Locations in the Warcraft Universe

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Contents 1 Lordaeron 1.1 Alterac Mountains 1.1.1 Alterac 1.1.2 Alterac Valley 1.1.3 Strahnbrad 1.2 Arathi Highlands 1.2.1 Stromgarde 1.2.2 Refuge Pointe 1.2.3 The Thandol Span 1.2.4 Arathi Basin 1.3 Dalaran 1.3.1 Violet Citadel 1.3.2 Tol Barad 1.4 Gilneas 1.4.1 Greymane Wall, The 1.4.2 Zul'dare 1.5 Hillsbrad Foothills 1.5.1 Hillsbrad 1.5.2 Southshore 1.5.3 Tarren Mill 1.6 Hinterlands 1.6.1 Aerie Peak 1.6.2 Quel'Danil Lodge 1.6.3 Revantusk Village 1.7 Kul'Tiras 1.7.1 Crestfall 1.8 Plaguelands, East 1.8.1 Stratholme 1.8.2 Tyr's Hand 1.8.3 Quel'Lithien Lodge 1.8.4 Plaguewood 1.8.5 Naxxramas 1.9 Plaguelands, West 1.9.1 Andorhal 1.9.2 Hearthglen 1.9.3 Caer Darrow 1.10 Quel'Thalas 1.10.1 Eversong Forest 1.10.2 Zul'Aman 1.10.3 Silvermoon 1.10.4 Sunwell Grove 1.10.5 Sunstrider Isle 1.10.6 Ghostlands 1.11 Silverpine Forest 1.11.1 Ambermill 1.11.2 Pyrewood Village 1.11.3 Sepulcher, The 1.11.4 Shadowfang Keep 1.12 Tirisfal Glades 1.12.1 Brill 1.12.2 Deathknell 1.12.3 The Scarlet Monastery 1.12.4 Undercity, The (Ruins of Lordaeron) 2 Khaz Modan 2.1 Badlands, The 2.1.1 Kargath 2.1.2 Uldaman 2.2 Dun Morogh 2.2.1 Brewnall Village 2.2.2 Gnomeregan 2.2.3 Coldridge Valley 2.2.4 Ironforge 2.2.5 Ironforge Airport 2.2.6 Kharanos 2.2.7 Mount Ironforge 2.3 Loch Modan 2.3.1 Farstrider's Lodge 2.3.2 Thelsamar 2.3.3 Stonewrought Dam 2.4 Searing Gorge 2.4.1 Cauldron, The 2.4.2 Stonewrought Pass 2.5 Wetlands, The 2.5.1 Algaz Gate 2.5.2 Dun Modr 2.5.3 Dragonmaw Gates 2.5.4 Grim Batol 2.5.5 Menethil Harbor 3 Azeroth 3.1 Blasted Lands 3.1.1 Dark Portal, The 3.1.2 Nethergarde Keep 3.1.3 Tainted Scar, The 3.2 Burning Steppes 3.2.1 Blackrock Mountain 3.2.2 Blackrock Depths 3.2.3 Upper Blackrock Spire 3.2.4 Flame Crest 3.2.5 Morgan's Vigil 3.2.6 Ruins of Thaurissan 3.3 Elwynn Forest 3.3.1 Eastvale Camp 3.3.2 Goldshire 3.3.3 Northshire Abbey 3.3.4 Stormwind 3.4 Deadwind Pass 3.4.1 Karazhan 3.5 Duskwood 3.5.1 Twilight Grove 3.5.2 Darkshire 3.5.3 Raven Hill 3.6 Stranglethorn Vale 3.6.1 Gurubashi Arena, The 3.6.2 Booty Bay 3.6.3 Grom'gol Base Camp 3.6.4 Nesingwary's Expedition 3.6.5 Rebel Camp, The 3.6.6 Zul'Gurub 3.7 Swamp of Sorrows 3.7.1 Fallow Sanctuary 3.7.2 Stonard 3.7.3 The Sunken Temple 3.8 Westfall 3.8.1 Moonbrook 3.8.2 Sentinel Hill 4 Northern Kalimdor 4.1 Ashenvale 4.1.1 Astranaar 4.1.2 Blackfathom Depths 4.1.3 Splintertree Post 4.1.4 Zoram'Gar Outpost 4.2 Azshara 4.2.1 Hetaera's Clutch 4.2.2 Talrendis Point 4.2.3 Ruins of Eldarath 4.3 Azuremyst Isles 4.3.1 Azuremyst Isle 4.3.2 Ammen Vale 4.3.3 Exodar 4.3.4 Bloodmyst Isle 4.4 Barrens, The 4.4.1 Camp Taurajo 4.4.2 Crossroads, The 4.4.3 Ratchet 4.5 Darkshore 4.5.1 Auberdine 4.5.2 The Master's Glaive 4.6 Desolace 4.6.1 Shadowprey Village 4.6.2 Nijel's Point 4.7 Durotar 4.7.1 Den, The 4.7.2 Sen'jin Village 4.7.3 Echo Isles, The 4.7.4 Orgrimmar 4.7.5 Razor Hill 4.7.6 Thunder Ridge 4.8 Felwood 4.8.1 Bloodvenom Post 4.8.2 Talonbranch Glade 4.9 Moonglade 4.9.1 Nighthaven 4.10 Mount Hyjal 4.10.1 World Tree 4.11 Mulgore 4.11.1 Thunder Bluff 4.11.2 Bloodhoof Village 4.11.3 Camp Narache 4.12 Stonetalon Mountains 4.12.1 Lake Mirkfallon 4.12.2 Sun Rock Retreat 4.12.3 Windshear Crag 4.13 Teldrassil 4.13.1 Darnassus 4.13.2 Rut'theran Village 4.13.3 Shadowglen 4.13.4 Dolanaar 4.14 Winterspring 4.14.1 Everlook 4.14.2 Starfall 5 Southern Kalimdor 5.1 Dustwallow Marsh 5.1.1 Brackenwall Village 5.1.2 Alcaz Island 5.1.3 Theramore 5.1.4 Onyxia's Lair 5.2 Feralas 5.2.1 Camp Mojache 5.2.2 Feathermoon Stronghold 5.2.3 Oneiros 5.3 Tanaris 5.3.1 Gates of Uldum 5.3.2 Caverns of Time 5.3.3 Steamwheedle Port 5.3.4 Gadgetzan 5.3.5 Zul'Farrak 5.4 Thousand Needles 5.4.1 Shimmering Flats 5.4.2 Thalanaar 5.4.3 Freewind Post 5.5 Un'goro Crater 5.5.1 Marshal's Refuge 5.5.2 Fire Plume Ridge 5.6 Silithus 5.6.1 Cenarion Hold 5.6.2 Ahn'Qiraj 6 Northrend 6.1 Drak'Tharon Keep 6.2 Icecrown Glacier 6.3 Azjol-Nerub 6.4 The Great Dragonblight, 6.5 Gun'Drak 6.6 Icecrown Citadel 7 Other 7.1 Kalimdor 7.2 Eastern Kingdoms, The 7.3 Undermine 7.4 Emerald Dream 7.5 Great Sea, The 7.6 The Maelstrom 7.6.1 Nazjatar 7.7 Tomb of Sargeras 7.8 Twisting Nether, The 7.9 World of Azeroth, The 7.10 World of Draenor, The 7.11 World of Argus, The

This is a list of the major and minor locations ordered by region (after the events of the Third Great War) in the Warcraft universe — a fictional universe in which a series of video games and books are set.

The locations featured here have featured prominently at one time or another in the Warcraft universe.

[edit] Lordaeron

Main article: Lordaeron

The Kingdom of Lordaeron was once the greatest human kingdom in the world of Warcraft. After Stormwind fell during the First War, Anduin Lothar led the remnants of his people to the court of King Terenas Menethil, Lordaeron's wise and just ruler. Lordaeron was the site of much of the fighting during the Second War against the Orcish Horde, and for a decade afterward all appeared to be well. During the Third War, however, Lordaeron was devastated by the Scourge, unleashed by the Burning Legion to destroy Humanity, and all other life on Azeroth. The kingdom has fallen into ruin, with the renegade undead known as the Forsaken staking claim to Lordaeron City and the blighted forests of Tirisfal and Silverpine, and the Scourge controlling the toxic areas between Tirisfal and Quel'Thalas known as the Plaguelands. Now the Alliance, the Scourge, the Forsaken, and the Scarlet Crusade endlessly battle over the remnants of the once-great kingdom. The Crusade are fanatic zealots who think that all non-Crusade beings are potentially undead.

[edit] Alterac Mountains

The Alterac Mountains are a range in central Lordaeron. The mountains are tall enough in some places to facilitate perpetual snow. The ruined kingdom of Alterac was once nestled in the Alterac Mountains. It is not known whether the kingdom was named for the mountains or vice versa.

[edit] Alterac

An ancient kingdom nestled in the Alterac Mountains. The kingdom was formed shortly after the kingdom of Strom divided hundreds of years before the First War. Alterac was generally acknowledged as the weakest of the kingdoms of Lordaeron, both in military might and in diplomatic fortitude. This was bitterly proven when Alterac's leader, Baron Perenolde, made an attempt to assist the orcish Horde during the Second War, and Alterac was ultimately defeated and ruined by the armies of the Alliance. Perenolde has since resurfaced as the leader of the Syndicate, an anti-Alliance group dedicated to the kingdom's restoration and vengeance on the Alliance figures who they feel betrayed them. The regions uplands will bring you into conflict with mountain lions and the syndicate rogues who also occupy the former alliance town of Stranbrad. Yetis reside in the more snowy areas while ogres camp out along the roads.

[edit] Alterac Valley

Main article: Alterac Valley

Alterac Valley contains Dun Baldar, the Dwarven Stormpike Expedition base, and the Orcs of Frostwolf Keep. Before the First Great War, Gul'dan exiled the Frostwolf clan to the valley. Thrall, the true leader of the Frostwolf Clan in Warcraft: Lord of the Clans, united all the clans but the Frostwolves decided to remain in the valley led by the shaman, Drek'Thar. However, in the World of Warcraft, the introduction of the Dwarven Stormpike Expedition into the valley in search of ancient relics has sparked conflict between the two encampments. One of the three battleground instances, and the largest and most rewarding of them, Alterac Valley was introduced into World of Warcraft with Patch 1.5.

[edit] Strahnbrad

Early in the Third War, Blackrock Orcs not affiliated with Thrall's Horde launched an assault on this town that was repelled by Alliance troops under Prince Arthas. Defenseless except for the providencial vicinity of Arthas's army, it was one of the first human towns to be abandoned once the Scourge launched its invasion. Now that the Scourge appears to be in a passive stance, Strahnbrad serves as a major stronghold of the Syndicate.

[edit] Arathi Highlands

A land of rolling plains and blue-gray stones, the Arathi Highlands are home to the skeleton of the planet's most ancient human kingdom. The kingdom of Arathor made its seat in the city of Strom after the Great Troll Wars, long before the First Great War. Strom was built upon the cliffs overlooking the Great Sea. Nowadays, the ruins are all that remain of the once-great empire. The crumbling Thoradin's Wall marks the ancient boundary of the old kingdom. Since the fall of Human power in the region, both Trolls and Ogres have taken up residence in various areas of the Highlands. Long before even the humans settled the land, however, the Arathi Highlands were home to powerful elementals. Monolithic stone circles pay tribute to their ancient activities. The rugged, stony highlands are rich with accessible mineral deposits and are a favorite way station for miners to enrich themselves.

[edit] Stromgarde

After the Arathor Empire split, the capital city of Strom was largely abandoned in favor of the better northern climates. The few loyal members of the royal family who remained in the city renamed it to Stromgarde, as it was now a lone fortress in a deserted region. During the Second War it served as a primary refueling center of the Alliance fleets, but it was destroyed by the Black Tooth Grin clan as the Horde was moving northwards. Though Stromgarde was spared the wrath of the Scourge during the Third War, the city was ultimately abandoned and has fallen into ruin. These ruins are now occupied by both Ogres and a sect of Humans known as the Syndicate. It is believed that the Syndicate are behind the recent assassination of Stromgarde's ruler, Thoras Trollbane. The Alliance has now established a foothold in Stromgarde, and regular mounted patrols sweep through its outer rim, clearing a path to the Alliance-held sector.

[edit] Refuge Pointe

The Refuge Pointe has become the primary foothold of the Alliance in the Arathi Highlands in the aftermath of the power-struggle within the city of Stromgarde that continues to this day. Stromgarde's military is stationed here. Refuge Pointe also stands as the entrance to the Arathi Basin battleground, where a battle for resource acquisition continues.

[edit] The Thandol Span

The Thandol Span is an enormous bridge that spans the channel of sea separating the continents of Lordaeron and Khaz Modan. The bridge stands as a testament to the vast engineering prowess of the Dwarves of Ironforge. The Span was once a major route of trade and travel, facilitating a vibrant exchange of goods and people between the cities of Lordaeron and Khaz Modan. Recently, however, the Dark Iron Dwarves, who have always been bitter enemies with their Bronzebeard and Wildhammer cousins (to whom the Span belonged to) have destroyed one of the bridges. Since Lordaeron has become so dangerous of late, the route is now rarely traversed, and the dwarves of Ironforge have been occupied with the growing conflict with the Dark Iron Dwarves, who seem intent on destroying the remaining span, and have thus been unable to repair it.

[edit] Arathi Basin

Arathi Basin is a Battleground added in patch 1.7. The Alliance entrance is in Refuge Pointe, while the Horde entrance is in Hammerfall. In this Battleground, each side has fifteen members. There are five capturable resource locations, the Stables, Gold Mine, Lumber Mill, Blacksmith, and Farm. The idea of the game is to collect two thousand Resources. The more resource locations you own, the faster you will gain resources.

[edit] Dalaran

Main article: Dalaran

Dalaran is a small, magocratic nation led by a group of Wizards and Archmagi collectively known as the Kirin Tor. The capital of the nation of Dalaran is the Violet Citadel, located at Cross Island. Dalaran was founded several hundred years before the events of Warcraft took place, by the first humans to learn magic. They travelled to Cross Island, a nexus of powerful ley-energies, and built a home far from the prying eyes of the conservatives who governed the kingdom of Arathor. The fabric of reality in and around Cross Island was so warped that the magi of Dalaran were able to build enchanted spires and towers of impossible height. The city soon became a desired target of the Burning Legion, who sought the potent magics of the region. The Order of Tirisfal was thus founded between the Kirin Tor and the High Elves to combat the demons in secret, away from the prying eyes of the public.

[edit] Violet Citadel

The Violet Citadel stands as the capital of Dalaran and the seat of power of the Kirin Tor. However, the name "Dalaran" has also been applied to the city itself, while the Violet Citadel has been used in reference only to the arcane compound of the Kirin Tor, housed within the tallest tower in the city. During the second invasion of the Burning Legion, the Violet Citadel was besieged by Scourge forces and was ultimately destroyed by Archimonde. To this day the ruins are guarded by a special shield as well as Dalaran magi. Rebuilding has begun at a slow pace because of the war that has broken out between Alliance forces and Forsaken forces.

[edit] Tol Barad

The citadel of Tol Barad, on an island off the Stromgarde coast, was the first major point of contention in eastern Lordaeron between the Alliance and the Horde, which had previously occupied much of the dwarven kingdom of Ironforge. Alliance reinforcements saved the city from near destruction by Horde forces under the Black Tooth Grin Clan and captured their home base in the dwarven city of Dun Modr, winning the Alliance its first foothold in the liberation of Khaz Modan. It is now an island prison fortress, administered by Dalaran mages, and holds evil users of the arcane in its prison.

[edit] Gilneas

The nation-state of Gilneas is located on the Peninsula directly south of Silverpine Forest. A member of the Alliance only out of necessity during the Second War, the nation broke away from the Alliance after the aftermath of the Second War and became isolationist. Prior to the Draenei being confirmed as the new Alliance race at E3 2006, many speculated that Gilneas would be the starting area for the new Alliance race.

[edit] Greymane Wall, The

The wall separates the Peninsula of Gilneas from Silverpine Forest and the rest of Lordaeron. Before the outbreak of the plague and the rise of The Scourge, the leaders of Gilneas decided to shut the gates of Greymane Wall, due to political tensions between them and the Alliance. It remains closed in present days as refugees being driven out by the Undead remain locked out. It has been speculated that Gilneas is trying to fight off an invasion by the Naga. In the MMORPG World of Warcraft set in the Warcraft universe, it is possible, using exploit, to get over the Greymane Wall, though there is very little behind it, just a small, blank patch of land encircled by impassable cliffs. This is because in the game, Gilneas does not exist, not being intended to be gotten into by players.

[edit] Zul'dare

The Zul'dare Islands, south of the Lordaeron province of Hillsbrad, were occupied by the Horde at the opening of the Second War. An early Alliance victory there put an end to Horde attempts to open a western front against Lordaeron. Currently they are under the control of Gilneas.

[edit] Hillsbrad Foothills

The Hillsbrad Foothills are the foothills of the Alterac Mountains which surround the village of Hillsbrad. The region has come to mean all land between the mountains in the north and the sea in the south, and Silverpine Forest in the west and the Arathi Highlands in the east. The foothills were once a land of bucolic farms and rural villages, but the advent of the undead Scourge brought ruin and strife to the region. In the west, the village of Hillsbrad is still occupied by humans who continue to sow and reap every year despite the constant war in the region. On the seashore in the south is the human village of Southshore, and to the north near the entrance to the Alterac Mountains is the Forsaken-held town of Tarren Mill.

[edit] Hillsbrad

Located in the west of the Hillsbrad Foothills, the village of Hillsbrad is a testament to the tenacity of the human race. After the First War, King Terenas Menethil allowed the refugees from Stormwind to settle in the region, and Hillsbrad became the headquarters of Anduin Lothar's government-in-exile. Though badly damaged by Horde attacks early in the Second War, it escaped the wrath of the Scourge during the Third War. In more recent times, the small hamlet that is Tarren Mill has become one of the few Forsaken-run outposts found in the World of Warcraft. It often plays host to bloody battles as the nearby Alliance forces of Southshore clash with Horde forces passing through Tarren Mill en route to attacking the denizens of Hillsbrad.

Hillsbrad is an extremely popular place to be for levels twenty to fifty. Hillsbrad contains a pass to The Hinterlands and the entrance to Silverpine Forest.

[edit] Southshore

Once a fishing and shipping village, Southshore has become the Alliance base of operations in the Hillsbrad Foothills. Recently fortified, towers have arisen around the perimeter of the town. Gryphons fly to and from the port, and even from this peaceful-seeming place one can see and hear the sights and sounds of war. Southshore's fortifications have been increased due to both raids and threats from the nearby Horde-controlled village of Tarren Mill, and the continual battles and skirmishes in the Hillsbrad Foothills.

[edit] Tarren Mill

Tarren Mill was once a human town and served as a base of operations during the Second War. The kingdom of Quel'thalas joined the Alliance after the garrison at Tarren Mill assisted in the rescue of a High Elf scouting party from a nearby Horde prison camp. In the aftermath of the Burning Legion's arrival, the village was soon infected by the Plague and its citizens succumbed to the sickness, rising again as servants of the Lich King. When the Forsaken broke away from the Scourge in the middle of the war, the town was claimed in the name of the Dark Lady. Tarren Mill is now pitted against the humans of Southshore in a never-ending bid for supremacy in the region.

[edit] Hinterlands

There are three main places of interest to be found in the Hinterlands. The first is Aerie Peak, home to the Gryphon-breeding Wildhammer Clan of Dwarves. The second are the Forest Troll-controlled city of Jintha'Alor, and their Altar of Zul. The third is Revantusk Village, an outpost controlled by the horde on the seashore to the east.

[edit] Aerie Peak

Aerie Peak is home to the Wildhammer Dwarves, an ally of the Alliance during the Second War; logistical assistance as well as soldiers were also supplied from here during the Third War. It has of late contributed fewer soldiers and supplies, instead choosing to secure its borders. It is the home of the mighty Gryphons who the Wildhammer Dwarves use in combat.

[edit] Quel'Danil Lodge

This is the larger of two High Elf outposts in Lordaeron, and the largest concentration of High Elf N.P.C.s in World of Warcraft. It acts as an embassy of sorts for the continuance of the remaining High Elves' diplomatic relations with other races. The Highvale Elves who live here are rangers who fled the destruction of Quel'thalas.

[edit] Revantusk Village

Revantusk is a village controlled by trolls loyal to the Horde. It is located near the Outlook Cliffs, east of Jintha'Alor, and serves as the Horde's primary outpost in the Hinterlands. It is stated by one of the trolls that they are awaiting the return of their leader Zul'Jin, a Horde hero from the second war.

[edit] Kul'Tiras

The nation of Kul'Tiras, located off the coast of Khaz Modan, and led by the Proudmoore family, has been a staunch ally of the Alliance since its foundation. Admiral Daelin Proudmoore, leader of Kul'Tiras, led the Alliance fleets during the Second War with great success and used Kul'Tiras as a major supply base against the Orcs. During the Third War, Kul'Tiras remained untouched by the plague and the strife occurring in Lordaeron, but it did supply many colonists and soldiers for the Alliance expedition to Kalimdor.

During the aftermath of the Third War, Admiral Proudmoore set sail from the island into the Great Sea seeking his daughter, Jaina Proudmoore. Upon reaching the shores of Kalimdor, the Kul'Tiras navy immediately attacked the Orcish Horde, not knowing of the alliance that had overthrown the Burning Legion. The attack was ultimately dismantled however and much of the Kul'Tiras navy was effectively destroyed with the death of Proudmoore.

Kul'Tiras is not currently accessible in World of Warcraft. It is thought that this area will become accessible in a following patch or expansion.

[edit] Crestfall

Crestfall is an island currently administered by Kul'Tiras. During the Second War it housed the Horde's primary naval base, which was attacked and put out of commission by the Alliance in anticipation of their campaign to retake the occupied kingdom of Stormwind, which had fallen to the Orcs in the First War.

[edit] Plaguelands, East

The Eastern Plaguelands are located in the extreme northeast of the continent of Lordaeron. This region is the home of sorrow, sickness, and some of the Scourge's greatest troops, as this region was the first to be affected by the plague, the landscape is particularly noxious and toxic compared to the Western Plaguelands. The ground is blighted and sickly and the sky is a dusky orange. holds the destroyed town of Darrowshire haunted by the ghosts of its fallen defenders and inhabitants, the overrun by Scourge minions small town of Corin's Crossing, the neutral Argent Dawn outpost of Light's Hope Chapel, Northdale, the fungal Plaguewood and the once-great Human city of Stratholme. Quel'Thalas is located north of Eastern Plaguelands although the route to Quel'Thalas remains blocked by felled trees.

[edit] Stratholme

In Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness, Stratholme was noted for having abundant resources in the form of oil, which the Alliance and Horde navies required for shipbuilding. Both factions fought at least one major battle for control of the city. It was one of the most prosperous cities of northern Lordaeron before Prince Arthas, ignoring the counsel of his mentor, Uther Lightbringer, slaughtered its inhabitants to stop the spread of the plague of undeath in Warcraft III: The Reign of Chaos. The city succumbed nonetheless. In World of Warcraft, Stratholme is a high-level instance located in the Eastern Plaguelands. Both the undead Scourge and the Scarlet Crusade contest the region. The ravaged city is in constant flames. It is the seat of power of the Scourge in Lordaeron, with Kel'Thuzad himself overseeing the Undead city from his seat of power, the necropolis Naxxramas which is floating above the city. Just outside Stratholme, in the Plaguewood, lies the entrance to the raid instance, Naxxramas, released in patch 1.11 on June 20th, 2006. This new instance features a showdown with Kel'Thuzad.

[edit] Tyr's Hand

A small, fortified stronghold in the Eastern Plaguelands. During the Second War, this hamlet in the Northlands was the site of a disruptive peasant rebellion that was later linked to Alterac spies working with the Horde. Having resisted the initial assaults of the Scourge, it is currently being used as the base of operations for the Scarlet Crusade in the area. The Crusade have been using this stronghold to strike at the undead city of Stratholme.

[edit] Quel'Lithien Lodge

A High Elf hunting lodge near the entrance to the ruined kingdom of Quel'Thalas. One of two major concentrations of High Elves in Lordaeron.

[edit] Plaguewood

Plaguewood is the most warped area in the Eastern Plaguelands. The ground is a sickly purple and is swampy and the air is covered in a noxxious fog. Many powerful Scourge are located in the area. The extreme plaguing of the land is caused by its proxmity to Naxxramas, the Scourge command center.

[edit] Naxxramas

The lich, Kel'thuzad has recently moved his command center, the necropolis Naxxramas to the Eastern Plaguelands. Naxxramas is now the main Scourge bastion in the Plaguelands, and it is guarded by many Scourge Elites. It currently hovers over Plaguewood

[edit] Plaguelands, West

The regions known as the Plaguelands in northern Lordaeron are those which are still controlled by the Undead Scourge. So vast are the Plaguelands, that they have been divided into eastern and western sections. The Western Plaguelands are comparatively more tame than their eastern counterpart. This is an understatement, however, as the Western Plaguelands are still extremely dangerous. The principal difference between the two regions is that the Eastern Plaguelands are almost completely consumed by the Undead corruption, while life in the Western Plaguelands still barely grips on to the land in a losing battle. Sickly, withered trees and shrubs still eke out an existence in the once-verdant lands. The Western Plaguelands are home to several important sites. The ruins of Andorhal sit on the shores of Darrowmere Lake (whose waters are corrupted with an ichor of undeath). The country hamlet of Hearthglen sits in a sickly valley to the north, and Uther the Lightbringer's tomb on Sorrow Hill is the only bastion of sanity in a crazed region.

[edit] Andorhal

Andorhal was one of the primary distributors of grain in Lordaeron. Following his experiment in Brill, Kel'Thuzad used the city to spread the plague of undeath across the kingdom via carts of grain, an act for which Arthas hunted him down and killed him nearby. After Arthas became a Death Knight, the ruins of Andorhal became a Scourge fortress in the newly formed Western Plaguelands. The Lich, Araj the Summoner, recently took command of Andorhal and is currently ruling Andorhal.

[edit] Hearthglen

A town in the north of the Western Plaguelands, left relatively untouched by the Scourge in the Third War, now appropriated by the Scarlet Crusade who have turned it into a major base of operations. During the Third War, Prince Arthas tracked a shipment of grain infected with the Plague of Undeath to the town of Hearthglen. He, along with soldiers of Lordaeron's army, were able to slay those infected by the shipment before they could spread the disease to the entire town. Arthas was even able to repel a large force of Undead who laid siege to the town until Lord Uther arrived with reinforcements. This was the beginning of the chain of events which led Arthas to his dark future. For right after the defense of Hearthglen, Arthas, furious at the Undead and the chaos they were causing, became obsessed with chasing and killing their leader, Mal-Ganis, despite Lord Uther's commands. This eventually led to obtaining the runeblade Frostmourne and submitting to its corruption.

[edit] Caer Darrow

Main article: Caer Darrow

Caer Darrow is an island located in Darrowmere Lake. It was the site of the Runestone at Caer Darrow, an ancient monolith sacred to the High Elves of Quel'Thalas. The artifact is said to have been erected by elven druids, a description which provides the only indication in the lore that any high elves ever followed a druidic path. The island has also been the site of one or more human fortifications dating back to the days of the empire of Arathor.

During the Second War, the island was invaded by the Horde, the fortress sacked, and the sacred Runestone captured. The stone was hewn into pieces which were used to create the Altars of Storms, arcane structures which allowed Gul'dan to instill magic into the Horde's ogre allies.

Following the Second War, the fortress at Caer Darrow was restored; the rule of the island by the Barov family dates back to at least this time. The Barovs were extremely wealthy, owning the land which comprised Caer Darrow, Brill, Southshore, and Tarren Mill. Not content with their enormous holdings, the Barovs entered into a deal with the human mage Kel'Thuzad, leader of the Cult of the Damned. The once opulent House of Barov became the horrific Scholomance, a school of necromancy. The spirits of many of the island's inhabitants remain, seeking redress for the horrific wrongs committed there.

[edit] Quel'Thalas

Main article: Quel 'Thalas

Quel'Thalas is the homeland of the High Elves. Situated on a massive peninsula in the north-eastern region of Lordaeron, the magical forestlands were always impassable for strangers. Walls of trees and the great elven gates protected the capital of Silvermoon from invasion and a series of magical runestones, one of which was the Runestone of Caer Darrow shielded the elven source of magic, the Sunwell, from Demonic corruption. The Rangercorps, traditionally led by a descendant of the Windrunner House, protected the borderlands and were a great contribution to the Grand Alliance. The Council of Silvermoon, led traditionally by one of the ancient Sunstrider Dynasty — at the time of the Second War, Lord Anastarian Sunstrider — were less eager to aid the Alliance in their struggle against the Horde. Only when the forestwalls of Quel'Thalas burned in Orcish fires, and after the appointment of Anduin Lothar - last of the Arathi bloodline, to whom the elves had sworn an oath - as the commander of Alliance forces, did Anastarian promise total allegiance to the Alliance. It was shortlived, however, as the high elves saw little use for the Alliance after Lothar's death and the defeat of the Horde, and withdrew soon after the end of Khadgar's expedition to Draenor. Though the borderlands of Quel'Thalas were decimated, Silvermoon was never reached by the Horde.

When the Plague of Undeath gripped the Northlands and Arthas succeeded his father, he invaded Quel'Thalas with an army of undead, turning the tranquil woods and glades into toxic plaguelands and bringing back the elven citizens as the pitiful — but feared — banshees. Silvermoon was sacked and the Sunwell desecrated as Arthas tapped its magical energies to resurrect his mentor, Kel'Thuzad. Many elves fled, but for most it was too late. The Ranger-General Sylvanas Windrunner was slaughtered by Arthas and brought back as an undead banshee Dark Ranger, becoming one of his high-ranking lieutenants. She grabbed the first chance she got to betray Arthas and led many of the undead in a rebellion against Arthas and the Lich King. She did not, however, regain control over Quel'Thalas, and most of the borderlands are still controlled by Kel'Thuzad.

More recently, the Blood Elves now members of the Horde in the upcoming expansion — survivors of the bloody culling of Quel'Thalas — have reclaimed their once-glorious kingdom (or perhaps they never left?) and have restored much of it to its former state. It currently serves as their base of operations in Azeroth.

[edit] Eversong Forest

The beloved forest of the Blood Elves. This is where Silvermoon City can be found, along with many Blood Elven towns. Most of the enchanted forest was burned during the Scourge's invasion of Quel'Thalas, however the Blood Elves have managed to save much of it and their Rangers now patrol the forests again protecting what little is left of their beautiful ancient land.

[edit] Zul'Aman

Zul'Aman is the Forest Troll homeland and was the site of many battles against the High Elves when they first landed upon the shores of the Eastern Kingdoms. Many Forest Trolls still survive in these woods and continue to fight the Undead, as do some High Elves who fled the attacks of the Scourge.

[edit] Silvermoon

The capital of Quel'Thalas, Silvermoon stands in Eversong Forest, the very heart of the Elven lands. From it once reigned the Council of Silvermoon, traditionally led by the ancient Sunstrider dynasty. The city fell to the Scourge during the Third War, its populace massacred and scattered. However, the ensuing civil war in the Plaguelands -between the Scourge and the Forsaken- gave the Blood Elves a very needed breath, giving them time to reclaim and rebuild their great capital, which serves as the center of a new, albeit diminished, Blood Elven kingdom. It will provide the second major city in the Eastern Kingdoms for Horde players (the first being the undead Undercity).

[edit] Sunwell Grove

Situated on a plateau on a small island across from Silvermoon, the Sunwell Grove was the pool of energy established by the High Elves and is the source of the High Elves magical powers. During the Third War, Arthas laid siege to Quel'Thalas and used its powers to bring Kel'Thuzad back to life, thus corrupting its magical properties. It is believed that a group of dragons are trying to restore the corrupted fount.

[edit] Sunstrider Isle

Sunstrider Isle will serve as the starting point for new Blood Elf players.

[edit] Ghostlands

Little is known of this shadowy region of Quel'thalas, located between Eversong and the Plaguelands. It is also known as the Blackened Woods because the Blood Elves burned the forests here to give the Scourge as Pyhrric a victory as possibile. Many Scourge ziggurats linger in the area. Also of note is the Dead Scar, a path of blighted ground which Arthas's troops sacked Quel'thalas

[edit] Silverpine Forest

The seemingly tranquil forest is home to the insurrectionist Dalaranian mage town of Ambermill, as well as mystic Pyrewood Village, with their enchanted inhabitants. But the main threat comes from Shadowfang Keep, home of Archmage Arugal, sworn enemy of the Forsaken Undead. The only sanctuary for the Horde is at The Sepulcher to the north-central area.

[edit] Ambermill

The site of a battle during the Third War in which a band of Night Elves under the command of Tyrande Whisperwind and Maiev Shadowsong befriended the Blood Elf Bloodmage, Prince Kael'Thas. The group was ambushed by a large number of undead in Ambermill and Tyrande singlehandedly fended them off though she was apparently lost (she was later found alive and fighting further downriver). Recently, Ambermill has become a stronghold for the displaced mages of Dalaran led by the Archmage Arugal. The Son of Arugal still roams the lands.

[edit] Pyrewood Village

Pyrewood Village stands as one of the last Human villages in Silverpine. It was a stronghold that Prince Kael'thas ,with the aid of the night elves,needed to reach. For some time following the Third War it was a bastion of resistance against the Scourge. However, it harbors a dark secret. During the night the Human inhabitants transform into Worgen due to magical experiments conducted by the former mage Arugal.

[edit] Sepulcher, The

The Sepulcher is a cemetery the Forsaken use as a base in Silverpine Forest. Dalar Dawnweaver, once one of the greatest mages of the Kirin Tor and now another undead servant to the Dark Lady, uses it to conduct tests.

[edit] Shadowfang Keep

During the Third War, the wizards of the Kirin Tor battled against the undead armies of the Scourge. When the wizards of Dalaran died in battle, they would rise soon after - adding their former might to the growing Scourge. Frustrated by their lack of progress (and against the advice of his peers), the Archmage, Arugal, elected to summon extra-dimensional entities to bolster Dalaran's diminishing ranks. Arugal's summoning brought the ravenous worgen into the world of Azeroth. The feral wolf-men slaughtered not only the Scourge, but quickly turned on the wizards themselves. The worgen sieged the keep of the noble, Baron Silverlaine. Situated above the tiny hamlet of Pyrewood, the keep quickly fell into shadow and ruin. Driven mad with guilt, Arugal adopted the worgen as his children and retreated to the newly dubbed 'Shadowfang Keep.' It's said he still resides there, protected by his massive pet, Fenrus - and haunted by the vengeful ghost of Baron Silverlaine.

[edit] Tirisfal Glades

The Tirisfal Glades, commonly known as Tirisfal, is the undead starting area. This is also where the city of Undercity, formerly known as Lordaeron, is located. Banshee Queen Sylvanas and her second in command, dreadlord Varimathras, reside there. The Tirisfal Glades became plagued during the Third War and most of the trees have since withered and died. Much of this area is under control of the Scourge and the Scarlet Crusade who skirmish with the undead Forsaken.

[edit] Brill

Brill was the town where the necromancer Kel'Thuzad, still a living man, first started his experiments with the Plague that would come to be the demise of the strong Human kingdom of Lordaeron. The success of the infestation was such that it allowed Kel'Thuzad to convince the Lich King to launch the invasion even before it was planned. In the MMORPG World of Warcraft, Brill lays near the center of the shady Tirisfal Glades, serving as an operational base for the starting Forsaken, and later they can buy skeletal horse mounts here when at the appropriate level. It is also very close to the Forsaken's main bastion, the Undercity, built below the ruins of the former Palace Gardens. A stone zepplin tower just south of Brill allows travel to Orgrimmar and Grom'Gol in Stranglethorn Vale.

[edit] Deathknell

Deathknell is a small town in a valley in far western Tirisfal that is controlled half by the Forsaken and half by minor minions of the Scourge. It is the starting area for new Forsaken players in World of Warcraft.

[edit] The Scarlet Monastery

Main article: The Scarlet Monastery

One of the main outposts of the Scarlet Crusade in Tirisfal Glades. This once beloved monastery was turning right when the scourge and Mal'Gannis attacked Lordaeron. In World of Warcraft, the Scarlet Monastery instance is divided into four wings - the Graveyard, the Library, the Armory and the Cathedral.

[edit] Undercity, The (Ruins of Lordaeron)

Main article: Undercity

The Undercity was once the design of Arthas after he fell into madness. After the sack of the old capital of Lordaeron, he ordered his minions to dramatically expand the catacombs beneath the city for use as his new capital. After the weakened Lich King called to him for aid he "temporarily" abandoned his plans; during the coup by the Dreadlords it served as Balnazzar's stronghold before Sylvanas, Varimathras and Grand Marshal Garithos overthrew him; Garithos was killed almost immediately afterward and Sylvanas claimed Lordaeron's capital for herself. Since then, the subterranean Undercity has been completed, becoming the seat of power of the Forsaken. This city is on the continent of Lordaeron beneath the Ruins of Lordaeron in the Eastern Kingdoms. It is one of the six cities featured in the World of Warcraft, and one of three under Horde control.

[edit] Khaz Modan

Main article: Khaz Modan

Khaz Modan is the Dwarven and Gnomish homeland. It is located in the north of the continent of Azeroth, and consists of the wintry peaks of Dun Morogh, the forested highlands of Loch Modan and the endless marshes of the Wetlands. It was invaded by the Horde during the Second War, though the Dwarven capital of Ironforge and the capital of the Gnomes, Gnomeregan, remained unbreached. Recently, an invasion of murderous Troggs from the Uldaman excavation destroyed Gnomeregan, forcing the Gnomes to seek the aid of their Dwarven cousins.

[edit] Badlands, The

The Badlands are a dusty, dry place, home to a small Horde outpost at Kargath, the Ogre home of Dustbelch Grotto, and Uldaman, an abandoned home of what is assumed to be the earliest inhabitants of the Badlands, and Azeroth itself.

[edit] Kargath

Kargath is the solitary Horde outpost in the Badlands and is used to launch missions against the Dark Iron Dwarves of Blackrock Depths and the Dark Horde led by Rend Blackhand, the, long presumed dead, son of Blackhand the Destroyer (the Warchief of the first WarCraft). The outpost is named after Kargath Bladefist, the previous leader of the orcish Shattered Hand clan. Kargath Bladefist has recently been discovered to be leading a new army of Fel Orcs in the Outlands. How or why he has been re-enslaved by demonic powers has yet to be revealed.

[edit] Uldaman

Uldaman is the site of the ruins of the city of the Dwarven ancestors, the Earthen. Recently the Dwarves have begun excavating the ruins in hope of finding out more about their past.

[edit] Dun Morogh

Located between the magma-strewn wasteland of the Searing Gorge in the south, the gentle ridges of Loch Modan to the east, and the swampy Wetlands to the Northeast, Dun Morogh is home to both the Gnomes and the Dwarves, and is the location of the major city Ironforge. It is a huge, mountainous, snow-covered zone overun by primal ice trolls and fierce troggs as well as wolves, boars, bears and snow leopards.

[edit] Brewnall Village

A very, very small village in the West of Dun Morogh, home to a fiercely-competitive rival brewmaster to the innkeepers of Kharanos.

[edit] Gnomeregan

Main article: Gnomeregan

Gnomeregan, located in Dun Morogh in Khaz Modan, was the capital of the Gnomes, until the troggs (troglodyte-looking creatures) invaded the city. The Gnomes fought valiantly to save the city, but could not hold it. The Gnomes now reside in the Dwarven capital city of Ironforge, where they continue to plot ways to take back their traditional home. In the game World of Warcraft, the city is now an "Instance", a challenging area where players group together to complete various quests. This instance is suited for players who are of levels 28-35. The city is home to many differing creatures, from irradiated Troggs and Leper Gnomes to the Mechanical guardians and Horrors created from the radioactive slime. Gnomeregan is "ruled" by the insane and power-thirsty Mekgineer Thermaplugg, the second-in-command who ordered the last-ditch irradiation of the city.

[edit] Coldridge Valley

Coldridge Valley is the area where Gnomes and Dwarves start when they first create their characters in World of Warcraft. This region is separated from the rest of Dun Morogh by a Trogg-overrun short tunnel.

[edit] Ironforge

Main article: Ironforge

Ironforge is the capital city of the Dwarves, and the economic (though not spiritual) capital of the entire Alliance. It is a huge stone fortress dug deep inside Mount Ironforge. The Gnomes, exiled from their own city of Gnomergan, also reside in their own quarter of Ironforge, called Tinker Town. An Auction House and central Bank are found near the gates of Ironforge. This means that it is probably the most highly populated area for Alliance players, as up until the linked Auction House system was implemented in patch 1.9, the Ironforge Auction House was the only place all 4 Alliance races could go to use the Auction House system. Lag-time was thus significant for most users in this section of Ironforge. From this lag comes the common usage names for Ironforge - Lagforge and "Ironlag."

[edit] Ironforge Airport

This is the unofficial name given by players to a small Dwarven settlement nestled in the mountains above Ironforge. It was designed by Blizzard only as inaccessible scenery visible as a player takes a gryphon ride from Ironforge to Menethil Harbour in the Wetlands. However, as with many places designed as inaccessible by Blizzard, it can be reached by a number of routes up into the mountains. The area has been named the Ironforge "airport" because there is a long line of Gnomish flying machines on either side of the frozen lake. A tunnel into the mountains is nearby, leading to a deadly drop into nothingness. The only building at the airport is a Dwarven watchtower with the entrance blocked off by a large rock. Amongst the stranger things one can find in the area surrounding the airport are: a running battle between lv 8 trolls and lv 60 Dwarven Rangers, Dwarves dancing an Irish Jig, Exiles from Gnomeregan fleeing to "safety", a (hunter) Pet Trainer willing to train those hardy souls who reach her, and a badly dressed ranger who appears to think that she is the Gryphon master.

Also named Gnomeregan Airport, by the Uldum peoples. There's a route from the North Passage from Dun Morogh. As soon as you enter the second area, Loch Modan, there's a tree, and behind that tree is a little place you can jump up. Note: This may take up to 10 minutes. After this little notch into the path, the rest is pretty easy as you head up farther. Details on this later.

Visitors to the airport can also climb up "Mount Ironforge", and take screenshots of themselves posing by the flag Blizzard has placed on the highest point in the world.

After visiting the airport and Mount Ironforge, tourists can then jump down a huge waterfall into another secret area above the Wetlands, where there are a couple of Dwarven buildings and another tunnel which leads into nothingness. There is also a notably large amount of undeveloped empty space in this area, perfectly situated for future development by Blizzard.

Blizzard attempted to make it impossible to reach these routes in patch 1.9, imposing a steeper limit on the maximum gradient negotiable by all characters. However, despite the best efforts of Blizzard, there are still at least two routes up into the mountains, one of which is described at http://www.thottbot.com/?z=40 , and the other of which is a closely guarded secret. There are undoubtedly still other routes unknown and/or undiscovered.

[edit] Kharanos

Kharanos is a small town in the centre of Dun Morogh, consisting of a single inn, a forge, and a center for Gnome scientists. This is the first place where young gnomes and dwarves go to hone their skills after taking their first steps outside Coldridge Valley.

[edit] Mount Ironforge

The highest peak in all of Azeroth, marked by a single dwarven flag.

[edit] Loch Modan

Loch Modan is a large area, east of Dun Morogh, and is known for its temperate climate, abandoned archaeological digs, and the huge lake known as the Loch. It is also heavily populated by Troggs who were unearthed by the dwarven digs. They have settled in the mountain areas and in the abandoned mine itself.

[edit] Farstrider's Lodge

A small outpost of Alliance found in the mountains east of the Loch. It is mostly home to High Elves remnants of Quel'Thalas that did not side with the vengeful Blood Elves.

[edit] Thelsamar

The Dwarven outpost that can be seen on the way to the Loch.

[edit] Stonewrought Dam

The Stonewrought Dam is a Dwarven dam that holds back the Loch, controlling the flow of water to the swamplands of The Wetlands below. A fun place to jump from also. There is also an Gnome Engineer on the Dam

[edit] Searing Gorge

The Searing Gorge is the hot, bleak, volcanic home to Blackrock Mountain, home of the Dark Iron Dwarves located in Blackrock Depths, and the Blackrock Clan of Orcs located in Blackrock Spire. Blackrock Mountain can also be reached from the Burning Steppes located in the south.

[edit] Cauldron, The

A depression in the searing gorge where the Dark Iron dwarves work tirelessly to build their fiendish golems.

[edit] Stonewrought Pass

This is the pass that can be accessed in the South of Loch Modan only if the carrier possesses the "Key to Searing Gorge" to open the gates.

[edit] Wetlands, The

The Wetlands are a swampy, wet region, home to enchanted swamp elementals, Dragon whelps, a contingent of Orcs, an outpost of warring Dark Iron Dwarves at Dun Modr, and the humans of Menethil Harbor. This port has shipping routes leading to Auberdine at Darkshore, and the Theramore Isles at Dustwallow Marsh, both of which are located on Kalimdor.

[edit] Algaz Gate

The Algaz Gate is the path running between the territory of Loch Modan and the territory known as The Wetlands. The "Gate" itself is actually a series of tunnels with portcullises. However, since both territories are controlled by the Dwarves of Khaz Modan, the gates are never closed or locked, even though rogue orcs of the Dragonmaw Clan have encamped along the trail.

[edit] Dun Modr

Dun Modr was an ancient Dwarven city in northern Khaz Modan whose ruins were close to a Horde base during the Second War. It was very near to the Alliance stronghold of Tol Barad, which the Horde repeatedly assaulted before their forces at Dun Modr were finally routed. The city of Dun Modr is currently the site of a continual battle between the dwarves of Khaz Modan and the Dark Iron Dwarves, who have laid siege to the city.

[edit] Dragonmaw Gates

The Dragonmaw Gates are three gates leading up to Grim Batol. They were built by the Dragonmaw Clan of Orcs, who had enslaved Alexstrasza, the queen of the Red Dragonflight and the dragon aspect of life. Though the gates would keep any invaders out, they ultimately proved to be the Dragonmaw Clan's undoing, as Alezstrazsa and her children broke free from their bondage and slaughtered all but a remnant of the once-numerous clan. These gates are currently guarded by various Red Dragonflight dragons ranging in level from 58-62 elite.

[edit] Grim Batol

Originally an ancient Wildhammer Clan Dwarven settlement, Grim Batol was abandoned following the War of the Three Hammers; this place was also the site of fierce fighting between the Alliance and Horde during the Second War. It was the base of operations for the Dragonmaw Clan and the headquarters of the Horde's occupation forces in Khaz Modan. After the Second War, the liberated Dragonqueen Alexstrasza and her Red Dragonflight incinerated the fortress; it still lies in ruin. The ancient Wildhammer city was untouched, however, as the Dwarf Clan had sealed their gates after the Dark Iron queen has cursed it, causing even the stout hearted and brave Wildhammer Dwarves to flee in terror at the abominations brought forth from the dark places. The Wildhammers resolved to never again live beneath a mountain, and now reside atop Aerie Peak in the Hinterlands.

It is supposed that at some stage Blizzard will develop some content for the interior of Grim Batol, such as a very high level dungeon.

[edit] Menethil Harbor

Menethil Harbor is a walled port city to the north of Ironforge. Its strategic importance lies in its value as a transportation hub, serving as a link to Theramore Isle on the eastern seaboard of Kalimdor, and Auberdine on the west. It also plays a role as a link between Ironforge and the northern Alliance townships of Southshore and the Stromgarde remnants at Refuge Pointe. Both the humans and dwarves maintain a presence in Menethil Harbor. This harbor is also the best place to fish for Oily Blackmouth in the game. To the north of the Harbor is the Lost Fleet; many undead souls from the Fleet seek peace.

[edit] Azeroth

Main article: Azeroth (kingdom)

Before the events that transpired during the First War, Azeroth was once the greatest Human Nation

[edit] Blasted Lands

The Blasted Lands is the site of Nethergarde Keep, home to a large number of Alliance soldiers who have vowed to keep The Dark Portal closed. The Dark Portal itself is located farther to the south, and a pair of Blood Elves conduct experiments on local wildlife which have been magically corrupted by their proximity to The Dark Portal, through which the Orcs were first released upon Azeroth.

[edit] Dark Portal, The

Main article: Dark Portal

The Dark Portal was constructed by the Mage and Guardian Medivh (corrupted by the power of Sargeras) and the warlocks of the Shadow Council to be used by the Orc race to transport their invading army from their home world of Draenor into the world of Azeroth. In the upcoming expansion for World of Warcraft, players will use the portal to travel to Draenor, devastated by the events of Warcraft II: Beyond the Dark Portal, now called Outland.

[edit] Nethergarde Keep

Nethergarde Keep was constructed by the Kirin Tor at the behest of the Archmage Khadgar after the Second War, so that the Alliance could stand watch over the remains of the Dark Portal through which the Orcish Horde had swept into Azeroth. After the Second War the Keep came under attack and was the site that Anduin Lothar and Alliance forces chose to use to push them back through. It is a mighty walled fortress, currently overlooking a critical Alliance mining operation. The garrison here remains desperately in need of supplies, which the Night Watch in Duskwood have been shipping regularly, although these supplies have been threatened by the Horde presence in the Swamp of Sorrows. A contingent of mages from Stormwind and Dalaran are also based here, conducting further research into the Dark Portal.

[edit] Tainted Scar, The

The location of the raid boss, Lord Kazzak, and other high level demons in the World of Warcraft game. It is an area infested with demonic activity, and unsafe for any but the most powerful adventurers. Even then it is foolish to travel there in groups of less than forty.

[edit] Burning Steppes

The Burning Steppes is a volcanic mountain range, through which Blackrock Mountain can be accessed, and is home to a large number of Dragonkin, most of them deadly. It used to be a part of Redridge Mountains, but was destroyed when Ragnaros the Firelord was summoned by Emperor Thaurissian, the Dark Iron dwarf ruler.

[edit] Blackrock Mountain

A volcanic mountain, the tallest in the Burning Steppes. At its base was once Blackrock Spire, the Orcish capital in the First and Second Wars. After a titanic battle here during which Anduin Lothar, the greatest leader of the Alliance, was slain, the Horde was routed and pushed all the way back to the Dark Portal, which fell soon afterward. Today there is a civil war in the volcano between the black dragon Nefarian, with his army of dragonkin, Blackrock Orcs, and some rebel trolls and ogres who rule the upper half versus Ragnaros the Firelord, and his legion of fire elementals, Dark Iron Dwarfs, and War Golems, who control the lower half.

[edit] Blackrock Depths

The Lower Mountain is dominated by the Dark Iron Dwarfs and Fire Elementals. There is Blackrock Depths, which contains the capital city of the Dark Iron Empire. Even lower then the Depths is the Molten Core, home to Ragnaros the Firelord.

[edit] Upper Blackrock Spire

The Upper Mountain holds Blackrock Spire, the main command center for the Blackrock Orcs and the Black Dragons. Rend can also be found here. At the top of the mountain is Blackwing Lair, home of the Black Dragon Nefarian and his dragon minions.

[edit] Flame Crest

The location of the Horde flight path in the Burning Steppes. This location is most notable for its libram enchanter and exotic pet seller.

[edit] Morgan's Vigil

A small alliance camp and flightpath in the south of the Burning Steppes, just east of the entrance from The Redridge Mountains.

[edit] Ruins of Thaurissan

The remnants of the Dark Iron Dwarves' first capital.

[edit] Elwynn Forest

Elwynn Forest is a temperate deciduous forest located in the southern area of Azeroth. It is bordered by a river to the west and south (across which are Westfall and Duskwood respectively), by mountains on the east (a pass through these leads to the Redridge Mountains), and to the north by the Burning Steppes, which are not accessible from Elwynn directly). The great human city of Stormwind sits just northwest of Elwynn. Goldshire village sits at the main crossroads in the forest. Elwynn is also home to several farms, most notably the Maclure and Stonefield farms in the southwest. The two families who own these farms have a long-standing grudge against one another. Between the farms sits the Fargodeep Mine, overrun by Kobolds. A secluded valley containing Northshire Abbey in in the northwest of Elwynn, where human player characters begin their adventuring careers, and the northeast contains Stone Cairn Lake, the shores of which are lined by several Murloc villages. Between them is Crystal Lake, also a murloc haven.

The south edge of the forest contains numerous Defias camps. At the west edge of the forest is a Stormwind garrison, south of which is a glen containing numerous camps of Riverpaw gnolls, including the mighty gnoll known as "Hogger".

[edit] Eastvale Camp

The Eastvale Logging Camp sits at the east end of the forest, although of late it has been plagued by bears and wolves, preventing the loggers from carrying out their work. This is the primary location for purchasing mounts for Human players.

[edit] Goldshire

Goldshire is a human town southeast of Stormwind, in the Elywnn Forest, which served as an outpost during the First War. In World of Warcraft, when the Darkmoon Faire visits Azeroth, it sets up camp just south of Goldshire.

Goldshire is also the first town human players come across in their explorations. On most servers it maintains a notorious reputation as a hang-out for what most advanced players deem "clueless newbies." The town was prominently featured in the South Park/World of Warcraft crossover episode "Make Love, Not Warcraft."

[edit] Northshire Abbey

Northshire Abbey is a church located in the foothills of Elywnn Forest, and deflected many Orcish raids during the course of the First War. Northshire Abbey was the location where Medivh's powers first manifested themselves and where he went into a coma. During the Second War, it was the headquarters of Cho'Gall's Twilight's Hammer Clan, allied to Gul'dan. Since the Alliance reclaimed Elwynn forest from the Horde, the area has been suffering from Kobold infestations and the growing presence of Defias bandits. The Abbey now serves as a starting area for Humans with many new adventurers appearing daily to start their journey through the World of Warcraft.

[edit] Stormwind

Main article: Stormwind

Stormwind is the capital city of the Human Kingdom of Azeroth (Although Azeroth can refer to the world as a whole) in the game World of Warcraft. It has been regarded as the "last bastion of human power in the world" ever since Lordaeron was consumed by the undead.

Stormwind is also home to the Child King, Lord Bolvar, and Lady Praetor, who resign in the Keep. Lady Praetor, otherwise known to smarter level 60s and slain level 20s, as Onyxia. Stormwind is home to a piece of the Onyxia chain quest. No need to fear, priests, Lord Bolvar Fordragon is indestructable.

Stormwind's keep also holds the three Battlegrounds Leaders of Warsong Gulch, Arathi Basin, and Alterac Valley.

[edit] Deadwind Pass

Deadwind Pass is largely ignored by travelers passing through to The Swamp of Sorrows, but it holds a ghost town, and what is known as the tower of Medivh himself, which, according to Blizzard, is the site of a future instance. People walking through the region are greeted by a sign telling them "Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter Here" (a reference to Dante Alighieri's Divina Commedia). Many a soul was slaughtered in this region. If you vist the town there you will discover some horrific things that creatures did to the innocent townspeople of Karazhan. You can visit this town but beware, souls seeking revenge will attack anything they see.

The entire area is often the haunt of gold farmers, as the sky shadow birds that spawn there have higher-than-average drop rates for rare and epic items.

[edit] Karazhan

Karazhan, also known as the tower of Medivh was the former home of Medivh and currently is in ruin, although Blizzard has announced it will be the site of a raid instance when the World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade expansion is released. The tower is rumored to be under new leadership by the death knight Teron Gorefiend. Karazhan actually goes as far beneath the ground as it towers above it, a secret dungeon mirroring the tower. Each room below has an equivalent to the room above, for example where the library would be in the tower, under ground the room is where Medivh's demons were kept.

[edit] Duskwood

Duskwood is a spooky, fog-shrouded forest located south of Elwynn Forest, east of Westfall, north of Stranglethorn Vale, and west of Deadwind Pass. It contains several farms as well as the town of Darkshire. The north and west borders are marked by a river; the south and east by mountains. Although belonging to the Humans, Duskwood is infested with bandits and Undead minions, mainly in its two cemeteries, Raven Hill and Tranquil Gardens. Duskwood also plays host to a host of Worgen, which had been accidentally summoned to Azeroth from their native plane. Ogres also reside in a cave south of Raven Hill.

[edit] Twilight Grove

The center of the Duskwood contains the Twilight Grove, a shallow valley atop a mountain. Inside Twilight Grove is a mysterious portal that currently does nothing but could be a portal to the Emerald Dream. In the game World of Warcraft, Twilight Grove is home to one of the 4 new raid encounters (all 4 are dragons of the Green Dragonflight). The four dragons spawn randomly at the portal (as well as 3 more portals located in different areas). Taerar, Emeriss, Lethon and Ysondre of the Green Dragonflight. The Twilight Grove is one of the few places on the Eastern continent where a Moon Well exists.

[edit] Darkshire

Darkshire sits at the east end of the forest, is populated by many refugees from the surrounding farms, and is heavily guarded by a local militia, known as the Night Watch. There is also a Night Watch outpost at the crossroads to Stranglethorn. Darkshire was once a thriving farming community, but in the last years a curse seems to have been placed upon it. The light is dim, and a thick fog that does not dissipate has fallen onto the land. The dead rise from their graves in large numbers, beasts and monsters rampage through the wilderness, and unholy abominations are periodically unleashed upon a terrified populace. This is roughly where Grand Hamlet was in Warcraft 1.

[edit] Raven Hill

The farm just south of Darkshire is the only one still inhabited by its original owners; all other farms in Duskwood have been overrun by Defias bandits, worgen, ogres, or the undead. The west edge of the forest is dominated by the abandoned village of Raven Hill and the large Raven Hill Cemetery.

[edit] Stranglethorn Vale

Stranglethorn Vale is a lush, tropical rainforest located south of Westfall and Duskwood, on the continent of Azeroth. The main road in Stranglethorn runs all the way from Booty Bay in the south, to Duskwood, north of the jungle. There are two cities found in Stranglethorn Vale: the Horde city Grom'gol, found in the western area of the zone, and Booty Bay, a place open to both factions. Goblin zeppelins provide transport from Grom'gol to Orgrimmar and the Undercity, and regular boat service runs from Booty Bay to Ratchet, in the Barrens of Kalimdor. A small Alliance camp is found in the northern jungle; this is a military outpost (the so-called "Rebel Camp") populated by soldiers from Stormwind. There is also a neutral riverside camp inhabited by Hemet Nesingwary and his fellow hunters, who give hunting quests to both sides.

The primary sentient inhabitants of Stranglethorn are the Bloodscalp and Skullsplitter trolls, in the northwest and east respectively. The troll city of Zul'Gurub sits in a valley to the northeast of Stranglethorn. In the north is a small village controlled by the renegade Colonel Kurzen (a parody of Colonel Kurtz from Apocalypse Now). Other inhabitants include an encampment of ogres, and a wide variety of animals: piranha, crocolisks, gorillas, tigers, panthers, raptors, and basilisks. Off the southeast coast is Jaguero Isle, inhabited by the enormous gorilla King Mukla. There is a renegade group of pirates, known as the Bloodsail Buccaneers, who have built camps on the southwestern and southern shores of Stranglethorn Vale. A small population of Naga can be found in the southwest, and murlocs inhabit some underwater ruins in the northwest. The Venture Company also has two mining operations in Stranglethorn.

[edit] Gurubashi Arena, The

Gurubashi Arena is located around the central area of Stranglethorn Vale. The Gurubashi Arena is a special area where, once entered, all players not in a player's party (including even those of the player's own faction) can attack, and be attacked. This area is a PVP area, similar to the arena in Dire Maul. Every 3 hours, the pirate "Short" John Mithril places a chest in the middle of the arena. The first to open the chest, wins the chest's contents.

[edit] Booty Bay

The city of Booty Bay is located in a protected cove at the southern cape of Stranglethorn and is controlled by the neutral Blackwater Raiders. Both the Alliance and the Horde are welcome here but open conflict is not tolerated with the Goblin Bruisers putting a stop to any fight with extreme measures.

In January 2006 the 1.9 content patch implemented additional goblin-run auction houses in Booty Bay and Everlook, linked to the same listing of items as the auction house in Gadgetzan. Booty Bay's auction house is run by Auctioneer O'Reely, whose name is probably Blizzard's nod to the "O RLY" internet fad that briefly became so prevalent in the World of Warcraft forums that it prompted at least one community manager to forbid its use.

Just outside the Bay, there is a small island named Janeiro's Point, with a large goblin statue atop a hill. The location is likely a reference to Rio de Janeiro, the Corcovado mountain and the Christ the Redeemer monument.

[edit] Grom'gol Base Camp

Grom'gol base camp is an Orc settlement found midway along the western coast. It features a couple of buildings including an inn and a flightpath, as well as notably including a goblin zeppelin tower, from which transport is available to the Undercity in the north and to Orgrimmar over the sea.

[edit] Nesingwary's Expedition

A small riverside camp inhabited by Hemet Nesingwary and his fellow hunters, supplying quests to both Horde and Alliance players, mostly concerning big game hunting (tigers, raptors and panthers) plus a "treasure hunting" quest that involves retrieving a number of pages of a book written by the leader of the expedition, Hemet Nesingwary (whose name, by the way, is an anagram for Ernest Hemingway).

[edit] Rebel Camp, The

A small Alliance military outpost populated by soldiers from Stormwind who are resisting the evil presence of Colonel Kurzen, who leads his jungle fighters from a cave to the East of the Rebel Camp.

[edit] Zul'Gurub

The ruined troll city of Zul'Gurub dominates the northeastern corner of Stranglethorn. Formerly the capital of the Gurubashi, the trolls' world-spanning empire, Zul'Gurub has become the home of the Blood God, Hakkar, and his minions. Only the bravest adventurers dare journey here, for the dangers found here are more than one small group can handle...

[edit] Swamp of Sorrows

First visited during the opening campaign of the Orcs' invasion into Azeroth, the Swamp of Sorrows is a dark, blasted area of festering swampland that the Orcs used to set up their initial base of operations. Dark and forbidding, yet teeming with rich life, the swamps were later transformed into the Horde's main staging ground from which they attacked the kingdom of Azeroth during the First War. Quickly spreading from the dark swamps and building the mountain fortress of Blackrock Spire, the Orcs drove the Humans before them, razing the city of Stormwind and forcing the refugees to flee across the seas to the northern lands of Lordaeron. Near the end of the Second War however, Human forces led by Anduin Lothar, regent lord of Azeroth, returned to drive the orcs from their lands and destroy the dark portal, created and expanded by the mad wizard Medivh. Although this action was to cost Lothar his life, the human forces managed to drive the orcs back, capture their warchief, Orgrim Doomhammer, and destroy the dark portal, ending (so they thought) all chances of the Orcs returning to their lands. On the insistence of the mage Khadgar, one-time apprentice to Medivh, the fortress city of Nethergarde Keep was constructed at the location of the now-destroyed portal, leaving behind a permanent force of troops to watch over the ruins and prevent any possible Orcish insurgents.

[edit] Fallow Sanctuary

The Fallow Sanctuary is an outpost of the Broken Draenei (as opposed to the playable Alliance race) upon the world of Azeroth.

[edit] Stonard

Stonard is the lone Horde outpost located in the Swamp of Sorrows. Quests are few in this area, however any who take pleasure in slaughtering murlocs will find plenty of opportunity to do so. The final Horde alchemey trainer, Rogvar, is located here.

[edit] The Sunken Temple

Main article: The Sunken Temple

The Temple of Atal'Hakkar (aka Sunken Temple) was built over the Pool of Tears by exiles from the Atal'ai priesthood of the Gurubashi Troll Empire, who consecrated the site for the rebirth of their ancient blood god Hakkar the Soulflayer. Ysera, mistress of the Green Dragon Flight, learned of this plan and attacked the temple to prevent the resurrection from taking place. While the might of her Brood sunk the temple beneath the waters that once surrounded it, many areas of the Temple remain unflooded. In these dank hallways and chambers, the Atal'ai continue their summoning efforts. A force of the Green Flight patrols the edge of the Pool of Tears, apparently unaware that their destruction of the temple was incomplete.

The Sunken Temple is a 5-person instance with many quests to be solved inside.

[edit] Westfall

Westfall is a rather dry, golden prairie along the western coast of Azeroth. Across a river to the northeast and east are Elwynn Forest and Duskwood respectively, and beyond the southern mountains lies Stranglethorn Vale. Westfall contains several farms, only one of which (belonging to the Saldeans) is still inhabited. The other farms have all been overrun, abandoned, or burned. The Alliance-held tower of Sentinel Hill dominates the center of the prairie, accompanied by an inn and lumber mill. Mechanical scarecrows known as harvest watchers rampage through all the fields of Westfall, destroying crops and making farming impossible. Riverpaw gnolls have set up camps all along the coastal cliffs and in certain inland regions, and murlocs infest the entire coastline. Westfall contains two other mines: the Jangolode Mine in the north, and the Gold Coast Quarry in the west. Its wildlife include vultures, coyotes, and goretusk boars. Also in westfall is the Defias controlled town of Moonbrook, home to the low level instance Deadmines, the secret base of Defias kingpin Edwin Van Cleef and his captains. This region is often the first encounter with scripted content for Alliance players.

[edit] Moonbrook

The Defias have a very strong presence here, due mostly to the fact that Edwin Van Cleef, the Defias kingpin, resides in a secret pirate cave beneath the Defias controlled town of Moonbrook. This set of snaking tunnels, known as the Deadmines, provides the Defias with raw materials for both weapons and armor.

[edit] Sentinel Hill

Sentinel Hill is the location of the People's militia under the command of Gryan Stoutmantle. A Gryphon flight point is found here, as well as various merchants

[edit] Northern Kalimdor

[edit] Ashenvale

Ashenvale is the name of the expansive forest that covers much of the area surrounding Mount Hyjal in Northern Kalimdor. Tended to for thousands of years by the Night Elves, Ashenvale became an enchanted forest of arboreal beauty and tranquility with giant trees adorned with leaves in hues of green and lavender. Ashenvale once represented all the forestlands surrounding Hyjal, but the northwest portion of the forest was corrupted by a demonic taint of the Burning Legion,lead by Archimonde in the Third War and was known afterward as Felwood. Ashenvale currently stretches from the Veiled Sea in the west to the Southfury River in the east and from Mount Hyjal in the north to the Stonetalon Mountains and the Barrens of Kalimdor in the south.

The deep forest is home to many creatures including both wild animals and sentient beings. The Night Elves were the first major race of people to populate the forests of Ashenvale. Before them however, the sons and daughters of Cenarius (the Keepers of the Grove and the dryads) tended the land and the trees. Living alongside these mystical creatures were the wild bear-men known as the Furbolgs. Upon meeting the Night Elves, the two races became fast friends and remained allies for many generations to come. As much as the Night Elves sought to keep the land free of corruption, some taints ultimately took root. In the northeast regions of Ashenvale the vile, demonic satyrs established settlements and have proven hard to shake loose. In the southeast, demons of a much fouler and chaotic nature have corrupted the land. This region has come to be known as Felfire Hill. A monument to Grom Hellscream can be found in this area. In recent times, the need for supplies of wood has led the Horde to the rich supply in Ashenvale. Established during the Third War, the Warsong Lumber Mill remains a steady source of lumber fueling the Horde's endeavors. In east-central Ashenvale, another small Horde outpost known as Splintertree Post was constructed as a hub of travel and questing in the forest. It also serves as a strategic foothold in a Night Elf-dominated territory. In the far west, upon the Zoram Strand, the Horde has constructed another small outpost known as the Zoram'Gar Outpost.

[edit] Astranaar

The Night Elves themselves also have several holdings in Ashenvale. The most important of these is the village of Astranaar, which serves as the Alliance's main base in Ashenvale. The Silverwing Outpost is strategic because of its proximity to the Horde-controlled Barrens. Silverwind Refuge on the shore of Mystral Lake and Maestra's Post serve as other Alliance controlled outposts in Ashenvale.

[edit] Blackfathom Depths

Long ago, Blackfathom Depths was a great Temple to Elune, glorious and beautiful. But when the Well of Eternity collapsed, the temple was submerged beneath the Zoram Strand in western Ashenvale. Legends hold that the beast Aku'mai dwells within the Deeps, a servant of the evil Old Gods. Naga and Satyr have come to the Deeps, and the cult of Twilight's Hammer has also come to the Deeps to bask in the presence of the Old Gods.

[edit] Splintertree Post

This is the main horde presence in Ashenvale near the Warsong Lumber Mill. Splintertree offers a variety of quests. Most notable are the Ashenvale Hunt and Warsong Supplies, which is the first solo'able Horde quest to offer a blue item as a reward.

[edit] Zoram'Gar Outpost

A horde outpost on the west coast, near Blackfathom Deeps. This outpost is constantly engaged with the Naga streaming in from the North.

[edit] Azshara

The namesake of the ancient Kaldorei (now Naga) queen, this coastal region east of Ashenvale is partially occupied by the Naga and some of their Blood Elven allies. During the events which led to Arthas' ascension to the Frozen Throne, the Watcher Maiev Shadowsong followed Illidan Stormrage on his journey through this land until he escaped by boat to the Tomb of Sargeras. The powerful Blue Dragon Azuregos also frequents the southern part of Azshara. The Hydraxian Waterlords can also be found on an island to the southeast. Powerful items can be acquired from them to help you fight in Molten Core depending on your reputation with them.

[edit] Hetaera's Clutch

A lone ruin that stands in the center of the Bay of Storms in Azshara. Apparently a hydra known as Hetaera roams this area.

[edit] Talrendis Point

A Night Elf settlement just South of the road as one enters Azshara, containing barely more than a flight path. It consists of a couple of Night Elves and a Tauren.

[edit] Ruins of Eldarath

An ancient Kaldorei city now resettled by the Naga.

[edit] Azuremyst Isles

The Azuremyst Isles are the lands the Draenei claimed as their own in Azeroth, where the dimensional ship of the Draenei, called the Exodar, crashed when attempting to escape Draenor. They are now the westernmost location in Kalimdor, located off the southwestern coast of Teldrassil. At present, there are three major areas - Ammen Vale, where new Draenei players start out; Azuremyst Isle itself, where the Draenei capital of Exodar is located; and Bloodmyst Isle, for further adventuring (similar, perhaps, to Loch Modan for the Dwarves and Gnomes, Westfall for the Humans, or Darkshore for the Night Elves). The Azuremyst Isles are for levels 1-20.

[edit] Azuremyst Isle

This is the island where the Exodar, the Draenei dimensional ship crash landed.

[edit] Ammen Vale

According to the information, Ammen Vale is a forested area near the crashed vessel, and the starting area of the Draenei in World of Warcraft. According to the aforementioned article from Games Radar, Ammen Vale resembles Teldrassil in some ways, but is described as "brighter and sunnier", and "dotted by chunks of crystal debris", remnants of the Exodar.

[edit] Exodar

The Exodar is the interdimensional ship that the Draenei used to escape Draenor, and sub-sequently crash-landed on the islands off the coast of northern Kalimdor. The largest part of the shattered vessel became the Draenei capital of Exodar. Players will wander from the starting point to find their crashed vessel-capital. This is the second Alliance capital in Kalimdor, the first being the Night Elf city of Darnassus.

According to the article on Games Radar, based on information from Blizzard, the Exodar was sabotaged by the Blood Elves - probably those allied with Prince Kael'thas - and hurtled through the dimensions until it crashed on Azeroth. As it screamed across the sky, it released escape pods and shed some of the crystals used in its construction. These escape pods are the "spawning points" of new Draenei.

[edit] Bloodmyst Isle

Not much has been mentioned of this island, other than it will be for further questing beyond the main Azuremyst Isle. The island gets its name from the blood-red skies and lands, which were altered by debris from the Exodar.

[edit] Barrens, The

Covering a sprawling amount of eastern Kalimdor, the Barrens are a central hub of Horde activity on the continent. The area is connected to both Durotar and Mulgore, which contain Orgrimmar and Thunder Bluff respectively, two out of the three most significant cities in the Horde. Additionally, it is adjacent to the contested areas of Ashenvale, the Stonetalon Mountains, Dustwallow Marsh, and Thousand Needles. Travel through most of the regions of Kalimdor will probably require passage through the Barrens. Three encampments appear in the Barrens; the largest is the aptly named Crossroads.

"Barrens Chat" is a well known meme of The Barrens area. Barrens chat, taking place among players in the General chat channel of the Barrens, is known for being random and meandering at best and childish and immature at worst. (Some of the well-known "Chuck Norris facts" have originated or been largely spread by the Barrens chat) Whenever immature chat is going on elsewhere in the Warcraft Universe, it is usually referred to as being just as bad as "Barrens Chat". It is widely held that the reason for the "Barrens chat" phenomenon is that it is a high-population, low-level area; the idea being that by the time a new or young player has reached the Barrens, they have learned how to talk, but do not yet have anything worth saying. A simpler definition could be "See also 'Third-grade Cafeteria'".

In spite of (and perhaps due to) the general attitude towards "Barrens Chat," it has gained some support among the World of Warcraft community as of late. Many now-nostalgic high-level players often return to the Barrens in pursuit of an outlet for their love of immature/random conversation. It is not uncommmon in certain realms to see a group of level 60 players standing in the Crossroads (see entry below) doing nothing but chatting.

As of patch 1.11, the 'Looking For Group' channel was made into a worldwide chat channel. As such, the chat there is said to frequently become like Barrens Chat. A certain module has helped ease the strain for those actually looking for groups in an old module named 'Call to Arms'. Although dated, it skims through the chat and chooses out the LFG/LFM (Looking For Group/Members).

The Barrens are also the location of four separate instances. The first being the The Wailing Caverns southwest of Crossroads. The second being Razorfen Kraul in the southern Barrens. The third being Razorfen Downs right across the road from Razorfen Kraul. Finally, it is also the geographical instance entrance to the battleground Warsong Gulch, situated in the northern Barrens along the border with Ashenvale. However, this entrance is rarely used now since patch 1.9 enabled all battleground entry from any capital city, such as Orgrimmar, Thunder Bluff and The Undercity.

[edit] Camp Taurajo

Camp Taurajo is essentially a stopping point between the Crossroads and Bloodhoof Village, leading to Orgrimmar and Thunder Bluff respectively. It sees little activity except from those walking to Mulgore or Thousand Needles (or the areas beyond). In World of Warcraft, Camp Taurajo recently received a flight path, making it easier to access and cutting down on that agonizingly long walk through the southern half of the Barrens.

[edit] Crossroads, The

Situated to the north, the Crossroads function as a gateway between Durotar to the east, Ashenvale to the north, and the Stonetalon Mountains to the west. Until the installation of wyvern masters in Camp Taurajo and Ratchet, the town was also home to the only wyvern master in the Barrens; and for a large amount of time it was the single largest flight hub in the game, connecting to no fewer than 12 other zones, but in 1.10 patch, Blizzard made all flightpaths on the same faction and continent connected, negating this large bonus.

The Alliance are constantly raiding this small outpost. The Horde are always on their toes in The Crossroads, ready for the Alliance to dare to show their faces.

[edit] Ratchet

Ratchet, east and slightly south of the Crossroads, is a neutral town controlled by the goblin Steamwheedle Cartel. The resident goblins welcome both Horde and Alliance members, though the area is dominated by the Orcish Horde. Ratchet is also a port, and is one end of a boat route that takes players to the southerly town of Booty Bay on the eastern continent - one of the few ways players can go from one continent to another. The Ratchet Bruisers keep fighting between factions to a minimum and any Alliance or Horde that would dare disturb the peace are quickly put down. Patch 1.11 added a flight master friendly to both factions for easier travel to and from The Crossroads (for Horde) and Theramore (for Alliance).

[edit] Darkshore

The major city in Darkshore is Auberdine, a small fishing village with boat routes to Rutheran Village in Teldrassil and Menethil Harbor in the Wetlands (and indirectly to Theramore). Darkshore also contains the ruins of Ameth'Aran, which have been overrun by the undead Highborne and Bashal'Aran, which is overrun by satyr and demonic imps. There are various sicknesses or corruption, as stated by the locals that plague the beasts in the area, making them hostile.

[edit] Auberdine

Auberdine is a Night Elf outpost in Darkshore and through this they control all of the territory from the north end of Darkshore to the southern end near the Zoram Strand and Blackfathom Deeps. It is here that new adventurers from Teldrassil arrive by boat or Hippogryph to get their first glimpse of the larger world that is Azeroth. (Sounds very similar to Aberdeen, a city in north eastern Scotland)

[edit] The Master's Glaive

In the southwesternmost part of Darkshore, a huge blade is driven into a massive skull, ostensibly that of an Old God. The site is now infested by the Twilight Hammer Cult that worship the Old Gods.

[edit] Desolace

Desolace is a barren wasteland, littered with the bones of creatures that have come here to die. Principally accessible from the Stonetalon Mountains to the north, and Feralas to the south, it remains an area of contention between the Horde and Alliance. The demon worshipping Mannoroc Coven call this place their home, as do an orcish faction who have fallen under their sway in Thunderaxe Fortress. In addition, four centaur clans wage a war for control of the land, the Gelkis, Magram, Kolkar, and Maraudine. Desolace is also notable for the two large burial grounds within it, the central Kodo Graveyard and the Valley of Bones to the south. A few enterprising Goblins from Ratchet and Gadgetzan can be found here trying to earn a living. Desolace is also the location of the semi-high level instance called Maraudon.

Rexxar the Beastmaster, and Champion of the Horde also resides in Desolace. After helping Thrall defeat the Human forces of Admiral Proudmoore, Rexxar decided to return to his life of solitude. Rexxar and his bear Misha now patrol the area between northern Feralas and northern Desolace. Swift retribution will be dealt for any Alliance members foolish enough to engage Rexxar. He is also involved in high level Horde quests.

Horde players are sent to the Desolace to destroy the demons dwelling there in an attempt to show the Alliance they are no longer held under demonic sway.

[edit] Shadowprey Village

Shadowprey Village is a coastal fishing village that serves as the Horde's only flight path to the area. It is one of two Horde outposts for this zone and is controlled and populated by the trolls of the Darkspear Tribe. It is the only Horde outpost in Desolace with a flight point. Also notable is a quest available to retrieve lobsters from the sea which can be exchanged for Bloodbelly fish, which when used provide a underwater breathing buff.

It has been suggested that this town contains another reference by Blizzard to a pop-culture phenomenon in the Troll NPC Mai'Lahii, whose name is similar to "Mai Ai Hee", the beginning of the song around which the Numa Numa Dance originated.

[edit] Nijel's Point

Nijel's Point is a Night Elf outpost located to the far north of Desolace, which the Alliance use as their base of operations in their ongoing attempt to wrest control of the region from the Horde. It has hippogryph links to Auberdine, Stonetalon and Thalanaar, and is also brightened by both an inn and a blacksmith.

[edit] Durotar

Durotar is a nation founded by the Horde, to serve as a new homeland for the orcs, and is named after Thrall's father Durotan. Durotar is a land of rugged beauty with its deep canyons and high pinnacles out of the same red rock. The harsh nature of the land closely reflects the attitudes of the orcs and trolls that inhabit it. Before the Horde claimed Durotar for their own, the land was inhabited by quilboar, harpies and centaur.

[edit] Den, The

This is the starting town for the World of Warcraft races of orcs and trolls located in a valley in the southern part of Durotar, west from Sen'jin village. It is accessed through a small pass in the mountains to its east. The populace feeds on the boar which share the land with scorpids. Recently, agents of the Burning Blade have taken control of a cave here. In there you will find demonic Imps as well as Burning Blade followers.

[edit] Sen'jin Village

Sen'jin Village is the temporary home of Master Gadrin, a leader of the Darkspear Tribe since being exiled from The Echo Isles. There are several quest NPCs here which give out low level quests throughout the surrounding area, to include The Echo Isles. There is also a rather odd witch doctor here which turn adventurers into numerous things. Sen'jin Village is under constant threat from the Kolkar tribes to the southwest. The Kolkar tribes are in the process of planning multiple attacks throughout Durotar. You may also buy a Raptor, which is the Troll racial mount, for a hefty price tag.

[edit] Echo Isles, The

The Echo Isles were the home of the Darkspear Tribe of Trolls off the coast of Durotar. After the invasion of Admiral Daelin Proudmoore, the Darkspear Tribe was forced to leave their lands and evacuate. After the evacuation Vol'jin, leader of the tribe, eastablished Sen'jin Village on Durotar under the protection of the Horde. The Isles are now home to a tribe of Voodoo Trolls, led by the witch doctor Zalazane.

[edit] Orgrimmar

Main article: Orgrimmar

Orgrimmar is the capital of the Orcish kingdom of Durotar. The city was created in the period between the Battle of Mount Hyjal and the time that Maiev Shadowsong starts her hunt for Illidan in Lordaeron. The city is built east of the Barrens, in Durotar, north of Thunder Ridge. Thrall's fortress is located there, as well as other important institutions and centers of orcish power. It is the capital city of the Horde. The city was named after the late Orgrim Doomhammer, warchief of the Horde during the Second Great War and Thrall's mentor. It has been nicknamed Lagrimmar by players because there is often server lag there due to large numbers of players congregating in the city.

This Capital contains trainers for most classes, many vendors, and the main body of NPCs associated with the Ahn'Qiraj world event. The Auction House is the main attraction in the city; you can find what you need there, set your own auctions, and make money. It also contains the entrance to the Ragefire Chasm instance. Level 40 orcs can buy a wolf here, which is their racial mount.

Until recently Orgrimmar was the central hub for the Horde in the World of Warcraft, housing both the Auction House, Battleground NPC's and virtually every class trainer with the exception of Druid. It wasn't until patch 1.10 that this was slightly alleviated due to all capital cities having a linked Auction House.

[edit] Razor Hill

Razor Hill is located in the realm of Durotar. It's a halfway point to the Orc city of Orgrimmar. In World of Warcraft it is a location from where Orc and Troll characters receive quests to enter the Barrens. It has an inn, class trainers, and profession trainers, as well as quest givers and NPC vendors and is the second largest settlement in Durotar. Razorhill is the first zone in which players will see Orc architecture, if one studies them long enough he/she will notice they are the exact same as some of the buildings found in Warcraft III.

[edit] Thunder Ridge

Thunder Ridge is located to the southwest of the gates of Orgrimmar and is actually a canyon inhabited by Thunder Lizards and a conclave of warlocks.

[edit] Felwood

A strip of forest in between Moonglade and Ashenvale. Felwood is a diseased wood, corrupted by the Burning Legion using Gul'dan's skull, and a home to powerful creatures, most of them with a twisted and sick appearance. Though Illidan halted the corruption by destroying the skull, Felwood remains poisoned. In the northern part of Felwood there is a cave named the Timbermaw Hold, which leads to both Moonglade and Winterspring.

Reputation with the Timbermaw tribe is highly sought after. Certain high level tailoring and leatherworking patterns, and enchanting formulas for +15 and +25 agility to weapons, are only available from this tribe. This involves many hours of grinding the Timbermaw's enemies, to obtain the required reputation. It can often be hard to find any Woodpaw to kill during the busy weekend periods.

[edit] Bloodvenom Post

A Horde outpost that is situated at the end of the river that cuts Felwood in half. Bloodvenom is little more than a travel hub, though there are a couple quests offered to those who seek them.

[edit] Talonbranch Glade

This is an Alliance outpost that has been established to keep a close watch on Horde and Furbolg activity. It is mostly run by Night Elves.

[edit] Moonglade

Though the Night Elves are officially part of the Alliance, the majority of the population actually remains neutral and has preferred the solitude of the ancient Moonglade over communion with other races. The Moonglade has become the secluded sanctuary of the druids, both Night Elven and Tauren. Druids can teleport to Moonglade at will, though other characters may reach it as well. Moonglade is a neutral terrority in the northern Kalimdor, within the World of Warcraft game universe. It is meant to be a peaceful training area for the Druids, which can be either faction. As such the guards are made up of the neutral Cenarion Circle. Moonglade is primarily meant for Druids, as such they are the only class that can easily enter the Moonglade using a teleportation spell. Other classes can enter the Moonglade via Timbermaw Hold in northern Felwood. The creatures in the Hold, level 50+, are initially hostile to players of the game, restricting easy entry to Moonglade to non-Druids until level 50. However, the recently implemented "Lunar Festival" allows players to teleport there after a simple quest during the festival. This is of course only for the duration of the festival. Once there, non-Druids can discover flight paths that allow them to return to Moonglade with ease. The primary town in the Moonglade is Nighthaven. Despite the war that rages around it, the denizens of Moonglade welcome all races and factions and will not tolerate conflict within their borders.

[edit] Nighthaven

Nighthaven was the Night Elven capital for thousands of years before it was abandoned for Darnassus when Teldrassil was grown. Many druidic Barrow Dens, including that of Malfurion Stormrage himself, can be found here. Night Elven and Tauren druids who teleport to Moonglade materialize in this city, from which they can then take a flight path to Rut'Theran Village on Teldrassil or Thunder Bluff in Mulgore.

[edit] Mount Hyjal

Mount Hyjal was the site of the last great battle against the Burning Legion during the Third War. Right now the Hyjal area is forbidden to those playing World of Warcraft with no normal way to get in; however, there is one way in. In southern Winterspring there is a certain pole you can jump on, go around, and jump off the top you get to, and reach Hyjal.

[edit] World Tree

When Illidan Stormrage stole some drops of water from the remnants of the original Well of Eternity, he transplanted them to a lake at the peak of Mount Hyjal, causing it to form itself into a new Well of Eternity. To bless the Night Elves who came, Nozdormu and Alexstrazsa, along with Ysera three of the great Dragon Aspects, gave them an enchanted acorn. The acorn itself was from the tree lair of the demigoddess Aviana. The acorn sprung up as Nordrassil, the World Tree. After the first Invasion of the Burning Legion, the Night Elves became bound to the tree. It granted them the use of druidic magic, which was not as dangerous as arcane magic, and made them immortal. Thanks to Ysera's blessing on the tree the druids were also able to enter the Emerald Dream. During the second invasion, the tree was attacked by Archimonde, and was almost drained of power before he was destroyed. Archimonde's massive skeleton can still be seen on the great tree. Players who wish to find the world tree need to reach the summit of Mount Hyjal, which can currently be achieved in-game. In the screenshot above (see "Mount Hyjal"), Nordrassil is directly behind the field of view.

It is clearly based on the Norse world-tree Yggdrasil.

[edit] Mulgore

Mulgore is a vast basin of rolling plains, with occasional trees. To the north, the sheer cliffs of Thunder Bluff rise out of the surrounding landscape. To the center, there is the calm lake Stonebull, and Bloodhoof Village. To the south is Red Cloud Mesa and Camp Narache.

For eons, Mulgore was dominated by the Centaur. However, when the Tauren joined the Horde, Thrall helped expel the Centaur from the region, reclaiming their ancestral home. Recently Dwarves from Ironforge and the Venture company have entered Mulogre intent on exploiting the areas rich natural resources.

In the game World of Warcraft, Mulgore is the starting place for the Tauren (one of the four races of the Horde).

[edit] Thunder Bluff

Main article: Thunder Bluff

Thunder Bluff, located in the central territory of Mulgore in Kalimdor, is the capital of the Tauren race. The city sits atop four mesas (the central mesa as well as Spirit Rise, Elder Rise, and Hunter Rise), each connected by rope bridges, and serves as a hub of commerce for the normally nomadic Tauren. It is home to Cairne Bloodhoof, the chieftain of the Bloodhoof clan of Tauren, and the current leader of the Tauren.

Although Thunder Bluff is largely populated by members of the Bloodhoof clan, a small contingent of the Grimtotem tribe also reside there.

The city is accessible only by elevator or wyvern.

Thunder Bluff is also the site of the Darkmoon Faire when it comes to the Horde every other month.

[edit] Bloodhoof Village

The Village North of Camp Narache, and South of Thunder Bluff. The Chieftan of the Bloodhoof Tauren is Cairne Bloodhoof, but he is currently leading the Tauren in Thunder Bluff. It's likely Cairne's son, Baine Bloodhoof, is leading the tribe. Bloodhoof village provides a number of Profession and Class Trainers. The Kodo mounts are bought here as well.

[edit] Camp Narache

Camp Narache is a small village, south of Bloodhoof Village. It's the beginning point for new players that have chosen to be Tauren.

[edit] Stonetalon Mountains

The Stonetalon Mountains lie to the west of the Barrens, and lead to the northern entrance to Desolace. The region was once a lush forest, but the anti-environmental corporation the Venture Trading Company had deforested the region, and many quests in the region focus on battling the Venture Co. and restoring the forests.

[edit] Lake Mirkfallon

A misty lake home to fire elementals and wyverns.

[edit] Sun Rock Retreat

The local Horde outpost, Sun Rock is mainly populated by Tauren. It is also home to a single Blood Elf. The Horde expert enchanting trainer, Hgarth, can be found here, tucked away in the northeast corner of the retreat.

[edit] Windshear Crag

Once a great forest, Windshear has been completely deforested and now swarms with Venture Co. mercenaries. An enormous derelict shredding machine can be found in this area, providing a testament to goblin engineering feats.

[edit] Teldrassil

The tree Teldrassil was planted under the instruction of Arch Druid Fandral Staghelm to be the new home of the Night Elves and to hopefully give the Night Elves their immortality back. This was seen as a greedy gesture by the Night Elves in the eyes of the dragon flights that had granted them their immortality and thus not blessed by them or nature. The perverse nature of its creation is flooding into the natural wildlife and corrupting it.

[edit] Darnassus

Main article: Darnassus

Darnassus is the capital of the Night Elf society. It is located among the roots of the gigantic tree of Teldrassil, north of the continent of Kalimdor. Ruled by the high priestess of the moon, Tyrande Whisperwind, Darnassus is separated into multiple terraces - The Craftsman's Terrace, the Tradesman's Terrace, the Temple of the Moon, The Warrior's Terrace, and the Cenarion Enclave. Darnassus is a relative ghost town due to the lack of important quest hubs around the area, the lack of an anvil for certain trade skills, not to mention the fact that it is difficult to reach the zone.

[edit] Rut'theran Village

Rut'theran Village is a Night Elf outpost located on the outskirts of the new Night Elf home that connects Darkshore and Darnassus.

[edit] Shadowglen

Shadowglen, located in a valley in the north eastern area of Teldrassil, is the beginning area of players that chose a Night Elf character.

[edit] Dolanaar

Dolanaar is a small village in between Shadowglen and Darnassus. It has an inn and several class trainers. It is a good place to set your Hearthstone to as it is central to Teldrassil.

[edit] Winterspring

Winterspring is a region in northern Kalimdor, home to the mighty Frostsabres, a special breed of the Night Elf Nightsabre that can survive the harsh climates. The Wintersabre Trainers will sell one to any Alliance adventurer who they deem worthy. The Goblins have set up a neutral town in the central area, providing sanctuary to the various adventurers. To the far south is Darkwhisper Gorge, home of the Hederine demons and a breed of Magehunter who are seemingly guarding gates leading to the foothills of Mount Hyjal. Crazed Furlbog inhabit the region, being driven crazy from the taints of felwood.

[edit] Everlook

Everlook, located in Winterspring, just west of Nordrassil, the World Tree, is one of the five Goblin cities of the Steamwheedle Cartel. In January 2006, the 1.9 content patch implemented an auction house in Everlook linked to the same listing of items as the auction house in Gadgetzan.

[edit] Starfall

A small Alliance outpost nestled on the mountainside in northern Winterspring.

[edit] Southern Kalimdor

[edit] Dustwallow Marsh

This is where Thrall landed at the beginning of the Orc campiagn in Warcraft III. Dustwallow Marsh is an important hub for Alliance players, the refugee city of Theramore can found on its coasts. The Horde encampment Brackenwall Village can also be found here. Dustwallow Marsh is the home of the Brood mother of the blackflight, Onyxia.

[edit] Brackenwall Village

The home of the Stonemaul Ogres, who are allied with the Horde. Horde players can eventually challenge the Ogre leader of the camp. There is a wyvern master here.

[edit] Alcaz Island

This mysterious Island is off the coast, North of Theramore. If one chooses to journey there, they will encounter an immense force of elite Naga. If one chooses to journey inside of Alcaz Island, they will find none other than the King of Stormwind himself. He seems to be nothing more then decoration at this time, but this might change in the game's future.

According to Blizzplanet.com, after the 1.9 patch, the King of Stormwind is no longer in Alcaz Island. New mobs have been added to guard Doctor Weavil, a mysterious Gnome lvl 63 Elite. An airplane operated by two Dwarves lvl 60 Elite is sitting outside the cabin. These mobs are allied to the Naga.

As of patch 1.9 Doctor Weavil drops Draconic for Dummies: Chapter 1. This item is only lootable by players on the sceptor quest to open the gates of Ahn'Qiraj. Some other chapters come from Onyxia, Ragnaros and a table near Firemaw in Blackwing Lair. This very long quest line, about 15 quests in 3 different sections, starts in Silithus with the turning in of the Head of the Broodlord Lashlayer, from Blackwing Lair.

[edit] Theramore

The Theramore Isles are a group of islands off the coast of southern Kalimdor. Jaina Proudmoore, the daughter of Admiral Daelin Proudmoore, founded the Human bastion on the Island of Theramore, the largest island of the group. Unfortunately, the island was soon occupied by Kul Tiras forces under the command of Admiral Proudmoore, who used the island to stage a war against the Horde. The Horde, under the leadership of their visionary warchief Thrall, and the help of the wanderer Beastmaster Rexxar, attacked Theramore Isles in defense of their newly founded kingdom of Durotar. The Horde successfully invaded the citadel located on the island and put an end to the Admiral's life. After the battle the Horde left the island untouched and in peace. In the World of Warcraft, Theramore Isle is a large Alliance stronghold. Though most residents are human refugees from Lordaeron, there is also a large minority of High Elves who had sailed for Kalimdor before the Scourge's conquest of Quel'Thalas. Many of the inhabitants and soldiers of Theramore are very likely survivors of the Battle of Hyjal, during which the Alliance played an important role as the front line of the defense at Mt. Hyjal. Jaina Proudmoore is the governor in town, which consists of many vendors, trainers and Gryphon Master.

[edit] Onyxia's Lair

After the disappearance of Deathwing, leader of the Black Flight, his daughter Onyxia and son Nefarian are now taking over the Black Flight. Onyxia has become a powerful dragon, often taking humanoid form to meddle in the politics of mortals. In World of Warcraft, she resides in Dustwallow Marsh and is a high level raid boss. Once dead, her head can be taken back to a capital city (Stormwind for the Alliance and Orgrimmar for the Horde) where it is publicly displayed for all to see.

[edit] Feralas

Located in Southwestern Kalimdor, Feralas is a lush forest home to a variety of different species of animals. Scattered across this verdant green are the ruins of many Elven cities, Eldre'Thalas (a.k.a. Dire Maul) being the most prestigious. West of the mainland is Sardor Isle where the Feathermoon Stronghold, led by Shandris Feathermoon, a Night Elf general, is located. The Horde outpost Camp Mojache can be found in the eastern section of Feralas. A group of Grimtotem Tauren have also established themselves in Feralas, Horde players are sent to collect their horns as bounty.

[edit] Camp Mojache

A Tauren encampment which provides a variety of quests. Horde adventurers will obtain a majority of their Dire Maul quests here.

[edit] Feathermoon Stronghold

A Night Elf bastion led by Shandris Feathermoon and is used to keep watch over the Horde.

[edit] Oneiros

At present, the history and purpose of the ruins of Oneiros are unknown. Likely, the keepers of this knowledge are the ultra-powerful dragonkin who guard the crumbling towers zealously against the intrepid explorer. Oneiros is also a location in World of Warcraft that is marked as a spawn point of one of the four Green Dragons.

[edit] Tanaris

Tanaris is a sandy desert found in World of Warcraft on the continent of Kalimdor. Tanaris is home to the Goblin city of Gadgetzan, the Desert Troll city of Zul'Farrak, a large number of pirates, the gates of Uldum, an infestation of giant insects known as Silithids, and the safest entrance to Un'Goro Crater. Tanaris is one of the most popular zones in World of Warcraft because of its wide range of quests, its neutral auction house, and its importance as an entrance to Zul'Farrak and Un'Goro Crater.

[edit] Gates of Uldum

The Gates of Uldum are an abandoned set of ruins found in the southern-most area of Tanaris, and is the second of the Titan ruins to be found in the game, or the research labs of the titan, the other being Uldaman. It is possible that Uldum itself will become a playable area/instance in a further content update by Blizzard.

[edit] Caverns of Time

The Caverns of Time is the lair of Nozdormu. Guarding the Cavern are three distinct dragons said to be of Nozdormu's Dragon brood. Recently Anachronos, a fourth, more powerful dragon has been spotted guarding the caverns. In World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade, players will be "allowed" to enter the caverns to revisit major events in Warcraft history. Currently, in-game access is possible to the "lobby" of the caverns of time, where you can see planets in the sky, beams of red 'energy' moving around, and the sands of time.

Three new instance have been added to the Cavern of Times for the expansion and a possible fourth. Players will be asked to save Thrall from Durnhold Keep, protect Medivh as he opens the dark portal and finaly face Archimonde and the burning legion at Mount Hyjal. A fourth possible battleground will be added at a later date.

[edit] Steamwheedle Port

Steamwheedle Port is a small port along the northeastern most part of Tanaris, although no ships are known to have docked here at this point of World of Warcraft's time in existence. Immediately north of the port is a small hut, around which a white owl named O'Reilly is flying, which is another of Blizzard's nods to the "O RLY" internet fad.

[edit] Gadgetzan

The Goblin city of Gadgetzan is the home to one of the highest concentrations of quests in game, and constantly supports a number of players that are either questing, getting ready to attack Zul'Farrak, or simply passing through. Although the Horde and the Alliance are hostile towards each other, the auction house in this small town is the focal point where the two factions exchange their goods and technology. Many of the items sold on the auction house have been heavily overpriced due to the fact that players use Gadgetzan's neutral auction house as a hub to transfer massive amount of gold from one race to the other. The only downside to this and the other two neutral auction houses, is the faction 'cut' paid by the seller, which is 15%. Auction houses in the Horde and Alliance cities, only remove 5% from items sold.

In January 2006 the 1.9 content patch implemented goblin-run auction houses in the snowbound town of Everlook (in Winterspring) and the port city of Booty Bay (in Stranglethorn Vale), linked to the same listing of items as the auction house in Gadgetzan.

Gadgetzan is a reference to Bartertown in the movie Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome (1985).

[edit] Zul'Farrak

Zul'Farrak is one of the simpler, but more popular instanced dungeons in World of Warcraft. It is the home of the Sandfury Trolls, a shamanistic tribe that are native to the desert and have adapted to their environment, and can be considered very dangerous for a player of the required level. Zul'Farrak houses a large number of quests, most notably the Divino-Matic Rod quest, which features a huge battle with hundreds of trolls on the steps of a sacrificial altar and the giant hydra Gahz'rilla (an obvious reference to Godzilla), summoned by striking the Gong with a magical hammer obtained through a quest line in the Hinterlands. The "Mallet of Zul'Farrak" as it's so called, is fairly hard to obtain and players possessing it may be highly sought after for groups.

[edit] Thousand Needles

Once a great river feeding into a giant lake, The Thousand Needles is now a grand canyon with a large dry lakebed in its southeastern section. Upon the rises in the middle of the old river is the Tauren camp Freewind Post and a Grimtotem tribe settlement. In the old lake bed silithids have begun an infestation, and goblins and gnomes take advantage of the wide flat expanse to race test vehicles. Centaurs roam the northern section of the zone near the Barrens.

[edit] Shimmering Flats

The Shimmering Flats are the site of a race between Goblin and Gnome race teams. Along its edges you can find ruins of former race ships and rockets. A large, flat, desertlike part of the Thousand Needles, Shimmering Flats is home to one of the most popular sports in all of Kalimdor: dragracing. Gnomes and Goblins alike strive for months trying to create a better racing machine, and, as shown in Gadgetzan Times issue #1 (hosted on the WoW website, [1]), neither race is really outdoing the other. According to the Goblins, the Gnomes spend too much time on "accessories" like air conditioning and kodo leather seats, while one Gnome claims, "[The racer] may look like a zeppelin crossed with a water tower, but remember, the stripe makes it go faster!" So if you want to watch some intense high speed racing and get a quest for Zul' Farrak that gives you the opportunity to get a carrot, then book a trip to Shimmering Flats today!

The (not so) observant may notice some skid-marks going, literally, into the mountains to the south. You can find the conclusion of this crazy journey on the other side of the mountain. The rocket car apparently traveled completely through the mountain. This is a nod from the developers to the film Buckaroo Banzai.

[edit] Thalanaar

Minor Alliance outpost on the edges of Feralas bordering Thousand Needles. Has a flightmaster.

[edit] Freewind Post

Fairly large Horde encampment strategically placed high atop one of the many mesas in the area. Not much to see here except a few quests and acting as a minor resupply zone for travellers passing through. Contains a Flightmaster as well so it's recommended to pay a visit and add the point to your list.

[edit] Un'goro Crater

Un'goro Crater, filled with jungles, tar pits, and swamps, is found in the central southern end of Kalimdor, between Silithus and Tanaris. This zone can thus be entered from the south east, via Tanaris, the north west, via Silithus, or by way of a recently-added (as of patch 1.11) flight-point found at Marshal's Refuge.

The central area of the crater is dominated by the volcano known as Fire Plume Ridge. Names of various creatures and items in Un'goro are taken from pop culture and videogames --- characters named Larion, Muigin, Linken and Dodonga are borrowed from Nintendo, as well as hidden references such as the Gorillas that drop empty barrels, a nod towards Donkey Kong. Several other names are taken from the 1974 television series Land of the Lost. This region contains many high level herbs, and the fire elementals in the area are regularly farmed for drops of Elemental Fire, Heart of Fire, and Essence of Fire.

A long quest which rewards the player with a trinket capable of throwing a boomerang, starts at a boat in a lake near the south entrance to the zone. This and some other trinkets, provide the sole 'pull' ability for the Paladin class, for non undead npc's.

The idea for this area is derived from a real-world collapsed volcano found in Tanzania, Ngorongoro Crater.

[edit] Marshal's Refuge

Marshal's Refuge is the site of a neutral Alliance/Horde base and a few scattered NPCs. This site is also a source of quests involving crystal deposits scattered throughout Un'Goro Crater. There is a shared flight path here, available to both factions.

[edit] Fire Plume Ridge

A burning spire of molten lava, this place is home to many fire elementals. A fire elemental known as Blazerunner situates itself in the highest cave.

[edit] Silithus

This area in southwestern Kalimdor is a high-level area in World of Warcraft that has become increasingly popular with players after the introduction of the patch 1.9, which brought forth the instances of Ahn'Qiraj. The area itself gave name to the race of Silithids, an insectoid race who originates from the southern parts of Silithus.

[edit] Cenarion Hold

An outpost constructed by the druids of Cenarion Circle, it is one of the few safe places among the shifting sands of Silithus. Neutral to both factions and contains a Flightmaster for both as well. It can be reached either by Gryphon or Wyvern from Gadgetzan. The merchants of Cenarion Hold gladly sell their goods to any adventurer who passes through, since business is hard to come by in these trying times.

[edit] Ahn'Qiraj

A high level instance that can be found in Southern Silithus, Ahn'Qiraj is initially sealed by the Scarab Gate, which can be opened by a server-wide series of events culminating in the War Effort. Beyond the Scarab Gate lie the Ruins of Ahn'Qiraj (a smaller raiding zone also known as AQ20) and the Temple of Ahn'Qiraj (a larger raiding zone also known as AQ40). As players delve deeper into Ahn'Qiraj they learn the Silithid are actually under control of the Old God C'thun.

[edit] Northrend

Main article: Northrend

Northrend is a freezingly cold continent found at the roof of the world of Azeroth. It is here that the Lich King makes his home and where the plague of undeath known as the Scourge was first conceived. The other two continents of the Azeroth world are Kalimdor to the West and the Eastern Kingdoms.

[edit] Drak'Tharon Keep

Undead stronghold which Arthas besieged to take revenge upon the dreadlord Mal'Ganis, whose foul tactics and use of the undead plague forced Arthas to slaughter the human citizens of the city of Stratholme in order to prevent them from turning into Undead.

[edit] Icecrown Glacier

Site of the Frozen Throne, in Northrend, where the Lich King resides.

[edit] Azjol-Nerub

Great subterranean spider kingdom of the Nerubians; now lies in ruins and is a base of some scattered Dwarves and still living Nerubians.

[edit] The Great Dragonblight,

An expanse in Northrend of the corpses and skeletons of many great dragons. When a dragon senses its death approaching, it chooses to die here to be with its brethren. In preparation of the Third War, Ner'zhul raised the corpses of dead dragons to serve him as powerful Frost Wyrms.

[edit] Gun'Drak

A small kingdom of Ice Trolls.

[edit] Icecrown Citadel

The Icecrown Citadel, the largest Scourge fortress, is currently home to Lich King Arthas, with a countless amount of Scourge Elite Guard. It is currently still being built.

[edit] Other

[edit] Kalimdor

Main article: Kalimdor

Kalimdor is a large landmass in the world of Azeroth, in the fictional Warcraft Universe that is the setting of the Warcraft franchise of computer games by Blizzard Entertainment, and spinoffs of it in the form of a board game, action figures, and several pocket books.

[edit] Eastern Kingdoms, The

Main article: Eastern Kingdoms

The Eastern Kingdoms refer to the kingdoms found on the Eastern landmass in the world of Azeroth.

[edit] Undermine

Main article: Undermine

Undermine is a large island below Kalimdor. Little is known about Undermine, but it is believed to be the home of the Goblins where they create their machines and other devices.

[edit] Emerald Dream

In the Warcraft series, the Emerald Dream is the universe where the Night Elf druids slumber during their period of meditation. Hallowed places called Barrow Dens are sites where the druids slumber in the Emerald Dream.

The Emerald Dream is also the domain of Ysera the Dreamer and her Green Dragonflight (and the Faerie Dragons) whose job it is to watch over the Emerald Dream and the wilds.

The Emerald Dream assisted Malfurion in disrupting the Burning Legion's forthcoming. Whilst in the Emerald Dream Malfurion asked the forces of nature to slay Lord Xavius. The sheer power of nature destroyed the whole building of which Lord Xavius was in. The Highborne were obliterated along with Lord Xavius and the tower.

A dark corruption has seeped into the Emerald dream, though source of this taint has not been identified it has become powerful enough to twist even the mightiest of the Green dragon flight.

[edit] Great Sea, The

The huge ocean that surrounds and divides the continents of Kalimdor and the Eastern Kingdoms of Azeroth, Khaz Modan, Lordaeron and Quel'Thalas

[edit] The Maelstrom

Main article: Well of Eternity

The Maelstrom is the swirling remains of the original well of eternity, which was destroyed during the first invasion of the Burning Legion. It was also the point at which Sargeras, the dark Titan, attempted to enter Azeroth.

[edit] Nazjatar

The capital of the Naga, situated on the ocean floor beneath the Maelstrom. Originally the site of the Night Elf capital of Zin-Azshari. Azshara, formerly the Queen of the Night Elves and now Empress of the Naga, rules from a lavish palace.

[edit] Tomb of Sargeras

The Tomb of Sargeras is a tomb that contains an untold source of power. Aegwynn, the most powerful of the guardians defeated the dark Titan Sargeras in a battle that took place somewhere in Northrend, imprisoning his body under the sea in the ancient Night Elf city of Suramar. In Warcraft II, the Orc warlock, Gul'dan used his vast power to raise the tomb from the sea floor, and tried to take the power of Sargeras for himself, but the tomb's guardian Demons killed him.

In The Frozen Throne, Maiev Shadowsong's pursuit of the 'betrayer' Illidan led her to the tomb. While she was in the tomb, orcish runes on the walls told her and her warriors the tale of Gul'dan's journey through the tomb and his death in pursuit of the Eye of Sargeras - the container of part of the dark titan's power. Illidan then collapsed the tomb in an attempt to kill Maiev and her Watchers.

[edit] Twisting Nether, The

The Twisting Nether is a chaotic realm in the Warcraft Universe. Its exact nature and its relationship to the worlds of Azeroth and Draenor are not fully understood, however the Burning Legion and the demonic races of the Eredar and Nathrezim dwell here.

One of the common theories of The Twisting Nether is that it acts the way "The Warp" does in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. It acts as a parallel dimension to our own space. By travelling through it people can traverse the distance between stars in a short time. This realm however is the home to malevolent spirits such as demons who seek to destroy our reality. The Twisting Nether is thought to be the link between all of the dimensions in the multiverse. It is utilized by the Titans to create the many worlds under their watch, and later as well by Sargeras in the creation of the Burning Legion. It is also considered a type of 'hell' by members of the Scarlet Crusade where those who are tainted by the scourge go when they die.

[edit] World of Azeroth, The

Main article: Azeroth (world)

Azeroth is a nation inhabited by a diverse array of species. Most of the action of the first Warcraft game takes place within the human nation of Azeroth.

[edit] World of Draenor, The

Main article: Draenor

Draenor (referred to as Outland after its partial destruction) is a harsh world that glares in a reddish hue. The waters seem foul, but this is misleading: the planet is capable of supporting life. It is the homeland of the Orcs and other related races (Ogres, Draenor Giants, and Draenei) that invaded Azeroth through the rift called the Dark Portal. The energies of this and subsequent portals opened by the Orcs were so intense that the world was ripped apart, and nowadays, only floating islands and debris remain. The world was originally a dense green swampland, but the demonic corruption of the Orcs by the Burning Legion scarred the land so thoroughly that it was left as little more than a dusty wasteland. The dominant life forms of the world were once the Draenei. Gul'dan the Warlock describes these beings as "a weak people -- hardly worth the effort of our raiding sweep". After the destruction of Draenor, a few Draenei remained alive on Outland, but their numbers were further crippled by the Fel Orcs led by the Pit Lord Magtheridon, who completely conquered the remains of the planet. It was not until Illidan Stormrage and his band of Blood Elves and Naga arrived that the world was freed from Magtheridon's iron grip.

[edit] World of Argus, The

Main article: Argus (warcraft)

Argus is the ancestral homeland of the Eredar race. The Eredar who fled Argus in response to Sargeras' growing corruption was called the Draenei, meaning The Exiled Ones in Erudean tongue.

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