Thunder Ridge after the Cataclysm.
Thunder Ridge[40.2, 25.8] is a flooded gorge in northwestern Durotar, just southwest of Orgrimmar. Previously an ancient forest[1] home to many herds of thunder lizards, the ridge was deforested by the humans of Kul Tiras and the machinations of the Burning Blade, before being flooded by the Southfury River during the Cataclysm.
History[]
After the Third War[]
The forests of Thunder Ridge in the Founding of Durotar.
“Named after the massive thunder lizards that make their home here, this land is an ecological wonder. Filled with many diverse families of creatures, it can be studied for ages and still hold surprises for those who have traversed its protective valleys.”
- — To Tame a Land Thunder Ridge loading screen
Watched over by the spirit Owa'nohe,[2] Thunder Ridge was once home to a forest of ancient trees that grew in harmony with the thunder lizards.[1]
Shortly after the founding of Durotar, Rexxar and his companions journeyed to Thunder Ridge to obtain shimmerweed for Drek'Thar, Thrall's farseer. Rexxar noticed a change in the lizards' behavior and informed Drek'Thar upon his return to Orgrimmar. Drek'Thar and Rexxar later discovered a human lumber operation that was deforesting the ridge and driving the lizards mad. They were forced to put down the lizards to prevent disaster. Their eggs were collected by Rexxar for Drek'Thar to study.
Cycle of Hatred[]
After already being damaged years prior, Thunder Ridge's dense forest was razed down, leaving the way open for its hundreds[3] of thunder lizards to roam to Drygulch Ravine and beyond.[4] Jaina Proudmoore, told by Thrall, went to investigate and discovered that the trees had been cut by demonic magic as a result of the Burning Blade's efforts to destabilize the region.[3]
World of Warcraft[]
Thunder Ridge before the Cataclysm.
A small group of Burning Blade cultists led by Fizzle Darkclaw set up camp in Thunder Ridge to spread chaos. Orgnil Soulscar ordered Horde agents to kill Fizzle and claim his claw as proof.[5] Meanwhile, Uzzek instructed Horde warriors to thin the local thunder lizard population in order to prove their strength.[6]
Cataclysm[]
In the wake of the Cataclysm, Thunder Ridge was flooded by the Southfury River, drowning both the thunder lizards and the Burning Blade within the valley. Horde agents were sent into the ridge in order to obtain 
[Fizzle's Orb] from his corpse and remove the corpses of the thunder lizards in order to make the new water source drinkable.[7][8]
Within the flooded ridge are golden stonefish. This fish can't be caught by normal means due to its jaws that snap through any lures and hooks. Besides, their scale prevents them from any damage but massive electrical discharge nearby that can be caused by 
[Drowned Thunder Lizard Tail]. Thus Razgar sent Horde fishermen to acquire the tails and bring him three of the golden stonefish.[9]
Dragonflight[]
A sprout of hope: trees growing out of the Ancient Skeleton.
To earn the Blessing of the Land for their om'gora, orc adventurers sought out Owa'nohe, the Spirit of Thunder Ridge. She agreed to give them her blessing if they helped her heal the area.[2] The adventurers braved restless elementals to collect ancient seeds from the flooded valley and then planted them in Owa'nohe's skeleton, allowing her to create new trees as a first step toward restoring the area's former verdancy. In time, Thunder Ridge will flourish into a new oasis, benefiting the orcs and the thunder lizards alike.[1]
In the RPG[]
Thunder Ridge is a breathtaking gorge which until recently was untamed by any civilization. Thunder lizards give this place its name, and it dominates the landscape for some distance. Tallstriders also hang out on the fringes with an eye out for an easy lunch.[10] Being the home to behemoth lightning lizards, it helps obscure the presence of the Burning Blade there, led by the goblin warlock Fizzle Darkstorm.[11]
Notes[]
- During World of Warcraft's development, it was originally planned that shimmerweed would appear here,[12] just like in The Frozen Throne.
Gallery[]
Loading screen from the Founding of Durotar.
The Ridge deforested by the Kul Tirans.
Map of Thunder Ridge in the campaign.
"Duel at Thunder Ridge".
References[]
- ^ a b c d [50-70] The Spirit of Thunder Ridge
- ^ a b [50-70] The Blessing of the Land
- ^ a b Cycle of Hatred, chapter 8
- ^ Cycle of Hatred, chapter 7
- ^ [12] Dark Storms
- ^ [10] Path of Defense
- ^ [1-30] Fizzled
- ^ [1-30] Thunder Down Under
- ^ [10-70 Daily] A Golden Opportunity
- ^ Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game, pg. 197 - 198
- ^ Lands of Mystery, pg. 35
- ^ <UNUSED>
[10] 
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