Loch Modan Loch Modan is a large area east of Dun Morogh , situated in eastern Khaz Modan . It is known for its temperate climate , abandoned archaeological dig site , and the huge lake from which the region takes its name . The gray and rugged Khaz Mountains rise up on all sides around the loch , and the hills are lightly wooded with pine and birch . The loch was held in place by the Stonewrought Dam , an architectural wonder of no equal on Azeroth . The dam controlled the flow of water to the Wetlands below prior to the Cataclysm . Loch Modan is heavily populated by hostile trogg s , unearthed from caves below ground by the dwarven digs . They have since settled in the surrounding mountainous area and built crude camps and caves from which to strike at passing travelers . Other dangers include dangerous wildlife , aggressive kobold s , and the powerful ogre s of the Mo ' grosh Stronghold . History . Despite its serene appearance , Loch Modan has seen its share of conflict and bloodshed . In the Second War , the orc s of the Horde overran Loch Modan and made a stand against the defenders of the Alliance . The dwarves of Ironforge were ultimately successful in their defense , and reclaimed the area in the war ' s aftermath . Broken catapults and ballistae can still be seen scattered about on the bottom and islands of the loch , mute evidence to the region ' s bloody history . With the emergence of Deathwing into the world , and with his notable flight over the loch that ripped apart the dam , more enemies have settled into the area . The Twilight ' s Hammer clan is chief among these , taking up residence within the center of the now - drained loch . The dark iron dwarves have taken advantage of the destruction of the Stonewrought Dam and taken that structure , and have even parked a spy close to Thelsamar within Grizzlepaw Ridge . Geography . The region is surrounded by the Mountains of Khaz . Loch Modan is sparsely wooded , consisting mainly of rugged hills and rolling grasslands . There are a number of caves filled with their own unique dangers sprinkled throughout . Mountain passes lead to other areas , such as the Searing Gorge and the Wetlands , as well as Dun Morogh . For the most part these are well guarded , or in the case of the Searing Gorge pass , locked . The Stonewrought Dam used to control the flow of water into the Wetlands , great spouts of water flowing from the open mouths of stone dwarves carved into its face . The northeast quadrant is perhaps the most dangerous , filled with ogre s . South of this is a large excavation site . Prior to the Cataclysm , the most notable feature of the area was the large loch itself , dotted with small islands . It has now been drained , thanks to the destruction of the Stonewrought Dam by Deathwing , displacing a large number of its natural wildlife and introducing new creatures into the area . Many of the threshadon s died , and their skeletons now litter the floor . There are no instanced dungeons or battlegrounds in Loch Modan . However , the micro dungeon Mo ' grosh Stronghold can be found in this area . Since the Alliance has no travel hub in the Badlands , they have to fly to Thelsamar in Loch Modan and ride from there to get to Uldaman . Newer players are often unacquainted to the higher - level activity in a teens level zone in comparison to the starting zones they have come from . Travel . Getting there . Detailed instructions . These instructions require an understanding of map coordinates for WoW . For more information regarding map coordinates read Map coordinates . Notable characters . Loch Modan is home to several dwarves of various levels of importance . In the Valley of Kings , Captain Rugelfuss sends promising young dwarves to eradicate the troggs who infest the region . At the Stonewrought Dam , Chief Engineer Hinderweir VII seeks to rid Loch Modan of the vile and terrible Dark Iron dwarves . And at his excavation site , the unlucky Prospector Ironband recruits " slightly " more experienced adventures to investigate the ruins of Uldaman . Due to the Trogg invasions in the far western village of New Tinkertown , in Dun Morogh , many Gnomes have fled to the company of the Dwarves of Loch Modan , and Thelsamar . Quests . Loch Modan is the implied level 10 - 20 destination zone for dwarves and gnome s from the adjacent starting zone of Dun Morogh . However it is easy enough for all other Alliance races to quest here , via the Deeprun Tram from Stormwind ( this is true since the opening of Stormwind Harbour , allowing young Draenei and Night Elves easy access to Stormwind ) .