Grizzly Hills

Summary

Nestled between Dragonblight and Zul’Drak, the Grizzly Hills is a land of towering redwoods, crystalline rivers, and ancient traditions. Unlike the blighted north, this region breathes with life—yet even here, conflict festers. The forests are sacred to many, and all who dwell within—be they furbolg, humans, or wild beasts—cling fiercely to their territory.

Notable Landmarks:

• Granite Springs – A Kaldorei-era outpost turned wilderness settlement, where Alliance hunters and explorers launch expeditions into the wilds.
• Conquest Hold – A brutal Horde fortification carved from forest and stone. It serves as a military garrison and logging base.
• Drak’Tharon Keep – An ancient troll fortress marking the southern border of Zul’Drak. It has fallen to the Scourge and now serves as a necropolis.
• Ursoc’s Den – The final resting place of the Wild God Ursoc, a place of deep reverence for druids.
• Blue Sky Logging Grounds – A contested resource site, reflecting the rising tensions between nature and industrial expansion.

Relevant Factions:

• The Furbolg Tribes – Reclusive forest-dwelling peoples, many driven mad by corruption or defending sacred groves from invaders.
• The Horde (Conquest Hold) – Expansionist forces seeking lumber, territory, and dominance over the Grizzly Hills.
• The Alliance (Granite Springs) – Rangers and woodsmen hold the line in defense of the forest and its natural balance.
• The Drakkari Trolls – Make incursions from Zul’Drak, particularly near Drak’Tharon Keep, where the Scourge has overrun their stronghold.
• The Scourge – Spread their influence from Drak’Tharon, turning sacred troll and druidic sites into undead staging grounds.
• The Druids and the Cenarion Circle – While not formally organized in the zone, druidic influence surrounds sites like Ursoc’s Den and the sacred groves.

Historical Notes:

• The Grizzly Hills were once a haven of peace and tradition, but the wars of Northrend brought industry and conflict.
• The desecration of Ursoc’s Den presaged greater losses during the Emerald Nightmare years later.
• Drak’Tharon Keep’s fall marked the weakening of the Drakkari and opened a corridor for the Scourge’s advance from Zul’Drak.