I often find that those of us who have been playing this game for so many years now are almost blind to the content and world around us. So by means of re-familiarizing myself with these zones, and hunting down awesome little spots for RP, I am going to share my findings with you all.
I will also include a bit of lore and atmosphere with each location. I started close to home with Sunstrider Isle. The Blood Elf starter zone, Sunstrider Isle is usually blitzed through in about twenty or thirty minutes these days – and often only returned to by those seeking route to the infamous North Sea Island for ERP. In truth, it’s an awesome little spot. It is located at the very top left of the Eastern Kingdom’s map.
Sunstrider Isle
Named after the monarchy family line, the small island was one of very few places not totally destroyed by Arthas and his scourge, though it was not left untouched by the effects of the attack and the Sunwell’s destruction. The leader of the local Falthrien Academy himself fell prey to his addiction and became Wretched. The island is also home to a small Sunspire, in addition to a shrine for Dath’Remar Sunstrider, the leader who led the exiled highborne across the sea, establishing what is now Quel’Thalas. More on him in a later post.
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Quel’Thalas, which translates to High Kingdom in Thalassian, is the elven homeland. The large runestones that can be found spread across Eversong Woods are part of a barrier they set up against the Legion after the events on Kalimdor, but it also shields the region from outside influences – including weather. This means that Sunstrider Isle, along with all other regions of Quel’Thalas, are locked in an eternal autumn.
I always have a giggle when there is a really hot/cold day in real life and you see at least a handful of RPer’s wandering around in-game complaining about the weather when in truth there is likely only minor temperature variation – at least, this is how I imagine Silvermoon to be, with weather always ‘pleasant’. This is mirrored by the in-game mechanics that cause rain in other regions never raining within the elven kingdom.
-Houses, desks, benches, caravans and gathering locations for a host of uses-
-A few more private locations, including the well-known ERP spot-
The Ruins
I included the ruins in this post, as it is what most people consider still part of the Starter Zone. This bit is technically not part of Sunstrider Isle. About ten years ago, Silvermoon City was twice the size it is today; vibrant, blooming, and filled with magic and wonder and awe. When Arthas attacked, he flattened almost everything, killing 90% of the population of Quel’thalas.
The survivors were left with next to nothing until the Prince, Kael’thas, rounded up what men he could from the willing and able and ventured into Draenor, in search of a promised land and new home for his people.
After various shady deals and aid that would later be revealed to be nefarious, Silvermoon City was rebuilt with magics. Only half of it was reconstructed, however, for only that was needed for their dwindling population. They left half the city in ruins, a testament and memory to the horrors their race had overcome. If you have an elf character this is probably a rather poignant spot.
The Below image is an extra quirk, it is three little NPC’s and their cat on a day out at the coast, if you are ever in the area run over to the point marked on the map there and hang around, they have a few little lines of dialogue that they spit around. I won’t tell you what happens but it gives me the feels every time.
Got a favorite spot you want to give some limelight to? Let me know!
