Burning Steppes

The **Burning Steppes** are located north of the Redridge Mountains and south of the Searing Gorge. As such, they hold the only accessible land passage from the kingdom of Stormwind in the south to Khaz Modan and Lordaeron in the north. Now virtually abandoned by Stormwind's protection, the Burning Steppes is controlled by the orcish Blackrock clan, minions of the black dragonflight, and agents of Firelord Ragnaros. With the constant volcanic activity and flows of lava, the weather is perpetually hot and dry, and the land is absent of widespread vegetation.

The Blackrock orcs have long maintained a lasting settlement around the volcano known as Blackrock Stronghold, staying hidden from the road and always keeping watch for Alliance attacks. These orcs are more typical of the type of the First and Second wars rather than the current Horde in Kalimdor: Bloodthirsty and savage, they mine the mountains around Blackrock Spire for metals for their weapons and armor. In recent years, they have begun spreading outward, frequently terrorizing the Alliance-held region of the Redridge Mountains to the south. They have allied with the Firegut ogres on the southern end of the steppes as well as the black dragonflight in preparation for a violent territorial expansion into lands protected by Stormwind. But the Alliance – not to mention some friendly Dark Iron dwarves and certain members of the Horde – will not allow them to succeed.

## Rares

###### Deathmaw - Alive

Deathmaw wanders the eastern regions of the Burning Steppes in their search for prey. This worg is known for targeting the tendons of their targets to wear them down for a deathblow.

###### Gorgon'och - Alive

At Dreadmaul Rock, Gorgon'och stands guard using a mix of both martial and magical skills at his disposal. This ogre mage employs offensive and defensive fire magic in addition to his general bloodlust.

###### Gruklash - Alive

At Blackrock Stronghold, Gruklash can be detected among his kin by his black and red armour, hefty hammer and eyepatch. A skilled warrior and officer, this fanatic of the Dark Horde poses a constant threat to the Steppes.

###### Hahk'zor - Alive

"THE HAHKZ!" is a phrase often screamed when warning of the arrival of Hahk'zor. This burly butcher enjoys cleaving, slicing, cutting, and long baths in the pools under Dreadmaul Rock.

###### Hematos - Alive

The Black Drake Hematos hovers near the Whelping Downs, where they guard the next brood of dragons to serve the Blackrock Clan. Hematos' fiery breath is often what claims people coming toward or away from him in the field.

###### Malfunctioning Reaver - (Mal)functioning

Around the ruins of Thaurissan, a stray Reaver can be found with an unfortunate malfunction. While non-hostile, contact or attempts to move the golem result in the immediate activation of its combat mode.

###### Terrorspark - Alive

Along the lava flow near Flame Crest, Terrorspark causes fiery mischief for passing travellers. Their immolation is often their favoured tool for charring unfortunate souls who come across their line of sight.

###### Thauris Balgarr - Alive

Balgarr is one of the remaining Dark Iron Separatists, and holds their determinination using guerrilla warfare. With a mix of knives, guns, nets and land mines, Balgarr has evaded justice for several years while moving around the northern Steppes.

###### Volchan - Alive

Underneath the bridge leading into Blackrock Mountain, the Molten Giant Volchan can be found. Authorities have ill-advised trying to deal with the giant alone, as its location, sheer mass and destructive capabilities pose an extreme risk of life to any who aim to free up the area at the foot of the Mountain.