Chillwind Pass

Chillwind Pass, otherwise known as the Chillwind River Valley, is a region in south-central Lordaeron. Set between the forests surrounding Andorhal and Lake Darrowmere to the north and the Hillsbrad Foothills to the south, the Chillwind Valley is a fertile region cut into the eastern edge of the Alterac Mountains. Chillwind Pass is itself an important strategic location, as it is one of the few mountain passes in the region that might be easily traversed.

Long ago, before the rise of the Kingdoms of Men, the valley was inhabited by Trolls of the Amani Empire. As humanity spread across Lordaeron, the Trolls were eventually pushed from the region in a series of bloody conflicts. Humans came to inhabit the valley, farming the rich soils around the river running south from Lake Darrowmere and mining the precious metals of the surrounding mountain ranges. Though the Trolls were pushed from the west, signs of their habitation can still be found.

The House of Stormtreader resided in the valley for thousands of years, contesting rule of the domain from their ancient stronghold of Silverhollow Keep, a formidable fortress nestled high into the peaks overlooking the pass. For a time, the Stormtreaders ruled from their high seat as kings, presiding over Darrowmere and the lands stretching towards the coast of Hillsbrad. The Stormtreaders fought many wars for their claim, against other human dynasties and Troll warbands alike. The House of Barov came to be particular foes of the Stormtreaders, and would eventually best the Lords of Chillwind Pass. In time, both would to kneel to the Royal House of Menethil, and Chillwind Pass became a part of the Kingdom of Lordaeron.

In recent years, the House of Stormtreader was all but destroyed by the Undead Scourge. Silverhollow Keep itself fell to siege by the Undead terror not long after the Fall of Andorhol. The few human settlements in the valley were consumed by the dead and added to their festering ranks. Today, the forces of the Banshee Queen hold the pass, defending the northern reaches of Lordaeron from any who dare cross towards Andorhal. Silverhollow Keep stands as their bastion of power, a Legion of Deathguard holding the ancient halls and delving deep within for the secrets held there. Since the Forsaken push into Hillsbrad and the destruction of Southshore, the human presence in Chillwind has been minimal.