The Dark Portal and the Birth of Hellfire Citadel: A Grim History

Located at the end of the Path of Glory, the Stair of Destiny and Dark Portal was constructed, marking a turning point in the history of the orcish people. This is where they planned their final attack against the draenei in Shattrath and their march along the Path of Glory, which would lead to the genocide of the draenei. The Temple of Karabor, later known as the Black Temple, served as the meeting place for Gul'dan's Shadow Council, while Hellfire Citadel acted as the staging ground for the Horde's military force.

The area surrounding the citadel was once a lush and verdant land, but after the orcs abandoned their shamanistic ways and began to use warlock magic, it withered away. The sky turned blood-red during the day, and the fertile grounds desiccated, leaving only red dust and hard-packed mud behind. This transformation was a result of the corrupting influence of the warlock magic.

As the capital city of the Horde and the fortress of Blackhand, the first Warchief of their people, Hellfire Citadel was built on the remains of the countless draenei who were slaughtered by the blood-crazed orcs. The area is surrounded by the Devouring Sea to the north, east, and south, making it a vast and unforgiving stretch of wilderness.

Before the First War, this region was known as Tanaan Jungle, but after Draenor's sundering, it became Hellfire Peninsula. This massive area, along with most of the regions introduced in The Burning Crusade, is much larger than what classic WoW players are used to. When traveling on foot, you can't help but notice the countless bones cracking and shattering beneath your feet.

The landscape of Hellfire Peninsula is a grim reminder of the brutal battles that took place here. The ground is reddish in hue, barren, and almost uninhabitable, with hard-packed earth as far as the eye can see. Two cities once thrived in this region: Hellfire Citadel and Zeth'kur.

Hellfire Peninsula is a pivotal area of Outland, and its dark history is evident in every step you take. This is where the other side of the Dark Portal is located, and it has been the site of many of the most brutal battles in Warcraft's history. The Burning Legion, Fel Horde, Illidari, Mag'har, Horde, Sons of Lothar, and Alliance have all left their mark on this foreboding region.

In conclusion, Hellfire Peninsula is a testament to the destructive power of warlock magic and the devastating consequences of the orcish people's actions. This grim landscape serves as a reminder of the dark history that shaped Outland and the importance of learning from the past to build a better future.

Zeth kur