by Jeff Woleslagle on Jun 06, 2006
Among the fetid forest of Silverpine lie the ruins of the greatest human kingdom to ever grace Azeroth. Franchise veterans might get a shudder when they pass the vacant throne room on their way into Lordaeron; it was here that Prince Arthas Menethil, mind weakened by revenge and corrupted by the Lich King's machinations, slew his father and betrayed his race, bringing the Scourge and the plague upon his land. When the power of the Scourge was finally weakened and pushed back, Banshee Queen Lady Sylvanas and her Forsaken (undead, but still possessed of their minds - unlike the mindless minions of the Scourge) retook what came to be known as the Undercity.
Lady Sylvanas continued Arthas's building project in the crypts beneath Lordaeron. Though newcomers might be initially dismayed by the city's architecture, it's actually fairly logical. The city is divided into quarters- the War Quarter (which houses warrior & priest trainers and the accoutrements of battle), the Mage's Quarter (where mages and warlocks study the arcane and purchase their wares), the Rogue's Quarter (where pickpockets ply their trade), the Royal Quarter (the well defended seat of Forsaken power), which lies beath the apothecarium (the attention the Forsaken give to creating a new plague cause the living among the Horde much anxiety). The sixth and central area is the Trade Quarter, where you can find all manner of goods plus the bank and mailbox.
The Forsaken, caught between the Scourge (who would enslave them) and many among the living (who would destroy them as an abomination), are a race hated by many and trusted by few. Undercity is their ultimate refuge against the turning tides of opinion and war.
As an Orc or Troll - You'll have to catch a zeppelin at Orgrimmar to take you across the sea to Undercity. Travel directly north from the starting areas of The Den and Sen'jin Village, past Razor Hill, and you'll come to Orgrimmar in no time. Remember to talk to the Innkeeper at Razor Hill or Orgrimmar so that you can return quickly and easily. The zeppelin to Undercity is near the Orgrimmar city gates, but speak to the Flight Master in Orgrimmar (atop the central tower) while you're in the area. Wait on the zeppelin platform facing southwards and hop on the first zepp to come along (it shouldn't take more than five minutes). Head north into the ruins of Lordaeron, and take the elevator down to Undercity.
As a Tauren - You'll have to travel to Orgrimmar first to catch the zeppelin accross the sea to the Undercity area. Travelling to Orgrimmar is an arduous journey, and shouldn't be attempted until the teens due to the dangerous creatures along the Barrens road from Camp Taurajo. First, make sure you've spoken with the Flight Master atop the central totem in Thunder Bluff (to simplify the return trip). If you're sure you're going to be returning to Mulgore soon, speak to the innkeeper to bind yourself. Travel southwest through Mulgore and take the road to the Barrens. You'll come to Camp Taurajo; speak to the Flight Master here (though you won't have reason to return again until the mid-teens). Tread carefully northwards to the Crossroads, where you can pick up a handfull of quests and speak to a Flight Master as well. Exit Crossroads heading north, but take the eastward road when you come to the "T". You'll cross a river and enter Durotar; almost there! When you reach Razor Hill, head northwards to Orgrimmar. The zeppelin to Undercity is near the Orgrimmar city gates, but speak to the Flight Master in Orgrimmar (atop the central tower) while you're in the area. Wait on the zeppelin platform facing southwards and hop on the first zepp to come along (it shouldn't take more than five minutes). Head north into the ruins of Lordaeron, and take the elevator down to Undercity.
As Undead - Travel eastwards from Deathknell, past Brill, to the entrance of Undercity (the Ruins of Lordaeron). Once you have spoken with the Undercity Flight Master (into the ruins, down the elevator, and along the topmost ring of the first area you come to), continue to explore the gloomy depths of your home city.
The following are quests that begin in Undercity and require no specific class nor only prequisite quest completions. This is a simplified listing, quests that begin elsewhere and end (or continue through) Undercity are not listed.
Level Name Start Destination Region 39 The Crown of Will (5 part) Sharlindra Tarren Mill 42 Into The Scarlet Monastery (Dungeon)
Thanks for reading! Feel free to email me with comments, suggestions, or whatnot.