Zeppelin A goblin zeppelin is a form of transportation that consists of a wooden gondola attached to a large balloon , into which hot air is pumped by a phlogiston boiler . They are swift , able to make long journeys , and pass above rough terrain . They were conceived by the goblin s . The zeppelin is the result of the goblins handiwork and talent for Engineering . The pilot can control the direction through use of ropes which are connected to both the steering wheel in the gondola , as well as fins on the balloon ' s back . Altitude is maintained or adjusted by the degree of inflation of the balloon , as well as with ballast . Moving in a direction or changing speed requires thrust , given by one or more rotors . The zeppelin is an example of one of the most stable technological devices to be found on Azeroth ( a trait uncommon of goblin inventions ) , and malfunctions tend to be non - threatening . Naturally , it is possible for the zeppelin to drift off course or develop a leak , but only rarely will the phlogiston boiler have difficulty , and even rarer still will it explode . History . Zeppelins were first created by the skilled goblin Engineers . Its unknown of the exact date of its creation , but they were first first gained prominence when they were used by the Horde during the Second War . At that time , zeppelins were manned by a small team of goblins whose purpose was to spy on enemy positions . The zeppelins were cumbersome , awkward , and maintained no armament . However , at the time , they had extensive line of sight as well as the ability to spot submerged Alliance technology . Since then , zeppelins have become a widespread method of transportation , due to development by the goblins . After the Second War , the goblins rescinded their alliance with the Horde and began selling their goods and services to the highest bidder . Throughout the course of the Third War , the zeppelins were employed by both the Horde and Alliance . Their speed had increased substantially and the zeppelins were now able to travel over long distances and rough terrain , as well as carry vast numbers of troops . They also invented other zeppelin - like " airships " that are able to ferry troops over impassable terrain . Now , in the times following the defeat of the Burning Legion at Mount Hyjal , the zeppelins are employed once again by the Horde for the passage of the Great Sea between the continents . Although the goblins remain a force , the Horde alone has the privilege of using the zeppelins . Goblins still offer passage to the Alliance in many locations of the world , but those zeppelins in use by the Horde are not usually used by the Alliance . Neutral goblin zeppelins currently will allow the transport of soldiers , but heavy weaponry , such as cannon s , are forbidden to maintain neutrality . Zeppelins come in different designs and sizes , and different zeppelins have different crew sizes . Zeppelins are manned by at least a pilot . Sometimes they consist of a pilot and an engine tender . Some are manned by a pilot , navigator , and engineer . Other zeppelins have eight member crews including a sky - captain , a chief officer , a navigator , three crewmen , and two guards . It moved at 40 miles per hour in the Warcraft RPG , but was changed to 15 miles per hour in the World of Warcraft RPG . Zeppelins can cover about five hundred miles in a twelve - hour day of travel , allowing the crew time to rest and make any necessary repairs . An Explorer ' s Guild trip from Sunwell Grove to Booty Bay was made in just under 80 days . Zeppelin routes . In " World of Warcraft " , you will rarely see free - flying zeppelins with no specific course . They now generally follow established routes with a Zeppelin Tower at each end point . Some cargo zeppelins can be seen crashed in places . Orgrimmar houses 4 zeppelin routes stationed at two towers on the central bluff ; The eastern tower houses the zeppelins to Eastern Kingdoms , the western tower houses the zeppelin to Northrend and Thunder Bluff