of Warcraft.
Beneath the former capital city of Loredaron rests the Forsaken's home of Undercity. Carved out of the royal crypts, Undercity is controlled by the Dark Lady Sylvanas Windrunner. Beneath the ruined castle, Sylvanas and the Royal Apothecary Society, are attempting to create a new plague, one that will wipe out not only the living, but the Undead as well.
The once green forests of Tirisfal Glades are no more, replaced with claw scarred trees and the walking dead. While much of humanity has fled this region, those that remain are the members of the Scarlet Crusade, who zealously fight against both the Scourge and the Forsaken hoping to regain the land. North of Undercity is the town of Brill and to Undercity's west, Deathknell, the Undead starting point in the game. The Scarlet Crusade's main base is the Scarlet Monastery in the northeastern hills. The few farms that remain have been forgotten and are patrolled by Undead. Spiders, demonic hounds, and bats are commonly found in the forest and on the roads. To the east, the Argent Dawn have a small camp called the Bulwark guarding the way to the Western Plaguelands.
The Silverpine Forest to the far west of Undercity is where the Highborne elves first landed after leaving Kalimdor long ago. This mountainous region is the main road south around Lordamere Lake. The mines here still stand but are filled with venomous spiders or the wolf-like worgen which are becoming more and more common. The Forsaken have turned a local graveyard into a base they call the Sepulcher but the rest of the area is not fully under Forsaken control. East of the Sepulcher lies Fenris Isle and Fenris Keep now under the control of Undead Gnolls. To the south stands Shadowfang Keep. The worgen rule here commanded by the Necromancer, Arugal. Ambermill, east of Shadowfang Keep, has been taken over by the mages of Dalaran and is one of only two remaining human villages in the region, the other being Pyrewood Village. The inhabitants of Pyrewood are not what they seem having become subjects of Arugal's experiments.
In the extreme southern mountains of Silverpine sits the Greymane Wall, barring the path south into Gilneas. Gilneas, having been reluctant to join the Alliance in the Second War, officially cut off ties to the outside world shortly before the Scourge came to Lordearon. The wall has been shut ever since and some Lordearon refuges camp outside hoping to one day be let in and escape the Scourge.
Beyond the Greymane Wall and south of Silverpine forest is the nation of Gilneas. Gilneas is a highly resourceful nation and their supplies were greatly appreciated by the soldiers of the Second War. When the war concluded, King Terenas created a new tax to help fund the rebuilding of Stormwind and to maintain the internment camps that held captured orc forces. Gilneas's leader, Glenn Greymane, would have none of it and officially withdrew from the Alliance and shut the Greymane Wall. There has been no contact with Gilneas since and it is rumored to be fighting off a Naga invasion but no one knows for sure.
Gilneas is not currently open to players of World of Warcraft and it is known when it will be available.
The Alterac Mountains are an area of high elevation south of Lordamere Lake. Here resides the once great city of Alterac which has now been overrun by Ogres. West of Alterac is the magically shielded city of Dalaran. Dalaran was destroyed by Archimonde during the Third War but shortly after the Legion's fall on Kalimdor, Dalaran mages erected a giant shield around the city. To date, no one is quite sure what is happening beneath the shiny dome and the mages that patrol it's outskirts will not say or even let visitors get too close.
East of Alterac is the city of Strahnbrad. Once a thriving city, Strahnbrad is a ghost town and the base of operations for the nobles of the Syndicate. Here, they plan and scheme their next attempts to regain control of Hillsbrad and Stromgarde after they were routed by the Alliance for betraying them to the Horde in the Second War.
The area south of the Alterac Mountains is called the Hillsbrad Foothills. This area is under constant threat from the Scourge and the Forsaken along it's northern borders. The two largest settlements are the the city of Hillsbrad to the west and the fishing town of Southshore on the southern shores. Hillsbrad's orchards still turn out a wonderful crop of fruits but the tension is high with the Undead being so close by. Fishing is still the chief occupation for those in Southshore but recently, both the Naga and the Murlocs are making it difficult for fishermen. The mayor of Southshore is often the target of assassination attempts by the Syndicate so Stormwind has sent a few soldiers to help keep the peace. The Tarren Mill to the north has been taken over by the Forsaken but so far, they have made no attempts to move further south. A river divides the land in half and travelers can enter the Western Plaguelands by following it north. Further east stand the ruins of Dunholde Keep, where the young Warchief Thrall was held captive in his youth and the Keep was destroyed by Thrall himself. The Syndicate use Durnholde Keep as a waypoint east and hide amongst the fallen stones. Thoradin's Wall, though damaged in the Second War, still marks the eastern boundary with Dun Garok, a dwarven holding, on it's southern tip.
The Arathi Highlands are a vast region full of resources waiting for anyone to take them. The Battleground Arathi Basin is here and the Alliance and the Horde clash for these resources. Most notably of the area's landmarks is the battered Stromgarde Keep. Stromgarde fell to the Horde during the Second War with help from the Nobles of Alterac. The Alliance learned of this betrayal and crushed the noble's armies and drove them out. Prince Trollbane, the true heir to the throne of Stromgarde, is at a stalemate against the Syndicate forces in the area. His troops hold the western half of the ruins while the Syndicate controls the eastern half but neither really has the manpower to overthrow the other. Trollbane's forces also have a small garrison at Refuge Point which is the instance for the Arathi Basin Battleground.
The Horde maintain the outpost of Hammerfall to the northeast which serves as their entrance to Arathi Basin. A few working, yet crumbling, farms dot the plains but the Witherbark Trolls guard much of the southeast and raptors roam everywhere else. Ogres are here as well and Trollbane's and the Syndicate's forces both face off against them.
The Hinterlands are the home of the second ancient dwarven clan, the Wildhammers. Situated on Aerie Peak, the Wildhammers choose to live on the mountains rather than under them and raise and train native gryphons which were invaluable to the Alliance during the Second War. The Hinterlands has the largest concentration of Trolls in Lordearon and Troll ruins are everywhere. The largest of these are Jintha'Alor nestled inside a mountain valley in the southeast. The Highborne Elves have built the Quel'Danil lodge near one of the mountain lakes and across the river to the north is a portal similar to the ones found in Duskwood and Ashenvale Forest. The Dwarves here are too busy watching the troll's movements to investigate the rumors of corrupted dragons near the portal.
The Plaguelands are broken down into two sections: The Western Plaguelands and the Eastern Plaguelands. Both are heavily controlled by Kel'Thuzad and the Scourge.
The Western Plaguelands will forever be known as the first region to fall to the plague of Undeath. The largest city in the region, Andorhal, was where Kel'Thuzad unleashed the Lich King's plague using the city's grain distrubtion routes. Most of the southern area is filled with the walking dead with the exception of one small plot of land, the tomb of Uther Lightbringer. This site is so holy that the undead cannot set foot here.
The island city of Caer Darrow still stands in the middle of Darrowmere Lake. Caer Darrow has been around since the days of Arathor and was owned by the Barov family. The Barovs made a deal with Kel'Thuzad to save their lands by turning Caer Darrow into a school of Necromancy and tortured the residents to death. Now dubbed "Scholomance," adventurers in service of the Argent Dawn fight with the Undead that still walk it's walls. Aside from the Undead and the plague-infected animals that roam the region, the only living presence here is the Scarlet Crusade which operates out of Hearthglen in the northern mountains.
The Eastern Plaguelands is the more dangerous of the Scourge controlled regions in the north (if such things could really be measured.) Vegetation is rotted and deformed and trees have mutated into vile mushroom like plants. Animals are plague-infested and incredibly hostile and the soil is tearing itself apart like a bleeding wound that will not heal. To the north, the fallen city of Stratholme serves as the powerbase for the Scourge and floating above the town is the necropolis Naxxramas, home of the lich, Kel'Thuzad.
To the east, is the shining Light's Hope Chapel, home to the Argent Dawn. The Argent Dawn is a neutral organization accepting members from both the Horde and the Alliance to obtain one goal: the utter annilation of the Scourge. Unlike the zealots of the Scarlet Crusade, the Argent Dawn wishes to cure those affected by the plague of Undeath rather than see them all slaughtered. The Scarlet Crusade's works from Tyr's Hand in the southeast and most of the group's leaders can be found there. Recently, in response to aggressive world-wide attacks by the Scourge, the Argent Dawn and the Scarlet Crusade have declared a truce of sorts. Though their ideologies and methods differ, they both work for the same goal and will need all they help they can get.
Through the northern mountains of the Eastern Plaguelands, one can enter the glorious lands of Quel'Thalas, home to the Highborne Elves. Quel'Thalas fell to the might of the Scourge led by the fallen paladin Arthas Menethil after having stood for two thousand years. The capital of Silvermoon was destroyed and the Sunwell, the source of the elve's magical power, was used to resurrect the lich, Kel'Thuzad. Rather than allow their lands to be controlled by the Scourge, the elves set fire to the forest when they abandoned their homeland.
Many of the surviving High Elves renamed themselves Blood Elves to honor their fallen elven brethern. The Blood Elves that were left behind when Prince Kael'thas and Illidan retreated back to Outland have regrown the forest and rebuilt their capital of Silvermoon. The path north is still blocked by bolders and is impassable.
Blizzard has announced that Quel'Thalas, specifically Eversong Forest, will be the starting area for the Blood Elves in the expansion, The Burning Crusade.
Khaz Modan from World of Warcraft.
Khaz Modan, meaning "The Mountains of Khaz" in the dwarven dialect, has long been the home of the Dwarves of Azeroth. Split into three clans, the Wildhammers, the Dark Irons, and Ironforge, all three originated and called this area home prior to the War of the Three Hammers.
Ringed on all sides by the huge mountains, Dun Morogh is a snowy valley where the great dwarven city of Ironforge is found. The high elevation here keeps Dun Morogh a winterland all year round. The Dwarves have several outposts and camps throughout the region and dwarven patrols constantly walk the roads. Other than the devastated city of Gnomeregan, the other major settlement here is the dwarven city of Kharanos. Dwarven patrols have heralded Kharanos as a life saver, enjoying a hot ale after a long day's work at the local inn. A smaller outpost, Anvilmar, is to the south through a mountain pass into a southern depression called Coldridge Valley. Coldridge Valley is the starting area for both Gnomes and Dwarves. Dun Morogh is one of the most secure locations in all of the Alliance lands (with perhaps the exception of Teldrassil) but wolf and bear attacks are common. Recently, irradiated gnomes called Leper Gnomes, have made their way to the surface wandering about it a daze until someone moves to close to them after which they violently attack. Also recent are the Troggs which surfaced in and around the area of the Gol'Bolar Quarry and Mine. The Dwarven Senate sees the Troggs as a major threat.
The Searing Gorge is a hot, bleak, volcanic region south of Dun Morogh and the north of the Burning Steppes. The Searing Gorge was created when the Dark Iron king inadvertently summoned the Fire Lord Ragnaros into the world at the end of the War of the Three Hammers. Though the Dark Irons and their master, Ragnaros live with Blackrock Mountain in the south, this area is just as volcanic. Cut down the middle of the region by lava flows is the Cauldron and a series of caves. The area is rich in metal desposits and both the Orcs and the goblins have mining facilities scattered throughout. There are two mountain paths into this region. The first is through the Badlands to the east and to Loch Modan northeast. The Stonewraught Pass's gate is locked and the dwarven guards refuge passage to those who do not have a key. Lastly, the Thorium Brotherhood has a neutral base along the northern border where travelers can find a somewhat safe haven.
The Badlands are a dusty, dry region south of Loch Modan. A stark contrast to the green lands of the Loch, temperatures in the Badlands rival those found in Tanaris and many creatures here are accustomed to the heat. Cacti mark the spots where one could find underground water but there is more rock then life here.
The Badlands is a very important place for the Explorer's League in Ironforge for near the northern entrance lies the underground city of Uldaman. Uldaman contains ancient ruins that are believed to be the remains of the city where the Titans created the Earthen, the primal forms of the Dwarves before the Great Sundering. Unfortunantly for the Explorer's League, the Dark Iron Dwarves have taken over Uldaman as well as the nearby Hammertoe's Digsite. The Dark Iron Dwarves are based out of Angor Fortress and Ironforge can do little to curb the occupation. The Dark Irons are not the only danger in the region. Ogres have set up camps in the north, south, and the west. The only thing that keeps the Ogres from the east are the Black Dragons which infest the Lethlor Ravine. The Horde have a small camp in the northwest called Kargath which serves as a waypoint to those who venture to the Searing Gorge.
East of the snowy lands of Dun Morogh is the temperate region of Loch Modan. Directly in the center of the region is the largest fresh water lake on Azeroth, the Loch itself, and to the north, one of the greatest engineering feats by the Dwarven nation, the Stonewrought Dam. The Dam is under constant dwarven patrol as the Dark Irons have tried more then once to destroy it.
The Dwarves have established the town of Thelsamar near the Loch's western shore. Kobolds walk the lands and occupy the abandoned Silverstream Mine and most recently, Troggs have taken over the southwestern mountains. And if that was not enough, Mo'Grosh Ogres have moved into the hills in the northeast. The Explorer's League has a digsite in the southeast run by Prospector Ironbrand. The Troggs have recently surfaced there, driven mad by the artifacts the dwarves have discovered. Paths to the south lead to the Badlands while the Algaz Gate to the north leads to the Wetlands below the Stonewrought Dam. Dwarven mountaineers keep a constant vigilance here as Algaz is the only path into Khaz Modan from the north.
The Wetlands, which sits below the mountains of Ironforge, is the location for one of the main ports for the Alliance at Menethil Harbor. Boats here grant passage to Kalimdor to Darkshore or Theramore. Because Ironforge cannot spare soldiers to guard the harbor, Menethil has hired the captain of the "Maiden's Virtue" and his crew to keep the peace on the docks.
The region is a humid swamp crawling with crocolisks, murlocs, and raptors. Leatherworkers and skinners can find a plethora of leather to trade provided one is able to take down the powerful creatures. This region was the site of many battles in the Second War when the Orcs occupied Grim Batol in the southeast. While no longer in Grim Batol, the Orcs are still in the Wetlands having moved into the central mountains. Grim Batol itself is under the control of the Red Dragons and the dragonkin will not let anyone near.
The Dark Iron Dwarves have taken control of the town of Dun Modr to the north and have succeeded in destroying one of the two bridges of the Thandol Span which is the only land path north to Lordearon. Ironforge has a sent a small contingent of soldiers to try to take back Dun Modr and guard the remaining bridge but they are not having much luck.
Azeroth from World of Warcraft.
Stormwind Caslte is the last bastion of the humans of Azeroth in the east. Many survivors of the plague-infested lands of Lordearon have retreated here. Formerly ruled by King Varian Wrynn, Wrynn's young son Andruin has recently been placed on the throne. The crowning happened so quickly that many in Stormwind do not know that Anduin is now King and the switch is quietly discussed in dark corners.
Stormwind was ravaged by the Horde during the First War. At the end of the Second War, King Terenas of Lordearon created a new tax to help pay for the rebuilding of Stormwind. The Stonemasons Guild accepted the charge but when the time came to pay the Stonemason's, the nobles of Stormwind refused and ordered the guild to leave. Their leader, Edwin Van Cleef, swore revenge on the nobles and now runs the outlaws called the Defias Brotherhood.
The tall trees of Elwynn Forest serve as the starting point in the game for the humans of the Alliance. Having suffered much during the First War, the newly rebuilt Stormwind stands as a testament to the human spirit. The nearby Northshire Abbey and the town of Goldshire benefit from Stormwind's protection. The Lion's Pride Inn in Goldshire turns a tidy profit being not only the major inn for the area, but also being just across the path from the location for the Darkmoon Faire when it visits the Eastern Kingdoms.
To the east, travelers will first pass the Tower of Azora, home to a wizard that broke away from the mages of Stormwind. Further east lies the Eastvale Logging Camp and the Ridgepoint Tower before passing into the Redridge Mountains. To the west of Goldshire is the Westbrook Garrison which oversees the way into Westfall.
Elwynn Forest is full of resources. Wood is plentiful and the mines here are rich sources of copper. There are several farms in the forest for fruit and vegetables and wild boars and bears supply meats and furs. But as peaceful as Elwynn Forest sounds, it has it's share of problems. Though soldiers do patrol the roads, the Defias Brotherhood is thick in the area accousting travelers and controlling at least two of the farms in the area. Kobolds have invaded all the copper mines and it is rumored they are working with the Defias. Gnolls have set up camp in the southwest and the murlocs are appearing in alarming numbers to the east.
The aptly named Westfall has some of the most fertile farming lands on the Eastern Continent producing grains and cotton. But the farms are no longer tended by the valiant farmers. In place of crops, mechanical monsters which bear the image of frightening creatures that filled the folklore of the people of this land, roam the fields attacking anyone who gets too close to them. And what owners were not scared out, the Defias have pressured out. Stormwind has withdrawn it's forces from this region claiming they do not have the manpower to keep the area safe. In response, the People's Militia has formed and fight back as best they can from Sentinel Hill.
The Defias themselves are everywhere and have driven off the population of the town of Moonbrooke in the southeast. Rumors say that the Defias have a base somewhere in the town but most who go looking are never heard from again. The sea beats against the Long Shore but it is no more safe then the farms with the Murlocs living on every part of the shoreline.
The Redridge Mountains, once a vacation spot for the well-to-do, is now a region of strife. The town of Lakeshire is under constant threat from not only the mountain gnolls, but from the Orcs who occupy Stonewatch Keep. The Orcs, which do not recognize the authority of the Warchief Thrall, have already damaged the main bridge that crosses Lake Everstill. If the bridge is destroyed, Lakeshire will be cut off from the east. The situation is made worse by the fact that Stormwind has recalled the majority of it's forces from the region leaving only a small contingent of soldiers. Lakeshire's mayor is desperate for aid and writes to anyone who might help keep his town safe.
Alther's Mill east of Lakeshire used to supply the area with wood but it is now overrun by giant spiders. The Orcs have control of much of the east but avoid the Tower of Ilgalar in Galardell Valley. A rogue wizard and his gnoll servants keep the Orcs at bay.
With the moutains surrounding the valley, the only other way out is to the north. A twisting path leads into the Burning Steppes, the gates having been smashed and made useless.
The thick forest area across the river south of Elwynn Forest was once referred to by a different name. But now, people call this region Duskwood. Duskwood is a cursed land with a canopy of trees so thick that the sun cannot penetrate it or the gloom below. The negative energies that creep in from the east are causing the dead to rise from their graves and the fear they create is overwhelming. As a result of Stormwind removing their forces from the area, the town of Darkshire has created the Nightwatch, townsfolk banded together to fight back against the Undead and keep the town safe.
Though some powerful Undead walk this region, they are not part of the Scourge; the Undead plague does not extend this far south. The dark energies from the east seem to be the cause. Numerous as the Undead are here, recently, another species has appeared. The Worgen, wolf-like humanoids much stronger then those found in Tirisfal Glades, are beginning to fill what areas the Undead to do not control. Folks whisper rumors of black cloaked riders that hail from the east as the source of the Worgen but no one knows for sure. The Defias occupy a few of the abandoned farms in the south and the Nightwatch keeps a curious eye on their activities. Near the western shoreline, the town of Ravenhill stands empty, it's residents driven off by the relentless Undead in the northern cemetery.
At the center of the region stands a tall mountain and nestled within is a small valley. Contained within is a sight of wonder and one might think they have been somehow transported to the forests of Ashenvale. Here the sunlight falls upon another portal similar to the ones found in the Hinterlands and Ashenvale. Even stranger is the fact that next to the portal sits a Moon Well seeming very out of place on the Eastern Continent. The locals advise people not to come here claiming to frequently hear the totured cries of dragons from what has come to be known as the Twilight Grove. The road south leads to the Stranglethorn Vale with Westfall across the river west. The way east leads to even darker places.
Covering much of the southern tip of the Eastern Continent is the rain forest of Stranglethorn Vale. It rains here quite frequently and the plant life grows large and in great variety. The Trolls are the dominate species of the regoin still living amongst the many ancient troll ruins. The Darkspear Trolls originated from these jungles but several Troll clans call this place home. The most dangerous of the Troll ruins, Zul'Gurub, is open for those who dare venture inside.
The largest town in this region is on the southern shore. The goblin-run town of Booty Bay is controlled by the Blackwater Raiders but they are not the only pirates in the area. The Bloodsail Buccaneers are stationed behind the mountains south of Booty Bay. The two groups encounter each other frequently which are always violent meetings. As usual with goblin run towns, both the Horde and the Alliance are welcome here but the Bruisers expect visitors to "keep their nose clean" or else. Booty Bay links via ship to the goblin city of Ratchet on Kalimdor. Booty Bay also hosts the weekly fishing tournament for those who have skill with a fishing pole. Adventurers from both factions can find plenty to do in Stranglethorn Vale. The goblins do not care who works for them as long as they can turn a profit. Venture Co. has established a resource mining colony in the center of the region but as they operate outside the trade prince's authority, the goblins of Booty Bay do not trade with them and would prefer to see Venture Co. gone. Still, if Venture Co. does all the work and the goblins hire adventurers to steal their goods, all the better for them.
The Horde maintain a base near the western shore called Grom'Gol but the Trolls here have no more love for the Horde then they do anyone else. A small human resistance force has set up a camp in the north having broken away from their fanatical leader, Colonel Kurzon, who runs a small army in the northwest. Kurzon's men have discovered that plants here when brewed properly can cure disease and the rebels greatly desire these potions.
Aside from the Mosh'Ogg Ogres here, the jungle is home to many species of large cats including tigers and panthers. The final interesting location in Stranglethorn Vale is the Gurubashi Arena. Once a gladitorial pit for the Troll's entertainment, a goblin pirate named Sir John Mithril hosts a contest where he invites all to claim his treasure. The Arena allows brother to fight brother regardless of their affiliations.
"Abandon all hope ye who enter here" are the words scrolled upon the signs as you travel east from Duskwood along the Deadwind Pass. There is no hope in this region and little of anything else. Once the home of the Sorcerer Medivh, this region was warped by his magical research and the land has literally been drained of life. The trees are petrified and the soil is as dead as the rocky mountains that surround the place. This corruption is slowing moving into Duskwood and is the source of Duskwood's curse. Travelers are advised to stick to the road when they head east to the Swamp of Sorrow. If one can avoid the buzzards and Ogres while traveling south, you will come across a ruined and abandoned town who's name the people have long forgotten. Nearby stands the crumbling tower of Karazhan, where the Alliance killed Medivh after discovering he had been responsible for opening the Dark Portal and allowing the Orcs into Azeroth. Karazhan's entrance is sealed by collapsing rock but great power pulses from within and may soon draw the curious to uncover what is inside.
Karazhan is set to be a level 70 instance in the expansion, The Burning Crusade.
On the eastern side of the Deadwind Pass lies the Swamp of Sorrows. Unlike Dustwallow Marsh on Kalimdor, this fresh water swampland is green and teaming with life. Many rare herbs and plants can be found here. You just have to avoid the crocolisks.
The Horde inhabit the town of Stonard in the south near the entrance to the Blasted Lands. A clan of Drainei that escaped the destruction of Draenor live in small villages in the Shifting Mire. In the east is the Pool of Tears and in this lake is the submerged Temple of Atal'Hakkar. Not long ago, the Trolls attempted to summon the Hakkar the Soulflayer here in a dread ritual. The Green Dragon Aspect Ysera interrupted their summonings and sank the temple beneath the water. The dragons still guard the upper levels of the temple preventing the Trolls from trying another summoning.
This desolate region south of the Swamp of Sorrows used to be a dank marshland called the Black Morass. Now it is a dry desert of red clay. Despite the unpleasantness of the region, it is perhaps the single most important land in all of Azeroth. It is given this singular distinction by the presence of one structure: the Dark Portal.
Created by the wizard Medivh, the Dark Portal sits at the bottom of a crater in the south. The same crater where the wizard Khadgar destroyed the first portal. Currently, the Dark Portal is closed but a gathering of demons surround the cursed gateway making study impossible. To the north stands Nethergarde Keep. Created by Khadgar to watch over the Dark Portal, Alliance troops keep a careful watch to the south and fighting off demon attacks. Life in Nethergarde is bereft of joy and the soldiers here welcome any distraction that breaks the tension that hangs over their heads.
Many of the animals in this region have been mutated by the energies released from the Dark Portal and are more powerful then others of their kind. The hyenas alone are said to have jaws so powerful, they can bite through three inches of hardened Thorium, the strongest metal in the world. Clearly, hunting in this land is not recommended. Only the occasional weed grows in this region and when it does rain, the water merely washes across the hardened clay into the sea.
West of the Dark Portal is a mountainous region called the Tainted Scar. Demons of incredible power roam the land here and it is not a place to visit lightly. In the northwest corner of the region, the Dreadmaul Ogres have taken up residence as well as Dreadmaul Post directly south. In the eastern mountain range stands the Altar of Storms, one of the last such alters on Azeroth.
The Burning Steppes is a volcanic mountain range through which Blackrock Mountain can be accessed. Home to the Dark Iron Dwarves, the Burning Steppes were created when the Dark Iron King summoned the Firelord Ragnaros from the Elemental Plane. The Firelord cannot leave the lava pits below the mountain but never the less, he has enslaved the Dark Irons and they do his bidding attempting to create a great army out of living stone. The Orcs here are not part of the Horde on Kalimdor but they are nothing compared to the mighty Black Dragons in the south. It is said that Nefarion, the son of Deathwing, is waging a war against Ragnaros for control of Blackrock mountain, a war that no one wants to see either side win. The most direct way into the area is through the Blackrock Pass which leads south into the Redridge Mountains.
The final site of note here is most often seen by those traveling via gryphon from Ironforge to Stormwind. In the northwestern corner near Blackrock Mountain is one of the last remaining Alter of Storms created by the warlock Gul'dan. The stone statues of the Altar stand silently surrounded by a pool of lava.
In the extreme southern mountains of Silverpine sits the Greymane Wall, barring the path south into Gilneas. Gilneas, having been reluctant to join the Alliance in the Second War, officially cut off ties to the outside world shortly before the Scourge came to Lordearon. The wall has been shut ever since and some Lordearon refuges camp outside hoping to one day be let in and escape the Scourge.
Beyond the Greymane Wall and south of Silverpine forest is the nation of Gilneas. Gilneas is a highly resourceful nation and their supplies were greatly appreciated by the soldiers of the Second War. When the war concluded, King Terenas created a new tax to help fund the rebuilding of Stormwind and to maintain the internment camps that held captured orc forces. Gilneas's leader, Glenn Greymane, would have none of it and officially withdrew from the Alliance and shut the Greymane Wall. There has been no contact with Gilneas since and it is rumored to be fighting off a Naga invasion but no one knows for sure.
Gilneas is not currently open to players of World of Warcraft and it is known when it will be available.
The Alterac Mountains are an area of high elevation south of Lordamere Lake. Here resides the once great city of Alterac which has now been overrun by Ogres. West of Alterac is the magically shielded city of Dalaran. Dalaran was destroyed by Archimonde during the Third War but shortly after the Legion's fall on Kalimdor, Dalaran mages erected a giant shield around the city. To date, no one is quite sure what is happening beneath the shiny dome and the mages that patrol it's outskirts will not say or even let visitors get too close.
East of Alterac is the city of Strahnbrad. Once a thriving city, Strahnbrad is a ghost town and the base of operations for the nobles of the Syndicate. Here, they plan and scheme their next attempts to regain control of Hillsbrad and Stromgarde after they were routed by the Alliance for betraying them to the Horde in the Second War.
The area south of the Alterac Mountains is called the Hillsbrad Foothills. This area is under constant threat from the Scourge and the Forsaken along it's northern borders. The two largest settlements are the the city of Hillsbrad to the west and the fishing town of Southshore on the southern shores. Hillsbrad's orchards still turn out a wonderful crop of fruits but the tension is high with the Undead being so close by. Fishing is still the chief occupation for those in Southshore but recently, both the Naga and the Murlocs are making it difficult for fishermen. The mayor of Southshore is often the target of assassination attempts by the Syndicate so Stormwind has sent a few soldiers to help keep the peace. The Tarren Mill to the north has been taken over by the Forsaken but so far, they have made no attempts to move further south. A river divides the land in half and travelers can enter the Western Plaguelands by following it north. Further east stand the ruins of Dunholde Keep, where the young Warchief Thrall was held captive in his youth and the Keep was destroyed by Thrall himself. The Syndicate use Durnholde Keep as a waypoint east and hide amongst the fallen stones. Thoradin's Wall, though damaged in the Second War, still marks the eastern boundary with Dun Garok, a dwarven holding, on it's southern tip.
The Arathi Highlands are a vast region full of resources waiting for anyone to take them. The Battleground Arathi Basin is here and the Alliance and the Horde clash for these resources. Most notably of the area's landmarks is the battered Stromgarde Keep. Stromgarde fell to the Horde during the Second War with help from the Nobles of Alterac. The Alliance learned of this betrayal and crushed the noble's armies and drove them out. Prince Trollbane, the true heir to the throne of Stromgarde, is at a stalemate against the Syndicate forces in the area. His troops hold the western half of the ruins while the Syndicate controls the eastern half but neither really has the manpower to overthrow the other. Trollbane's forces also have a small garrison at Refuge Point which is the instance for the Arathi Basin Battleground.
The Horde maintain the outpost of Hammerfall to the northeast which serves as their entrance to Arathi Basin. A few working, yet crumbling, farms dot the plains but the Witherbark Trolls guard much of the southeast and raptors roam everywhere else. Ogres are here as well and Trollbane's and the Syndicate's forces both face off against them.
The Hinterlands are the home of the second ancient dwarven clan, the Wildhammers. Situated on Aerie Peak, the Wildhammers choose to live on the mountains rather than under them and raise and train native gryphons which were invaluable to the Alliance during the Second War. The Hinterlands has the largest concentration of Trolls in Lordearon and Troll ruins are everywhere. The largest of these are Jintha'Alor nestled inside a mountain valley in the southeast. The Highborne Elves have built the Quel'Danil lodge near one of the mountain lakes and across the river to the north is a portal similar to the ones found in Duskwood and Ashenvale Forest. The Dwarves here are too busy watching the troll's movements to investigate the rumors of corrupted dragons near the portal.
The Plaguelands are broken down into two sections: The Western Plaguelands and the Eastern Plaguelands. Both are heavily controlled by Kel'Thuzad and the Scourge.
The Western Plaguelands will forever be known as the first region to fall to the plague of Undeath. The largest city in the region, Andorhal, was where Kel'Thuzad unleashed the Lich King's plague using the city's grain distrubtion routes. Most of the southern area is filled with the walking dead with the exception of one small plot of land, the tomb of Uther Lightbringer. This site is so holy that the undead cannot set foot here.
The island city of Caer Darrow still stands in the middle of Darrowmere Lake. Caer Darrow has been around since the days of Arathor and was owned by the Barov family. The Barovs made a deal with Kel'Thuzad to save their lands by turning Caer Darrow into a school of Necromancy and tortured the residents to death. Now dubbed "Scholomance," adventurers in service of the Argent Dawn fight with the Undead that still walk it's walls. Aside from the Undead and the plague-infected animals that roam the region, the only living presence here is the Scarlet Crusade which operates out of Hearthglen in the northern mountains.
The Eastern Plaguelands is the more dangerous of the Scourge controlled regions in the north (if such things could really be measured.) Vegetation is rotted and deformed and trees have mutated into vile mushroom like plants. Animals are plague-infested and incredibly hostile and the soil is tearing itself apart like a bleeding wound that will not heal. To the north, the fallen city of Stratholme serves as the powerbase for the Scourge and floating above the town is the necropolis Naxxramas, home of the lich, Kel'Thuzad.
To the east, is the shining Light's Hope Chapel, home to the Argent Dawn. The Argent Dawn is a neutral organization accepting members from both the Horde and the Alliance to obtain one goal: the utter annilation of the Scourge. Unlike the zealots of the Scarlet Crusade, the Argent Dawn wishes to cure those affected by the plague of Undeath rather than see them all slaughtered. The Scarlet Crusade's works from Tyr's Hand in the southeast and most of the group's leaders can be found there. Recently, in response to aggressive world-wide attacks by the Scourge, the Argent Dawn and the Scarlet Crusade have declared a truce of sorts. Though their ideologies and methods differ, they both work for the same goal and will need all they help they can get.
Through the northern mountains of the Eastern Plaguelands, one can enter the glorious lands of Quel'Thalas, home to the Highborne Elves. Quel'Thalas fell to the might of the Scourge led by the fallen paladin Arthas Menethil after having stood for two thousand years. The capital of Silvermoon was destroyed and the Sunwell, the source of the elve's magical power, was used to resurrect the lich, Kel'Thuzad. Rather than allow their lands to be controlled by the Scourge, the elves set fire to the forest when they abandoned their homeland.
Many of the surviving High Elves renamed themselves Blood Elves to honor their fallen elven brethern. The Blood Elves that were left behind when Prince Kael'thas and Illidan retreated back to Outland have regrown the forest and rebuilt their capital of Silvermoon. The path north is still blocked by bolders and is impassable.
Blizzard has announced that Quel'Thalas, specifically Eversong Forest, will be the starting area for the Blood Elves in the expansion, The Burning Crusade.
Khaz Modan from World of Warcraft.
Khaz Modan, meaning "The Mountains of Khaz" in the dwarven dialect, has long been the home of the Dwarves of Azeroth. Split into three clans, the Wildhammers, the Dark Irons, and Ironforge, all three originated and called this area home prior to the War of the Three Hammers.
Ringed on all sides by the huge mountains, Dun Morogh is a snowy valley where the great dwarven city of Ironforge is found. The high elevation here keeps Dun Morogh a winterland all year round. The Dwarves have several outposts and camps throughout the region and dwarven patrols constantly walk the roads. Other than the devastated city of Gnomeregan, the other major settlement here is the dwarven city of Kharanos. Dwarven patrols have heralded Kharanos as a life saver, enjoying a hot ale after a long day's work at the local inn. A smaller outpost, Anvilmar, is to the south through a mountain pass into a southern depression called Coldridge Valley. Coldridge Valley is the starting area for both Gnomes and Dwarves. Dun Morogh is one of the most secure locations in all of the Alliance lands (with perhaps the exception of Teldrassil) but wolf and bear attacks are common. Recently, irradiated gnomes called Leper Gnomes, have made their way to the surface wandering about it a daze until someone moves to close to them after which they violently attack. Also recent are the Troggs which surfaced in and around the area of the Gol'Bolar Quarry and Mine. The Dwarven Senate sees the Troggs as a major threat.
The Searing Gorge is a hot, bleak, volcanic region south of Dun Morogh and the north of the Burning Steppes. The Searing Gorge was created when the Dark Iron king inadvertently summoned the Fire Lord Ragnaros into the world at the end of the War of the Three Hammers. Though the Dark Irons and their master, Ragnaros live with Blackrock Mountain in the south, this area is just as volcanic. Cut down the middle of the region by lava flows is the Cauldron and a series of caves. The area is rich in metal desposits and both the Orcs and the goblins have mining facilities scattered throughout. There are two mountain paths into this region. The first is through the Badlands to the east and to Loch Modan northeast. The Stonewraught Pass's gate is locked and the dwarven guards refuge passage to those who do not have a key. Lastly, the Thorium Brotherhood has a neutral base along the northern border where travelers can find a somewhat safe haven.
The Badlands are a dusty, dry region south of Loch Modan. A stark contrast to the green lands of the Loch, temperatures in the Badlands rival those found in Tanaris and many creatures here are accustomed to the heat. Cacti mark the spots where one could find underground water but there is more rock then life here.
The Badlands is a very important place for the Explorer's League in Ironforge for near the northern entrance lies the underground city of Uldaman. Uldaman contains ancient ruins that are believed to be the remains of the city where the Titans created the Earthen, the primal forms of the Dwarves before the Great Sundering. Unfortunantly for the Explorer's League, the Dark Iron Dwarves have taken over Uldaman as well as the nearby Hammertoe's Digsite. The Dark Iron Dwarves are based out of Angor Fortress and Ironforge can do little to curb the occupation. The Dark Irons are not the only danger in the region. Ogres have set up camps in the north, south, and the west. The only thing that keeps the Ogres from the east are the Black Dragons which infest the Lethlor Ravine. The Horde have a small camp in the northwest called Kargath which serves as a waypoint to those who venture to the Searing Gorge.
East of the snowy lands of Dun Morogh is the temperate region of Loch Modan. Directly in the center of the region is the largest fresh water lake on Azeroth, the Loch itself, and to the north, one of the greatest engineering feats by the Dwarven nation, the Stonewrought Dam. The Dam is under constant dwarven patrol as the Dark Irons have tried more then once to destroy it.
The Dwarves have established the town of Thelsamar near the Loch's western shore. Kobolds walk the lands and occupy the abandoned Silverstream Mine and most recently, Troggs have taken over the southwestern mountains. And if that was not enough, Mo'Grosh Ogres have moved into the hills in the northeast. The Explorer's League has a digsite in the southeast run by Prospector Ironbrand. The Troggs have recently surfaced there, driven mad by the artifacts the dwarves have discovered. Paths to the south lead to the Badlands while the Algaz Gate to the north leads to the Wetlands below the Stonewrought Dam. Dwarven mountaineers keep a constant vigilance here as Algaz is the only path into Khaz Modan from the north.
The Wetlands, which sits below the mountains of Ironforge, is the location for one of the main ports for the Alliance at Menethil Harbor. Boats here grant passage to Kalimdor to Darkshore or Theramore. Because Ironforge cannot spare soldiers to guard the harbor, Menethil has hired the captain of the "Maiden's Virtue" and his crew to keep the peace on the docks.
The region is a humid swamp crawling with crocolisks, murlocs, and raptors. Leatherworkers and skinners can find a plethora of leather to trade provided one is able to take down the powerful creatures. This region was the site of many battles in the Second War when the Orcs occupied Grim Batol in the southeast. While no longer in Grim Batol, the Orcs are still in the Wetlands having moved into the central mountains. Grim Batol itself is under the control of the Red Dragons and the dragonkin will not let anyone near.
The Dark Iron Dwarves have taken control of the town of Dun Modr to the north and have succeeded in destroying one of the two bridges of the Thandol Span which is the only land path north to Lordearon. Ironforge has a sent a small contingent of soldiers to try to take back Dun Modr and guard the remaining bridge but they are not having much luck.
Azeroth from World of Warcraft.
Stormwind Caslte is the last bastion of the humans of Azeroth in the east. Many survivors of the plague-infested lands of Lordearon have retreated here. Formerly ruled by King Varian Wrynn, Wrynn's young son Andruin has recently been placed on the throne. The crowning happened so quickly that many in Stormwind do not know that Anduin is now King and the switch is quietly discussed in dark corners.
Stormwind was ravaged by the Horde during the First War. At the end of the Second War, King Terenas of Lordearon created a new tax to help pay for the rebuilding of Stormwind. The Stonemasons Guild accepted the charge but when the time came to pay the Stonemason's, the nobles of Stormwind refused and ordered the guild to leave. Their leader, Edwin Van Cleef, swore revenge on the nobles and now runs the outlaws called the Defias Brotherhood.
The tall trees of Elwynn Forest serve as the starting point in the game for the humans of the Alliance. Having suffered much during the First War, the newly rebuilt Stormwind stands as a testament to the human spirit. The nearby Northshire Abbey and the town of Goldshire benefit from Stormwind's protection. The Lion's Pride Inn in Goldshire turns a tidy profit being not only the major inn for the area, but also being just across the path from the location for the Darkmoon Faire when it visits the Eastern Kingdoms.
To the east, travelers will first pass the Tower of Azora, home to a wizard that broke away from the mages of Stormwind. Further east lies the Eastvale Logging Camp and the Ridgepoint Tower before passing into the Redridge Mountains. To the west of Goldshire is the Westbrook Garrison which oversees the way into Westfall.
Elwynn Forest is full of resources. Wood is plentiful and the mines here are rich sources of copper. There are several farms in the forest for fruit and vegetables and wild boars and bears supply meats and furs. But as peaceful as Elwynn Forest sounds, it has it's share of problems. Though soldiers do patrol the roads, the Defias Brotherhood is thick in the area accousting travelers and controlling at least two of the farms in the area. Kobolds have invaded all the copper mines and it is rumored they are working with the Defias. Gnolls have set up camp in the southwest and the murlocs are appearing in alarming numbers to the east.
The aptly named Westfall has some of the most fertile farming lands on the Eastern Continent producing grains and cotton. But the farms are no longer tended by the valiant farmers. In place of crops, mechanical monsters which bear the image of frightening creatures that filled the folklore of the people of this land, roam the fields attacking anyone who gets too close to them. And what owners were not scared out, the Defias have pressured out. Stormwind has withdrawn it's forces from this region claiming they do not have the manpower to keep the area safe. In response, the People's Militia has formed and fight back as best they can from Sentinel Hill.
The Defias themselves are everywhere and have driven off the population of the town of Moonbrooke in the southeast. Rumors say that the Defias have a base somewhere in the town but most who go looking are never heard from again. The sea beats against the Long Shore but it is no more safe then the farms with the Murlocs living on every part of the shoreline.
The Redridge Mountains, once a vacation spot for the well-to-do, is now a region of strife. The town of Lakeshire is under constant threat from not only the mountain gnolls, but from the Orcs who occupy Stonewatch Keep. The Orcs, which do not recognize the authority of the Warchief Thrall, have already damaged the main bridge that crosses Lake Everstill. If the bridge is destroyed, Lakeshire will be cut off from the east. The situation is made worse by the fact that Stormwind has recalled the majority of it's forces from the region leaving only a small contingent of soldiers. Lakeshire's mayor is desperate for aid and writes to anyone who might help keep his town safe.
Alther's Mill east of Lakeshire used to supply the area with wood but it is now overrun by giant spiders. The Orcs have control of much of the east but avoid the Tower of Ilgalar in Galardell Valley. A rogue wizard and his gnoll servants keep the Orcs at bay.
With the moutains surrounding the valley, the only other way out is to the north. A twisting path leads into the Burning Steppes, the gates having been smashed and made useless.
The thick forest area across the river south of Elwynn Forest was once referred to by a different name. But now, people call this region Duskwood. Duskwood is a cursed land with a canopy of trees so thick that the sun cannot penetrate it or the gloom below. The negative energies that creep in from the east are causing the dead to rise from their graves and the fear they create is overwhelming. As a result of Stormwind removing their forces from the area, the town of Darkshire has created the Nightwatch, townsfolk banded together to fight back against the Undead and keep the town safe.
Though some powerful Undead walk this region, they are not part of the Scourge; the Undead plague does not extend this far south. The dark energies from the east seem to be the cause. Numerous as the Undead are here, recently, another species has appeared. The Worgen, wolf-like humanoids much stronger then those found in Tirisfal Glades, are beginning to fill what areas the Undead to do not control. Folks whisper rumors of black cloaked riders that hail from the east as the source of the Worgen but no one knows for sure. The Defias occupy a few of the abandoned farms in the south and the Nightwatch keeps a curious eye on their activities. Near the western shoreline, the town of Ravenhill stands empty, it's residents driven off by the relentless Undead in the northern cemetery.
At the center of the region stands a tall mountain and nestled within is a small valley. Contained within is a sight of wonder and one might think they have been somehow transported to the forests of Ashenvale. Here the sunlight falls upon another portal similar to the ones found in the Hinterlands and Ashenvale. Even stranger is the fact that next to the portal sits a Moon Well seeming very out of place on the Eastern Continent. The locals advise people not to come here claiming to frequently hear the totured cries of dragons from what has come to be known as the Twilight Grove. The road south leads to the Stranglethorn Vale with Westfall across the river west. The way east leads to even darker places.
Covering much of the southern tip of the Eastern Continent is the rain forest of Stranglethorn Vale. It rains here quite frequently and the plant life grows large and in great variety. The Trolls are the dominate species of the regoin still living amongst the many ancient troll ruins. The Darkspear Trolls originated from these jungles but several Troll clans call this place home. The most dangerous of the Troll ruins, Zul'Gurub, is open for those who dare venture inside.
The largest town in this region is on the southern shore. The goblin-run town of Booty Bay is controlled by the Blackwater Raiders but they are not the only pirates in the area. The Bloodsail Buccaneers are stationed behind the mountains south of Booty Bay. The two groups encounter each other frequently which are always violent meetings. As usual with goblin run towns, both the Horde and the Alliance are welcome here but the Bruisers expect visitors to "keep their nose clean" or else. Booty Bay links via ship to the goblin city of Ratchet on Kalimdor. Booty Bay also hosts the weekly fishing tournament for those who have skill with a fishing pole. Adventurers from both factions can find plenty to do in Stranglethorn Vale. The goblins do not care who works for them as long as they can turn a profit. Venture Co. has established a resource mining colony in the center of the region but as they operate outside the trade prince's authority, the goblins of Booty Bay do not trade with them and would prefer to see Venture Co. gone. Still, if Venture Co. does all the work and the goblins hire adventurers to steal their goods, all the better for them.
The Horde maintain a base near the western shore called Grom'Gol but the Trolls here have no more love for the Horde then they do anyone else. A small human resistance force has set up a camp in the north having broken away from their fanatical leader, Colonel Kurzon, who runs a small army in the northwest. Kurzon's men have discovered that plants here when brewed properly can cure disease and the rebels greatly desire these potions.
Aside from the Mosh'Ogg Ogres here, the jungle is home to many species of large cats including tigers and panthers. The final interesting location in Stranglethorn Vale is the Gurubashi Arena. Once a gladitorial pit for the Troll's entertainment, a goblin pirate named Sir John Mithril hosts a contest where he invites all to claim his treasure. The Arena allows brother to fight brother regardless of their affiliations.
"Abandon all hope ye who enter here" are the words scrolled upon the signs as you travel east from Duskwood along the Deadwind Pass. There is no hope in this region and little of anything else. Once the home of the Sorcerer Medivh, this region was warped by his magical research and the land has literally been drained of life. The trees are petrified and the soil is as dead as the rocky mountains that surround the place. This corruption is slowing moving into Duskwood and is the source of Duskwood's curse. Travelers are advised to stick to the road when they head east to the Swamp of Sorrow. If one can avoid the buzzards and Ogres while traveling south, you will come across a ruined and abandoned town who's name the people have long forgotten. Nearby stands the crumbling tower of Karazhan, where the Alliance killed Medivh after discovering he had been responsible for opening the Dark Portal and allowing the Orcs into Azeroth. Karazhan's entrance is sealed by collapsing rock but great power pulses from within and may soon draw the curious to uncover what is inside.
Karazhan is set to be a level 70 instance in the expansion, The Burning Crusade.
On the eastern side of the Deadwind Pass lies the Swamp of Sorrows. Unlike Dustwallow Marsh on Kalimdor, this fresh water swampland is green and teaming with life. Many rare herbs and plants can be found here. You just have to avoid the crocolisks.
The Horde inhabit the town of Stonard in the south near the entrance to the Blasted Lands. A clan of Drainei that escaped the destruction of Draenor live in small villages in the Shifting Mire. In the east is the Pool of Tears and in this lake is the submerged Temple of Atal'Hakkar. Not long ago, the Trolls attempted to summon the Hakkar the Soulflayer here in a dread ritual. The Green Dragon Aspect Ysera interrupted their summonings and sank the temple beneath the water. The dragons still guard the upper levels of the temple preventing the Trolls from trying another summoning.
This desolate region south of the Swamp of Sorrows used to be a dank marshland called the Black Morass. Now it is a dry desert of red clay. Despite the unpleasantness of the region, it is perhaps the single most important land in all of Azeroth. It is given this singular distinction by the presence of one structure: the Dark Portal.
Created by the wizard Medivh, the Dark Portal sits at the bottom of a crater in the south. The same crater where the wizard Khadgar destroyed the first portal. Currently, the Dark Portal is closed but a gathering of demons surround the cursed gateway making study impossible. To the north stands Nethergarde Keep. Created by Khadgar to watch over the Dark Portal, Alliance troops keep a careful watch to the south and fighting off demon attacks. Life in Nethergarde is bereft of joy and the soldiers here welcome any distraction that breaks the tension that hangs over their heads.
Many of the animals in this region have been mutated by the energies released from the Dark Portal and are more powerful then others of their kind. The hyenas alone are said to have jaws so powerful, they can bite through three inches of hardened Thorium, the strongest metal in the world. Clearly, hunting in this land is not recommended. Only the occasional weed grows in this region and when it does rain, the water merely washes across the hardened clay into the sea.
West of the Dark Portal is a mountainous region called the Tainted Scar. Demons of incredible power roam the land here and it is not a place to visit lightly. In the northwest corner of the region, the Dreadmaul Ogres have taken up residence as well as Dreadmaul Post directly south. In the eastern mountain range stands the Altar of Storms, one of the last such alters on Azeroth.
The Burning Steppes is a volcanic mountain range through which Blackrock Mountain can be accessed. Home to the Dark Iron Dwarves, the Burning Steppes were created when the Dark Iron King summoned the Firelord Ragnaros from the Elemental Plane. The Firelord cannot leave the lava pits below the mountain but never the less, he has enslaved the Dark Irons and they do his bidding attempting to create a great army out of living stone. The Orcs here are not part of the Horde on Kalimdor but they are nothing compared to the mighty Black Dragons in the south. It is said that Nefarion, the son of Deathwing, is waging a war against Ragnaros for control of Blackrock mountain, a war that no one wants to see either side win. The most direct way into the area is through the Blackrock Pass which leads south into the Redridge Mountains.
The final site of note here is most often seen by those traveling via gryphon from Ironforge to Stormwind. In the northwestern corner near Blackrock Mountain is one of the last remaining Alter of Storms created by the warlock Gul'dan. The stone statues of the Altar stand silently surrounded by a pool of lava.
The Arathi Highlands are a vast region full of resources waiting for anyone to take them. The Battleground Arathi Basin is here and the Alliance and the Horde clash for these resources. Most notably of the area's landmarks is the battered Stromgarde Keep. Stromgarde fell to the Horde during the Second War with help from the Nobles of Alterac. The Alliance learned of this betrayal and crushed the noble's armies and drove them out. Prince Trollbane, the true heir to the throne of Stromgarde, is at a stalemate against the Syndicate forces in the area. His troops hold the western half of the ruins while the Syndicate controls the eastern half but neither really has the manpower to overthrow the other. Trollbane's forces also have a small garrison at Refuge Point which is the instance for the Arathi Basin Battleground.
The Horde maintain the outpost of Hammerfall to the northeast which serves as their entrance to Arathi Basin. A few working, yet crumbling, farms dot the plains but the Witherbark Trolls guard much of the southeast and raptors roam everywhere else. Ogres are here as well and Trollbane's and the Syndicate's forces both face off against them.
The Hinterlands are the home of the second ancient dwarven clan, the Wildhammers. Situated on Aerie Peak, the Wildhammers choose to live on the mountains rather than under them and raise and train native gryphons which were invaluable to the Alliance during the Second War. The Hinterlands has the largest concentration of Trolls in Lordearon and Troll ruins are everywhere. The largest of these are Jintha'Alor nestled inside a mountain valley in the southeast. The Highborne Elves have built the Quel'Danil lodge near one of the mountain lakes and across the river to the north is a portal similar to the ones found in Duskwood and Ashenvale Forest. The Dwarves here are too busy watching the troll's movements to investigate the rumors of corrupted dragons near the portal.
The Plaguelands are broken down into two sections: The Western Plaguelands and the Eastern Plaguelands. Both are heavily controlled by Kel'Thuzad and the Scourge.
The Western Plaguelands will forever be known as the first region to fall to the plague of Undeath. The largest city in the region, Andorhal, was where Kel'Thuzad unleashed the Lich King's plague using the city's grain distrubtion routes. Most of the southern area is filled with the walking dead with the exception of one small plot of land, the tomb of Uther Lightbringer. This site is so holy that the undead cannot set foot here.
The island city of Caer Darrow still stands in the middle of Darrowmere Lake. Caer Darrow has been around since the days of Arathor and was owned by the Barov family. The Barovs made a deal with Kel'Thuzad to save their lands by turning Caer Darrow into a school of Necromancy and tortured the residents to death. Now dubbed "Scholomance," adventurers in service of the Argent Dawn fight with the Undead that still walk it's walls. Aside from the Undead and the plague-infected animals that roam the region, the only living presence here is the Scarlet Crusade which operates out of Hearthglen in the northern mountains.
The Eastern Plaguelands is the more dangerous of the Scourge controlled regions in the north (if such things could really be measured.) Vegetation is rotted and deformed and trees have mutated into vile mushroom like plants. Animals are plague-infested and incredibly hostile and the soil is tearing itself apart like a bleeding wound that will not heal. To the north, the fallen city of Stratholme serves as the powerbase for the Scourge and floating above the town is the necropolis Naxxramas, home of the lich, Kel'Thuzad.
To the east, is the shining Light's Hope Chapel, home to the Argent Dawn. The Argent Dawn is a neutral organization accepting members from both the Horde and the Alliance to obtain one goal: the utter annilation of the Scourge. Unlike the zealots of the Scarlet Crusade, the Argent Dawn wishes to cure those affected by the plague of Undeath rather than see them all slaughtered. The Scarlet Crusade's works from Tyr's Hand in the southeast and most of the group's leaders can be found there. Recently, in response to aggressive world-wide attacks by the Scourge, the Argent Dawn and the Scarlet Crusade have declared a truce of sorts. Though their ideologies and methods differ, they both work for the same goal and will need all they help they can get.
Through the northern mountains of the Eastern Plaguelands, one can enter the glorious lands of Quel'Thalas, home to the Highborne Elves. Quel'Thalas fell to the might of the Scourge led by the fallen paladin Arthas Menethil after having stood for two thousand years. The capital of Silvermoon was destroyed and the Sunwell, the source of the elve's magical power, was used to resurrect the lich, Kel'Thuzad. Rather than allow their lands to be controlled by the Scourge, the elves set fire to the forest when they abandoned their homeland.
Many of the surviving High Elves renamed themselves Blood Elves to honor their fallen elven brethern. The Blood Elves that were left behind when Prince Kael'thas and Illidan retreated back to Outland have regrown the forest and rebuilt their capital of Silvermoon. The path north is still blocked by bolders and is impassable.
Blizzard has announced that Quel'Thalas, specifically Eversong Forest, will be the starting area for the Blood Elves in the expansion, The Burning Crusade.
Khaz Modan from World of Warcraft.
Khaz Modan, meaning "The Mountains of Khaz" in the dwarven dialect, has long been the home of the Dwarves of Azeroth. Split into three clans, the Wildhammers, the Dark Irons, and Ironforge, all three originated and called this area home prior to the War of the Three Hammers.
Ringed on all sides by the huge mountains, Dun Morogh is a snowy valley where the great dwarven city of Ironforge is found. The high elevation here keeps Dun Morogh a winterland all year round. The Dwarves have several outposts and camps throughout the region and dwarven patrols constantly walk the roads. Other than the devastated city of Gnomeregan, the other major settlement here is the dwarven city of Kharanos. Dwarven patrols have heralded Kharanos as a life saver, enjoying a hot ale after a long day's work at the local inn. A smaller outpost, Anvilmar, is to the south through a mountain pass into a southern depression called Coldridge Valley. Coldridge Valley is the starting area for both Gnomes and Dwarves. Dun Morogh is one of the most secure locations in all of the Alliance lands (with perhaps the exception of Teldrassil) but wolf and bear attacks are common. Recently, irradiated gnomes called Leper Gnomes, have made their way to the surface wandering about it a daze until someone moves to close to them after which they violently attack. Also recent are the Troggs which surfaced in and around the area of the Gol'Bolar Quarry and Mine. The Dwarven Senate sees the Troggs as a major threat.
The Searing Gorge is a hot, bleak, volcanic region south of Dun Morogh and the north of the Burning Steppes. The Searing Gorge was created when the Dark Iron king inadvertently summoned the Fire Lord Ragnaros into the world at the end of the War of the Three Hammers. Though the Dark Irons and their master, Ragnaros live with Blackrock Mountain in the south, this area is just as volcanic. Cut down the middle of the region by lava flows is the Cauldron and a series of caves. The area is rich in metal desposits and both the Orcs and the goblins have mining facilities scattered throughout. There are two mountain paths into this region. The first is through the Badlands to the east and to Loch Modan northeast. The Stonewraught Pass's gate is locked and the dwarven guards refuge passage to those who do not have a key. Lastly, the Thorium Brotherhood has a neutral base along the northern border where travelers can find a somewhat safe haven.
The Badlands are a dusty, dry region south of Loch Modan. A stark contrast to the green lands of the Loch, temperatures in the Badlands rival those found in Tanaris and many creatures here are accustomed to the heat. Cacti mark the spots where one could find underground water but there is more rock then life here.
The Badlands is a very important place for the Explorer's League in Ironforge for near the northern entrance lies the underground city of Uldaman. Uldaman contains ancient ruins that are believed to be the remains of the city where the Titans created the Earthen, the primal forms of the Dwarves before the Great Sundering. Unfortunantly for the Explorer's League, the Dark Iron Dwarves have taken over Uldaman as well as the nearby Hammertoe's Digsite. The Dark Iron Dwarves are based out of Angor Fortress and Ironforge can do little to curb the occupation. The Dark Irons are not the only danger in the region. Ogres have set up camps in the north, south, and the west. The only thing that keeps the Ogres from the east are the Black Dragons which infest the Lethlor Ravine. The Horde have a small camp in the northwest called Kargath which serves as a waypoint to those who venture to the Searing Gorge.
East of the snowy lands of Dun Morogh is the temperate region of Loch Modan. Directly in the center of the region is the largest fresh water lake on Azeroth, the Loch itself, and to the north, one of the greatest engineering feats by the Dwarven nation, the Stonewrought Dam. The Dam is under constant dwarven patrol as the Dark Irons have tried more then once to destroy it.
The Dwarves have established the town of Thelsamar near the Loch's western shore. Kobolds walk the lands and occupy the abandoned Silverstream Mine and most recently, Troggs have taken over the southwestern mountains. And if that was not enough, Mo'Grosh Ogres have moved into the hills in the northeast. The Explorer's League has a digsite in the southeast run by Prospector Ironbrand. The Troggs have recently surfaced there, driven mad by the artifacts the dwarves have discovered. Paths to the south lead to the Badlands while the Algaz Gate to the north leads to the Wetlands below the Stonewrought Dam. Dwarven mountaineers keep a constant vigilance here as Algaz is the only path into Khaz Modan from the north.
The Wetlands, which sits below the mountains of Ironforge, is the location for one of the main ports for the Alliance at Menethil Harbor. Boats here grant passage to Kalimdor to Darkshore or Theramore. Because Ironforge cannot spare soldiers to guard the harbor, Menethil has hired the captain of the "Maiden's Virtue" and his crew to keep the peace on the docks.
The region is a humid swamp crawling with crocolisks, murlocs, and raptors. Leatherworkers and skinners can find a plethora of leather to trade provided one is able to take down the powerful creatures. This region was the site of many battles in the Second War when the Orcs occupied Grim Batol in the southeast. While no longer in Grim Batol, the Orcs are still in the Wetlands having moved into the central mountains. Grim Batol itself is under the control of the Red Dragons and the dragonkin will not let anyone near.
The Dark Iron Dwarves have taken control of the town of Dun Modr to the north and have succeeded in destroying one of the two bridges of the Thandol Span which is the only land path north to Lordearon. Ironforge has a sent a small contingent of soldiers to try to take back Dun Modr and guard the remaining bridge but they are not having much luck.
Azeroth from World of Warcraft.
Stormwind Caslte is the last bastion of the humans of Azeroth in the east. Many survivors of the plague-infested lands of Lordearon have retreated here. Formerly ruled by King Varian Wrynn, Wrynn's young son Andruin has recently been placed on the throne. The crowning happened so quickly that many in Stormwind do not know that Anduin is now King and the switch is quietly discussed in dark corners.
Stormwind was ravaged by the Horde during the First War. At the end of the Second War, King Terenas of Lordearon created a new tax to help pay for the rebuilding of Stormwind. The Stonemasons Guild accepted the charge but when the time came to pay the Stonemason's, the nobles of Stormwind refused and ordered the guild to leave. Their leader, Edwin Van Cleef, swore revenge on the nobles and now runs the outlaws called the Defias Brotherhood.
The tall trees of Elwynn Forest serve as the starting point in the game for the humans of the Alliance. Having suffered much during the First War, the newly rebuilt Stormwind stands as a testament to the human spirit. The nearby Northshire Abbey and the town of Goldshire benefit from Stormwind's protection. The Lion's Pride Inn in Goldshire turns a tidy profit being not only the major inn for the area, but also being just across the path from the location for the Darkmoon Faire when it visits the Eastern Kingdoms.
To the east, travelers will first pass the Tower of Azora, home to a wizard that broke away from the mages of Stormwind. Further east lies the Eastvale Logging Camp and the Ridgepoint Tower before passing into the Redridge Mountains. To the west of Goldshire is the Westbrook Garrison which oversees the way into Westfall.
Elwynn Forest is full of resources. Wood is plentiful and the mines here are rich sources of copper. There are several farms in the forest for fruit and vegetables and wild boars and bears supply meats and furs. But as peaceful as Elwynn Forest sounds, it has it's share of problems. Though soldiers do patrol the roads, the Defias Brotherhood is thick in the area accousting travelers and controlling at least two of the farms in the area. Kobolds have invaded all the copper mines and it is rumored they are working with the Defias. Gnolls have set up camp in the southwest and the murlocs are appearing in alarming numbers to the east.
The aptly named Westfall has some of the most fertile farming lands on the Eastern Continent producing grains and cotton. But the farms are no longer tended by the valiant farmers. In place of crops, mechanical monsters which bear the image of frightening creatures that filled the folklore of the people of this land, roam the fields attacking anyone who gets too close to them. And what owners were not scared out, the Defias have pressured out. Stormwind has withdrawn it's forces from this region claiming they do not have the manpower to keep the area safe. In response, the People's Militia has formed and fight back as best they can from Sentinel Hill.
The Defias themselves are everywhere and have driven off the population of the town of Moonbrooke in the southeast. Rumors say that the Defias have a base somewhere in the town but most who go looking are never heard from again. The sea beats against the Long Shore but it is no more safe then the farms with the Murlocs living on every part of the shoreline.
The Redridge Mountains, once a vacation spot for the well-to-do, is now a region of strife. The town of Lakeshire is under constant threat from not only the mountain gnolls, but from the Orcs who occupy Stonewatch Keep. The Orcs, which do not recognize the authority of the Warchief Thrall, have already damaged the main bridge that crosses Lake Everstill. If the bridge is destroyed, Lakeshire will be cut off from the east. The situation is made worse by the fact that Stormwind has recalled the majority of it's forces from the region leaving only a small contingent of soldiers. Lakeshire's mayor is desperate for aid and writes to anyone who might help keep his town safe.
Alther's Mill east of Lakeshire used to supply the area with wood but it is now overrun by giant spiders. The Orcs have control of much of the east but avoid the Tower of Ilgalar in Galardell Valley. A rogue wizard and his gnoll servants keep the Orcs at bay.
With the moutains surrounding the valley, the only other way out is to the north. A twisting path leads into the Burning Steppes, the gates having been smashed and made useless.
The thick forest area across the river south of Elwynn Forest was once referred to by a different name. But now, people call this region Duskwood. Duskwood is a cursed land with a canopy of trees so thick that the sun cannot penetrate it or the gloom below. The negative energies that creep in from the east are causing the dead to rise from their graves and the fear they create is overwhelming. As a result of Stormwind removing their forces from the area, the town of Darkshire has created the Nightwatch, townsfolk banded together to fight back against the Undead and keep the town safe.
Though some powerful Undead walk this region, they are not part of the Scourge; the Undead plague does not extend this far south. The dark energies from the east seem to be the cause. Numerous as the Undead are here, recently, another species has appeared. The Worgen, wolf-like humanoids much stronger then those found in Tirisfal Glades, are beginning to fill what areas the Undead to do not control. Folks whisper rumors of black cloaked riders that hail from the east as the source of the Worgen but no one knows for sure. The Defias occupy a few of the abandoned farms in the south and the Nightwatch keeps a curious eye on their activities. Near the western shoreline, the town of Ravenhill stands empty, it's residents driven off by the relentless Undead in the northern cemetery.
At the center of the region stands a tall mountain and nestled within is a small valley. Contained within is a sight of wonder and one might think they have been somehow transported to the forests of Ashenvale. Here the sunlight falls upon another portal similar to the ones found in the Hinterlands and Ashenvale. Even stranger is the fact that next to the portal sits a Moon Well seeming very out of place on the Eastern Continent. The locals advise people not to come here claiming to frequently hear the totured cries of dragons from what has come to be known as the Twilight Grove. The road south leads to the Stranglethorn Vale with Westfall across the river west. The way east leads to even darker places.
Covering much of the southern tip of the Eastern Continent is the rain forest of Stranglethorn Vale. It rains here quite frequently and the plant life grows large and in great variety. The Trolls are the dominate species of the regoin still living amongst the many ancient troll ruins. The Darkspear Trolls originated from these jungles but several Troll clans call this place home. The most dangerous of the Troll ruins, Zul'Gurub, is open for those who dare venture inside.
The largest town in this region is on the southern shore. The goblin-run town of Booty Bay is controlled by the Blackwater Raiders but they are not the only pirates in the area. The Bloodsail Buccaneers are stationed behind the mountains south of Booty Bay. The two groups encounter each other frequently which are always violent meetings. As usual with goblin run towns, both the Horde and the Alliance are welcome here but the Bruisers expect visitors to "keep their nose clean" or else. Booty Bay links via ship to the goblin city of Ratchet on Kalimdor. Booty Bay also hosts the weekly fishing tournament for those who have skill with a fishing pole. Adventurers from both factions can find plenty to do in Stranglethorn Vale. The goblins do not care who works for them as long as they can turn a profit. Venture Co. has established a resource mining colony in the center of the region but as they operate outside the trade prince's authority, the goblins of Booty Bay do not trade with them and would prefer to see Venture Co. gone. Still, if Venture Co. does all the work and the goblins hire adventurers to steal their goods, all the better for them.
The Horde maintain a base near the western shore called Grom'Gol but the Trolls here have no more love for the Horde then they do anyone else. A small human resistance force has set up a camp in the north having broken away from their fanatical leader, Colonel Kurzon, who runs a small army in the northwest. Kurzon's men have discovered that plants here when brewed properly can cure disease and the rebels greatly desire these potions.
Aside from the Mosh'Ogg Ogres here, the jungle is home to many species of large cats including tigers and panthers. The final interesting location in Stranglethorn Vale is the Gurubashi Arena. Once a gladitorial pit for the Troll's entertainment, a goblin pirate named Sir John Mithril hosts a contest where he invites all to claim his treasure. The Arena allows brother to fight brother regardless of their affiliations.
"Abandon all hope ye who enter here" are the words scrolled upon the signs as you travel east from Duskwood along the Deadwind Pass. There is no hope in this region and little of anything else. Once the home of the Sorcerer Medivh, this region was warped by his magical research and the land has literally been drained of life. The trees are petrified and the soil is as dead as the rocky mountains that surround the place. This corruption is slowing moving into Duskwood and is the source of Duskwood's curse. Travelers are advised to stick to the road when they head east to the Swamp of Sorrow. If one can avoid the buzzards and Ogres while traveling south, you will come across a ruined and abandoned town who's name the people have long forgotten. Nearby stands the crumbling tower of Karazhan, where the Alliance killed Medivh after discovering he had been responsible for opening the Dark Portal and allowing the Orcs into Azeroth. Karazhan's entrance is sealed by collapsing rock but great power pulses from within and may soon draw the curious to uncover what is inside.
Karazhan is set to be a level 70 instance in the expansion, The Burning Crusade.
On the eastern side of the Deadwind Pass lies the Swamp of Sorrows. Unlike Dustwallow Marsh on Kalimdor, this fresh water swampland is green and teaming with life. Many rare herbs and plants can be found here. You just have to avoid the crocolisks.
The Horde inhabit the town of Stonard in the south near the entrance to the Blasted Lands. A clan of Drainei that escaped the destruction of Draenor live in small villages in the Shifting Mire. In the east is the Pool of Tears and in this lake is the submerged Temple of Atal'Hakkar. Not long ago, the Trolls attempted to summon the Hakkar the Soulflayer here in a dread ritual. The Green Dragon Aspect Ysera interrupted their summonings and sank the temple beneath the water. The dragons still guard the upper levels of the temple preventing the Trolls from trying another summoning.
This desolate region south of the Swamp of Sorrows used to be a dank marshland called the Black Morass. Now it is a dry desert of red clay. Despite the unpleasantness of the region, it is perhaps the single most important land in all of Azeroth. It is given this singular distinction by the presence of one structure: the Dark Portal.
Created by the wizard Medivh, the Dark Portal sits at the bottom of a crater in the south. The same crater where the wizard Khadgar destroyed the first portal. Currently, the Dark Portal is closed but a gathering of demons surround the cursed gateway making study impossible. To the north stands Nethergarde Keep. Created by Khadgar to watch over the Dark Portal, Alliance troops keep a careful watch to the south and fighting off demon attacks. Life in Nethergarde is bereft of joy and the soldiers here welcome any distraction that breaks the tension that hangs over their heads.
Many of the animals in this region have been mutated by the energies released from the Dark Portal and are more powerful then others of their kind. The hyenas alone are said to have jaws so powerful, they can bite through three inches of hardened Thorium, the strongest metal in the world. Clearly, hunting in this land is not recommended. Only the occasional weed grows in this region and when it does rain, the water merely washes across the hardened clay into the sea.
West of the Dark Portal is a mountainous region called the Tainted Scar. Demons of incredible power roam the land here and it is not a place to visit lightly. In the northwest corner of the region, the Dreadmaul Ogres have taken up residence as well as Dreadmaul Post directly south. In the eastern mountain range stands the Altar of Storms, one of the last such alters on Azeroth.
The Burning Steppes is a volcanic mountain range through which Blackrock Mountain can be accessed. Home to the Dark Iron Dwarves, the Burning Steppes were created when the Dark Iron King summoned the Firelord Ragnaros from the Elemental Plane. The Firelord cannot leave the lava pits below the mountain but never the less, he has enslaved the Dark Irons and they do his bidding attempting to create a great army out of living stone. The Orcs here are not part of the Horde on Kalimdor but they are nothing compared to the mighty Black Dragons in the south. It is said that Nefarion, the son of Deathwing, is waging a war against Ragnaros for control of Blackrock mountain, a war that no one wants to see either side win. The most direct way into the area is through the Blackrock Pass which leads south into the Redridge Mountains.
The final site of note here is most often seen by those traveling via gryphon from Ironforge to Stormwind. In the northwestern corner near Blackrock Mountain is one of the last remaining Alter of Storms created by the warlock Gul'dan. The stone statues of the Altar stand silently surrounded by a pool of lava.
The Western Plaguelands will forever be known as the first region to fall to the plague of Undeath. The largest city in the region, Andorhal, was where Kel'Thuzad unleashed the Lich King's plague using the city's grain distrubtion routes. Most of the southern area is filled with the walking dead with the exception of one small plot of land, the tomb of Uther Lightbringer. This site is so holy that the undead cannot set foot here.
The island city of Caer Darrow still stands in the middle of Darrowmere Lake. Caer Darrow has been around since the days of Arathor and was owned by the Barov family. The Barovs made a deal with Kel'Thuzad to save their lands by turning Caer Darrow into a school of Necromancy and tortured the residents to death. Now dubbed "Scholomance," adventurers in service of the Argent Dawn fight with the Undead that still walk it's walls. Aside from the Undead and the plague-infected animals that roam the region, the only living presence here is the Scarlet Crusade which operates out of Hearthglen in the northern mountains.
The Eastern Plaguelands is the more dangerous of the Scourge controlled regions in the north (if such things could really be measured.) Vegetation is rotted and deformed and trees have mutated into vile mushroom like plants. Animals are plague-infested and incredibly hostile and the soil is tearing itself apart like a bleeding wound that will not heal. To the north, the fallen city of Stratholme serves as the powerbase for the Scourge and floating above the town is the necropolis Naxxramas, home of the lich, Kel'Thuzad.
To the east, is the shining Light's Hope Chapel, home to the Argent Dawn. The Argent Dawn is a neutral organization accepting members from both the Horde and the Alliance to obtain one goal: the utter annilation of the Scourge. Unlike the zealots of the Scarlet Crusade, the Argent Dawn wishes to cure those affected by the plague of Undeath rather than see them all slaughtered. The Scarlet Crusade's works from Tyr's Hand in the southeast and most of the group's leaders can be found there. Recently, in response to aggressive world-wide attacks by the Scourge, the Argent Dawn and the Scarlet Crusade have declared a truce of sorts. Though their ideologies and methods differ, they both work for the same goal and will need all they help they can get.
Through the northern mountains of the Eastern Plaguelands, one can enter the glorious lands of Quel'Thalas, home to the Highborne Elves. Quel'Thalas fell to the might of the Scourge led by the fallen paladin Arthas Menethil after having stood for two thousand years. The capital of Silvermoon was destroyed and the Sunwell, the source of the elve's magical power, was used to resurrect the lich, Kel'Thuzad. Rather than allow their lands to be controlled by the Scourge, the elves set fire to the forest when they abandoned their homeland.
Many of the surviving High Elves renamed themselves Blood Elves to honor their fallen elven brethern. The Blood Elves that were left behind when Prince Kael'thas and Illidan retreated back to Outland have regrown the forest and rebuilt their capital of Silvermoon. The path north is still blocked by bolders and is impassable.
Blizzard has announced that Quel'Thalas, specifically Eversong Forest, will be the starting area for the Blood Elves in the expansion, The Burning Crusade.
Khaz Modan from World of Warcraft.
Khaz Modan, meaning "The Mountains of Khaz" in the dwarven dialect, has long been the home of the Dwarves of Azeroth. Split into three clans, the Wildhammers, the Dark Irons, and Ironforge, all three originated and called this area home prior to the War of the Three Hammers.
Ringed on all sides by the huge mountains, Dun Morogh is a snowy valley where the great dwarven city of Ironforge is found. The high elevation here keeps Dun Morogh a winterland all year round. The Dwarves have several outposts and camps throughout the region and dwarven patrols constantly walk the roads. Other than the devastated city of Gnomeregan, the other major settlement here is the dwarven city of Kharanos. Dwarven patrols have heralded Kharanos as a life saver, enjoying a hot ale after a long day's work at the local inn. A smaller outpost, Anvilmar, is to the south through a mountain pass into a southern depression called Coldridge Valley. Coldridge Valley is the starting area for both Gnomes and Dwarves. Dun Morogh is one of the most secure locations in all of the Alliance lands (with perhaps the exception of Teldrassil) but wolf and bear attacks are common. Recently, irradiated gnomes called Leper Gnomes, have made their way to the surface wandering about it a daze until someone moves to close to them after which they violently attack. Also recent are the Troggs which surfaced in and around the area of the Gol'Bolar Quarry and Mine. The Dwarven Senate sees the Troggs as a major threat.
The Searing Gorge is a hot, bleak, volcanic region south of Dun Morogh and the north of the Burning Steppes. The Searing Gorge was created when the Dark Iron king inadvertently summoned the Fire Lord Ragnaros into the world at the end of the War of the Three Hammers. Though the Dark Irons and their master, Ragnaros live with Blackrock Mountain in the south, this area is just as volcanic. Cut down the middle of the region by lava flows is the Cauldron and a series of caves. The area is rich in metal desposits and both the Orcs and the goblins have mining facilities scattered throughout. There are two mountain paths into this region. The first is through the Badlands to the east and to Loch Modan northeast. The Stonewraught Pass's gate is locked and the dwarven guards refuge passage to those who do not have a key. Lastly, the Thorium Brotherhood has a neutral base along the northern border where travelers can find a somewhat safe haven.
The Badlands are a dusty, dry region south of Loch Modan. A stark contrast to the green lands of the Loch, temperatures in the Badlands rival those found in Tanaris and many creatures here are accustomed to the heat. Cacti mark the spots where one could find underground water but there is more rock then life here.
The Badlands is a very important place for the Explorer's League in Ironforge for near the northern entrance lies the underground city of Uldaman. Uldaman contains ancient ruins that are believed to be the remains of the city where the Titans created the Earthen, the primal forms of the Dwarves before the Great Sundering. Unfortunantly for the Explorer's League, the Dark Iron Dwarves have taken over Uldaman as well as the nearby Hammertoe's Digsite. The Dark Iron Dwarves are based out of Angor Fortress and Ironforge can do little to curb the occupation. The Dark Irons are not the only danger in the region. Ogres have set up camps in the north, south, and the west. The only thing that keeps the Ogres from the east are the Black Dragons which infest the Lethlor Ravine. The Horde have a small camp in the northwest called Kargath which serves as a waypoint to those who venture to the Searing Gorge.
East of the snowy lands of Dun Morogh is the temperate region of Loch Modan. Directly in the center of the region is the largest fresh water lake on Azeroth, the Loch itself, and to the north, one of the greatest engineering feats by the Dwarven nation, the Stonewrought Dam. The Dam is under constant dwarven patrol as the Dark Irons have tried more then once to destroy it.
The Dwarves have established the town of Thelsamar near the Loch's western shore. Kobolds walk the lands and occupy the abandoned Silverstream Mine and most recently, Troggs have taken over the southwestern mountains. And if that was not enough, Mo'Grosh Ogres have moved into the hills in the northeast. The Explorer's League has a digsite in the southeast run by Prospector Ironbrand. The Troggs have recently surfaced there, driven mad by the artifacts the dwarves have discovered. Paths to the south lead to the Badlands while the Algaz Gate to the north leads to the Wetlands below the Stonewrought Dam. Dwarven mountaineers keep a constant vigilance here as Algaz is the only path into Khaz Modan from the north.
The Wetlands, which sits below the mountains of Ironforge, is the location for one of the main ports for the Alliance at Menethil Harbor. Boats here grant passage to Kalimdor to Darkshore or Theramore. Because Ironforge cannot spare soldiers to guard the harbor, Menethil has hired the captain of the "Maiden's Virtue" and his crew to keep the peace on the docks.
The region is a humid swamp crawling with crocolisks, murlocs, and raptors. Leatherworkers and skinners can find a plethora of leather to trade provided one is able to take down the powerful creatures. This region was the site of many battles in the Second War when the Orcs occupied Grim Batol in the southeast. While no longer in Grim Batol, the Orcs are still in the Wetlands having moved into the central mountains. Grim Batol itself is under the control of the Red Dragons and the dragonkin will not let anyone near.
The Dark Iron Dwarves have taken control of the town of Dun Modr to the north and have succeeded in destroying one of the two bridges of the Thandol Span which is the only land path north to Lordearon. Ironforge has a sent a small contingent of soldiers to try to take back Dun Modr and guard the remaining bridge but they are not having much luck.
Azeroth from World of Warcraft.
Stormwind Caslte is the last bastion of the humans of Azeroth in the east. Many survivors of the plague-infested lands of Lordearon have retreated here. Formerly ruled by King Varian Wrynn, Wrynn's young son Andruin has recently been placed on the throne. The crowning happened so quickly that many in Stormwind do not know that Anduin is now King and the switch is quietly discussed in dark corners.
Stormwind was ravaged by the Horde during the First War. At the end of the Second War, King Terenas of Lordearon created a new tax to help pay for the rebuilding of Stormwind. The Stonemasons Guild accepted the charge but when the time came to pay the Stonemason's, the nobles of Stormwind refused and ordered the guild to leave. Their leader, Edwin Van Cleef, swore revenge on the nobles and now runs the outlaws called the Defias Brotherhood.
The tall trees of Elwynn Forest serve as the starting point in the game for the humans of the Alliance. Having suffered much during the First War, the newly rebuilt Stormwind stands as a testament to the human spirit. The nearby Northshire Abbey and the town of Goldshire benefit from Stormwind's protection. The Lion's Pride Inn in Goldshire turns a tidy profit being not only the major inn for the area, but also being just across the path from the location for the Darkmoon Faire when it visits the Eastern Kingdoms.
To the east, travelers will first pass the Tower of Azora, home to a wizard that broke away from the mages of Stormwind. Further east lies the Eastvale Logging Camp and the Ridgepoint Tower before passing into the Redridge Mountains. To the west of Goldshire is the Westbrook Garrison which oversees the way into Westfall.
Elwynn Forest is full of resources. Wood is plentiful and the mines here are rich sources of copper. There are several farms in the forest for fruit and vegetables and wild boars and bears supply meats and furs. But as peaceful as Elwynn Forest sounds, it has it's share of problems. Though soldiers do patrol the roads, the Defias Brotherhood is thick in the area accousting travelers and controlling at least two of the farms in the area. Kobolds have invaded all the copper mines and it is rumored they are working with the Defias. Gnolls have set up camp in the southwest and the murlocs are appearing in alarming numbers to the east.
The aptly named Westfall has some of the most fertile farming lands on the Eastern Continent producing grains and cotton. But the farms are no longer tended by the valiant farmers. In place of crops, mechanical monsters which bear the image of frightening creatures that filled the folklore of the people of this land, roam the fields attacking anyone who gets too close to them. And what owners were not scared out, the Defias have pressured out. Stormwind has withdrawn it's forces from this region claiming they do not have the manpower to keep the area safe. In response, the People's Militia has formed and fight back as best they can from Sentinel Hill.
The Defias themselves are everywhere and have driven off the population of the town of Moonbrooke in the southeast. Rumors say that the Defias have a base somewhere in the town but most who go looking are never heard from again. The sea beats against the Long Shore but it is no more safe then the farms with the Murlocs living on every part of the shoreline.
The Redridge Mountains, once a vacation spot for the well-to-do, is now a region of strife. The town of Lakeshire is under constant threat from not only the mountain gnolls, but from the Orcs who occupy Stonewatch Keep. The Orcs, which do not recognize the authority of the Warchief Thrall, have already damaged the main bridge that crosses Lake Everstill. If the bridge is destroyed, Lakeshire will be cut off from the east. The situation is made worse by the fact that Stormwind has recalled the majority of it's forces from the region leaving only a small contingent of soldiers. Lakeshire's mayor is desperate for aid and writes to anyone who might help keep his town safe.
Alther's Mill east of Lakeshire used to supply the area with wood but it is now overrun by giant spiders. The Orcs have control of much of the east but avoid the Tower of Ilgalar in Galardell Valley. A rogue wizard and his gnoll servants keep the Orcs at bay.
With the moutains surrounding the valley, the only other way out is to the north. A twisting path leads into the Burning Steppes, the gates having been smashed and made useless.
The thick forest area across the river south of Elwynn Forest was once referred to by a different name. But now, people call this region Duskwood. Duskwood is a cursed land with a canopy of trees so thick that the sun cannot penetrate it or the gloom below. The negative energies that creep in from the east are causing the dead to rise from their graves and the fear they create is overwhelming. As a result of Stormwind removing their forces from the area, the town of Darkshire has created the Nightwatch, townsfolk banded together to fight back against the Undead and keep the town safe.
Though some powerful Undead walk this region, they are not part of the Scourge; the Undead plague does not extend this far south. The dark energies from the east seem to be the cause. Numerous as the Undead are here, recently, another species has appeared. The Worgen, wolf-like humanoids much stronger then those found in Tirisfal Glades, are beginning to fill what areas the Undead to do not control. Folks whisper rumors of black cloaked riders that hail from the east as the source of the Worgen but no one knows for sure. The Defias occupy a few of the abandoned farms in the south and the Nightwatch keeps a curious eye on their activities. Near the western shoreline, the town of Ravenhill stands empty, it's residents driven off by the relentless Undead in the northern cemetery.
At the center of the region stands a tall mountain and nestled within is a small valley. Contained within is a sight of wonder and one might think they have been somehow transported to the forests of Ashenvale. Here the sunlight falls upon another portal similar to the ones found in the Hinterlands and Ashenvale. Even stranger is the fact that next to the portal sits a Moon Well seeming very out of place on the Eastern Continent. The locals advise people not to come here claiming to frequently hear the totured cries of dragons from what has come to be known as the Twilight Grove. The road south leads to the Stranglethorn Vale with Westfall across the river west. The way east leads to even darker places.
Covering much of the southern tip of the Eastern Continent is the rain forest of Stranglethorn Vale. It rains here quite frequently and the plant life grows large and in great variety. The Trolls are the dominate species of the regoin still living amongst the many ancient troll ruins. The Darkspear Trolls originated from these jungles but several Troll clans call this place home. The most dangerous of the Troll ruins, Zul'Gurub, is open for those who dare venture inside.
The largest town in this region is on the southern shore. The goblin-run town of Booty Bay is controlled by the Blackwater Raiders but they are not the only pirates in the area. The Bloodsail Buccaneers are stationed behind the mountains south of Booty Bay. The two groups encounter each other frequently which are always violent meetings. As usual with goblin run towns, both the Horde and the Alliance are welcome here but the Bruisers expect visitors to "keep their nose clean" or else. Booty Bay links via ship to the goblin city of Ratchet on Kalimdor. Booty Bay also hosts the weekly fishing tournament for those who have skill with a fishing pole. Adventurers from both factions can find plenty to do in Stranglethorn Vale. The goblins do not care who works for them as long as they can turn a profit. Venture Co. has established a resource mining colony in the center of the region but as they operate outside the trade prince's authority, the goblins of Booty Bay do not trade with them and would prefer to see Venture Co. gone. Still, if Venture Co. does all the work and the goblins hire adventurers to steal their goods, all the better for them.
The Horde maintain a base near the western shore called Grom'Gol but the Trolls here have no more love for the Horde then they do anyone else. A small human resistance force has set up a camp in the north having broken away from their fanatical leader, Colonel Kurzon, who runs a small army in the northwest. Kurzon's men have discovered that plants here when brewed properly can cure disease and the rebels greatly desire these potions.
Aside from the Mosh'Ogg Ogres here, the jungle is home to many species of large cats including tigers and panthers. The final interesting location in Stranglethorn Vale is the Gurubashi Arena. Once a gladitorial pit for the Troll's entertainment, a goblin pirate named Sir John Mithril hosts a contest where he invites all to claim his treasure. The Arena allows brother to fight brother regardless of their affiliations.
"Abandon all hope ye who enter here" are the words scrolled upon the signs as you travel east from Duskwood along the Deadwind Pass. There is no hope in this region and little of anything else. Once the home of the Sorcerer Medivh, this region was warped by his magical research and the land has literally been drained of life. The trees are petrified and the soil is as dead as the rocky mountains that surround the place. This corruption is slowing moving into Duskwood and is the source of Duskwood's curse. Travelers are advised to stick to the road when they head east to the Swamp of Sorrow. If one can avoid the buzzards and Ogres while traveling south, you will come across a ruined and abandoned town who's name the people have long forgotten. Nearby stands the crumbling tower of Karazhan, where the Alliance killed Medivh after discovering he had been responsible for opening the Dark Portal and allowing the Orcs into Azeroth. Karazhan's entrance is sealed by collapsing rock but great power pulses from within and may soon draw the curious to uncover what is inside.
Karazhan is set to be a level 70 instance in the expansion, The Burning Crusade.
On the eastern side of the Deadwind Pass lies the Swamp of Sorrows. Unlike Dustwallow Marsh on Kalimdor, this fresh water swampland is green and teaming with life. Many rare herbs and plants can be found here. You just have to avoid the crocolisks.
The Horde inhabit the town of Stonard in the south near the entrance to the Blasted Lands. A clan of Drainei that escaped the destruction of Draenor live in small villages in the Shifting Mire. In the east is the Pool of Tears and in this lake is the submerged Temple of Atal'Hakkar. Not long ago, the Trolls attempted to summon the Hakkar the Soulflayer here in a dread ritual. The Green Dragon Aspect Ysera interrupted their summonings and sank the temple beneath the water. The dragons still guard the upper levels of the temple preventing the Trolls from trying another summoning.
This desolate region south of the Swamp of Sorrows used to be a dank marshland called the Black Morass. Now it is a dry desert of red clay. Despite the unpleasantness of the region, it is perhaps the single most important land in all of Azeroth. It is given this singular distinction by the presence of one structure: the Dark Portal.
Created by the wizard Medivh, the Dark Portal sits at the bottom of a crater in the south. The same crater where the wizard Khadgar destroyed the first portal. Currently, the Dark Portal is closed but a gathering of demons surround the cursed gateway making study impossible. To the north stands Nethergarde Keep. Created by Khadgar to watch over the Dark Portal, Alliance troops keep a careful watch to the south and fighting off demon attacks. Life in Nethergarde is bereft of joy and the soldiers here welcome any distraction that breaks the tension that hangs over their heads.
Many of the animals in this region have been mutated by the energies released from the Dark Portal and are more powerful then others of their kind. The hyenas alone are said to have jaws so powerful, they can bite through three inches of hardened Thorium, the strongest metal in the world. Clearly, hunting in this land is not recommended. Only the occasional weed grows in this region and when it does rain, the water merely washes across the hardened clay into the sea.
West of the Dark Portal is a mountainous region called the Tainted Scar. Demons of incredible power roam the land here and it is not a place to visit lightly. In the northwest corner of the region, the Dreadmaul Ogres have taken up residence as well as Dreadmaul Post directly south. In the eastern mountain range stands the Altar of Storms, one of the last such alters on Azeroth.
The Burning Steppes is a volcanic mountain range through which Blackrock Mountain can be accessed. Home to the Dark Iron Dwarves, the Burning Steppes were created when the Dark Iron King summoned the Firelord Ragnaros from the Elemental Plane. The Firelord cannot leave the lava pits below the mountain but never the less, he has enslaved the Dark Irons and they do his bidding attempting to create a great army out of living stone. The Orcs here are not part of the Horde on Kalimdor but they are nothing compared to the mighty Black Dragons in the south. It is said that Nefarion, the son of Deathwing, is waging a war against Ragnaros for control of Blackrock mountain, a war that no one wants to see either side win. The most direct way into the area is through the Blackrock Pass which leads south into the Redridge Mountains.
The final site of note here is most often seen by those traveling via gryphon from Ironforge to Stormwind. In the northwestern corner near Blackrock Mountain is one of the last remaining Alter of Storms created by the warlock Gul'dan. The stone statues of the Altar stand silently surrounded by a pool of lava.
The Badlands are a dusty, dry region south of Loch Modan. A stark contrast to the green lands of the Loch, temperatures in the Badlands rival those found in Tanaris and many creatures here are accustomed to the heat. Cacti mark the spots where one could find underground water but there is more rock then life here.
The Badlands is a very important place for the Explorer's League in Ironforge for near the northern entrance lies the underground city of Uldaman. Uldaman contains ancient ruins that are believed to be the remains of the city where the Titans created the Earthen, the primal forms of the Dwarves before the Great Sundering. Unfortunantly for the Explorer's League, the Dark Iron Dwarves have taken over Uldaman as well as the nearby Hammertoe's Digsite. The Dark Iron Dwarves are based out of Angor Fortress and Ironforge can do little to curb the occupation. The Dark Irons are not the only danger in the region. Ogres have set up camps in the north, south, and the west. The only thing that keeps the Ogres from the east are the Black Dragons which infest the Lethlor Ravine. The Horde have a small camp in the northwest called Kargath which serves as a waypoint to those who venture to the Searing Gorge.
East of the snowy lands of Dun Morogh is the temperate region of Loch Modan. Directly in the center of the region is the largest fresh water lake on Azeroth, the Loch itself, and to the north, one of the greatest engineering feats by the Dwarven nation, the Stonewrought Dam. The Dam is under constant dwarven patrol as the Dark Irons have tried more then once to destroy it.
The Dwarves have established the town of Thelsamar near the Loch's western shore. Kobolds walk the lands and occupy the abandoned Silverstream Mine and most recently, Troggs have taken over the southwestern mountains. And if that was not enough, Mo'Grosh Ogres have moved into the hills in the northeast. The Explorer's League has a digsite in the southeast run by Prospector Ironbrand. The Troggs have recently surfaced there, driven mad by the artifacts the dwarves have discovered. Paths to the south lead to the Badlands while the Algaz Gate to the north leads to the Wetlands below the Stonewrought Dam. Dwarven mountaineers keep a constant vigilance here as Algaz is the only path into Khaz Modan from the north.
The Wetlands, which sits below the mountains of Ironforge, is the location for one of the main ports for the Alliance at Menethil Harbor. Boats here grant passage to Kalimdor to Darkshore or Theramore. Because Ironforge cannot spare soldiers to guard the harbor, Menethil has hired the captain of the "Maiden's Virtue" and his crew to keep the peace on the docks.
The region is a humid swamp crawling with crocolisks, murlocs, and raptors. Leatherworkers and skinners can find a plethora of leather to trade provided one is able to take down the powerful creatures. This region was the site of many battles in the Second War when the Orcs occupied Grim Batol in the southeast. While no longer in Grim Batol, the Orcs are still in the Wetlands having moved into the central mountains. Grim Batol itself is under the control of the Red Dragons and the dragonkin will not let anyone near.
The Dark Iron Dwarves have taken control of the town of Dun Modr to the north and have succeeded in destroying one of the two bridges of the Thandol Span which is the only land path north to Lordearon. Ironforge has a sent a small contingent of soldiers to try to take back Dun Modr and guard the remaining bridge but they are not having much luck.
Azeroth from World of Warcraft.
Stormwind Caslte is the last bastion of the humans of Azeroth in the east. Many survivors of the plague-infested lands of Lordearon have retreated here. Formerly ruled by King Varian Wrynn, Wrynn's young son Andruin has recently been placed on the throne. The crowning happened so quickly that many in Stormwind do not know that Anduin is now King and the switch is quietly discussed in dark corners.
Stormwind was ravaged by the Horde during the First War. At the end of the Second War, King Terenas of Lordearon created a new tax to help pay for the rebuilding of Stormwind. The Stonemasons Guild accepted the charge but when the time came to pay the Stonemason's, the nobles of Stormwind refused and ordered the guild to leave. Their leader, Edwin Van Cleef, swore revenge on the nobles and now runs the outlaws called the Defias Brotherhood.
The tall trees of Elwynn Forest serve as the starting point in the game for the humans of the Alliance. Having suffered much during the First War, the newly rebuilt Stormwind stands as a testament to the human spirit. The nearby Northshire Abbey and the town of Goldshire benefit from Stormwind's protection. The Lion's Pride Inn in Goldshire turns a tidy profit being not only the major inn for the area, but also being just across the path from the location for the Darkmoon Faire when it visits the Eastern Kingdoms.
To the east, travelers will first pass the Tower of Azora, home to a wizard that broke away from the mages of Stormwind. Further east lies the Eastvale Logging Camp and the Ridgepoint Tower before passing into the Redridge Mountains. To the west of Goldshire is the Westbrook Garrison which oversees the way into Westfall.
Elwynn Forest is full of resources. Wood is plentiful and the mines here are rich sources of copper. There are several farms in the forest for fruit and vegetables and wild boars and bears supply meats and furs. But as peaceful as Elwynn Forest sounds, it has it's share of problems. Though soldiers do patrol the roads, the Defias Brotherhood is thick in the area accousting travelers and controlling at least two of the farms in the area. Kobolds have invaded all the copper mines and it is rumored they are working with the Defias. Gnolls have set up camp in the southwest and the murlocs are appearing in alarming numbers to the east.
The aptly named Westfall has some of the most fertile farming lands on the Eastern Continent producing grains and cotton. But the farms are no longer tended by the valiant farmers. In place of crops, mechanical monsters which bear the image of frightening creatures that filled the folklore of the people of this land, roam the fields attacking anyone who gets too close to them. And what owners were not scared out, the Defias have pressured out. Stormwind has withdrawn it's forces from this region claiming they do not have the manpower to keep the area safe. In response, the People's Militia has formed and fight back as best they can from Sentinel Hill.
The Defias themselves are everywhere and have driven off the population of the town of Moonbrooke in the southeast. Rumors say that the Defias have a base somewhere in the town but most who go looking are never heard from again. The sea beats against the Long Shore but it is no more safe then the farms with the Murlocs living on every part of the shoreline.
The Redridge Mountains, once a vacation spot for the well-to-do, is now a region of strife. The town of Lakeshire is under constant threat from not only the mountain gnolls, but from the Orcs who occupy Stonewatch Keep. The Orcs, which do not recognize the authority of the Warchief Thrall, have already damaged the main bridge that crosses Lake Everstill. If the bridge is destroyed, Lakeshire will be cut off from the east. The situation is made worse by the fact that Stormwind has recalled the majority of it's forces from the region leaving only a small contingent of soldiers. Lakeshire's mayor is desperate for aid and writes to anyone who might help keep his town safe.
Alther's Mill east of Lakeshire used to supply the area with wood but it is now overrun by giant spiders. The Orcs have control of much of the east but avoid the Tower of Ilgalar in Galardell Valley. A rogue wizard and his gnoll servants keep the Orcs at bay.
With the moutains surrounding the valley, the only other way out is to the north. A twisting path leads into the Burning Steppes, the gates having been smashed and made useless.
The thick forest area across the river south of Elwynn Forest was once referred to by a different name. But now, people call this region Duskwood. Duskwood is a cursed land with a canopy of trees so thick that the sun cannot penetrate it or the gloom below. The negative energies that creep in from the east are causing the dead to rise from their graves and the fear they create is overwhelming. As a result of Stormwind removing their forces from the area, the town of Darkshire has created the Nightwatch, townsfolk banded together to fight back against the Undead and keep the town safe.
Though some powerful Undead walk this region, they are not part of the Scourge; the Undead plague does not extend this far south. The dark energies from the east seem to be the cause. Numerous as the Undead are here, recently, another species has appeared. The Worgen, wolf-like humanoids much stronger then those found in Tirisfal Glades, are beginning to fill what areas the Undead to do not control. Folks whisper rumors of black cloaked riders that hail from the east as the source of the Worgen but no one knows for sure. The Defias occupy a few of the abandoned farms in the south and the Nightwatch keeps a curious eye on their activities. Near the western shoreline, the town of Ravenhill stands empty, it's residents driven off by the relentless Undead in the northern cemetery.
At the center of the region stands a tall mountain and nestled within is a small valley. Contained within is a sight of wonder and one might think they have been somehow transported to the forests of Ashenvale. Here the sunlight falls upon another portal similar to the ones found in the Hinterlands and Ashenvale. Even stranger is the fact that next to the portal sits a Moon Well seeming very out of place on the Eastern Continent. The locals advise people not to come here claiming to frequently hear the totured cries of dragons from what has come to be known as the Twilight Grove. The road south leads to the Stranglethorn Vale with Westfall across the river west. The way east leads to even darker places.
Covering much of the southern tip of the Eastern Continent is the rain forest of Stranglethorn Vale. It rains here quite frequently and the plant life grows large and in great variety. The Trolls are the dominate species of the regoin still living amongst the many ancient troll ruins. The Darkspear Trolls originated from these jungles but several Troll clans call this place home. The most dangerous of the Troll ruins, Zul'Gurub, is open for those who dare venture inside.
The largest town in this region is on the southern shore. The goblin-run town of Booty Bay is controlled by the Blackwater Raiders but they are not the only pirates in the area. The Bloodsail Buccaneers are stationed behind the mountains south of Booty Bay. The two groups encounter each other frequently which are always violent meetings. As usual with goblin run towns, both the Horde and the Alliance are welcome here but the Bruisers expect visitors to "keep their nose clean" or else. Booty Bay links via ship to the goblin city of Ratchet on Kalimdor. Booty Bay also hosts the weekly fishing tournament for those who have skill with a fishing pole. Adventurers from both factions can find plenty to do in Stranglethorn Vale. The goblins do not care who works for them as long as they can turn a profit. Venture Co. has established a resource mining colony in the center of the region but as they operate outside the trade prince's authority, the goblins of Booty Bay do not trade with them and would prefer to see Venture Co. gone. Still, if Venture Co. does all the work and the goblins hire adventurers to steal their goods, all the better for them.
The Horde maintain a base near the western shore called Grom'Gol but the Trolls here have no more love for the Horde then they do anyone else. A small human resistance force has set up a camp in the north having broken away from their fanatical leader, Colonel Kurzon, who runs a small army in the northwest. Kurzon's men have discovered that plants here when brewed properly can cure disease and the rebels greatly desire these potions.
Aside from the Mosh'Ogg Ogres here, the jungle is home to many species of large cats including tigers and panthers. The final interesting location in Stranglethorn Vale is the Gurubashi Arena. Once a gladitorial pit for the Troll's entertainment, a goblin pirate named Sir John Mithril hosts a contest where he invites all to claim his treasure. The Arena allows brother to fight brother regardless of their affiliations.
"Abandon all hope ye who enter here" are the words scrolled upon the signs as you travel east from Duskwood along the Deadwind Pass. There is no hope in this region and little of anything else. Once the home of the Sorcerer Medivh, this region was warped by his magical research and the land has literally been drained of life. The trees are petrified and the soil is as dead as the rocky mountains that surround the place. This corruption is slowing moving into Duskwood and is the source of Duskwood's curse. Travelers are advised to stick to the road when they head east to the Swamp of Sorrow. If one can avoid the buzzards and Ogres while traveling south, you will come across a ruined and abandoned town who's name the people have long forgotten. Nearby stands the crumbling tower of Karazhan, where the Alliance killed Medivh after discovering he had been responsible for opening the Dark Portal and allowing the Orcs into Azeroth. Karazhan's entrance is sealed by collapsing rock but great power pulses from within and may soon draw the curious to uncover what is inside.
Karazhan is set to be a level 70 instance in the expansion, The Burning Crusade.
On the eastern side of the Deadwind Pass lies the Swamp of Sorrows. Unlike Dustwallow Marsh on Kalimdor, this fresh water swampland is green and teaming with life. Many rare herbs and plants can be found here. You just have to avoid the crocolisks.
The Horde inhabit the town of Stonard in the south near the entrance to the Blasted Lands. A clan of Drainei that escaped the destruction of Draenor live in small villages in the Shifting Mire. In the east is the Pool of Tears and in this lake is the submerged Temple of Atal'Hakkar. Not long ago, the Trolls attempted to summon the Hakkar the Soulflayer here in a dread ritual. The Green Dragon Aspect Ysera interrupted their summonings and sank the temple beneath the water. The dragons still guard the upper levels of the temple preventing the Trolls from trying another summoning.
This desolate region south of the Swamp of Sorrows used to be a dank marshland called the Black Morass. Now it is a dry desert of red clay. Despite the unpleasantness of the region, it is perhaps the single most important land in all of Azeroth. It is given this singular distinction by the presence of one structure: the Dark Portal.
Created by the wizard Medivh, the Dark Portal sits at the bottom of a crater in the south. The same crater where the wizard Khadgar destroyed the first portal. Currently, the Dark Portal is closed but a gathering of demons surround the cursed gateway making study impossible. To the north stands Nethergarde Keep. Created by Khadgar to watch over the Dark Portal, Alliance troops keep a careful watch to the south and fighting off demon attacks. Life in Nethergarde is bereft of joy and the soldiers here welcome any distraction that breaks the tension that hangs over their heads.
Many of the animals in this region have been mutated by the energies released from the Dark Portal and are more powerful then others of their kind. The hyenas alone are said to have jaws so powerful, they can bite through three inches of hardened Thorium, the strongest metal in the world. Clearly, hunting in this land is not recommended. Only the occasional weed grows in this region and when it does rain, the water merely washes across the hardened clay into the sea.
West of the Dark Portal is a mountainous region called the Tainted Scar. Demons of incredible power roam the land here and it is not a place to visit lightly. In the northwest corner of the region, the Dreadmaul Ogres have taken up residence as well as Dreadmaul Post directly south. In the eastern mountain range stands the Altar of Storms, one of the last such alters on Azeroth.
The Burning Steppes is a volcanic mountain range through which Blackrock Mountain can be accessed. Home to the Dark Iron Dwarves, the Burning Steppes were created when the Dark Iron King summoned the Firelord Ragnaros from the Elemental Plane. The Firelord cannot leave the lava pits below the mountain but never the less, he has enslaved the Dark Irons and they do his bidding attempting to create a great army out of living stone. The Orcs here are not part of the Horde on Kalimdor but they are nothing compared to the mighty Black Dragons in the south. It is said that Nefarion, the son of Deathwing, is waging a war against Ragnaros for control of Blackrock mountain, a war that no one wants to see either side win. The most direct way into the area is through the Blackrock Pass which leads south into the Redridge Mountains.
The final site of note here is most often seen by those traveling via gryphon from Ironforge to Stormwind. In the northwestern corner near Blackrock Mountain is one of the last remaining Alter of Storms created by the warlock Gul'dan. The stone statues of the Altar stand silently surrounded by a pool of lava.
The Dwarves have established the town of Thelsamar near the Loch's western shore. Kobolds walk the lands and occupy the abandoned Silverstream Mine and most recently, Troggs have taken over the southwestern mountains. And if that was not enough, Mo'Grosh Ogres have moved into the hills in the northeast. The Explorer's League has a digsite in the southeast run by Prospector Ironbrand. The Troggs have recently surfaced there, driven mad by the artifacts the dwarves have discovered. Paths to the south lead to the Badlands while the Algaz Gate to the north leads to the Wetlands below the Stonewrought Dam. Dwarven mountaineers keep a constant vigilance here as Algaz is the only path into Khaz Modan from the north.
The Wetlands, which sits below the mountains of Ironforge, is the location for one of the main ports for the Alliance at Menethil Harbor. Boats here grant passage to Kalimdor to Darkshore or Theramore. Because Ironforge cannot spare soldiers to guard the harbor, Menethil has hired the captain of the "Maiden's Virtue" and his crew to keep the peace on the docks.
The region is a humid swamp crawling with crocolisks, murlocs, and raptors. Leatherworkers and skinners can find a plethora of leather to trade provided one is able to take down the powerful creatures. This region was the site of many battles in the Second War when the Orcs occupied Grim Batol in the southeast. While no longer in Grim Batol, the Orcs are still in the Wetlands having moved into the central mountains. Grim Batol itself is under the control of the Red Dragons and the dragonkin will not let anyone near.
The Dark Iron Dwarves have taken control of the town of Dun Modr to the north and have succeeded in destroying one of the two bridges of the Thandol Span which is the only land path north to Lordearon. Ironforge has a sent a small contingent of soldiers to try to take back Dun Modr and guard the remaining bridge but they are not having much luck.
Azeroth from World of Warcraft.
Stormwind Caslte is the last bastion of the humans of Azeroth in the east. Many survivors of the plague-infested lands of Lordearon have retreated here. Formerly ruled by King Varian Wrynn, Wrynn's young son Andruin has recently been placed on the throne. The crowning happened so quickly that many in Stormwind do not know that Anduin is now King and the switch is quietly discussed in dark corners.
Stormwind was ravaged by the Horde during the First War. At the end of the Second War, King Terenas of Lordearon created a new tax to help pay for the rebuilding of Stormwind. The Stonemasons Guild accepted the charge but when the time came to pay the Stonemason's, the nobles of Stormwind refused and ordered the guild to leave. Their leader, Edwin Van Cleef, swore revenge on the nobles and now runs the outlaws called the Defias Brotherhood.
The tall trees of Elwynn Forest serve as the starting point in the game for the humans of the Alliance. Having suffered much during the First War, the newly rebuilt Stormwind stands as a testament to the human spirit. The nearby Northshire Abbey and the town of Goldshire benefit from Stormwind's protection. The Lion's Pride Inn in Goldshire turns a tidy profit being not only the major inn for the area, but also being just across the path from the location for the Darkmoon Faire when it visits the Eastern Kingdoms.
To the east, travelers will first pass the Tower of Azora, home to a wizard that broke away from the mages of Stormwind. Further east lies the Eastvale Logging Camp and the Ridgepoint Tower before passing into the Redridge Mountains. To the west of Goldshire is the Westbrook Garrison which oversees the way into Westfall.
Elwynn Forest is full of resources. Wood is plentiful and the mines here are rich sources of copper. There are several farms in the forest for fruit and vegetables and wild boars and bears supply meats and furs. But as peaceful as Elwynn Forest sounds, it has it's share of problems. Though soldiers do patrol the roads, the Defias Brotherhood is thick in the area accousting travelers and controlling at least two of the farms in the area. Kobolds have invaded all the copper mines and it is rumored they are working with the Defias. Gnolls have set up camp in the southwest and the murlocs are appearing in alarming numbers to the east.
The aptly named Westfall has some of the most fertile farming lands on the Eastern Continent producing grains and cotton. But the farms are no longer tended by the valiant farmers. In place of crops, mechanical monsters which bear the image of frightening creatures that filled the folklore of the people of this land, roam the fields attacking anyone who gets too close to them. And what owners were not scared out, the Defias have pressured out. Stormwind has withdrawn it's forces from this region claiming they do not have the manpower to keep the area safe. In response, the People's Militia has formed and fight back as best they can from Sentinel Hill.
The Defias themselves are everywhere and have driven off the population of the town of Moonbrooke in the southeast. Rumors say that the Defias have a base somewhere in the town but most who go looking are never heard from again. The sea beats against the Long Shore but it is no more safe then the farms with the Murlocs living on every part of the shoreline.
The Redridge Mountains, once a vacation spot for the well-to-do, is now a region of strife. The town of Lakeshire is under constant threat from not only the mountain gnolls, but from the Orcs who occupy Stonewatch Keep. The Orcs, which do not recognize the authority of the Warchief Thrall, have already damaged the main bridge that crosses Lake Everstill. If the bridge is destroyed, Lakeshire will be cut off from the east. The situation is made worse by the fact that Stormwind has recalled the majority of it's forces from the region leaving only a small contingent of soldiers. Lakeshire's mayor is desperate for aid and writes to anyone who might help keep his town safe.
Alther's Mill east of Lakeshire used to supply the area with wood but it is now overrun by giant spiders. The Orcs have control of much of the east but avoid the Tower of Ilgalar in Galardell Valley. A rogue wizard and his gnoll servants keep the Orcs at bay.
With the moutains surrounding the valley, the only other way out is to the north. A twisting path leads into the Burning Steppes, the gates having been smashed and made useless.
The thick forest area across the river south of Elwynn Forest was once referred to by a different name. But now, people call this region Duskwood. Duskwood is a cursed land with a canopy of trees so thick that the sun cannot penetrate it or the gloom below. The negative energies that creep in from the east are causing the dead to rise from their graves and the fear they create is overwhelming. As a result of Stormwind removing their forces from the area, the town of Darkshire has created the Nightwatch, townsfolk banded together to fight back against the Undead and keep the town safe.
Though some powerful Undead walk this region, they are not part of the Scourge; the Undead plague does not extend this far south. The dark energies from the east seem to be the cause. Numerous as the Undead are here, recently, another species has appeared. The Worgen, wolf-like humanoids much stronger then those found in Tirisfal Glades, are beginning to fill what areas the Undead to do not control. Folks whisper rumors of black cloaked riders that hail from the east as the source of the Worgen but no one knows for sure. The Defias occupy a few of the abandoned farms in the south and the Nightwatch keeps a curious eye on their activities. Near the western shoreline, the town of Ravenhill stands empty, it's residents driven off by the relentless Undead in the northern cemetery.
At the center of the region stands a tall mountain and nestled within is a small valley. Contained within is a sight of wonder and one might think they have been somehow transported to the forests of Ashenvale. Here the sunlight falls upon another portal similar to the ones found in the Hinterlands and Ashenvale. Even stranger is the fact that next to the portal sits a Moon Well seeming very out of place on the Eastern Continent. The locals advise people not to come here claiming to frequently hear the totured cries of dragons from what has come to be known as the Twilight Grove. The road south leads to the Stranglethorn Vale with Westfall across the river west. The way east leads to even darker places.
Covering much of the southern tip of the Eastern Continent is the rain forest of Stranglethorn Vale. It rains here quite frequently and the plant life grows large and in great variety. The Trolls are the dominate species of the regoin still living amongst the many ancient troll ruins. The Darkspear Trolls originated from these jungles but several Troll clans call this place home. The most dangerous of the Troll ruins, Zul'Gurub, is open for those who dare venture inside.
The largest town in this region is on the southern shore. The goblin-run town of Booty Bay is controlled by the Blackwater Raiders but they are not the only pirates in the area. The Bloodsail Buccaneers are stationed behind the mountains south of Booty Bay. The two groups encounter each other frequently which are always violent meetings. As usual with goblin run towns, both the Horde and the Alliance are welcome here but the Bruisers expect visitors to "keep their nose clean" or else. Booty Bay links via ship to the goblin city of Ratchet on Kalimdor. Booty Bay also hosts the weekly fishing tournament for those who have skill with a fishing pole. Adventurers from both factions can find plenty to do in Stranglethorn Vale. The goblins do not care who works for them as long as they can turn a profit. Venture Co. has established a resource mining colony in the center of the region but as they operate outside the trade prince's authority, the goblins of Booty Bay do not trade with them and would prefer to see Venture Co. gone. Still, if Venture Co. does all the work and the goblins hire adventurers to steal their goods, all the better for them.
The Horde maintain a base near the western shore called Grom'Gol but the Trolls here have no more love for the Horde then they do anyone else. A small human resistance force has set up a camp in the north having broken away from their fanatical leader, Colonel Kurzon, who runs a small army in the northwest. Kurzon's men have discovered that plants here when brewed properly can cure disease and the rebels greatly desire these potions.
Aside from the Mosh'Ogg Ogres here, the jungle is home to many species of large cats including tigers and panthers. The final interesting location in Stranglethorn Vale is the Gurubashi Arena. Once a gladitorial pit for the Troll's entertainment, a goblin pirate named Sir John Mithril hosts a contest where he invites all to claim his treasure. The Arena allows brother to fight brother regardless of their affiliations.
"Abandon all hope ye who enter here" are the words scrolled upon the signs as you travel east from Duskwood along the Deadwind Pass. There is no hope in this region and little of anything else. Once the home of the Sorcerer Medivh, this region was warped by his magical research and the land has literally been drained of life. The trees are petrified and the soil is as dead as the rocky mountains that surround the place. This corruption is slowing moving into Duskwood and is the source of Duskwood's curse. Travelers are advised to stick to the road when they head east to the Swamp of Sorrow. If one can avoid the buzzards and Ogres while traveling south, you will come across a ruined and abandoned town who's name the people have long forgotten. Nearby stands the crumbling tower of Karazhan, where the Alliance killed Medivh after discovering he had been responsible for opening the Dark Portal and allowing the Orcs into Azeroth. Karazhan's entrance is sealed by collapsing rock but great power pulses from within and may soon draw the curious to uncover what is inside.
Karazhan is set to be a level 70 instance in the expansion, The Burning Crusade.
On the eastern side of the Deadwind Pass lies the Swamp of Sorrows. Unlike Dustwallow Marsh on Kalimdor, this fresh water swampland is green and teaming with life. Many rare herbs and plants can be found here. You just have to avoid the crocolisks.
The Horde inhabit the town of Stonard in the south near the entrance to the Blasted Lands. A clan of Drainei that escaped the destruction of Draenor live in small villages in the Shifting Mire. In the east is the Pool of Tears and in this lake is the submerged Temple of Atal'Hakkar. Not long ago, the Trolls attempted to summon the Hakkar the Soulflayer here in a dread ritual. The Green Dragon Aspect Ysera interrupted their summonings and sank the temple beneath the water. The dragons still guard the upper levels of the temple preventing the Trolls from trying another summoning.
This desolate region south of the Swamp of Sorrows used to be a dank marshland called the Black Morass. Now it is a dry desert of red clay. Despite the unpleasantness of the region, it is perhaps the single most important land in all of Azeroth. It is given this singular distinction by the presence of one structure: the Dark Portal.
Created by the wizard Medivh, the Dark Portal sits at the bottom of a crater in the south. The same crater where the wizard Khadgar destroyed the first portal. Currently, the Dark Portal is closed but a gathering of demons surround the cursed gateway making study impossible. To the north stands Nethergarde Keep. Created by Khadgar to watch over the Dark Portal, Alliance troops keep a careful watch to the south and fighting off demon attacks. Life in Nethergarde is bereft of joy and the soldiers here welcome any distraction that breaks the tension that hangs over their heads.
Many of the animals in this region have been mutated by the energies released from the Dark Portal and are more powerful then others of their kind. The hyenas alone are said to have jaws so powerful, they can bite through three inches of hardened Thorium, the strongest metal in the world. Clearly, hunting in this land is not recommended. Only the occasional weed grows in this region and when it does rain, the water merely washes across the hardened clay into the sea.
West of the Dark Portal is a mountainous region called the Tainted Scar. Demons of incredible power roam the land here and it is not a place to visit lightly. In the northwest corner of the region, the Dreadmaul Ogres have taken up residence as well as Dreadmaul Post directly south. In the eastern mountain range stands the Altar of Storms, one of the last such alters on Azeroth.
The Burning Steppes is a volcanic mountain range through which Blackrock Mountain can be accessed. Home to the Dark Iron Dwarves, the Burning Steppes were created when the Dark Iron King summoned the Firelord Ragnaros from the Elemental Plane. The Firelord cannot leave the lava pits below the mountain but never the less, he has enslaved the Dark Irons and they do his bidding attempting to create a great army out of living stone. The Orcs here are not part of the Horde on Kalimdor but they are nothing compared to the mighty Black Dragons in the south. It is said that Nefarion, the son of Deathwing, is waging a war against Ragnaros for control of Blackrock mountain, a war that no one wants to see either side win. The most direct way into the area is through the Blackrock Pass which leads south into the Redridge Mountains.
The final site of note here is most often seen by those traveling via gryphon from Ironforge to Stormwind. In the northwestern corner near Blackrock Mountain is one of the last remaining Alter of Storms created by the warlock Gul'dan. The stone statues of the Altar stand silently surrounded by a pool of lava.
Stormwind Caslte is the last bastion of the humans of Azeroth in the east. Many survivors of the plague-infested lands of Lordearon have retreated here. Formerly ruled by King Varian Wrynn, Wrynn's young son Andruin has recently been placed on the throne. The crowning happened so quickly that many in Stormwind do not know that Anduin is now King and the switch is quietly discussed in dark corners.
Stormwind was ravaged by the Horde during the First War. At the end of the Second War, King Terenas of Lordearon created a new tax to help pay for the rebuilding of Stormwind. The Stonemasons Guild accepted the charge but when the time came to pay the Stonemason's, the nobles of Stormwind refused and ordered the guild to leave. Their leader, Edwin Van Cleef, swore revenge on the nobles and now runs the outlaws called the Defias Brotherhood.
The tall trees of Elwynn Forest serve as the starting point in the game for the humans of the Alliance. Having suffered much during the First War, the newly rebuilt Stormwind stands as a testament to the human spirit. The nearby Northshire Abbey and the town of Goldshire benefit from Stormwind's protection. The Lion's Pride Inn in Goldshire turns a tidy profit being not only the major inn for the area, but also being just across the path from the location for the Darkmoon Faire when it visits the Eastern Kingdoms.
To the east, travelers will first pass the Tower of Azora, home to a wizard that broke away from the mages of Stormwind. Further east lies the Eastvale Logging Camp and the Ridgepoint Tower before passing into the Redridge Mountains. To the west of Goldshire is the Westbrook Garrison which oversees the way into Westfall.
Elwynn Forest is full of resources. Wood is plentiful and the mines here are rich sources of copper. There are several farms in the forest for fruit and vegetables and wild boars and bears supply meats and furs. But as peaceful as Elwynn Forest sounds, it has it's share of problems. Though soldiers do patrol the roads, the Defias Brotherhood is thick in the area accousting travelers and controlling at least two of the farms in the area. Kobolds have invaded all the copper mines and it is rumored they are working with the Defias. Gnolls have set up camp in the southwest and the murlocs are appearing in alarming numbers to the east.
The aptly named Westfall has some of the most fertile farming lands on the Eastern Continent producing grains and cotton. But the farms are no longer tended by the valiant farmers. In place of crops, mechanical monsters which bear the image of frightening creatures that filled the folklore of the people of this land, roam the fields attacking anyone who gets too close to them. And what owners were not scared out, the Defias have pressured out. Stormwind has withdrawn it's forces from this region claiming they do not have the manpower to keep the area safe. In response, the People's Militia has formed and fight back as best they can from Sentinel Hill.
The Defias themselves are everywhere and have driven off the population of the town of Moonbrooke in the southeast. Rumors say that the Defias have a base somewhere in the town but most who go looking are never heard from again. The sea beats against the Long Shore but it is no more safe then the farms with the Murlocs living on every part of the shoreline.
The Redridge Mountains, once a vacation spot for the well-to-do, is now a region of strife. The town of Lakeshire is under constant threat from not only the mountain gnolls, but from the Orcs who occupy Stonewatch Keep. The Orcs, which do not recognize the authority of the Warchief Thrall, have already damaged the main bridge that crosses Lake Everstill. If the bridge is destroyed, Lakeshire will be cut off from the east. The situation is made worse by the fact that Stormwind has recalled the majority of it's forces from the region leaving only a small contingent of soldiers. Lakeshire's mayor is desperate for aid and writes to anyone who might help keep his town safe.
Alther's Mill east of Lakeshire used to supply the area with wood but it is now overrun by giant spiders. The Orcs have control of much of the east but avoid the Tower of Ilgalar in Galardell Valley. A rogue wizard and his gnoll servants keep the Orcs at bay.
With the moutains surrounding the valley, the only other way out is to the north. A twisting path leads into the Burning Steppes, the gates having been smashed and made useless.
The thick forest area across the river south of Elwynn Forest was once referred to by a different name. But now, people call this region Duskwood. Duskwood is a cursed land with a canopy of trees so thick that the sun cannot penetrate it or the gloom below. The negative energies that creep in from the east are causing the dead to rise from their graves and the fear they create is overwhelming. As a result of Stormwind removing their forces from the area, the town of Darkshire has created the Nightwatch, townsfolk banded together to fight back against the Undead and keep the town safe.
Though some powerful Undead walk this region, they are not part of the Scourge; the Undead plague does not extend this far south. The dark energies from the east seem to be the cause. Numerous as the Undead are here, recently, another species has appeared. The Worgen, wolf-like humanoids much stronger then those found in Tirisfal Glades, are beginning to fill what areas the Undead to do not control. Folks whisper rumors of black cloaked riders that hail from the east as the source of the Worgen but no one knows for sure. The Defias occupy a few of the abandoned farms in the south and the Nightwatch keeps a curious eye on their activities. Near the western shoreline, the town of Ravenhill stands empty, it's residents driven off by the relentless Undead in the northern cemetery.
At the center of the region stands a tall mountain and nestled within is a small valley. Contained within is a sight of wonder and one might think they have been somehow transported to the forests of Ashenvale. Here the sunlight falls upon another portal similar to the ones found in the Hinterlands and Ashenvale. Even stranger is the fact that next to the portal sits a Moon Well seeming very out of place on the Eastern Continent. The locals advise people not to come here claiming to frequently hear the totured cries of dragons from what has come to be known as the Twilight Grove. The road south leads to the Stranglethorn Vale with Westfall across the river west. The way east leads to even darker places.
Covering much of the southern tip of the Eastern Continent is the rain forest of Stranglethorn Vale. It rains here quite frequently and the plant life grows large and in great variety. The Trolls are the dominate species of the regoin still living amongst the many ancient troll ruins. The Darkspear Trolls originated from these jungles but several Troll clans call this place home. The most dangerous of the Troll ruins, Zul'Gurub, is open for those who dare venture inside.
The largest town in this region is on the southern shore. The goblin-run town of Booty Bay is controlled by the Blackwater Raiders but they are not the only pirates in the area. The Bloodsail Buccaneers are stationed behind the mountains south of Booty Bay. The two groups encounter each other frequently which are always violent meetings. As usual with goblin run towns, both the Horde and the Alliance are welcome here but the Bruisers expect visitors to "keep their nose clean" or else. Booty Bay links via ship to the goblin city of Ratchet on Kalimdor. Booty Bay also hosts the weekly fishing tournament for those who have skill with a fishing pole. Adventurers from both factions can find plenty to do in Stranglethorn Vale. The goblins do not care who works for them as long as they can turn a profit. Venture Co. has established a resource mining colony in the center of the region but as they operate outside the trade prince's authority, the goblins of Booty Bay do not trade with them and would prefer to see Venture Co. gone. Still, if Venture Co. does all the work and the goblins hire adventurers to steal their goods, all the better for them.
The Horde maintain a base near the western shore called Grom'Gol but the Trolls here have no more love for the Horde then they do anyone else. A small human resistance force has set up a camp in the north having broken away from their fanatical leader, Colonel Kurzon, who runs a small army in the northwest. Kurzon's men have discovered that plants here when brewed properly can cure disease and the rebels greatly desire these potions.
Aside from the Mosh'Ogg Ogres here, the jungle is home to many species of large cats including tigers and panthers. The final interesting location in Stranglethorn Vale is the Gurubashi Arena. Once a gladitorial pit for the Troll's entertainment, a goblin pirate named Sir John Mithril hosts a contest where he invites all to claim his treasure. The Arena allows brother to fight brother regardless of their affiliations.
"Abandon all hope ye who enter here" are the words scrolled upon the signs as you travel east from Duskwood along the Deadwind Pass. There is no hope in this region and little of anything else. Once the home of the Sorcerer Medivh, this region was warped by his magical research and the land has literally been drained of life. The trees are petrified and the soil is as dead as the rocky mountains that surround the place. This corruption is slowing moving into Duskwood and is the source of Duskwood's curse. Travelers are advised to stick to the road when they head east to the Swamp of Sorrow. If one can avoid the buzzards and Ogres while traveling south, you will come across a ruined and abandoned town who's name the people have long forgotten. Nearby stands the crumbling tower of Karazhan, where the Alliance killed Medivh after discovering he had been responsible for opening the Dark Portal and allowing the Orcs into Azeroth. Karazhan's entrance is sealed by collapsing rock but great power pulses from within and may soon draw the curious to uncover what is inside.
Karazhan is set to be a level 70 instance in the expansion, The Burning Crusade.
On the eastern side of the Deadwind Pass lies the Swamp of Sorrows. Unlike Dustwallow Marsh on Kalimdor, this fresh water swampland is green and teaming with life. Many rare herbs and plants can be found here. You just have to avoid the crocolisks.
The Horde inhabit the town of Stonard in the south near the entrance to the Blasted Lands. A clan of Drainei that escaped the destruction of Draenor live in small villages in the Shifting Mire. In the east is the Pool of Tears and in this lake is the submerged Temple of Atal'Hakkar. Not long ago, the Trolls attempted to summon the Hakkar the Soulflayer here in a dread ritual. The Green Dragon Aspect Ysera interrupted their summonings and sank the temple beneath the water. The dragons still guard the upper levels of the temple preventing the Trolls from trying another summoning.
This desolate region south of the Swamp of Sorrows used to be a dank marshland called the Black Morass. Now it is a dry desert of red clay. Despite the unpleasantness of the region, it is perhaps the single most important land in all of Azeroth. It is given this singular distinction by the presence of one structure: the Dark Portal.
Created by the wizard Medivh, the Dark Portal sits at the bottom of a crater in the south. The same crater where the wizard Khadgar destroyed the first portal. Currently, the Dark Portal is closed but a gathering of demons surround the cursed gateway making study impossible. To the north stands Nethergarde Keep. Created by Khadgar to watch over the Dark Portal, Alliance troops keep a careful watch to the south and fighting off demon attacks. Life in Nethergarde is bereft of joy and the soldiers here welcome any distraction that breaks the tension that hangs over their heads.
Many of the animals in this region have been mutated by the energies released from the Dark Portal and are more powerful then others of their kind. The hyenas alone are said to have jaws so powerful, they can bite through three inches of hardened Thorium, the strongest metal in the world. Clearly, hunting in this land is not recommended. Only the occasional weed grows in this region and when it does rain, the water merely washes across the hardened clay into the sea.
West of the Dark Portal is a mountainous region called the Tainted Scar. Demons of incredible power roam the land here and it is not a place to visit lightly. In the northwest corner of the region, the Dreadmaul Ogres have taken up residence as well as Dreadmaul Post directly south. In the eastern mountain range stands the Altar of Storms, one of the last such alters on Azeroth.
The Burning Steppes is a volcanic mountain range through which Blackrock Mountain can be accessed. Home to the Dark Iron Dwarves, the Burning Steppes were created when the Dark Iron King summoned the Firelord Ragnaros from the Elemental Plane. The Firelord cannot leave the lava pits below the mountain but never the less, he has enslaved the Dark Irons and they do his bidding attempting to create a great army out of living stone. The Orcs here are not part of the Horde on Kalimdor but they are nothing compared to the mighty Black Dragons in the south. It is said that Nefarion, the son of Deathwing, is waging a war against Ragnaros for control of Blackrock mountain, a war that no one wants to see either side win. The most direct way into the area is through the Blackrock Pass which leads south into the Redridge Mountains.
The final site of note here is most often seen by those traveling via gryphon from Ironforge to Stormwind. In the northwestern corner near Blackrock Mountain is one of the last remaining Alter of Storms created by the warlock Gul'dan. The stone statues of the Altar stand silently surrounded by a pool of lava.
To the east, travelers will first pass the Tower of Azora, home to a wizard that broke away from the mages of Stormwind. Further east lies the Eastvale Logging Camp and the Ridgepoint Tower before passing into the Redridge Mountains. To the west of Goldshire is the Westbrook Garrison which oversees the way into Westfall.
Elwynn Forest is full of resources. Wood is plentiful and the mines here are rich sources of copper. There are several farms in the forest for fruit and vegetables and wild boars and bears supply meats and furs. But as peaceful as Elwynn Forest sounds, it has it's share of problems. Though soldiers do patrol the roads, the Defias Brotherhood is thick in the area accousting travelers and controlling at least two of the farms in the area. Kobolds have invaded all the copper mines and it is rumored they are working with the Defias. Gnolls have set up camp in the southwest and the murlocs are appearing in alarming numbers to the east.
The aptly named Westfall has some of the most fertile farming lands on the Eastern Continent producing grains and cotton. But the farms are no longer tended by the valiant farmers. In place of crops, mechanical monsters which bear the image of frightening creatures that filled the folklore of the people of this land, roam the fields attacking anyone who gets too close to them. And what owners were not scared out, the Defias have pressured out. Stormwind has withdrawn it's forces from this region claiming they do not have the manpower to keep the area safe. In response, the People's Militia has formed and fight back as best they can from Sentinel Hill.
The Defias themselves are everywhere and have driven off the population of the town of Moonbrooke in the southeast. Rumors say that the Defias have a base somewhere in the town but most who go looking are never heard from again. The sea beats against the Long Shore but it is no more safe then the farms with the Murlocs living on every part of the shoreline.
The Redridge Mountains, once a vacation spot for the well-to-do, is now a region of strife. The town of Lakeshire is under constant threat from not only the mountain gnolls, but from the Orcs who occupy Stonewatch Keep. The Orcs, which do not recognize the authority of the Warchief Thrall, have already damaged the main bridge that crosses Lake Everstill. If the bridge is destroyed, Lakeshire will be cut off from the east. The situation is made worse by the fact that Stormwind has recalled the majority of it's forces from the region leaving only a small contingent of soldiers. Lakeshire's mayor is desperate for aid and writes to anyone who might help keep his town safe.
Alther's Mill east of Lakeshire used to supply the area with wood but it is now overrun by giant spiders. The Orcs have control of much of the east but avoid the Tower of Ilgalar in Galardell Valley. A rogue wizard and his gnoll servants keep the Orcs at bay.
With the moutains surrounding the valley, the only other way out is to the north. A twisting path leads into the Burning Steppes, the gates having been smashed and made useless.
The thick forest area across the river south of Elwynn Forest was once referred to by a different name. But now, people call this region Duskwood. Duskwood is a cursed land with a canopy of trees so thick that the sun cannot penetrate it or the gloom below. The negative energies that creep in from the east are causing the dead to rise from their graves and the fear they create is overwhelming. As a result of Stormwind removing their forces from the area, the town of Darkshire has created the Nightwatch, townsfolk banded together to fight back against the Undead and keep the town safe.
Though some powerful Undead walk this region, they are not part of the Scourge; the Undead plague does not extend this far south. The dark energies from the east seem to be the cause. Numerous as the Undead are here, recently, another species has appeared. The Worgen, wolf-like humanoids much stronger then those found in Tirisfal Glades, are beginning to fill what areas the Undead to do not control. Folks whisper rumors of black cloaked riders that hail from the east as the source of the Worgen but no one knows for sure. The Defias occupy a few of the abandoned farms in the south and the Nightwatch keeps a curious eye on their activities. Near the western shoreline, the town of Ravenhill stands empty, it's residents driven off by the relentless Undead in the northern cemetery.
At the center of the region stands a tall mountain and nestled within is a small valley. Contained within is a sight of wonder and one might think they have been somehow transported to the forests of Ashenvale. Here the sunlight falls upon another portal similar to the ones found in the Hinterlands and Ashenvale. Even stranger is the fact that next to the portal sits a Moon Well seeming very out of place on the Eastern Continent. The locals advise people not to come here claiming to frequently hear the totured cries of dragons from what has come to be known as the Twilight Grove. The road south leads to the Stranglethorn Vale with Westfall across the river west. The way east leads to even darker places.
Covering much of the southern tip of the Eastern Continent is the rain forest of Stranglethorn Vale. It rains here quite frequently and the plant life grows large and in great variety. The Trolls are the dominate species of the regoin still living amongst the many ancient troll ruins. The Darkspear Trolls originated from these jungles but several Troll clans call this place home. The most dangerous of the Troll ruins, Zul'Gurub, is open for those who dare venture inside.
The largest town in this region is on the southern shore. The goblin-run town of Booty Bay is controlled by the Blackwater Raiders but they are not the only pirates in the area. The Bloodsail Buccaneers are stationed behind the mountains south of Booty Bay. The two groups encounter each other frequently which are always violent meetings. As usual with goblin run towns, both the Horde and the Alliance are welcome here but the Bruisers expect visitors to "keep their nose clean" or else. Booty Bay links via ship to the goblin city of Ratchet on Kalimdor. Booty Bay also hosts the weekly fishing tournament for those who have skill with a fishing pole. Adventurers from both factions can find plenty to do in Stranglethorn Vale. The goblins do not care who works for them as long as they can turn a profit. Venture Co. has established a resource mining colony in the center of the region but as they operate outside the trade prince's authority, the goblins of Booty Bay do not trade with them and would prefer to see Venture Co. gone. Still, if Venture Co. does all the work and the goblins hire adventurers to steal their goods, all the better for them.
The Horde maintain a base near the western shore called Grom'Gol but the Trolls here have no more love for the Horde then they do anyone else. A small human resistance force has set up a camp in the north having broken away from their fanatical leader, Colonel Kurzon, who runs a small army in the northwest. Kurzon's men have discovered that plants here when brewed properly can cure disease and the rebels greatly desire these potions.
Aside from the Mosh'Ogg Ogres here, the jungle is home to many species of large cats including tigers and panthers. The final interesting location in Stranglethorn Vale is the Gurubashi Arena. Once a gladitorial pit for the Troll's entertainment, a goblin pirate named Sir John Mithril hosts a contest where he invites all to claim his treasure. The Arena allows brother to fight brother regardless of their affiliations.
"Abandon all hope ye who enter here" are the words scrolled upon the signs as you travel east from Duskwood along the Deadwind Pass. There is no hope in this region and little of anything else. Once the home of the Sorcerer Medivh, this region was warped by his magical research and the land has literally been drained of life. The trees are petrified and the soil is as dead as the rocky mountains that surround the place. This corruption is slowing moving into Duskwood and is the source of Duskwood's curse. Travelers are advised to stick to the road when they head east to the Swamp of Sorrow. If one can avoid the buzzards and Ogres while traveling south, you will come across a ruined and abandoned town who's name the people have long forgotten. Nearby stands the crumbling tower of Karazhan, where the Alliance killed Medivh after discovering he had been responsible for opening the Dark Portal and allowing the Orcs into Azeroth. Karazhan's entrance is sealed by collapsing rock but great power pulses from within and may soon draw the curious to uncover what is inside.
Karazhan is set to be a level 70 instance in the expansion, The Burning Crusade.
On the eastern side of the Deadwind Pass lies the Swamp of Sorrows. Unlike Dustwallow Marsh on Kalimdor, this fresh water swampland is green and teaming with life. Many rare herbs and plants can be found here. You just have to avoid the crocolisks.
The Horde inhabit the town of Stonard in the south near the entrance to the Blasted Lands. A clan of Drainei that escaped the destruction of Draenor live in small villages in the Shifting Mire. In the east is the Pool of Tears and in this lake is the submerged Temple of Atal'Hakkar. Not long ago, the Trolls attempted to summon the Hakkar the Soulflayer here in a dread ritual. The Green Dragon Aspect Ysera interrupted their summonings and sank the temple beneath the water. The dragons still guard the upper levels of the temple preventing the Trolls from trying another summoning.
This desolate region south of the Swamp of Sorrows used to be a dank marshland called the Black Morass. Now it is a dry desert of red clay. Despite the unpleasantness of the region, it is perhaps the single most important land in all of Azeroth. It is given this singular distinction by the presence of one structure: the Dark Portal.
Created by the wizard Medivh, the Dark Portal sits at the bottom of a crater in the south. The same crater where the wizard Khadgar destroyed the first portal. Currently, the Dark Portal is closed but a gathering of demons surround the cursed gateway making study impossible. To the north stands Nethergarde Keep. Created by Khadgar to watch over the Dark Portal, Alliance troops keep a careful watch to the south and fighting off demon attacks. Life in Nethergarde is bereft of joy and the soldiers here welcome any distraction that breaks the tension that hangs over their heads.
Many of the animals in this region have been mutated by the energies released from the Dark Portal and are more powerful then others of their kind. The hyenas alone are said to have jaws so powerful, they can bite through three inches of hardened Thorium, the strongest metal in the world. Clearly, hunting in this land is not recommended. Only the occasional weed grows in this region and when it does rain, the water merely washes across the hardened clay into the sea.
West of the Dark Portal is a mountainous region called the Tainted Scar. Demons of incredible power roam the land here and it is not a place to visit lightly. In the northwest corner of the region, the Dreadmaul Ogres have taken up residence as well as Dreadmaul Post directly south. In the eastern mountain range stands the Altar of Storms, one of the last such alters on Azeroth.
The Burning Steppes is a volcanic mountain range through which Blackrock Mountain can be accessed. Home to the Dark Iron Dwarves, the Burning Steppes were created when the Dark Iron King summoned the Firelord Ragnaros from the Elemental Plane. The Firelord cannot leave the lava pits below the mountain but never the less, he has enslaved the Dark Irons and they do his bidding attempting to create a great army out of living stone. The Orcs here are not part of the Horde on Kalimdor but they are nothing compared to the mighty Black Dragons in the south. It is said that Nefarion, the son of Deathwing, is waging a war against Ragnaros for control of Blackrock mountain, a war that no one wants to see either side win. The most direct way into the area is through the Blackrock Pass which leads south into the Redridge Mountains.
The final site of note here is most often seen by those traveling via gryphon from Ironforge to Stormwind. In the northwestern corner near Blackrock Mountain is one of the last remaining Alter of Storms created by the warlock Gul'dan. The stone statues of the Altar stand silently surrounded by a pool of lava.
Alther's Mill east of Lakeshire used to supply the area with wood but it is now overrun by giant spiders. The Orcs have control of much of the east but avoid the Tower of Ilgalar in Galardell Valley. A rogue wizard and his gnoll servants keep the Orcs at bay.
With the moutains surrounding the valley, the only other way out is to the north. A twisting path leads into the Burning Steppes, the gates having been smashed and made useless.
The thick forest area across the river south of Elwynn Forest was once referred to by a different name. But now, people call this region Duskwood. Duskwood is a cursed land with a canopy of trees so thick that the sun cannot penetrate it or the gloom below. The negative energies that creep in from the east are causing the dead to rise from their graves and the fear they create is overwhelming. As a result of Stormwind removing their forces from the area, the town of Darkshire has created the Nightwatch, townsfolk banded together to fight back against the Undead and keep the town safe.
Though some powerful Undead walk this region, they are not part of the Scourge; the Undead plague does not extend this far south. The dark energies from the east seem to be the cause. Numerous as the Undead are here, recently, another species has appeared. The Worgen, wolf-like humanoids much stronger then those found in Tirisfal Glades, are beginning to fill what areas the Undead to do not control. Folks whisper rumors of black cloaked riders that hail from the east as the source of the Worgen but no one knows for sure. The Defias occupy a few of the abandoned farms in the south and the Nightwatch keeps a curious eye on their activities. Near the western shoreline, the town of Ravenhill stands empty, it's residents driven off by the relentless Undead in the northern cemetery.
At the center of the region stands a tall mountain and nestled within is a small valley. Contained within is a sight of wonder and one might think they have been somehow transported to the forests of Ashenvale. Here the sunlight falls upon another portal similar to the ones found in the Hinterlands and Ashenvale. Even stranger is the fact that next to the portal sits a Moon Well seeming very out of place on the Eastern Continent. The locals advise people not to come here claiming to frequently hear the totured cries of dragons from what has come to be known as the Twilight Grove. The road south leads to the Stranglethorn Vale with Westfall across the river west. The way east leads to even darker places.
Covering much of the southern tip of the Eastern Continent is the rain forest of Stranglethorn Vale. It rains here quite frequently and the plant life grows large and in great variety. The Trolls are the dominate species of the regoin still living amongst the many ancient troll ruins. The Darkspear Trolls originated from these jungles but several Troll clans call this place home. The most dangerous of the Troll ruins, Zul'Gurub, is open for those who dare venture inside.
The largest town in this region is on the southern shore. The goblin-run town of Booty Bay is controlled by the Blackwater Raiders but they are not the only pirates in the area. The Bloodsail Buccaneers are stationed behind the mountains south of Booty Bay. The two groups encounter each other frequently which are always violent meetings. As usual with goblin run towns, both the Horde and the Alliance are welcome here but the Bruisers expect visitors to "keep their nose clean" or else. Booty Bay links via ship to the goblin city of Ratchet on Kalimdor. Booty Bay also hosts the weekly fishing tournament for those who have skill with a fishing pole. Adventurers from both factions can find plenty to do in Stranglethorn Vale. The goblins do not care who works for them as long as they can turn a profit. Venture Co. has established a resource mining colony in the center of the region but as they operate outside the trade prince's authority, the goblins of Booty Bay do not trade with them and would prefer to see Venture Co. gone. Still, if Venture Co. does all the work and the goblins hire adventurers to steal their goods, all the better for them.
The Horde maintain a base near the western shore called Grom'Gol but the Trolls here have no more love for the Horde then they do anyone else. A small human resistance force has set up a camp in the north having broken away from their fanatical leader, Colonel Kurzon, who runs a small army in the northwest. Kurzon's men have discovered that plants here when brewed properly can cure disease and the rebels greatly desire these potions.
Aside from the Mosh'Ogg Ogres here, the jungle is home to many species of large cats including tigers and panthers. The final interesting location in Stranglethorn Vale is the Gurubashi Arena. Once a gladitorial pit for the Troll's entertainment, a goblin pirate named Sir John Mithril hosts a contest where he invites all to claim his treasure. The Arena allows brother to fight brother regardless of their affiliations.
"Abandon all hope ye who enter here" are the words scrolled upon the signs as you travel east from Duskwood along the Deadwind Pass. There is no hope in this region and little of anything else. Once the home of the Sorcerer Medivh, this region was warped by his magical research and the land has literally been drained of life. The trees are petrified and the soil is as dead as the rocky mountains that surround the place. This corruption is slowing moving into Duskwood and is the source of Duskwood's curse. Travelers are advised to stick to the road when they head east to the Swamp of Sorrow. If one can avoid the buzzards and Ogres while traveling south, you will come across a ruined and abandoned town who's name the people have long forgotten. Nearby stands the crumbling tower of Karazhan, where the Alliance killed Medivh after discovering he had been responsible for opening the Dark Portal and allowing the Orcs into Azeroth. Karazhan's entrance is sealed by collapsing rock but great power pulses from within and may soon draw the curious to uncover what is inside.
Karazhan is set to be a level 70 instance in the expansion, The Burning Crusade.
On the eastern side of the Deadwind Pass lies the Swamp of Sorrows. Unlike Dustwallow Marsh on Kalimdor, this fresh water swampland is green and teaming with life. Many rare herbs and plants can be found here. You just have to avoid the crocolisks.
The Horde inhabit the town of Stonard in the south near the entrance to the Blasted Lands. A clan of Drainei that escaped the destruction of Draenor live in small villages in the Shifting Mire. In the east is the Pool of Tears and in this lake is the submerged Temple of Atal'Hakkar. Not long ago, the Trolls attempted to summon the Hakkar the Soulflayer here in a dread ritual. The Green Dragon Aspect Ysera interrupted their summonings and sank the temple beneath the water. The dragons still guard the upper levels of the temple preventing the Trolls from trying another summoning.
This desolate region south of the Swamp of Sorrows used to be a dank marshland called the Black Morass. Now it is a dry desert of red clay. Despite the unpleasantness of the region, it is perhaps the single most important land in all of Azeroth. It is given this singular distinction by the presence of one structure: the Dark Portal.
Created by the wizard Medivh, the Dark Portal sits at the bottom of a crater in the south. The same crater where the wizard Khadgar destroyed the first portal. Currently, the Dark Portal is closed but a gathering of demons surround the cursed gateway making study impossible. To the north stands Nethergarde Keep. Created by Khadgar to watch over the Dark Portal, Alliance troops keep a careful watch to the south and fighting off demon attacks. Life in Nethergarde is bereft of joy and the soldiers here welcome any distraction that breaks the tension that hangs over their heads.
Many of the animals in this region have been mutated by the energies released from the Dark Portal and are more powerful then others of their kind. The hyenas alone are said to have jaws so powerful, they can bite through three inches of hardened Thorium, the strongest metal in the world. Clearly, hunting in this land is not recommended. Only the occasional weed grows in this region and when it does rain, the water merely washes across the hardened clay into the sea.
West of the Dark Portal is a mountainous region called the Tainted Scar. Demons of incredible power roam the land here and it is not a place to visit lightly. In the northwest corner of the region, the Dreadmaul Ogres have taken up residence as well as Dreadmaul Post directly south. In the eastern mountain range stands the Altar of Storms, one of the last such alters on Azeroth.
The Burning Steppes is a volcanic mountain range through which Blackrock Mountain can be accessed. Home to the Dark Iron Dwarves, the Burning Steppes were created when the Dark Iron King summoned the Firelord Ragnaros from the Elemental Plane. The Firelord cannot leave the lava pits below the mountain but never the less, he has enslaved the Dark Irons and they do his bidding attempting to create a great army out of living stone. The Orcs here are not part of the Horde on Kalimdor but they are nothing compared to the mighty Black Dragons in the south. It is said that Nefarion, the son of Deathwing, is waging a war against Ragnaros for control of Blackrock mountain, a war that no one wants to see either side win. The most direct way into the area is through the Blackrock Pass which leads south into the Redridge Mountains.
The final site of note here is most often seen by those traveling via gryphon from Ironforge to Stormwind. In the northwestern corner near Blackrock Mountain is one of the last remaining Alter of Storms created by the warlock Gul'dan. The stone statues of the Altar stand silently surrounded by a pool of lava.
The largest town in this region is on the southern shore. The goblin-run town of Booty Bay is controlled by the Blackwater Raiders but they are not the only pirates in the area. The Bloodsail Buccaneers are stationed behind the mountains south of Booty Bay. The two groups encounter each other frequently which are always violent meetings. As usual with goblin run towns, both the Horde and the Alliance are welcome here but the Bruisers expect visitors to "keep their nose clean" or else. Booty Bay links via ship to the goblin city of Ratchet on Kalimdor. Booty Bay also hosts the weekly fishing tournament for those who have skill with a fishing pole. Adventurers from both factions can find plenty to do in Stranglethorn Vale. The goblins do not care who works for them as long as they can turn a profit. Venture Co. has established a resource mining colony in the center of the region but as they operate outside the trade prince's authority, the goblins of Booty Bay do not trade with them and would prefer to see Venture Co. gone. Still, if Venture Co. does all the work and the goblins hire adventurers to steal their goods, all the better for them.
The Horde maintain a base near the western shore called Grom'Gol but the Trolls here have no more love for the Horde then they do anyone else. A small human resistance force has set up a camp in the north having broken away from their fanatical leader, Colonel Kurzon, who runs a small army in the northwest. Kurzon's men have discovered that plants here when brewed properly can cure disease and the rebels greatly desire these potions.
Aside from the Mosh'Ogg Ogres here, the jungle is home to many species of large cats including tigers and panthers. The final interesting location in Stranglethorn Vale is the Gurubashi Arena. Once a gladitorial pit for the Troll's entertainment, a goblin pirate named Sir John Mithril hosts a contest where he invites all to claim his treasure. The Arena allows brother to fight brother regardless of their affiliations.
"Abandon all hope ye who enter here" are the words scrolled upon the signs as you travel east from Duskwood along the Deadwind Pass. There is no hope in this region and little of anything else. Once the home of the Sorcerer Medivh, this region was warped by his magical research and the land has literally been drained of life. The trees are petrified and the soil is as dead as the rocky mountains that surround the place. This corruption is slowing moving into Duskwood and is the source of Duskwood's curse. Travelers are advised to stick to the road when they head east to the Swamp of Sorrow. If one can avoid the buzzards and Ogres while traveling south, you will come across a ruined and abandoned town who's name the people have long forgotten. Nearby stands the crumbling tower of Karazhan, where the Alliance killed Medivh after discovering he had been responsible for opening the Dark Portal and allowing the Orcs into Azeroth. Karazhan's entrance is sealed by collapsing rock but great power pulses from within and may soon draw the curious to uncover what is inside.
Karazhan is set to be a level 70 instance in the expansion, The Burning Crusade.
On the eastern side of the Deadwind Pass lies the Swamp of Sorrows. Unlike Dustwallow Marsh on Kalimdor, this fresh water swampland is green and teaming with life. Many rare herbs and plants can be found here. You just have to avoid the crocolisks.
The Horde inhabit the town of Stonard in the south near the entrance to the Blasted Lands. A clan of Drainei that escaped the destruction of Draenor live in small villages in the Shifting Mire. In the east is the Pool of Tears and in this lake is the submerged Temple of Atal'Hakkar. Not long ago, the Trolls attempted to summon the Hakkar the Soulflayer here in a dread ritual. The Green Dragon Aspect Ysera interrupted their summonings and sank the temple beneath the water. The dragons still guard the upper levels of the temple preventing the Trolls from trying another summoning.
This desolate region south of the Swamp of Sorrows used to be a dank marshland called the Black Morass. Now it is a dry desert of red clay. Despite the unpleasantness of the region, it is perhaps the single most important land in all of Azeroth. It is given this singular distinction by the presence of one structure: the Dark Portal.
Created by the wizard Medivh, the Dark Portal sits at the bottom of a crater in the south. The same crater where the wizard Khadgar destroyed the first portal. Currently, the Dark Portal is closed but a gathering of demons surround the cursed gateway making study impossible. To the north stands Nethergarde Keep. Created by Khadgar to watch over the Dark Portal, Alliance troops keep a careful watch to the south and fighting off demon attacks. Life in Nethergarde is bereft of joy and the soldiers here welcome any distraction that breaks the tension that hangs over their heads.
Many of the animals in this region have been mutated by the energies released from the Dark Portal and are more powerful then others of their kind. The hyenas alone are said to have jaws so powerful, they can bite through three inches of hardened Thorium, the strongest metal in the world. Clearly, hunting in this land is not recommended. Only the occasional weed grows in this region and when it does rain, the water merely washes across the hardened clay into the sea.
West of the Dark Portal is a mountainous region called the Tainted Scar. Demons of incredible power roam the land here and it is not a place to visit lightly. In the northwest corner of the region, the Dreadmaul Ogres have taken up residence as well as Dreadmaul Post directly south. In the eastern mountain range stands the Altar of Storms, one of the last such alters on Azeroth.
The Burning Steppes is a volcanic mountain range through which Blackrock Mountain can be accessed. Home to the Dark Iron Dwarves, the Burning Steppes were created when the Dark Iron King summoned the Firelord Ragnaros from the Elemental Plane. The Firelord cannot leave the lava pits below the mountain but never the less, he has enslaved the Dark Irons and they do his bidding attempting to create a great army out of living stone. The Orcs here are not part of the Horde on Kalimdor but they are nothing compared to the mighty Black Dragons in the south. It is said that Nefarion, the son of Deathwing, is waging a war against Ragnaros for control of Blackrock mountain, a war that no one wants to see either side win. The most direct way into the area is through the Blackrock Pass which leads south into the Redridge Mountains.
The final site of note here is most often seen by those traveling via gryphon from Ironforge to Stormwind. In the northwestern corner near Blackrock Mountain is one of the last remaining Alter of Storms created by the warlock Gul'dan. The stone statues of the Altar stand silently surrounded by a pool of lava.
The Horde inhabit the town of Stonard in the south near the entrance to the Blasted Lands. A clan of Drainei that escaped the destruction of Draenor live in small villages in the Shifting Mire. In the east is the Pool of Tears and in this lake is the submerged Temple of Atal'Hakkar. Not long ago, the Trolls attempted to summon the Hakkar the Soulflayer here in a dread ritual. The Green Dragon Aspect Ysera interrupted their summonings and sank the temple beneath the water. The dragons still guard the upper levels of the temple preventing the Trolls from trying another summoning.
This desolate region south of the Swamp of Sorrows used to be a dank marshland called the Black Morass. Now it is a dry desert of red clay. Despite the unpleasantness of the region, it is perhaps the single most important land in all of Azeroth. It is given this singular distinction by the presence of one structure: the Dark Portal.
Created by the wizard Medivh, the Dark Portal sits at the bottom of a crater in the south. The same crater where the wizard Khadgar destroyed the first portal. Currently, the Dark Portal is closed but a gathering of demons surround the cursed gateway making study impossible. To the north stands Nethergarde Keep. Created by Khadgar to watch over the Dark Portal, Alliance troops keep a careful watch to the south and fighting off demon attacks. Life in Nethergarde is bereft of joy and the soldiers here welcome any distraction that breaks the tension that hangs over their heads.
Many of the animals in this region have been mutated by the energies released from the Dark Portal and are more powerful then others of their kind. The hyenas alone are said to have jaws so powerful, they can bite through three inches of hardened Thorium, the strongest metal in the world. Clearly, hunting in this land is not recommended. Only the occasional weed grows in this region and when it does rain, the water merely washes across the hardened clay into the sea.
West of the Dark Portal is a mountainous region called the Tainted Scar. Demons of incredible power roam the land here and it is not a place to visit lightly. In the northwest corner of the region, the Dreadmaul Ogres have taken up residence as well as Dreadmaul Post directly south. In the eastern mountain range stands the Altar of Storms, one of the last such alters on Azeroth.
The Burning Steppes is a volcanic mountain range through which Blackrock Mountain can be accessed. Home to the Dark Iron Dwarves, the Burning Steppes were created when the Dark Iron King summoned the Firelord Ragnaros from the Elemental Plane. The Firelord cannot leave the lava pits below the mountain but never the less, he has enslaved the Dark Irons and they do his bidding attempting to create a great army out of living stone. The Orcs here are not part of the Horde on Kalimdor but they are nothing compared to the mighty Black Dragons in the south. It is said that Nefarion, the son of Deathwing, is waging a war against Ragnaros for control of Blackrock mountain, a war that no one wants to see either side win. The most direct way into the area is through the Blackrock Pass which leads south into the Redridge Mountains.
The final site of note here is most often seen by those traveling via gryphon from Ironforge to Stormwind. In the northwestern corner near Blackrock Mountain is one of the last remaining Alter of Storms created by the warlock Gul'dan. The stone statues of the Altar stand silently surrounded by a pool of lava.
The final site of note here is most often seen by those traveling via gryphon from Ironforge to Stormwind. In the northwestern corner near Blackrock Mountain is one of the last remaining Alter of Storms created by the warlock Gul'dan. The stone statues of the Altar stand silently surrounded by a pool of lava.
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