User:Matix/Outland Revisited/Zangarmarsh changes

Zangarmarsh is a hauntingly beautiful swamp covered with a forest of giant mushrooms. Though largely teeming with life, sections of the swamp have begun to die of late, and the sapient fungi of the region seek help in returning it to life. This zone is located in Outland to the west of Hellfire Peninsula.

Introduction
The war in Outland has greatly affected the marsh, with at least 30 percent of waters drained by the Naga in order to fuel their reservoir - a seat of power for one of the most trusted and loyal lieutenants of Illidan - Lady Vashj. The Coilfang matron was slain during the assault on the reservoir, and her forces scattered and pushed back to the northwestern parts of the region. The fragile peace is still threatened, while the battles for the seat of Outland persist - and the recent arrival of the nihilistic Twilight's Hammer has made things ever worse. Rumors indicate that the local ogres have willingly offered their aid in exchange for power, and the remaining naga emboldened by the news of Azshara's efforts back in Azeroth have also sided with the cult. Only time will tell, how all this turmoil will affect the Zangarmarsh.

Changes
The Coilfang Reservoir has been claimed by the Cenarion Expedition that now struggles for control with the Naga remnants. Some of the drained water was returned into the marsh, but major amount of it was deemed unsalvageable. The An'gorosh have fortified their holdings and collaborate with the Naga. Twilight's Hammer delegations are also present.

Areas affected:


 * Ango'rosh Stronghold - reinforced with Elementium spikes and Twilight-themed architecture.
 * Ango'rosh Grounds - In midst of reinforcing process.
 * Daggerfen Village - taken over by the Naga.
 * Darkcrest Enclave - The area has been claimed by the hostile worgen (for information why, see Storyline section) that have built a small town and a tree resembling the Howling Oak of Darnassus. The enviroment has been also altered in a manner similiar of the Tainted Forest.
 * Dead Mire - The area has been completely revitalized, renamed Ikeyen Lake - the namesake is present here, also a small camp has been established here.
 * Marshlight Lake - The eastern shore has been claimed by the sporeloks. The island on the center of the lake is controlled by Owen Whitefang and his Twilight guards.
 * Portal Clearing - The portal has opened. Creatures of unknown origin are coming through.
 * Serpent Lake - The lake has expanded, flooding the Twin Spire Ruins.
 * Umbrafen Village - destroyed, Arakkoa are present here - they are salvaging the ruins.

Geography
[under construction]

Storyline
The breadcrumb quest in Hellfire Peninsula sends adventurers into Cenarion Refuge. This is the very first quest hub that they will encounter shortly after entering Zangarmarsh proper. First tasks are to thin the ranks of increasingly aggressive wildlife; discover what happened with Umbrafen Village and aid Ikeyen in his effort of safeguarding the revitalized Dead Mire.

After all of these tasks are complete, heroes are send to find out what caused the worgen expedition to go rampant. First clues indicate that the source of corruption is within the oak found in their town. Heading back to Cenarion Refuge, the hero discovers that one of the worgen druids, Owen Whitefang behaved stragnely long before the madness took hold over the settlers. The notes found back at the town indicate that the druid was going to Funggor Cavern often for unknown purposes. Upon arrival at the site, the druid was found here conversing with a shadowy figure, that revealed himself to be none other than Sab'aoth; the head of the Twilight's Hammer of Outland - who congratulates Owen and empowers him with the 'Master's blessing'. After their conversation is finished, they go through a portal and disappear.

Later tasks are given in Telredor or Swamprat Post (depending on the faction) - they are focused mainly on a territorial struggle between Alliance and Horde, specifically for Blades' Run. The Alliance seeks to cut off any Horde reinforcements that could get through that passage into Thunderlord Stronghold in Blade's Edge Mountains, in result gaining advantage in the conflict in both regions. They eventually succeed, but the Horde adventurers have bought enough time to send a supply wagon with a message about the loss of the route, with assurance that the Horde will retake it soon. After the battle for Blades' Run, adventurers of both factions are sent to Orebor Harborage or Zabra'jin.

The Orebor Harborage is under constant assault from the naga, while the Zabra'jin must deal with Ango'rosh aggression. Adventurers discover that Ango'rosh and Coilfang operate as a joint force, when he/she was intercepting the message from the naga courier, which stated that the meeting concerning further developments somewhere at the flooded Twin Spire Ruins area will begin soon. Everything becomes clear when both emissaries speak with Presence of Sab'aoth; revealing that they are just another minions of Twilight cult. After they are dealt with, adventurers are tasked to deal with Owen Whitefang and his Twilight underlings at Marshlight Lake and to lead the final assault on the ogre fortress.