The Plaguelands are a devastated region of the former Kingdom of Lordaeron. Divided into two main regions, east and west, the Scourge holds stronger sway over the lands in the east. The various farms and towns have been completely annihilated by the plague, leaving only blighted creatures and undead minions throughout.

Yet, there may be one slight hope for salvation coming from these lands. Acheron, the necropolis that is home to the Death Knights, resides in the southeastern part of the zone. Although the Death Knights have destroyed the remaining Scarlet Crusade troops in Tyr's Hand, they have since joined the Horde and Alliance. Similarly, Tirion Fordring, the once- leader of the Knights of the Silver Hand, has begun to remuster the old order to oppose the Scourge. . They are based nearby, at Light's Hope Chapel, calling themselves the Argent Dawn.

But make no mistake, these are Scourge lands. The dread citadel, Naxxramas, has returned to Northrend, but they still rule absolutely out of Stratholme, overseen by Baron Rivendare and Arthas' right-hand man, Kel'thuzad.

History

The eastern plaguelands serve as the setting for the beginning of the third war. Prince Arthas and Jaina Proudmoore ventured across the land, on the trail of the initial information about the plague. Their trail led them to Stratholme, where Arthas infamously disbanded Uther's paladins and put down the citizenship of the entire city, beginning his descent into madness. When Arthas returned as a Death Knight, he marched his armies through the land toward the Sunwell in nearby Quel'thalas.

Quite a few other battles took place in EPL as well. A battle was pitched in Northdale, and the citizens of Plaguewood were slaughtered mercilessly, but the biggest battle in the land was fought at Darrowshire, where many ghosts remain. They await your salvation.

Horde and Alliance

Neither the Horde nor the Alliance have any major areas of control in the Plaguelands. Nathanos Blightcaller remains at his old home, The Marris Farmstead, as Sylvannas' champion, but this is the only inkling of power exhibited by either faction.

Flight paths

Light's Hope Chapel

Light's Hope Chapel is the home of the Argent Dawn's front lines, and serves as the only location resembling a town in these scarred lands. There is a flight master here for both factions.

• Ironforge
• Aerie Peak, the Hinterlands
• Chillwind Camp, Western Plaguelands
• Hatchet Hills, Ghostlands
• The Undercity
• Revantusk Village, the Hinterlands
• Tranquillien, Ghostlands
• Hatchet Hills, Ghostlands

Plaguewood Tower

The Plaguewood tower^[1] provides quick flights to the other three towers in the zone for rapid defense. You may only fly to these towers if your faction controls the specific tower. The tower only connects to other points within the zone.

• The Northpass Tower, Eastern Plaguelands
• The Eastwall Tower, Eastern Plaguelands
• The Crown Guard Tower, Eastern Plaguelands

Also, the above three flight paths are the only paths in the game to use the spectral gryphon, and it is used regardless of Faction.

Major Populations

• The Scourge - The undead easily control the land. Any other forces here are just scattered remnants.
• The Scarlet Crusade - There are a few small patches where the Crusade still holds some control, in the far southeast and in one section of Stratholme itself.
• The Argent Dawn - Despite similar goals to the scarlets, the Dawn will actually enlist your assistance.
• High Elves - A few elves remain at the Quel'lithien Lodge who did not ally with Kael'thas.
• Trolls - The troll city of Zul'Mashar appears poised to topple under the weight of Scourge influences, but they have done their best to hold strong.

Notable Characters and Rare Mobs

• High General Abbendis
• Crusader Lord Valdelmar
• Tirion Fordring
• Nathanos Blightcaller
• Duke Nicholas Zverenhoff

Geography

Not surprisingly, Eastern Plaguelands is to the east of Western Plaguelands, which is the way most players will reach it. However, it does also connect to the Blood Elf-controlled Ghostlands. EPL is home to one instance, Stratholme, and was also used to house Naxxramas during its first incarnation.

Achievements

• Explore Eastern Plaguelands
• Loremaster of Eastern Kingdoms
• The Argent Dawn

Subzones of Eastern Plaguelands

Notes

1. ^ found at 18, 27

World of Warcraft Wikibase™