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{{ood|reason=4.0.3a updates}}
  
{{ood|reason=4.0.3a updates}}
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{{For|how the Eastern Plaguelands was prior to Cataclysm|Eastern Plaguelands (original)}}
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{{For|how the Eastern Plaguelands was prior to Cataclysm|Eastern Plaguelands (Classic)}}
 
{{Infobox zone
  
{{Infobox zone
 
| name = Eastern Plaguelands
  
| name = Eastern Plaguelands
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| capital = {{Combat}} [[Stratholme]]
  
| capital = {{Combat}} [[Stratholme]]
 
| races = {{Race|Scourge}}<br/> {{Race|Undead}}<br/> {{Race|Human}}<br/> {{Race|HighElf}}<br/> {{Race|Wretched}}<br/> {{Race|ForestTroll}}
  
| races = {{Race|Scourge}}<br/> {{Race|Undead}}<br/> {{Race|Human}}<br/> {{Race|HighElf}}<br/> {{Race|Wretched}}<br/> {{Race|ForestTroll}}
−
| rulers = {{NPC|Neutral|Maxwell Tyrosus|icon=Maxwell}}
 +
| rulers = {{NPC|Neutral|Lord Maxwell Tyrosus|icon=Maxwell}}<br>{{Neutral}} {{RaceIcon|ForestTroll|Male}} [[Warlord Thresh'jin]]
 
| major = {{Neutral}} [[Light's Hope Chapel]]<br/> {{Neutral}} [[Tyr's Hand]]<br/> {{Combat}} [[Ruins of the Scarlet Enclave]]<br/> {{Combat}} [[Corin's Crossing]]<br/> {{Combat}} [[Zul'Mashar]]
  
| major = {{Neutral}} [[Light's Hope Chapel]]<br/> {{Neutral}} [[Tyr's Hand]]<br/> {{Combat}} [[Ruins of the Scarlet Enclave]]<br/> {{Combat}} [[Corin's Crossing]]<br/> {{Combat}} [[Zul'Mashar]]
 
| minor = {{Neutral}} [[Crown Guard Tower]]<br/> {{Neutral}} [[Light's Shield Tower]]<br/> {{Neutral}} [[Eastwall Tower]]<br/> {{Neutral}} [[Northpass Tower]]<br/> {{Neutral}} [[Plaguewood Tower]]<br/> {{Neutral}} [[Marris Stead]]<br/> {{Combat}} [[Darrowshire]]<br/> {{Combat}} [[Northdale]]<br/> {{Combat}} [[Terrordale]]<br/> {{Combat}} [[Quel'Lithien Lodge]]<br/> {{Combat}} [[Death Cultist Base Camp]]
  
| minor = {{Neutral}} [[Crown Guard Tower]]<br/> {{Neutral}} [[Light's Shield Tower]]<br/> {{Neutral}} [[Eastwall Tower]]<br/> {{Neutral}} [[Northpass Tower]]<br/> {{Neutral}} [[Plaguewood Tower]]<br/> {{Neutral}} [[Marris Stead]]<br/> {{Combat}} [[Darrowshire]]<br/> {{Combat}} [[Northdale]]<br/> {{Combat}} [[Terrordale]]<br/> {{Combat}} [[Quel'Lithien Lodge]]<br/> {{Combat}} [[Death Cultist Base Camp]]
−
| affiliation = [[Brotherhood of the Light]], [[Argent Crusade]], [[Knights of the Silver Hand|Silver Hand]], [[Knights of the Ebon Blade|Ebon Blade]], [[Mossflayer tribe]], [[Scourge]]
 +
| affiliation = [[Argent Crusade]], [[Brotherhood of the Light]], [[Knights of the Silver Hand|Silver Hand]], [[Knights of the Ebon Blade|Ebon Blade]], [[Mossflayer tribe]], [[Scourge]]
 
| faffiliation = [[Risen|The Risen]], [[Scarlet Crusade]], [[Argent Dawn]], [[Alliance of Lordaeron]], [[Lordaeron (kingdom)|Kingdom of Lordaeron]]
  
| faffiliation = [[Risen|The Risen]], [[Scarlet Crusade]], [[Argent Dawn]], [[Alliance of Lordaeron]], [[Lordaeron (kingdom)|Kingdom of Lordaeron]]
 
| loc = Eastern [[Lordaeron]]
  
| loc = Eastern [[Lordaeron]]
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This region remains the main bastion of the [[Scourge]] in Lordaeron but is not as important as it was in the past. They still retain at least some control over the city of [[Stratholme]]. The ground is brown, ugly, and sick, the trees corrupted into giant mushrooms and the air is polluted with orange mist. The [[Plaguewood]] is the most infested part of the region. Undead, necromancers, and [[Cult of the Damned|Damned]] cultists still prowl the land. The [[Argent Crusade]] attempts to rid the land of the undead infestation one day and trains their faithful soldiers in the renovated [[Light's Hope Chapel]] and watch over the land from their towers scattered across it. The [[forest troll]] hold of [[Zul'Mashar]] in the north is in danger and could become a bastion for the undead as its inhabits are being transformed.
  
This region remains the main bastion of the [[Scourge]] in Lordaeron but is not as important as it was in the past. They still retain at least some control over the city of [[Stratholme]]. The ground is brown, ugly, and sick, the trees corrupted into giant mushrooms and the air is polluted with orange mist. The [[Plaguewood]] is the most infested part of the region. Undead, necromancers, and [[Cult of the Damned|Damned]] cultists still prowl the land. The [[Argent Crusade]] attempts to rid the land of the undead infestation one day and trains their faithful soldiers in the renovated [[Light's Hope Chapel]] and watch over the land from their towers scattered across it. The [[forest troll]] hold of [[Zul'Mashar]] in the north is in danger and could become a bastion for the undead as its inhabits are being transformed.
   
−
The former [[Scarlet Crusade]] has fallen into disarray shortly after the fall of [[Scarlet Enclave]] and departure of the leadership to Northrend. The remnants were slain and risen into undeath by [[Balnazzar]], who returned from [[Twisting Nether]] after his defeat in Scarlet Bastion years ago.
 +
The former [[Scarlet Crusade]] has fallen into disarray and retreated shortly after the fall of [[Scarlet Enclave]] and departure of the leadership to Northrend. The remnants were slain and risen into undeath by [[Balnazzar]], who returned from [[Twisting Nether]] after his defeat in Scarlet Bastion years ago.
  +
  +
While the ravages of the plague linger, they are fading slowly. The Argent towers and other areas are oases for those who traverse the Eastern Plaguelands.<ref>''[[World of Warcraft: Exploring Azeroth: The Eastern Kingdoms]]'', pg. 81</ref>
   
 
==History==
  
==History==
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[[File:Towers of Eastern Plaguelands TCG.jpg|thumb|Alliance and Horde fight over the Eastern Plaguelands towers.]]
  
[[File:Towers of Eastern Plaguelands TCG.jpg|thumb|Alliance and Horde fight over the Eastern Plaguelands towers.]]
   
−
Like the [[Western Plaguelands]], the Eastern Plaguelands were once beautiful and brimming with farms and small villages. The regional government was centered around the city of [[Stratholme]], the largest city in [[Lordaeron (kingdom)|Lordaeron]]. Also nearby were the towns of [[Darrowshire]], [[Corin's Crossing]], and [[Tyr's Hand]], and to the east of Stratholme was the [[Thalassian Pass|pass]] leading into the southern boundaries of [[Quel'Thalas]].
 +
Like the [[Western Plaguelands]], the Eastern Plaguelands were once beautiful and brimming with [[farm]]s and small villages known collectively as Eastweald. The regional government was centered around the city of [[Stratholme]], the second largest city in [[Lordaeron (kingdom)|Lordaeron]]. Also nearby were the towns of [[Darrowshire]], [[Corin's Crossing]], and [[Tyr's Hand]], and to the east of Stratholme was the [[Thalassian Pass|pass]] leading into the southern boundaries of [[Quel'Thalas]].
   
  +
During the [[Second War]], the bordering area with Quel'Thalas saw fighting between the [[Alliance of Lordaeron]] and the [[Old Horde]] that invaded Quel'Thalas. A small band of orcs broke off from the main invading force and [[Razing of Blackwood|burned]] the small town of [[Blackwood]] to the ground, killing all of its inhabitants in spite of the valorous defense marshaled by its lord.<ref>[[Ask CDev#Ask CDev Answers - Round 3|Ask CDev - Round 3]]</ref>
⚫
In the opening hours of the Third War, the investigations into the origins of the [[Scourge]] led [[Arthas Menethil|Prince Arthas]] and [[Jaina Proudmoore]] through the [[Tirisfal Glades]] and what is now the Western Plaguelands (more specifically, the towns of [[Andorhal]] and [[Hearthglen]]), where they confronted the necromancer [[Kel'Thuzad]] and his [[Cult of the Damned]]. Kel'Thuzad told Arthas to seek out the leader of the Scourge in Lordaeron, the [[Nathrezim|Dreadlord]] [[Mal'Ganis]], at Stratholme. While en route via Hearthglen, Arthas and Jaina were joined by [[Uther Lightbringer|Lord Uther]], master of the [[Silver Hand]]. When they arrived at Stratholme, Arthas realized that the villagers had been infected with the [[Plague of Undeath]]. When Uther refused to obey Arthas' command to purge the city, Arthas relieved Uther of command and disbanded the Silver Hand, then slaughtered the townsfolk himself. After hunting down Mal'ganis in Northrend, Arthas returned as one of the Lich King's death knights and toppled the Kingdom of Lordaeron by murdering his own father, [[King Terenas]]. After the fall of Lordaeron's capital, the plague spread throughout the northern regions of Lordaeron, turning them into the blighted lands they are today.
  
  +
  +
===Third War and aftermath===
  ⚫
In the opening hours of the Third War, the investigations into the origins of the [[Scourge]] led [[Arthas Menethil|Prince Arthas]] and [[Jaina Proudmoore]] through the [[Tirisfal Glades]] and what is now the Western Plaguelands (more specifically, the towns of [[Andorhal]] and [[Hearthglen]]), where they confronted the necromancer [[Kel'Thuzad]] and his [[Cult of the Damned]]. Kel'Thuzad told Arthas to seek out the leader of the Scourge in Lordaeron, the [[Nathrezim|Dreadlord]] [[Mal'Ganis]], at Stratholme. While en route via Hearthglen, Arthas and Jaina were joined by [[Uther Lightbringer|Lord Uther]], master of the [[Knights of the Silver Hand|Silver Hand]]. When they arrived at Stratholme, Arthas realized that the villagers had been infected with the [[Plague of Undeath]]. When Uther refused to obey Arthas' command to purge the city, Arthas relieved Uther of command and disbanded the Silver Hand, then slaughtered the townsfolk himself. After hunting down Mal'Ganis in Northrend, Arthas returned as one of the Lich King's death knights and toppled the Kingdom of Lordaeron by murdering his own father, [[Terenas Menethil II|King Terenas]]. After the fall of Lordaeron's capital, the plague spread throughout the northern regions of Lordaeron, turning them into the blighted lands they are today.
   
 
The resistance against the Scourge was particularly bloody at Darrowshire, where the ghoul [[Horgus|Horgus the Ravager]] and the death knight [[Marduk Blackpool]] (alias [[Marduk the Black]]) led an army of Scourge against the town. Only surviving paladins under [[Davil Crokford]] and the Darrowshire militia under Captain [[Joseph Redpath]] were able to stand in their way. Though they put up a valiant fight, the defenders of Darrowshire were not enough to stave off the endless legions of Scourge. Davil managed to defeat Horgus in combat, but he succumbed to the horrific wounds the ghoul had inflicted. Captain Redpath fell to Marduk's necromancy, his soul taken from his body and corrupted into the service of the Scourge, where he proceeded to turn on his fellows and tear Darrowshire apart, killing everyone who hid in their homes.
  
The resistance against the Scourge was particularly bloody at Darrowshire, where the ghoul [[Horgus|Horgus the Ravager]] and the death knight [[Marduk Blackpool]] (alias [[Marduk the Black]]) led an army of Scourge against the town. Only surviving paladins under [[Davil Crokford]] and the Darrowshire militia under Captain [[Joseph Redpath]] were able to stand in their way. Though they put up a valiant fight, the defenders of Darrowshire were not enough to stave off the endless legions of Scourge. Davil managed to defeat Horgus in combat, but he succumbed to the horrific wounds the ghoul had inflicted. Captain Redpath fell to Marduk's necromancy, his soul taken from his body and corrupted into the service of the Scourge, where he proceeded to turn on his fellows and tear Darrowshire apart, killing everyone who hid in their homes.
   
−
After the fall of Lordaeron, [[Alexandros Mograine]] formed a Crusade from the remnants of Lordaeron's [[Knights of the Silver Hand]] and attempted to retake the shattered kingdom from both the Scourge and the undead renegades known as the [[Forsaken]]. In the Eastern Plaguelands, they took control of both the town of [[Tyr's Hand]] and the western districts of [[Stratholme]], where they battle the forces of [[Baron Rivendare]] to gain control of the destroyed city. After the death of Alexandros Mograine, the Crusade went through a schism; forming factions such as the [[Brotherhood of the Light]] and the [[Argent Dawn]] which established themselves in [[Light's Hope Chapel]], and with those who remained in the original Crusade renaming themselves the [[Scarlet Crusade]]. Meanwhile, the [[Alliance]] and [[Horde]] continued to fight over the abandoned Lordaeron towers scattered around the Eastern Plaguelands.<ref>[[Establishing New Outposts (quest)]]</ref><ref>[[Bolstering Our Defenses (quest)]]</ref> Eventually, the master of the Scourge in Lordaeron made his return to the blighted lands. From his citadel of [[Naxxramas]], floating over the Plaguewood near Stratholme, he prepared to continue the work he began in the name of his master, the [[Lich King]].
 +
After the fall of Lordaeron, [[Alexandros Mograine]] formed a Crusade from the remnants of Lordaeron's [[Knights of the Silver Hand]] and attempted to retake the shattered kingdom from both the Scourge and the undead renegades known as the [[Forsaken]]. In the Eastern Plaguelands, they took control of both the town of [[Tyr's Hand]] and the western districts of [[Stratholme]], where they battle the forces of [[Baron Rivendare]] to gain control of the destroyed city. After the death of Alexandros Mograine, the Crusade went through a schism; forming factions such as the [[Brotherhood of the Light]] and the [[Argent Dawn]] which established themselves in [[Light's Hope Chapel]], and with those who remained in the original Crusade renaming themselves the [[Scarlet Crusade]].
   
  +
===World of Warcraft===
 
{{wow-section}}
  
{{wow-section}}
  +
Meanwhile, the [[Alliance]] and [[Horde]] continued to fight over the abandoned Lordaeron towers scattered around the Eastern Plaguelands.<ref>[[Establishing New Outposts (quest)]]</ref><ref>[[Bolstering Our Defenses (quest)]]</ref> Eventually, the master of the Scourge in Lordaeron made his return to the blighted lands. From his citadel of [[Naxxramas]], floating over the Plaguewood near Stratholme, he prepared to continue the work he began in the name of his master, the [[Lich King]].
⚫
The dread citadel [[Naxxramas (original)|Naxxramas]] stood in this region, and with it [[Kel'Thuzad]]'s reign was enforced and undisputed. With the help of the [[Argent Dawn]], [[Darion Mograine]] infiltrated the floating [[Scourge]] citadel and tried his luck at brining it down. He ultimately failed, losing his life in the process. However, he managed to free his father, [[Alexandros Mograine]] (formerly the wielder of the [[Ashbringer]]), from undeath, finally giving his spirit rest. Without him the dark fortress was left severely weakened as he was one of The [[Four Horsemen (original)|Four Horsemen]] who led the military forces in Naxxramas. And so, with this in mind, the Argent Dawn led an all out assault on the fortress and defeated Kel'Thuzad, but failed to actually kill him. The Citadel ended up "vanishing" from the Plaguelands not too long after.
  
   
  ⚫
The dread citadel [[Naxxramas (Classic)|Naxxramas]] stood in this region, and with it [[Kel'Thuzad]]'s reign was enforced and undisputed. With the help of the [[Argent Dawn]], [[Darion Mograine]] infiltrated the floating [[Scourge]] citadel and tried his luck at bringing it down. He ultimately failed, losing his life in the process. However, he managed to free his father, [[Alexandros Mograine]] (formerly the wielder of the [[Ashbringer]]), from undeath, finally giving his spirit rest. Without him, the dark fortress was left severely weakened as he was one of the [[Four Horsemen (Classic)|Four Horsemen]] who led the military forces in Naxxramas. And so, with this in mind, the Argent Dawn led an all-out assault on the fortress and defeated Kel'Thuzad, but failed to actually kill him. The Citadel ended up "vanishing" from the Plaguelands not too long after.
⚫
Some other events happend such as the [[Crimson Courier]], who could be seen roaming from [[Tyr's Hand]] to [[Stratholme]]. She was usually escorted by four [[Crimson Bodyguard]]s. [[Demetria]], the Scarlet Oracle, could also [[The Scarlet Oracle, Demetria|be made]] to leave Tyr's Hand alongside eight [[Scarlet Trooper]]s. By the time of the [[Cataclysm (event)|Cataclysm]] she was gone.
  
   
  ⚫
Some other events happened such as the [[Crimson Courier]], who could be seen roaming from [[Tyr's Hand]] to [[Stratholme]]. She was usually escorted by four [[Crimson Bodyguard]]s. [[Demetria]], the Scarlet Oracle, could also [[The Scarlet Oracle, Demetria|be made]] to leave Tyr's Hand alongside eight [[Scarlet Trooper]]s. By the time of the [[Cataclysm (event)|Cataclysm]], she was gone.
⚫
Prior to the start of the [[Invasion of Outland]], the Eastern Plaguelands were invaded by a group of [[Burning Legion]] [[demon]]s led by [[Highlord Kruul]].<ref>[[Dark Portal Opens]]</ref>
  
  +
  ⚫
Prior to the start of the [[invasion of Outland]], the Eastern Plaguelands were invaded by a group of [[Burning Legion]] [[demon]]s led by [[Highlord Kruul]].<ref>[[Dark Portal Opens]]</ref>
   
 
The area was also [[Scourge Invasion|invaded]] twice by the [[Scourge]] in the years leading to the [[war against the Lich King]].<ref>[[Argent Emissary#Quotes]]</ref>
  
The area was also [[Scourge Invasion|invaded]] twice by the [[Scourge]] in the years leading to the [[war against the Lich King]].<ref>[[Argent Emissary#Quotes]]</ref>
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The Eastern Plaguelands have been expanded somewhat to include a small area for [[death knight]]s, including their home base of [[Acherus: The Ebon Hold]], a massive Scourge necropolis floating above the hills behind Light's Hope Chapel. It is here that the death knight trainers, as well as their leader [[Highlord Darion Mograine]], can be found.
  
The Eastern Plaguelands have been expanded somewhat to include a small area for [[death knight]]s, including their home base of [[Acherus: The Ebon Hold]], a massive Scourge necropolis floating above the hills behind Light's Hope Chapel. It is here that the death knight trainers, as well as their leader [[Highlord Darion Mograine]], can be found.
   
−
Death knights start out in Scourge service in a special instanced area east of Tyr's Hand known as the [[Scarlet Enclave]]. As they progress in their training, death knights are tasked with laying waste to the towns of [[New Avalon]] and [[Havenshire]], which lay below the fortress. The towns are left in ruins as the death knights sweep through them with the [[Scarlet Crusade]] inhabiting them all but destroyed. After sacking both towns, death knight players participate in a final, epic [[Battle for Light's Hope Chapel]]. After the battle is concluded, the death knight is deposited into the "main" (non-instanced) Eastern Plaguelands, where they begin their service to the faction their race belongs to. In the "main" Eastern Plaguelands, the Scarlet Lands - consisting of Tyr's Hand, New Avalon and Havenshire - are left completely in ruins, their once-green pastures devoured by the blight that permeates the rest of the region.
 +
Death knights start out in Scourge service in a special instanced area east of Tyr's Hand known as the [[Scarlet Enclave]]. As they progress in their training, death knights are tasked with laying waste to the towns of [[New Avalon]] and [[Havenshire]], which lay below the fortress. The towns are left in ruins as the death knights sweep through them with the [[Scarlet Crusade]] inhabiting them all but destroyed. After sacking both towns, death knight players participate in a final, epic [[Battle for Light's Hope Chapel]]. After the battle is concluded, the death knight is deposited into the "main" (non-instanced) Eastern Plaguelands, where they begin their service to the faction their race belongs to. In the "main" Eastern Plaguelands, the Scarlet Lands - consisting of Tyr's Hand, New Avalon, and Havenshire - are left completely in ruins, their once-green pastures devoured by the blight that permeates the rest of the region.
   
 
The ruins of the towns of [[New Avalon]] and [[Havenshire]], collectively referred to as the [[Ruins of the Scarlet Enclave]], are reachable from two directions. First, players may travel through [[Tyr's Hand]], and take the final fork in the road to the north. Alternately, players may travel through [[Browman Mill]] into the [[Noxious Glade]] and follow the south wall to a cave which leads to [[Death's Breach]], at the northern end of the Ruins.
  
The ruins of the towns of [[New Avalon]] and [[Havenshire]], collectively referred to as the [[Ruins of the Scarlet Enclave]], are reachable from two directions. First, players may travel through [[Tyr's Hand]], and take the final fork in the road to the north. Alternately, players may travel through [[Browman Mill]] into the [[Noxious Glade]] and follow the south wall to a cave which leads to [[Death's Breach]], at the northern end of the Ruins.
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Since the Cataclysm, the Argent Crusade has strengthened its presence in the Plaguelands, claiming not only outposts formerly held by the now-defunct Argent Dawn, such as [[Light's Hope Chapel]], but also the former [[Scarlet Crusade]] town of [[Hearthglen]], and the four towers through the Eastern Plaguelands; around which the plague has receded. They have also joined forces with the [[Cenarion Circle]] to help heal the Plaguelands from its plagued state.<ref>[[The Menders' Stead (quest)]]</ref>
  
Since the Cataclysm, the Argent Crusade has strengthened its presence in the Plaguelands, claiming not only outposts formerly held by the now-defunct Argent Dawn, such as [[Light's Hope Chapel]], but also the former [[Scarlet Crusade]] town of [[Hearthglen]], and the four towers through the Eastern Plaguelands; around which the plague has receded. They have also joined forces with the [[Cenarion Circle]] to help heal the Plaguelands from its plagued state.<ref>[[The Menders' Stead (quest)]]</ref>
   
−
Despite Montoy's treachery, the Brotherhood of Light eventually triumphed over the Scourge in Northrend and have returned to the Eastern Plaguelands. They have begun their own campaign against the remaining [[Scourge]] and [[Risen]] forces in [[Lordaeron]]; attempting to reclaim the cities of [[Stratholme]] and [[Tyr's Hand]] for the [[Argent Crusade]]. Though the Brotherhood and the Argent Crusade are still allied with one another, they seem to be growing apart. The Argent Crusade is concerned with the Brotherhood's recklessness and the Brotherhood dislike the Argent Crusade's rigid code of ethics.
 +
Despite Montoy's treachery, the [[Brotherhood of Light]] eventually triumphed over the Scourge in Northrend and have returned to the Eastern Plaguelands. They have begun their own campaign against the remaining [[Scourge]] and [[Risen]] forces in [[Lordaeron]]; attempting to reclaim the cities of [[Stratholme]] and [[Tyr's Hand]] for the [[Argent Crusade]]. Though the Brotherhood and the Crusade are still allied with one another, the Argent Crusade is concerned with the Brotherhood's recklessness,<ref>[[The Brotherhood of Light]]</ref><ref name="Like Rats">[[Like Rats]]</ref> and their dislike to the Crusade's rigid code of ethics.<ref>[[Master Craftsman Omarion#Quotes]]</ref><ref>[[Korfax#Quotes]]</ref>
  +
  +
Their campaign concludes with the capture of Tyr's Hand from the undead,<ref name="Like Rats" /> but also with the capture of the [[Scarlet Bastion]] and [[Alonsus Chapel]] now under the control of the Argent Crusade after the death of [[Balnazzar]] and [[Lord Aurius Rivendare]].<ref>[[Eligor Dawnbringer#Quotes]]</ref>
   
 
The amount of corruption in the land itself seems to have diminished somewhat, roughly to levels displayed by the [[Western Plaguelands]] before the Cataclysm. The plague has been cleansed from Argent Crusade controlled territory, such as Light's Hope Chapel and the five towers, and water flows again in formerly drained riverbeds.
  
The amount of corruption in the land itself seems to have diminished somewhat, roughly to levels displayed by the [[Western Plaguelands]] before the Cataclysm. The plague has been cleansed from Argent Crusade controlled territory, such as Light's Hope Chapel and the five towers, and water flows again in formerly drained riverbeds.
   
 
==Geography==
  
==Geography==
−
The Eastern Plaguelands contain a normal instanced dungeon ([[Stratholme]]), and formerly contained the raid dungeon [[Naxxramas (original)|Naxxramas]]. The micro dungeon [[Tyr's Hand]] can also be found here. [[Light's Hope Chapel]] serves as a travel hub for both the Horde and the Alliance. There are no battlegrounds in this zone, though it is a world PvP area.
 +
The Eastern Plaguelands contain a normal instanced dungeon ([[Stratholme]]), and formerly contained the raid dungeon [[Naxxramas (Classic)|Naxxramas]]. The micro dungeon [[Tyr's Hand]] can also be found here. [[Light's Hope Chapel]] serves as a travel hub for both the Horde and the Alliance. There are no battlegrounds in this zone, though it is a world PvP area.
   
 
===Maps and subregions===
  
===Maps and subregions===
−
[[File:WorldMap-EasternPlaguelands.jpg|thumb|300px|left|Map of the Eastern Plaguelands.]]
 +
[[File:VZ-Eastern Plaguelands.jpg|thumb|left|Map of the Eastern Plaguelands.]]
−
[[File:WorldMap-EasternPlaguelands-old.jpg|thumb|300px|left|Map of the Eastern Plaguelands prior to ''[[World of Warcraft: Cataclysm|Cataclysm]]''.]]
 +
[[File:VZ-Eastern Plaguelands-old1.jpg|thumb|left|Map of the Eastern Plaguelands prior to ''[[World of Warcraft: Cataclysm|Cataclysm]]''.]]
   
 
{| class="darktable hlist"
  
{| class="darktable hlist"
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*[[Eastwall Gate]]
  
*[[Eastwall Gate]]
 
*[[Eastwall Tower]]
  
*[[Eastwall Tower]]
  +
*[[Forbidding Sea|The Forbidding Sea]]
 
*[[Fungal Vale|The Fungal Vale]]
  
*[[Fungal Vale|The Fungal Vale]]
 
*[[Infectis Scar|The Infectis Scar]]
  
*[[Infectis Scar|The Infectis Scar]]
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*[[Plaguewood]]
  
*[[Plaguewood]]
 
**[[Plaguewood Tower]]
  
**[[Plaguewood Tower]]
  ⚫
**[[Terrordale]]
 
*[[Quel'Lithien Lodge]]
  
*[[Quel'Lithien Lodge]]
 
*[[Ruins of the Scarlet Enclave]]
  
*[[Ruins of the Scarlet Enclave]]
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*[[Siege Vise]]
  
*[[Siege Vise]]
 
*[[Stratholme]]
  
*[[Stratholme]]
⚫
*[[Terrordale]]
  
 
*[[Terrorweb Tunnel]]
  
*[[Terrorweb Tunnel]]
 
*[[Thondroril River]]
  
*[[Thondroril River]]
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----
  
----
 
;[[Undisplayed location]]s
  
;[[Undisplayed location]]s
  +
*[[Blackwood]]
  +
*[[Darrowmere Lake]]
 
*[[Havenshire]]
  
*[[Havenshire]]
 
**[[Havenshire Farms]]
  
**[[Havenshire Farms]]
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**[[Scarlet Tavern]]
  
**[[Scarlet Tavern]]
 
*[[Scarlet Overlook]]
  
*[[Scarlet Overlook]]
  +
|-
  +
||
  +
----
  +
;[[Removed location]]s
  +
*[[Scourgehold]]
 
|-
  
|-
 
||
  
||
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<gallery>
  
<gallery>
−
File:Eastern Plaguelands Map.jpg|Eastern Plaguelands prior to [[patch 3.0.3]] plus the PvP towers.
 +
WorldMap-Eastern Plaguelands-oldwithtowers.jpg|Map of Eastern Plaguelands prior to [[patch 3.0.3]].
  +
WorldMap-Eastern Plaguelands-original.jpg|Original map of Eastern Plaguelands
−
File:WorldMap-ScarletEnclave.jpg|Map of [[Plaguelands: The Scarlet Enclave]].
 +
VZ-Scarlet Enclave.jpg|Map of [[Plaguelands: The Scarlet Enclave]].
 
</gallery>
  
</gallery>
  +
 
[http://wow.gamepressure.com/map.asp?ID=25 Topographic map of Eastern Plaguelands]
  
[http://wow.gamepressure.com/map.asp?ID=25 Topographic map of Eastern Plaguelands]
 
{{clear|left}}
  
{{clear|left}}
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|
 
|
 
|-
  
|-
−
| <s>{{portal|Naxxramas (original)|raid}}</s> || 60-70
 +
| <s>{{portal|Naxxramas (Classic)|raid}}</s> || 60-70
 
| 40-man
  
| 40-man
 
| N/A ([[Naxxramas|relocated]] to [[Dragonblight]])
  
| N/A ([[Naxxramas|relocated]] to [[Dragonblight]])
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===Travel hubs===
  
===Travel hubs===
−
[[File:Light's Hope Chapel.jpg|thumb|300px|Light's Hope Chapel]]
 +
[[File:Light's Hope Chapel.jpg|thumb|Light's Hope Chapel]]
   
 
====={{Neutral}} [[Flight path]]s from [[Thondroril River]]=====
  
====={{Neutral}} [[Flight path]]s from [[Thondroril River]]=====
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*{{Horde}} [[Hiri'watha Research Station]], [[The Hinterlands]]
  
*{{Horde}} [[Hiri'watha Research Station]], [[The Hinterlands]]
 
*{{Alliance}} [[Chillwind Camp]], [[Western Plaguelands]]
  
*{{Alliance}} [[Chillwind Camp]], [[Western Plaguelands]]
−
*{{Neutral}} [[The Menders' Stead]], [[Western Plaguelands]]
 +
*{{Neutral}} [[Menders' Stead|The Menders' Stead]], [[Western Plaguelands]]
 
*{{Neutral}} [[Crown Guard Tower]], Eastern Plaguelands
  
*{{Neutral}} [[Crown Guard Tower]], Eastern Plaguelands
 
*{{Neutral}} [[Light's Hope Chapel]], Eastern Plaguelands
  
*{{Neutral}} [[Light's Hope Chapel]], Eastern Plaguelands
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==In the RPG==
  
==In the RPG==
 
{{RPG-section}}
  
{{RPG-section}}
  +
The '''Eastern Plaguelands''' are dominated by the [[Scourge]], and the [[Lich|archlich]] [[Kel'Thuzad]] commands the region from the ruined city of [[Stratholme]], the Scourge capital in [[Lordaeron]]. [[Undead]] roam the land freely, and one might run into a dozen of them upon entering the area. The entirety of the Plaguelands is polluted and wretched, [[Blight (plague)|blighted]] by the Scourge. The [[Plague of Undeath|undead plague]] has corrupted the people and nature itself. Noxious orange mists known as the [[Poison Mist]], float like living entities over the blackened, filthy soil. The Scourge's power here is absolute,<ref>''[[Lands of Conflict]]'', pg. 91</ref><ref name="LoC94">''[[Lands of Conflict]]'', pg. 94</ref><ref name="WoWTRPG20">''[[World of Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game]]'', pg. 20</ref> and they undoubtedly hoard vast [[magic]]al power and potent artifacts in its cities.<ref>''[[Lands of Conflict]]'', pg. 96</ref>
−
The area was covered by the [[Poison Mist]].<ref>''[[Lands of Conflict]]'', pg. 94</ref>
  
  +
  +
Despite the undead's power, [[human]]ity and other forces gather in pockets of resistance.<ref name="LoC95">''[[Lands of Conflict]]'', pg. 95</ref> [[Forest troll]]s from [[Zul'Aman]] in the north battle the Scourge to reclaim their ancient kingdom, and a crazed human group, the [[Scarlet Crusade]], struggles courageously and vainly against the undead. The only safe place in this wretched land is the human city of [[Tyr's Hand]], the Crusade's base of operations in the region.<ref name="LoC94"/>
  +
  +
===Description===
  +
The Scourge controls the Plaguelands. The undead are intelligent and draw their power from the [[Lich King]] far to [[Northrend|the north]]. Now that the Lich King has regained his power, all the Scourge's members are utterly loyal, and it cannot be expected to see more defectors such as [[Sylvanas Windrunner|Lady Sylvanas]] and her [[Forsaken]]. [[Cultist]]s, [[necromancer]]s, [[zombie]]s, [[ghoul]]s, [[skeletal warrior]]s and worse roam the lands, slaughtering the few survivors when they find them. The undead need no rest and never complain.<ref name="LoC94"/><ref name="WoWTRPG20"/>
  +
  +
Against this indomitable force battles the [[Scarlet Crusade]]. As their name implies, these human [[warrior]]s and [[priest]]s dress in bright reds — a stark contrast to the devastated gray landscape. The Crusaders are frenetic, desperate to destroy the Scourge, but well and truly crazy. The Crusaders are fearless zealots. Drawing strength and conviction from the [[Light|Holy Light]], they are dedicated to eliminating undead and offering protection to human survivors. Unfortunately, the Crusaders tend to think that anyone unassociated with them carries the undead plague and simply kill refugees more often than not. They are well armed and armored, and keep their equipment highly polished. Though their hearts are in the right place, their minds are addled — the tiny group is a pathetic force against the Scourge's might. The Scarlet Crusade must be incorporated into a larger army to be successful. And someone has to kick the righteousness out of it.
  +
  +
A large forest troll force has also moved into the region. Striking south from Zul'Aman, these trolls are led by [[Thresh'jin]], and they seek to regain their ancestral kingdom. Forest trolls are no friends to [[Dwarf|dwarves]] or humans, but they are enemies of the Scourge. If promised their kingdom, they might join an alliance.<ref name="LoC94"/>
  +
  +
===Geography===
  +
The Eastern Plaguelands are north of the [[Hinterlands]] and east of the [[Western Plaguelands]]. [[Darrowmere Lake]] borders the region on the south, while [[Zul'Aman]] and [[Quel'Thalas]] lie to the north.<ref name="LoC94"/> The land is blighted, the plants and animals soiled and corrupted. The [[Blight (plague)|blight]] has altered the trees, transforming them into stands of gigantic mushrooms, which are recommended not to eat. Darrowmere Lake provides reasonably fresh water, but the longer the Scourge remains the fouler the water grows. To the north, the elevation rises toward Quel'Thalas and Zul'Aman. Kel'Thuzad's minions are the only creatures that roam the land.<ref name="LoC94"/>
   
 
==Notes and trivia==
  
==Notes and trivia==
 
*Near [[Quel'Lithien Lodge]], there is a small path that leads to [[Quel'Thalas]] &mdash; more specifically, to the [[Ghostlands]]. Guarding this path is single [[high elf]] NPC by the name of [[Adon]], a reference to the [[Expansion|addon/expansion]]: ''[[World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade|The Burning Crusade]]''. The path was previously blocked by fallen trees, some of which still can be seen to the left of the current road, which goes through a mountain pass. The pass goes through an [[instance portal]], which blocks those without the expansion from entering the blood elves' homeland.
  
*Near [[Quel'Lithien Lodge]], there is a small path that leads to [[Quel'Thalas]] &mdash; more specifically, to the [[Ghostlands]]. Guarding this path is single [[high elf]] NPC by the name of [[Adon]], a reference to the [[Expansion|addon/expansion]]: ''[[World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade|The Burning Crusade]]''. The path was previously blocked by fallen trees, some of which still can be seen to the left of the current road, which goes through a mountain pass. The pass goes through an [[instance portal]], which blocks those without the expansion from entering the blood elves' homeland.
−
*The Undead Scourge have also set up a small siege camp near the gateway to Quel'Thalas. [[Scourge Siege Engineer]]s are found around here, along with many [[Scourge Meat Wagon|meat wagons]]. [[Lord Solanar Bloodwrath]] (and previously, [[Lady Liadrin]] herself) sent aspiring [[Blood Knight]] Masters to destroy the meat wagons and the engineers as [[A Demonstration of Loyalty|a demonstration of loyalty]].
 +
*The Undead Scourge has also set up a small siege camp near the gateway to Quel'Thalas. [[Scourge Siege Engineer]]s are found around here, along with many [[Scourge Meat Wagon|meat wagons]]. [[Lord Solanar Bloodwrath]] (and previously, [[Lady Liadrin]] herself) sent aspiring [[Blood Knight]] Masters to destroy the meat wagons and the engineers as [[A Demonstration of Loyalty|a demonstration of loyalty]].
 
*Upon entering the Eastern Plaguelands, players will receive the [[buff]] [[Echoes of Lordaeron]], which increases damage done to Undead mobs up to 5%. Which rank of the buff players receive depends on how many towers are controlled by their faction.
  
*Upon entering the Eastern Plaguelands, players will receive the [[buff]] [[Echoes of Lordaeron]], which increases damage done to Undead mobs up to 5%. Which rank of the buff players receive depends on how many towers are controlled by their faction.
 
*This forest, like much of Lordaeron, lies under a light covering of pine. However, in [[Culling of Stratholme (instance)|Old Stratholme]], the area around the city itself is covered in a deciduous forest reminiscent of [[Elwynn Forest]] far to the south, with not a pine to be seen. The exact reason why there is such a drastic change in vegetation has yet to be explained. It is likely that the developers just used existing models for living trees, instead of redesigning the dead trees to be alive again.
  
*This forest, like much of Lordaeron, lies under a light covering of pine. However, in [[Culling of Stratholme (instance)|Old Stratholme]], the area around the city itself is covered in a deciduous forest reminiscent of [[Elwynn Forest]] far to the south, with not a pine to be seen. The exact reason why there is such a drastic change in vegetation has yet to be explained. It is likely that the developers just used existing models for living trees, instead of redesigning the dead trees to be alive again.
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==Gallery==
  
==Gallery==
 
<gallery>
  
<gallery>
−
File:WarCraftII-TidesOfDarkness-Humans-Mission08-Tyr'sHand.png|The Tyr's Hand region in ''Warcraft II''.
 +
WarCraftII-TidesOfDarkness-Humans-Mission08-Tyr'sHand.png|The Tyr's Hand region in ''Warcraft II''.
  +
Eastern Plaguelands Map.jpg|Eastern Plaguelands prior to [[patch 3.0.3]] plus the UI PvP towers.
 
</gallery>
  
</gallery>
   
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<vplayer/>
  
<vplayer/>
 
*{{#vlink:0LMHLVC-qhc|Eastern Plaguelands [HD] - World of Warcraft Cataclysm}}<br/>
  
*{{#vlink:0LMHLVC-qhc|Eastern Plaguelands [HD] - World of Warcraft Cataclysm}}<br/>
  +
*{{#vlink:eH8_16U9vnA|The Story of The Eastern Plaguelands}}
   
 
==Patches and hotfixes==
  
==Patches and hotfixes==
−
*{{Patch 7.3.5|note=Level scaling implemented, previous zone level: 40 - 45.}}
 +
*{{Patch 7.3.5|note=Now [[zone scaling|scales]] from level 40 - 60.}}
 
*{{hotfix|date=2014-05-21|bluenote=Resolved an issue where players transitioning from Eastern Plaguelands into Ghostlands while on certain flying mounts would be unable to resummon the mount until they relog back in.|link=http://us.battle.net/wow/en/blog/14216440/}}
  
*{{hotfix|date=2014-05-21|bluenote=Resolved an issue where players transitioning from Eastern Plaguelands into Ghostlands while on certain flying mounts would be unable to resummon the mount until they relog back in.|link=http://us.battle.net/wow/en/blog/14216440/}}
−
*{{Patch 4.0.3a|note=Level range changed to 40-45.}}
 +
*{{Patch 4.0.3a|note=Level range reduced to 40 - 45; was 53 - 61.}}
 
*{{Patch 3.0.2|note=Sign post near North Tower has the direction to Quel'Thalas removed.}}
  
*{{Patch 3.0.2|note=Sign post near North Tower has the direction to Quel'Thalas removed.}}
 
*{{Patch 2.0.1|note=Trees, trunks, and rocks behind [[Adon]] removed, portal to [[Quel'Thalas]] added.}}
  
*{{Patch 2.0.1|note=Trees, trunks, and rocks behind [[Adon]] removed, portal to [[Quel'Thalas]] added.}}
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==External links==
  
==External links==
−
<!-- Read http://wow.gamepedia.com/Wowpedia:External_links before posting your links here.
 +
<!-- Read https://wow.gamepedia.com/Wowpedia:External_links_policy before posting your links here.
 
Links that do not conform to the rules will be DELETED.
  
Links that do not conform to the rules will be DELETED.
 
Repeat violations may result in a BAN.
  
Repeat violations may result in a BAN.
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{{Eastern Kingdoms}}
  
{{Eastern Kingdoms}}
   
⚫
[[Category:Eastern Kingdoms]]
  
 
[[Category:Eastern Plaguelands| ]]
  
[[Category:Eastern Plaguelands| ]]
 
[[Category:Forests]]
  
[[Category:Forests]]
  ⚫
[[Category:Lands of Conflict]]
  +
[[Category:World of Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game]]
   
 
[[es:Tierras de la Peste del Este]]
  
[[es:Tierras de la Peste del Este]]

Revision as of 17:30, 3 February 2021

For how the Eastern Plaguelands was prior to Cataclysm, see Eastern Plaguelands (Classic).
NeutralEastern Plaguelands
Level: 40 - 60
Battle Pet Level: 12 - 13
Eastern Plaguelands TAoWoW
Capital(s) Mob Stratholme
Races ScourgeScourgeScourgeScourge Scourge
UndeadUndead Undead
HumanHuman Human
High elfHigh elf High elf
Wretched Wretched
Forest trollForest troll Forest troll
Ruler(s) Neutral IconSmall Maxwell Lord Maxwell Tyrosus
Neutral IconSmall ForestTroll Male Warlord Thresh'jin
Major settlements Neutral Light's Hope Chapel
Neutral Tyr's Hand
Mob Ruins of the Scarlet Enclave
Mob Corin's Crossing
Mob Zul'Mashar
Minor settlements Neutral Crown Guard Tower
Neutral Light's Shield Tower
Neutral Eastwall Tower
Neutral Northpass Tower
Neutral Plaguewood Tower
Neutral Marris Stead
Mob Darrowshire
Mob Northdale
Mob Terrordale
Mob Quel'Lithien Lodge
Mob Death Cultist Base Camp
Affiliation Argent Crusade, Brotherhood of the Light, Silver Hand, Ebon Blade, Mossflayer tribe, Scourge
Former affiliation(s) The Risen, Scarlet Crusade, Argent Dawn, Alliance of Lordaeron, Kingdom of Lordaeron
Location Eastern Lordaeron
PvP status Contested territory

The Eastern Plaguelands is the more heavily devastated half of the Plaguelands that were once known as the Eastweald, and it was part of the Kingdom of Lordaeron. They are located east of the Western Plaguelands, north of the Hinterlands, and south of the Ghostlands.

This region remains the main bastion of the Scourge in Lordaeron but is not as important as it was in the past. They still retain at least some control over the city of Stratholme. The ground is brown, ugly, and sick, the trees corrupted into giant mushrooms and the air is polluted with orange mist. The Plaguewood is the most infested part of the region. Undead, necromancers, and Damned cultists still prowl the land. The Argent Crusade attempts to rid the land of the undead infestation one day and trains their faithful soldiers in the renovated Light's Hope Chapel and watch over the land from their towers scattered across it. The forest troll hold of Zul'Mashar in the north is in danger and could become a bastion for the undead as its inhabits are being transformed.

The former Scarlet Crusade has fallen into disarray and retreated shortly after the fall of Scarlet Enclave and departure of the leadership to Northrend. The remnants were slain and risen into undeath by Balnazzar, who returned from Twisting Nether after his defeat in Scarlet Bastion years ago.

While the ravages of the plague linger, they are fading slowly. The Argent towers and other areas are oases for those who traverse the Eastern Plaguelands.[1]

History

Eastern Plaguelands East Side

The Eastern Plaguelands.

Eastern Plaguelands East Side2

The Plaguelands.

Towers of Eastern Plaguelands TCG

Alliance and Horde fight over the Eastern Plaguelands towers.

Like the Western Plaguelands, the Eastern Plaguelands were once beautiful and brimming with farms and small villages known collectively as Eastweald. The regional government was centered around the city of Stratholme, the second largest city in Lordaeron. Also nearby were the towns of Darrowshire, Corin's Crossing, and Tyr's Hand, and to the east of Stratholme was the pass leading into the southern boundaries of Quel'Thalas.

During the Second War, the bordering area with Quel'Thalas saw fighting between the Alliance of Lordaeron and the Old Horde that invaded Quel'Thalas. A small band of orcs broke off from the main invading force and burned the small town of Blackwood to the ground, killing all of its inhabitants in spite of the valorous defense marshaled by its lord.[2]

Third War and aftermath

In the opening hours of the Third War, the investigations into the origins of the Scourge led Prince Arthas and Jaina Proudmoore through the Tirisfal Glades and what is now the Western Plaguelands (more specifically, the towns of Andorhal and Hearthglen), where they confronted the necromancer Kel'Thuzad and his Cult of the Damned. Kel'Thuzad told Arthas to seek out the leader of the Scourge in Lordaeron, the Dreadlord Mal'Ganis, at Stratholme. While en route via Hearthglen, Arthas and Jaina were joined by Lord Uther, master of the Silver Hand. When they arrived at Stratholme, Arthas realized that the villagers had been infected with the Plague of Undeath. When Uther refused to obey Arthas' command to purge the city, Arthas relieved Uther of command and disbanded the Silver Hand, then slaughtered the townsfolk himself. After hunting down Mal'Ganis in Northrend, Arthas returned as one of the Lich King's death knights and toppled the Kingdom of Lordaeron by murdering his own father, King Terenas. After the fall of Lordaeron's capital, the plague spread throughout the northern regions of Lordaeron, turning them into the blighted lands they are today.

The resistance against the Scourge was particularly bloody at Darrowshire, where the ghoul Horgus the Ravager and the death knight Marduk Blackpool (alias Marduk the Black) led an army of Scourge against the town. Only surviving paladins under Davil Crokford and the Darrowshire militia under Captain Joseph Redpath were able to stand in their way. Though they put up a valiant fight, the defenders of Darrowshire were not enough to stave off the endless legions of Scourge. Davil managed to defeat Horgus in combat, but he succumbed to the horrific wounds the ghoul had inflicted. Captain Redpath fell to Marduk's necromancy, his soul taken from his body and corrupted into the service of the Scourge, where he proceeded to turn on his fellows and tear Darrowshire apart, killing everyone who hid in their homes.

After the fall of Lordaeron, Alexandros Mograine formed a Crusade from the remnants of Lordaeron's Knights of the Silver Hand and attempted to retake the shattered kingdom from both the Scourge and the undead renegades known as the Forsaken. In the Eastern Plaguelands, they took control of both the town of Tyr's Hand and the western districts of Stratholme, where they battle the forces of Baron Rivendare to gain control of the destroyed city. After the death of Alexandros Mograine, the Crusade went through a schism; forming factions such as the Brotherhood of the Light and the Argent Dawn which established themselves in Light's Hope Chapel, and with those who remained in the original Crusade renaming themselves the Scarlet Crusade.

World of Warcraft

WoW Icon update This section concerns content related to the original World of Warcraft.

Meanwhile, the Alliance and Horde continued to fight over the abandoned Lordaeron towers scattered around the Eastern Plaguelands.[3][4] Eventually, the master of the Scourge in Lordaeron made his return to the blighted lands. From his citadel of Naxxramas, floating over the Plaguewood near Stratholme, he prepared to continue the work he began in the name of his master, the Lich King.

The dread citadel Naxxramas stood in this region, and with it Kel'Thuzad's reign was enforced and undisputed. With the help of the Argent Dawn, Darion Mograine infiltrated the floating Scourge citadel and tried his luck at bringing it down. He ultimately failed, losing his life in the process. However, he managed to free his father, Alexandros Mograine (formerly the wielder of the Ashbringer), from undeath, finally giving his spirit rest. Without him, the dark fortress was left severely weakened as he was one of the Four Horsemen who led the military forces in Naxxramas. And so, with this in mind, the Argent Dawn led an all-out assault on the fortress and defeated Kel'Thuzad, but failed to actually kill him. The Citadel ended up "vanishing" from the Plaguelands not too long after.

Some other events happened such as the Crimson Courier, who could be seen roaming from Tyr's Hand to Stratholme. She was usually escorted by four Crimson Bodyguards. Demetria, the Scarlet Oracle, could also be made to leave Tyr's Hand alongside eight Scarlet Troopers. By the time of the Cataclysm, she was gone.

Prior to the start of the invasion of Outland, the Eastern Plaguelands were invaded by a group of Burning Legion demons led by Highlord Kruul.[5]

The area was also invaded twice by the Scourge in the years leading to the war against the Lich King.[6]

Wrath-Logo-Small This section concerns content related to Wrath of the Lich King.

Recently, Naxxramas floated away from the Plaguelands and reappeared over Dragonblight in Northrend, though it was replaced by Acherus: The Ebon Hold over the far eastern portion of the zone. From there, Arthas sent his death knights to exterminate both the Scarlet Crusade and the Argent Dawn and leave his grip over the Plaguelands unchallenged. But, there is that old saying about the best-laid plans of mice and men (and Lich Kings)...

Wrath of the Lich King

Wrath-Logo-Small This section concerns content related to Wrath of the Lich King.

The Eastern Plaguelands have been expanded somewhat to include a small area for death knights, including their home base of Acherus: The Ebon Hold, a massive Scourge necropolis floating above the hills behind Light's Hope Chapel. It is here that the death knight trainers, as well as their leader Highlord Darion Mograine, can be found.

Death knights start out in Scourge service in a special instanced area east of Tyr's Hand known as the Scarlet Enclave. As they progress in their training, death knights are tasked with laying waste to the towns of New Avalon and Havenshire, which lay below the fortress. The towns are left in ruins as the death knights sweep through them with the Scarlet Crusade inhabiting them all but destroyed. After sacking both towns, death knight players participate in a final, epic Battle for Light's Hope Chapel. After the battle is concluded, the death knight is deposited into the "main" (non-instanced) Eastern Plaguelands, where they begin their service to the faction their race belongs to. In the "main" Eastern Plaguelands, the Scarlet Lands - consisting of Tyr's Hand, New Avalon, and Havenshire - are left completely in ruins, their once-green pastures devoured by the blight that permeates the rest of the region.

The ruins of the towns of New Avalon and Havenshire, collectively referred to as the Ruins of the Scarlet Enclave, are reachable from two directions. First, players may travel through Tyr's Hand, and take the final fork in the road to the north. Alternately, players may travel through Browman Mill into the Noxious Glade and follow the south wall to a cave which leads to Death's Breach, at the northern end of the Ruins.

Cataclysm

Cataclysm This section concerns content related to Cataclysm.

Since the Cataclysm, the Argent Crusade has strengthened its presence in the Plaguelands, claiming not only outposts formerly held by the now-defunct Argent Dawn, such as Light's Hope Chapel, but also the former Scarlet Crusade town of Hearthglen, and the four towers through the Eastern Plaguelands; around which the plague has receded. They have also joined forces with the Cenarion Circle to help heal the Plaguelands from its plagued state.[7]

Despite Montoy's treachery, the Brotherhood of Light eventually triumphed over the Scourge in Northrend and have returned to the Eastern Plaguelands. They have begun their own campaign against the remaining Scourge and Risen forces in Lordaeron; attempting to reclaim the cities of Stratholme and Tyr's Hand for the Argent Crusade. Though the Brotherhood and the Crusade are still allied with one another, the Argent Crusade is concerned with the Brotherhood's recklessness,[8][9] and their dislike to the Crusade's rigid code of ethics.[10][11]

Their campaign concludes with the capture of Tyr's Hand from the undead,[9] but also with the capture of the Scarlet Bastion and Alonsus Chapel now under the control of the Argent Crusade after the death of Balnazzar and Lord Aurius Rivendare.[12]

The amount of corruption in the land itself seems to have diminished somewhat, roughly to levels displayed by the Western Plaguelands before the Cataclysm. The plague has been cleansed from Argent Crusade controlled territory, such as Light's Hope Chapel and the five towers, and water flows again in formerly drained riverbeds.

Geography

The Eastern Plaguelands contain a normal instanced dungeon (Stratholme), and formerly contained the raid dungeon Naxxramas. The micro dungeon Tyr's Hand can also be found here. Light's Hope Chapel serves as a travel hub for both the Horde and the Alliance. There are no battlegrounds in this zone, though it is a world PvP area.

Maps and subregions

VZ-Eastern Plaguelands

Map of the Eastern Plaguelands.

VZ-Eastern Plaguelands-old1

Map of the Eastern Plaguelands prior to Cataclysm.

Undisplayed locations
Removed locations
WC2BnE-logo Warcraft II
Icon-RPG Warcraft RPG

Topographic map of Eastern Plaguelands

Instances

Dungeon Name Level Range Group Size Approximate Run Time
Instance portal Stratholme: Main Gate 42-52 5-man
Instance portal Stratholme: Service Entrance 46-56 5-man
Instance portal Naxxramas (Classic) 60-70 40-man N/A (relocated to Dragonblight)

Elite areas

Travel hubs

Light's Hope Chapel

Light's Hope Chapel

Neutral Flight paths from Thondroril River
Neutral Flight paths from Crown Guard Tower
Neutral Flight paths from Light's Shield Tower
Neutral Flight paths from Light's Hope Chapel
Neutral Flight paths from Eastwall Tower
Neutral Flight paths from Northpass Tower
Neutral Flight paths from Plaguewood Tower

Regions adjacent to Eastern Plaguelands

Zone Name Faction Level Range Direction Access
Ghostlands Horde 10 - 60 North By foot (through instance portal portal north of the Northpass Tower), neutral flightpath from Light's Hope Chapel to Hatchet Hills, or Horde flight path from Light's Hope Chapel to Tranquillien Bc icon
Western Plaguelands Horde Alliance 35 - 60 West By foot, or by Alliance flightpath from Light's Hope Chapel to Chillwind Point
Icon Cataclysm 18x18 Badlands HordeAlliance 40 - 60 South By rocket from Light's Hope Chapel to Fuselight-by-the-Sea (breadcrumb quest)

Notable characters

Main article: Eastern Plaguelands NPCs
Marris

The Marris Stead

The Eastern Plaguelands are home to several characters of note. At Light's Hope Chapel, Lord Maxwell Tyrosus leads the Argent Dawn in the fight against the Scourge. At the Marris Stead, Nathanos Blightcaller sends bold heroes of the Horde against the Scarlet Crusade. At his home by the Thondroril River, Tirion Fordring seeks to eradicate the dark horrors that the Plaguelands offer. And in the halls of Acherus, high above Light's Hope Chapel, Highlord Darion Mograine commands the Knights of the Ebon Blade.

Quests

Main article: Eastern Plaguelands storyline

The main plotline in Eastern Plaguelands deals with an adventure of a worgen merchant named Fiona and her two paladin friends, Gidwin Goldbraids and Tarenar Sunstrike that run a caravan riding across the zone, as the story progresses. Gidwin and Tarenar along with the adventurer later join the Argent Crusade forces stationed in Light's Hope Chapel in order to rid the land of undead infestation.

Resources

Tyr's Hand2

Tyr's Hand

Wild creatures

Plaguewood

Plaguewood

Achievements

In the RPG

Icon-RPG This section contains information from the Warcraft RPG which is considered non-canon.

The Eastern Plaguelands are dominated by the Scourge, and the archlich Kel'Thuzad commands the region from the ruined city of Stratholme, the Scourge capital in Lordaeron. Undead roam the land freely, and one might run into a dozen of them upon entering the area. The entirety of the Plaguelands is polluted and wretched, blighted by the Scourge. The undead plague has corrupted the people and nature itself. Noxious orange mists known as the Poison Mist, float like living entities over the blackened, filthy soil. The Scourge's power here is absolute,[13][14][15] and they undoubtedly hoard vast magical power and potent artifacts in its cities.[16]

Despite the undead's power, humanity and other forces gather in pockets of resistance.[17] Forest trolls from Zul'Aman in the north battle the Scourge to reclaim their ancient kingdom, and a crazed human group, the Scarlet Crusade, struggles courageously and vainly against the undead. The only safe place in this wretched land is the human city of Tyr's Hand, the Crusade's base of operations in the region.[14]

Description

The Scourge controls the Plaguelands. The undead are intelligent and draw their power from the Lich King far to the north. Now that the Lich King has regained his power, all the Scourge's members are utterly loyal, and it cannot be expected to see more defectors such as Lady Sylvanas and her Forsaken. Cultists, necromancers, zombies, ghouls, skeletal warriors and worse roam the lands, slaughtering the few survivors when they find them. The undead need no rest and never complain.[14][15]

Against this indomitable force battles the Scarlet Crusade. As their name implies, these human warriors and priests dress in bright reds — a stark contrast to the devastated gray landscape. The Crusaders are frenetic, desperate to destroy the Scourge, but well and truly crazy. The Crusaders are fearless zealots. Drawing strength and conviction from the Holy Light, they are dedicated to eliminating undead and offering protection to human survivors. Unfortunately, the Crusaders tend to think that anyone unassociated with them carries the undead plague and simply kill refugees more often than not. They are well armed and armored, and keep their equipment highly polished. Though their hearts are in the right place, their minds are addled — the tiny group is a pathetic force against the Scourge's might. The Scarlet Crusade must be incorporated into a larger army to be successful. And someone has to kick the righteousness out of it.

A large forest troll force has also moved into the region. Striking south from Zul'Aman, these trolls are led by Thresh'jin, and they seek to regain their ancestral kingdom. Forest trolls are no friends to dwarves or humans, but they are enemies of the Scourge. If promised their kingdom, they might join an alliance.[14]

Geography

The Eastern Plaguelands are north of the Hinterlands and east of the Western Plaguelands. Darrowmere Lake borders the region on the south, while Zul'Aman and Quel'Thalas lie to the north.[14] The land is blighted, the plants and animals soiled and corrupted. The blight has altered the trees, transforming them into stands of gigantic mushrooms, which are recommended not to eat. Darrowmere Lake provides reasonably fresh water, but the longer the Scourge remains the fouler the water grows. To the north, the elevation rises toward Quel'Thalas and Zul'Aman. Kel'Thuzad's minions are the only creatures that roam the land.[14]

Notes and trivia

  • Near Quel'Lithien Lodge, there is a small path that leads to Quel'Thalas — more specifically, to the Ghostlands. Guarding this path is single high elf NPC by the name of Adon, a reference to the addon/expansion: The Burning Crusade. The path was previously blocked by fallen trees, some of which still can be seen to the left of the current road, which goes through a mountain pass. The pass goes through an instance portal, which blocks those without the expansion from entering the blood elves' homeland.
  • The Undead Scourge has also set up a small siege camp near the gateway to Quel'Thalas. Scourge Siege Engineers are found around here, along with many meat wagons. Lord Solanar Bloodwrath (and previously, Lady Liadrin herself) sent aspiring Blood Knight Masters to destroy the meat wagons and the engineers as a demonstration of loyalty.
  • Upon entering the Eastern Plaguelands, players will receive the buff Inv bannerpvp 02 [Echoes of Lordaeron], which increases damage done to Undead mobs up to 5%. Which rank of the buff players receive depends on how many towers are controlled by their faction.
  • This forest, like much of Lordaeron, lies under a light covering of pine. However, in Old Stratholme, the area around the city itself is covered in a deciduous forest reminiscent of Elwynn Forest far to the south, with not a pine to be seen. The exact reason why there is such a drastic change in vegetation has yet to be explained. It is likely that the developers just used existing models for living trees, instead of redesigning the dead trees to be alive again.

Gallery

  • The Tyr's Hand region in Warcraft II.

    The Tyr's Hand region in Warcraft II.

  • Eastern Plaguelands prior to patch 3.0.3 plus the UI PvP towers.

    Eastern Plaguelands prior to patch 3.0.3 plus the UI PvP towers.

Videos

Patches and hotfixes

  • Legion Patch 7.3.5 (2018-01-16): Now scales from level 40 - 60.
  • Mists of Pandaria Hotfix (2014-05-21): Resolved an issue where players transitioning from Eastern Plaguelands into Ghostlands while on certain flying mounts would be unable to resummon the mount until they relog back in.
  • Cataclysm Patch 4.0.3a (2010-11-23): Level range reduced to 40 - 45; was 53 - 61.
  • Wrath-Logo-Small Patch 3.0.2 (2008-10-14): Sign post near North Tower has the direction to Quel'Thalas removed.
  • Bc icon Patch 2.0.1 (2006-12-05): Trees, trunks, and rocks behind Adon removed, portal to Quel'Thalas added.
  • WoW Icon update Patch 1.6.0 (2005-07-12):
    • The Eastern Plaguelands have been converted over to the new graveyard system. The system will place your character's spirit at the closest allowed graveyard in the zone.
    • A neutral graveyard has been added in the Eastern Plaguelands near the northwestern shore of Blackwood Lake. Characters that die in The Fungal Vale will continue to use the Darrowshire graveyard due to the mountains between it and the new graveyard. Additionally, characters dying in Stratholme will now use the new Blackwood Lake graveyard.
  • WoW Icon update Patch 1.4.0 (2005-04-19): Players can no longer kill creatures with ranged attacks while the mobs are unable to damage the player when standing atop the cauldrons in Eastern Plaguelands.

References

 
  1. ^ World of Warcraft: Exploring Azeroth: The Eastern Kingdoms, pg. 81
  2. ^ Ask CDev - Round 3
  3. ^ Establishing New Outposts (quest)
  4. ^ Bolstering Our Defenses (quest)
  5. ^ Dark Portal Opens
  6. ^ Argent Emissary#Quotes
  7. ^ The Menders' Stead (quest)
  8. ^ N [15-30] The Brotherhood of Light
  9. ^ a b N [15-30] Like Rats
  10. ^ Master Craftsman Omarion#Quotes
  11. ^ Korfax#Quotes
  12. ^ Eligor Dawnbringer#Quotes
  13. ^ Lands of Conflict, pg. 91
  14. ^ a b c d e f Lands of Conflict, pg. 94
  15. ^ a b World of Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game, pg. 20
  16. ^ Lands of Conflict, pg. 96
  17. ^ Lands of Conflict, pg. 95

External links

Subzones of the Eastern Plaguelands
Map of the Eastern Plaguelands - Wrath of the Lich King
Map of the Eastern Plaguelands - Cataclysm
Map of the Eastern Plaguelands - Classic
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Map of the Eastern Kingdoms
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