Chillwind River Valley

The Chillwind River Valley is a region within central Lordaeron, connecting the Darrowmere Lake with the Great Sea. Situated south of Chillwind Point and east of Alterac, the region is home to mostly humans with various ties to the former Kingdoms of Lordaeron and Alterac. Its isolated and rough terrain, despite the central river that divides through it (and gives it its name), the Valley has remained relatively free of undead invaders.

History
When humanity began moving away from Strom's protection within the Arathi Highlands, various peoples gradually moved across almost the entirety of the continent that would become known as Lordaeron. One place, a pristine river valley was found. Although a troll outpost existed here at the time, it was soon destroyed as human settlers, outlaws, and liquor distillers moved into the region. The river became known as Chillwind and so did the rest of the region. Many fled seeking to avoid high taxation from the Empire while others wished to simply evade prosecution. The region became known as 'bandit country' to the people of Strom before the fall of the Empire.

Family loyalties and the rise of nearby Kingdoms divided the region. As Lordaeron grew powerful and as Alterac vied for its independence, old family grudges & the desire for a larger hold of the illegal liquor trade between rival distillers instigated a three hundred year period known as 'The Moonshine Wars'. Needless to say, the Dwarves of the nearby Hinterlands were deeply troubled by the idea of rival alcohol manufacturers wiping one another out & many concerned citizens did what they could to prevent the Wars from becoming hot. Although rarely turning into more than harshwords, axe-swings, and more than a few fist fights, the Rum Wars shaped the identity of the region's people as eager for drink & quicker for fights.

Never really Lordaeronian or Alteraci, the region's people held loyalties to both Kingdoms, some more than others. The region's ownership was disputed by the two Kingdoms for centuries. Some families held hardline loyalties while others shifted theirs depending on laws & taxes.

Modern Day
With the fall of both Kingdoms, the region has been left on its own. While not a Kingdom or official province belonging to anyone, the people within have shifted loyalties to the various revivalist groups in the fallen Kingdoms, although they've taken the situation to not pay any tribute & sell their alcohol and timber to the highest bidder. The families tend to protect themselves but will gladly put aside old grudges to fight off bandits, the rogue wizard, or unlucky Horde adventurer who crosses their hospitality.