World of Warcraft: History and Geography of Kelp'thar Forest

Kelp'thar Forest is the first zone in the undersea region known as Vashj'ir. It is one of the two starting zone for all players level 80 and higher (the other is Mount Hyjal). The forest features a vast array of aquatic life and plants. There is a mixed focus between the main quests involving the naga and auxiliary quests introducing players to Vashj'ir's new under water mechanics. The most noticeable feature of the Kelp'thar Forest is found along the southern edge of the zone in what is known as the Lightless Reaches.

History

Kelp'thar Forest does not have much of a history when it was far below the ocean's surface, at least no known recorded history.

Geography

The Kelp'thar Forest is the smallest of the three underwater zones of Vashj'ir and found at the northeastern most part. Kelp'thar is separated by the Shimmering Expanse by the Lightless Reaches, a large chasm, much in the same way land zones are separated by mountains.

The forest's most notable features would be the seaweed forests and overly sized shells found throughout the region. There exists a few ruins, but not as many as would be found in the Shimmering Expanse. The region mostly consists of sunken vessels that were struck down by a sea monster while heading to the newly risen landmass. The most common wildlife includes sea turtles, sharks, crabs, and other fish life.

Wild creatures

Crabs

Eels

Gilgoblins

Groupers

Sea grubs

Makrura

Murlocs

Naga

Orcas

Seahorses

Sea giant (One, Gnash)

Sea serpents

Sea turtles

Sharks

Skeletons

Notable Characters

Erunak Stonespeaker

Legionnaire Nazgrim

Captain Taylor

Notes

During the World of Warcraft: Cataclysm beta this area was known was Kelp Forest.

Kelp'thar Forest might best suit those who do not plan on spending gold for additional riding skill, but instead get the free [Vashj'ir Seahorse] mount which makes it considerably faster to level in Kelp'thar Forest, Shimmering Expanse and Abyssal Depths.