MMOpwn
08-08-2008, 12:45
Northrend
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Borean Tundra
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Introduction & Zone Description
The sprawling Borean Tundra lays at the far southwestern tip of Northrend, the icy continent also known as the roof of the world.
Kaskala, located in the Borean Tundra is the capital of the Tuskarr and offers members of both the Alliance and Horde a neutral place to stop and rest from the harsh conditions of the Tundra, while also offering traders from both factions a chance to negotiate deals with the local Tuskarr.
With the Horde turning its interest north, Garrosh Hellscream, son of former Warsong Chieftain Grom Hellscream, has founded the fortress of Warsong Hold. Garrosh and his Orc forces have also discovered the enigmatic Taunka, an ancient offshoot of the Tauren race that up until now had been thought lost forever. From the fortress of Warsong Hold, a travel hub has been set up to allow for quicker transportation between the Hold and their new found allies, the Taunka.
Elsewhere within the Tundra, the Alliance have founded Valiance Keep. Making use of the Valiance Keep's location, a dock has been constructed that will grant seafaring access from the Borean Tundra directly into the heart of Stormwind at its recently constructed harbour.
To the north west of the zone sits The Nexus, home to Malygos the Spellweaver and his Blue Dragonflight. There Malygos sits waiting for any would be heroes to venture into his domain seeking to put a rest to his plans that involve neutralizing all magic casters in the known world.
Blue Dragonflight are the least of traveler's worries as many Naga take refuge within the Tundra. Taking advantage of the abandoned Riplash ruins, which previously was home to the Nerubians, the Naga now use it as their home within the area and from here continue their devastating plan to melt the ice and thus flood the entire zone.
Crystalsong Forest
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Introduction & Zone Description
While at first glance it may resemble an actual forest, very few real trees actually dwell within this region. Instead, trees neither living or dead, have been created from Crystal. The light shines from the crystal trees giving the appearance that snow and ice blanket the area, but it is all just a trick played upon the eyes by the light.
There was a time when no crystal existed at all, and the region was complete with green lands and tall trees, then a huge battle took place. The Dragonflight’s of the Black and Blue fought a great battle within the region, each time a defeated foe perished their magic essence being released into the air. It was when one of the Blue Dragonflight cast a spell to turn his attackers into crystal, that the loose magic essence amplified the spell, turning not only his foes into crystal but the entire landscape as well.
Dalaran
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Introduction & Zone Description
The magocratic city-state of Dalaran was the second city of the Nation of Arathor, constructed by mages who felt too confined to study in Strom. Long renowned as the focal point for magical study among the Alliance races, the Kirin Tor oversaw the study of the arcane and the collection of magical works and artifacts. Dalaran has been home to some of the greatest wizards of the time such as Antonidas, Arugal, Kel’Thuzad, Jaina Proudmoore, Khadgar, Kael´thas Sunstrider and Rhonin. After ravaging the city in the Third War, Arthas and Kel’Thuzad managed to summon Archimonde to Dalaran, who quickly decimated the city. However, a party led by Lord Garithos reclaimed the ruins, and what was left of the Kirin Tor quickly set about rebuilding their beloved city, encasing it in a bubble that distorts time and space to make it impenetrable to any further attack.
With the threat of the insane Malygos and the Blue Dragonflight looming, the Kirin Tor under the leadership of Rhonin have hastily used tremendous magical power to transport Dalaran to levitate just north of the Dragonblight, in Crystalsong Forest. Deciding to put aside their differences with the Horde with persuasion from Jaina, the works of Antonidas on the orcs and relations with the reformed Blood (High) Elves, Dalaran will serve as a major stronghold for assaults on the Nexus and even Icecrown itself.
As with Shattrath City, Dalaran will not have an Auction House or class trainers, and there will be Horde/Alliance areas similar to the Scryer/Aldor ones in Shattrath. There are also one or two instances planned for Dalaran, but we have no information on these currently.
Dragonblight
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Introduction & Zone Description
Most of the Dragonblight is a single valley, sloping southward to the Shiverwind Coast. Low hills rise along the sides, taller to the east where the butt up against the Grizzly Hills and Zul'Drak. To the north a thin line of tall, sharp edges cliffs break the land where Icecrown Glacier begins.
The western edge borders Lake Wintergrasp, and the ground there is frozen solid.
Many animals live here, feeding off the dragons' remains. Birds, Bears, Spiders, Wolves and Bats all tear at the remains or at each other.
Once this region was a thriving land, the most fertile in Northrend after the Sholazar Basin. That was long ago. Now it is a vast wasteland where even the snow and ice seem drained. Most of the Dragonblight is a single enormous valley. And it's filled with bodies of dragons. Ailing and old dragons, from every dragonflight, from all over the world, come here to die. The ground is littered with dragons of all colours.
Black and red and green and blue and bronze, they all lie here together, all their differences set aside in death. The mightiest creatures in the world, laid low by age and illness and attack. The land has never recovered, and never will. It weeps for its lost children, and remains barren in their memory.
Travellers making the pass through the Dragonblight might be fooled into believing that it is a peaceful place, they'd be fooled to do so. Nerubians stalk amongst the valley, and recently the Scourge have started to increase the number of patrols within the area. While the bones of the fallen Dragons lay in peace, you'd be fooled to try and disturb any of them, as you may find yourself on the wrong end of one of their protectors...Dragons themselves.
Travellers must also be wary of other creatures that scavenge through the area such as the Birds, Bears, Spiders, Wolves and Bats all tear at the Dragon's remains, and anyone, or anything that looks remotely like their next meal.
Ebon Hold
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Introduction & Zone Description
In the far reaches of the Eastern Plaguelands, along the shoreline, lies Acherus, the Death Knight capital. Resting high above the town of New Haven, the necropolis serves as the starting area and training point for the Death Knight class. Instructor Razuvious trains all incoming Death Knights, while Noth the Plaguebringer seeks help to create another plague cauldron. There are four levels to the city, three of which are connected by portals. Below on the ground, the Scourge battles against the Scarlet Crusade, but for once they are gaining ground. From a bustling village to a decrepit eyesore, the town decays as the Scourge advances, ultimately decimating the town and discovering the secret plot of the "Crimson Dawn."
Grizzly Hills
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Introduction & Zone Description
Grizzly Hills is the home to the Furbolgs of Grizzlemaw, believed to be the biggest settlement of Furbolgs on Azeroth. To the north of the region sits Thor Modan, a Dwarven settlement while the Ice Troll fortress of Drak’Tharon Keep looks over the land perilously to the North West.
Previous to his defeat within Shadowfang Keep, Arugal has been resurrected and he has taken up residence in Dun Argol to the south east, from where he commands his legions of Worgen.
Along the south western coast, the Goblins of the Venture Company have set up a base of operations, from where they lead their attacks onto the landscape, as the machines cut through the forest at will. The Venture Company have also began laying traps for any Furbolgs that wander to close to their base of operations, much to the anger of Grizzlemaw.
Amongst the wilderness is said to be an ancient prehistoric bear that the Furbolgs regard very highly and worship him whenever the chance presents itself.
Howling Fjord
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Introduction & Zone Description
The Howling Fjord sits high above the Great Sea on the southeastern tip of Northrend. It is said that in ancient times the Vrykul, a race of half-giant warriors, inhabited the land, founding a vast and prosperous civilization.
Howling Fjord has dark forests, open plains, treacherous rocks, and what used to be the only city and port on the continent. The north edge of the Howling Fjord has low hills and thick forest. The land smoothes out to the south, however, and the trees fade back, to be replaced by grain and a few hardy fruits and vegetables.
Daggercap Bay dominates the southern end, which is all rock. Most people live in Valgarde or in a semicircle above it. The fjord has its share of wildlife. Bears, wolves and other creatures prowl the forests, and small animals sneak through the farmland as well. Birds roost in the trees and steal grain and seeds, and the warmer climate and rich soil draws insects and other vermin as well.
Since the Alliance and Horde’s recent arrival upon the shores of Howling Fjord, an event has occurred that none expected. The Vyrkul have returned, and attacks on both Horde and Alliance settlements are now common.
The presence of Utgarde Keep so close to Valgarde is of grave concern to the Alliance, as they witness more and more Vyrkul spill from its doors. It is only a matter of time before the Valiance Expedition send forth would be heroes into Utgarde Keep to investigate the problem being generated by the Vyrkul’s reemergence. Nobody is sure of why the Vyrkul have returned, but whatever the answer, it does not bode well for both the Alliance and the Horde as they begin to get side tracked from their main objective ... the defeat of Arthas.
On the eastern shore, the Forsaken have arrived, carrying a plague of their own to unleash upon the Lich King. Queen Sylvanas has been methodically and patiently overseeing the formulation of this contagion for several years, and the time has come at last to test its effectiveness against the Scourge. As a show of her power, the Banshee Sylvanas has ordered the construction of a Forsaken Town, New Agamand, complete with their own architecture as a show of might and power.
It is said that goblins are using Giant Sea Turtles to give easy transport between the zones of Howling Fjord and Borean Tundra.
Icecrown Glacier
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Introduction & Zone Description
Situated at the very pinnacle of the world, Icecrown is the home of the Frozen Throne and the stronghold of the Scourge. Ner’zhul, imprisoned here by Kil’jaeden, quickly drew all manners of dead creatures to him and conquered the area which was once capital of the spider kingdom of Azjol-Nerub. Once threatened to be undone by his creator, Ner’zhul called Arthas to him and managed to stop Illidan at the last moment. With the threat dealt with, Arthas freed Ner’zhul from his prison, their beings merging to form The Lich King we know today. Now, with the old prison blown away, the Frozen Throne sits open atop Icecrown Citadel overseeing the masses of undead that live below, tirelessly bolstering the Scourge’s war efforts.
Entry to Icecrown is gained via the Dragonblight, by passing through Angrathar, the Wrath Gate. However, it won’t be that easy. Horde and Alliance forces alike are gathered at the base of the Gate, accumulating their forces and preparing for whatever horrors may lie beyond. It is here that the culmination of the ’first act’ of the expansion will take place, and our first encounter with Arthas. It is only to be expected however that Icecrown Citadel itself will house the final deciding showdown, and thus won’t be accessible until future patches.
Sholazar Basin
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Introduction & Zone Description
Sholazar Basin is is a tropical jungle, located in the west of Northrend. The zone is very similar to Un'Goro Crater in Kalimdor, not only in terms of the tropical climate, but also the geographical similarities. Scholozar Basin is in between Borean Tundra and Icecrown. Because of this, the zone is surrounded by high cliffs, stretching all around the zone. Scholazar Basin has also several waterfalls, falling down from Lake Wintergrasp and the ocean.The zone is covered by hot springs and geysers. The hot climate has created a thick vegetation, as well as a rich animal wildlife.
This has eventually woken the curiosity of Hemet Nesingwary & friends. This strange and undiscovered tropical zone, is the home of many species and animals never before seen by Azeroth's races. It is pretty safe to assume that the Nesingwary expedition is out here to shoot down and capture wild animals living in the area. For this reason, another group of animal lovers has shown up.
D.E.H.T.A.(Druids for the Ethical and Humane Treatment of Animals). In an effort to try saving the animals of Northrend, D.E.H.T.A. has established a base in the Borean Tundra. Adventurers will be asked to help D.E.H.T.A. in their effort to stop the Nesingwary expedition.
Scholazar Basin is also the home of the opposing factions of murlocs and worgen. In a way similar to the Aldor and Scryer factions, adventurers will have to choose one of the factions to ally themselves with.
Storm Peaks
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Introduction & Zone Description
The Storm Peaks is an area in far north Northrend.
A very long time ago, the Titans called the Storm Peaks their home. They founded their home city, Ulduar. From here, Storm Giants originated, and many think Dwarves and Troggs did as well. After the Titans departed from Azeroth, the Dwarves moved south to the present-day Eastern Kingdoms. Due to the climate, the Storm Giants stayed in the Storm Peaks and claimed Ulduar as their city.
The Storm Giants can reach heights of over 30 feet tall and have the ability to summon storms. Not many of their race are left, and they tend to avoid visitors, quietly residing in their caves. They keep to themselves, and using golems to help with everyday work. The Storm Giant’s crystalline golems can also be found in Crystalsong Forest, gathering crystals to bring back to the Storm Peaks for the giants.
The Storm Peaks are covered with cliffs, with dangerous paths winding through them. This is easily the highest elevated place on Northrend. Ice covers the majority of the mountains, and the sunlight tends to reflect off of the ice, causing a temporary loss of sight, making the cliffs a more dangerous area to traverse. When the climate isn’t clear and sunny, it’s near pitch black, raining or snowing, making the area unsafe in any weather condition. But even flying over the peaks has it’s dangers as well - the Storm Peaks are extremely windymaking it very hard to maneuver between the mountains while getting thrust about in the air.
Ulduar is not very populated. The giants stay hidden, and their golems do not bother anyone unless they are attempting to approach a giant or a giant’s home. Wendigo and Magnataurs are also easy to spot from a distance and very few reside in the peaks. There is a sufficient lack of vegetation, you’d be surprised to find a patch of grass, or even a small bush, as almost every part of the area is either ice or thick stone. Animals are quite scarce as well. We do not know how the Mangnataur and Wendigos continue to survive, perhaps they feast on visitors to the area, or even themselves?
The only notable locations here are the Temple of Storms, and Ulduar.
Stormwind Harbor
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Introduction & Zone Description
The construction of Stormwind Harbour is being carried out under the supervision of Mason Goldgild, who with a team of Humans, Dwarves and Gnomes at her disposal plans to blow a hole in the northern section of the outer wall between the Park and Cathedral Square.
Once complete the Harbor will offer ships travelling to Northrend, with a steam ship set to arrive right into the heart the icy continent, arriving into the Borean Tundra at Valiance Keep.
Zul'drak
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Introduction & Zone Description
Zul'Drak is a single large valley between the arms of the Grizzly Hills, Crystalsong Forest, and the Storm Peaks. The trees here are smaller than the southern forests but numerous and upright.
The Drakkari trolls are here in vast numbers; it is after all their homeland and because of this they will defend it at all costs. The entire landmass is that of a giant ziggurat all based on Troll Architecture.
Various Altar’s of worship are located within the region while to the south of the zone, the fortress where Arthas stayed while searching can be located, Drak’Tharon Keep. To the far north of the region, and sitting proudly upon the highest tier of the Troll ziggurat is Gun’drak, the capital city of the Drakkari race. It is here where it is believed the ruler of the Drakkari rests, and also the source of their strength, which they have been using to combat the Scourge.
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Borean Tundra
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Introduction & Zone Description
The sprawling Borean Tundra lays at the far southwestern tip of Northrend, the icy continent also known as the roof of the world.
Kaskala, located in the Borean Tundra is the capital of the Tuskarr and offers members of both the Alliance and Horde a neutral place to stop and rest from the harsh conditions of the Tundra, while also offering traders from both factions a chance to negotiate deals with the local Tuskarr.
With the Horde turning its interest north, Garrosh Hellscream, son of former Warsong Chieftain Grom Hellscream, has founded the fortress of Warsong Hold. Garrosh and his Orc forces have also discovered the enigmatic Taunka, an ancient offshoot of the Tauren race that up until now had been thought lost forever. From the fortress of Warsong Hold, a travel hub has been set up to allow for quicker transportation between the Hold and their new found allies, the Taunka.
Elsewhere within the Tundra, the Alliance have founded Valiance Keep. Making use of the Valiance Keep's location, a dock has been constructed that will grant seafaring access from the Borean Tundra directly into the heart of Stormwind at its recently constructed harbour.
To the north west of the zone sits The Nexus, home to Malygos the Spellweaver and his Blue Dragonflight. There Malygos sits waiting for any would be heroes to venture into his domain seeking to put a rest to his plans that involve neutralizing all magic casters in the known world.
Blue Dragonflight are the least of traveler's worries as many Naga take refuge within the Tundra. Taking advantage of the abandoned Riplash ruins, which previously was home to the Nerubians, the Naga now use it as their home within the area and from here continue their devastating plan to melt the ice and thus flood the entire zone.
Crystalsong Forest
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Introduction & Zone Description
While at first glance it may resemble an actual forest, very few real trees actually dwell within this region. Instead, trees neither living or dead, have been created from Crystal. The light shines from the crystal trees giving the appearance that snow and ice blanket the area, but it is all just a trick played upon the eyes by the light.
There was a time when no crystal existed at all, and the region was complete with green lands and tall trees, then a huge battle took place. The Dragonflight’s of the Black and Blue fought a great battle within the region, each time a defeated foe perished their magic essence being released into the air. It was when one of the Blue Dragonflight cast a spell to turn his attackers into crystal, that the loose magic essence amplified the spell, turning not only his foes into crystal but the entire landscape as well.
Dalaran
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Introduction & Zone Description
The magocratic city-state of Dalaran was the second city of the Nation of Arathor, constructed by mages who felt too confined to study in Strom. Long renowned as the focal point for magical study among the Alliance races, the Kirin Tor oversaw the study of the arcane and the collection of magical works and artifacts. Dalaran has been home to some of the greatest wizards of the time such as Antonidas, Arugal, Kel’Thuzad, Jaina Proudmoore, Khadgar, Kael´thas Sunstrider and Rhonin. After ravaging the city in the Third War, Arthas and Kel’Thuzad managed to summon Archimonde to Dalaran, who quickly decimated the city. However, a party led by Lord Garithos reclaimed the ruins, and what was left of the Kirin Tor quickly set about rebuilding their beloved city, encasing it in a bubble that distorts time and space to make it impenetrable to any further attack.
With the threat of the insane Malygos and the Blue Dragonflight looming, the Kirin Tor under the leadership of Rhonin have hastily used tremendous magical power to transport Dalaran to levitate just north of the Dragonblight, in Crystalsong Forest. Deciding to put aside their differences with the Horde with persuasion from Jaina, the works of Antonidas on the orcs and relations with the reformed Blood (High) Elves, Dalaran will serve as a major stronghold for assaults on the Nexus and even Icecrown itself.
As with Shattrath City, Dalaran will not have an Auction House or class trainers, and there will be Horde/Alliance areas similar to the Scryer/Aldor ones in Shattrath. There are also one or two instances planned for Dalaran, but we have no information on these currently.
Dragonblight
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Introduction & Zone Description
Most of the Dragonblight is a single valley, sloping southward to the Shiverwind Coast. Low hills rise along the sides, taller to the east where the butt up against the Grizzly Hills and Zul'Drak. To the north a thin line of tall, sharp edges cliffs break the land where Icecrown Glacier begins.
The western edge borders Lake Wintergrasp, and the ground there is frozen solid.
Many animals live here, feeding off the dragons' remains. Birds, Bears, Spiders, Wolves and Bats all tear at the remains or at each other.
Once this region was a thriving land, the most fertile in Northrend after the Sholazar Basin. That was long ago. Now it is a vast wasteland where even the snow and ice seem drained. Most of the Dragonblight is a single enormous valley. And it's filled with bodies of dragons. Ailing and old dragons, from every dragonflight, from all over the world, come here to die. The ground is littered with dragons of all colours.
Black and red and green and blue and bronze, they all lie here together, all their differences set aside in death. The mightiest creatures in the world, laid low by age and illness and attack. The land has never recovered, and never will. It weeps for its lost children, and remains barren in their memory.
Travellers making the pass through the Dragonblight might be fooled into believing that it is a peaceful place, they'd be fooled to do so. Nerubians stalk amongst the valley, and recently the Scourge have started to increase the number of patrols within the area. While the bones of the fallen Dragons lay in peace, you'd be fooled to try and disturb any of them, as you may find yourself on the wrong end of one of their protectors...Dragons themselves.
Travellers must also be wary of other creatures that scavenge through the area such as the Birds, Bears, Spiders, Wolves and Bats all tear at the Dragon's remains, and anyone, or anything that looks remotely like their next meal.
Ebon Hold
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Introduction & Zone Description
In the far reaches of the Eastern Plaguelands, along the shoreline, lies Acherus, the Death Knight capital. Resting high above the town of New Haven, the necropolis serves as the starting area and training point for the Death Knight class. Instructor Razuvious trains all incoming Death Knights, while Noth the Plaguebringer seeks help to create another plague cauldron. There are four levels to the city, three of which are connected by portals. Below on the ground, the Scourge battles against the Scarlet Crusade, but for once they are gaining ground. From a bustling village to a decrepit eyesore, the town decays as the Scourge advances, ultimately decimating the town and discovering the secret plot of the "Crimson Dawn."
Grizzly Hills
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Introduction & Zone Description
Grizzly Hills is the home to the Furbolgs of Grizzlemaw, believed to be the biggest settlement of Furbolgs on Azeroth. To the north of the region sits Thor Modan, a Dwarven settlement while the Ice Troll fortress of Drak’Tharon Keep looks over the land perilously to the North West.
Previous to his defeat within Shadowfang Keep, Arugal has been resurrected and he has taken up residence in Dun Argol to the south east, from where he commands his legions of Worgen.
Along the south western coast, the Goblins of the Venture Company have set up a base of operations, from where they lead their attacks onto the landscape, as the machines cut through the forest at will. The Venture Company have also began laying traps for any Furbolgs that wander to close to their base of operations, much to the anger of Grizzlemaw.
Amongst the wilderness is said to be an ancient prehistoric bear that the Furbolgs regard very highly and worship him whenever the chance presents itself.
Howling Fjord
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Introduction & Zone Description
The Howling Fjord sits high above the Great Sea on the southeastern tip of Northrend. It is said that in ancient times the Vrykul, a race of half-giant warriors, inhabited the land, founding a vast and prosperous civilization.
Howling Fjord has dark forests, open plains, treacherous rocks, and what used to be the only city and port on the continent. The north edge of the Howling Fjord has low hills and thick forest. The land smoothes out to the south, however, and the trees fade back, to be replaced by grain and a few hardy fruits and vegetables.
Daggercap Bay dominates the southern end, which is all rock. Most people live in Valgarde or in a semicircle above it. The fjord has its share of wildlife. Bears, wolves and other creatures prowl the forests, and small animals sneak through the farmland as well. Birds roost in the trees and steal grain and seeds, and the warmer climate and rich soil draws insects and other vermin as well.
Since the Alliance and Horde’s recent arrival upon the shores of Howling Fjord, an event has occurred that none expected. The Vyrkul have returned, and attacks on both Horde and Alliance settlements are now common.
The presence of Utgarde Keep so close to Valgarde is of grave concern to the Alliance, as they witness more and more Vyrkul spill from its doors. It is only a matter of time before the Valiance Expedition send forth would be heroes into Utgarde Keep to investigate the problem being generated by the Vyrkul’s reemergence. Nobody is sure of why the Vyrkul have returned, but whatever the answer, it does not bode well for both the Alliance and the Horde as they begin to get side tracked from their main objective ... the defeat of Arthas.
On the eastern shore, the Forsaken have arrived, carrying a plague of their own to unleash upon the Lich King. Queen Sylvanas has been methodically and patiently overseeing the formulation of this contagion for several years, and the time has come at last to test its effectiveness against the Scourge. As a show of her power, the Banshee Sylvanas has ordered the construction of a Forsaken Town, New Agamand, complete with their own architecture as a show of might and power.
It is said that goblins are using Giant Sea Turtles to give easy transport between the zones of Howling Fjord and Borean Tundra.
Icecrown Glacier
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Introduction & Zone Description
Situated at the very pinnacle of the world, Icecrown is the home of the Frozen Throne and the stronghold of the Scourge. Ner’zhul, imprisoned here by Kil’jaeden, quickly drew all manners of dead creatures to him and conquered the area which was once capital of the spider kingdom of Azjol-Nerub. Once threatened to be undone by his creator, Ner’zhul called Arthas to him and managed to stop Illidan at the last moment. With the threat dealt with, Arthas freed Ner’zhul from his prison, their beings merging to form The Lich King we know today. Now, with the old prison blown away, the Frozen Throne sits open atop Icecrown Citadel overseeing the masses of undead that live below, tirelessly bolstering the Scourge’s war efforts.
Entry to Icecrown is gained via the Dragonblight, by passing through Angrathar, the Wrath Gate. However, it won’t be that easy. Horde and Alliance forces alike are gathered at the base of the Gate, accumulating their forces and preparing for whatever horrors may lie beyond. It is here that the culmination of the ’first act’ of the expansion will take place, and our first encounter with Arthas. It is only to be expected however that Icecrown Citadel itself will house the final deciding showdown, and thus won’t be accessible until future patches.
Sholazar Basin
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Introduction & Zone Description
Sholazar Basin is is a tropical jungle, located in the west of Northrend. The zone is very similar to Un'Goro Crater in Kalimdor, not only in terms of the tropical climate, but also the geographical similarities. Scholozar Basin is in between Borean Tundra and Icecrown. Because of this, the zone is surrounded by high cliffs, stretching all around the zone. Scholazar Basin has also several waterfalls, falling down from Lake Wintergrasp and the ocean.The zone is covered by hot springs and geysers. The hot climate has created a thick vegetation, as well as a rich animal wildlife.
This has eventually woken the curiosity of Hemet Nesingwary & friends. This strange and undiscovered tropical zone, is the home of many species and animals never before seen by Azeroth's races. It is pretty safe to assume that the Nesingwary expedition is out here to shoot down and capture wild animals living in the area. For this reason, another group of animal lovers has shown up.
D.E.H.T.A.(Druids for the Ethical and Humane Treatment of Animals). In an effort to try saving the animals of Northrend, D.E.H.T.A. has established a base in the Borean Tundra. Adventurers will be asked to help D.E.H.T.A. in their effort to stop the Nesingwary expedition.
Scholazar Basin is also the home of the opposing factions of murlocs and worgen. In a way similar to the Aldor and Scryer factions, adventurers will have to choose one of the factions to ally themselves with.
Storm Peaks
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Introduction & Zone Description
The Storm Peaks is an area in far north Northrend.
A very long time ago, the Titans called the Storm Peaks their home. They founded their home city, Ulduar. From here, Storm Giants originated, and many think Dwarves and Troggs did as well. After the Titans departed from Azeroth, the Dwarves moved south to the present-day Eastern Kingdoms. Due to the climate, the Storm Giants stayed in the Storm Peaks and claimed Ulduar as their city.
The Storm Giants can reach heights of over 30 feet tall and have the ability to summon storms. Not many of their race are left, and they tend to avoid visitors, quietly residing in their caves. They keep to themselves, and using golems to help with everyday work. The Storm Giant’s crystalline golems can also be found in Crystalsong Forest, gathering crystals to bring back to the Storm Peaks for the giants.
The Storm Peaks are covered with cliffs, with dangerous paths winding through them. This is easily the highest elevated place on Northrend. Ice covers the majority of the mountains, and the sunlight tends to reflect off of the ice, causing a temporary loss of sight, making the cliffs a more dangerous area to traverse. When the climate isn’t clear and sunny, it’s near pitch black, raining or snowing, making the area unsafe in any weather condition. But even flying over the peaks has it’s dangers as well - the Storm Peaks are extremely windymaking it very hard to maneuver between the mountains while getting thrust about in the air.
Ulduar is not very populated. The giants stay hidden, and their golems do not bother anyone unless they are attempting to approach a giant or a giant’s home. Wendigo and Magnataurs are also easy to spot from a distance and very few reside in the peaks. There is a sufficient lack of vegetation, you’d be surprised to find a patch of grass, or even a small bush, as almost every part of the area is either ice or thick stone. Animals are quite scarce as well. We do not know how the Mangnataur and Wendigos continue to survive, perhaps they feast on visitors to the area, or even themselves?
The only notable locations here are the Temple of Storms, and Ulduar.
Stormwind Harbor
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Introduction & Zone Description
The construction of Stormwind Harbour is being carried out under the supervision of Mason Goldgild, who with a team of Humans, Dwarves and Gnomes at her disposal plans to blow a hole in the northern section of the outer wall between the Park and Cathedral Square.
Once complete the Harbor will offer ships travelling to Northrend, with a steam ship set to arrive right into the heart the icy continent, arriving into the Borean Tundra at Valiance Keep.
Zul'drak
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Introduction & Zone Description
Zul'Drak is a single large valley between the arms of the Grizzly Hills, Crystalsong Forest, and the Storm Peaks. The trees here are smaller than the southern forests but numerous and upright.
The Drakkari trolls are here in vast numbers; it is after all their homeland and because of this they will defend it at all costs. The entire landmass is that of a giant ziggurat all based on Troll Architecture.
Various Altar’s of worship are located within the region while to the south of the zone, the fortress where Arthas stayed while searching can be located, Drak’Tharon Keep. To the far north of the region, and sitting proudly upon the highest tier of the Troll ziggurat is Gun’drak, the capital city of the Drakkari race. It is here where it is believed the ruler of the Drakkari rests, and also the source of their strength, which they have been using to combat the Scourge.
[via mmo-champion]