Locations in the Warcraft Universe
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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
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
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) 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
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
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
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 fountain.
[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 Pyrrhic a victory as possible. 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.
[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
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)
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
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
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
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] 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
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
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 vendor.
[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] 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
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 Prestor, 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.
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. 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 lo