As part of an ongoing series, Staff Writer Paul "LockeColeMA" Cleveland is going zone by zone in World of Warcraft, discussing the changes since Cataclysm, quest rewards, locations of interest and more.

Rare and interesting things to see

“Hey Locke,” observant readers might say, “Have you totally forgotten about the Ghouls versus Peacebloom mini-game quests?”

Why no, observant reader, I haven't! One of the most fun quest lines in Hillsbrad starts with the quest Basic Botany, found north of the Sludge fields. Using plants, the player must fight back waves of zombies and ghouls. The quest is based on the popular game Plants vs. Zombies, and ports over quite well. It does get somewhat difficult at the later quests, but the prize is a singing sunflower. Who doesn't want something that creepy?

Another thing many players will never find is Ravenholdt Manor. And realistically there's very little reason to find it. Ravenholdt is a faction for rogues, is involved in a few rogue quests and is one of the more ludicrous requirements for the Insane in the Membrane feat of strength. To gain reputation with Ravenholdt there are two options: killing Syndicate members and gathering heavy junk boxes from level 50+ enemies. Sounds like fun, right? Who would be crazy enough to do that... oh wait.

One relic from the classic world has lasted through the Cataclysm – the memorial in SE Hillsbrad to Anthony Ray Stark, a real life friend of several developers. His character, Rousch, maintains a vigil over the memorial, saluting and kneeling at times. Another, nameless, grave can be found Northeast of Durnholde Keep.

As for rare spawns, there are several throughout the zone. Araga is a rare cat that formerly had a unique skin, and can be found surrounded by her cubs on the tip of the Headlands, looking over the valley below. Jimmy the Bleeder can be found on Corrahn's Dagger, and is a member of the Syndicate. Creepthess is a giant spider in between Azureload Mine and Southshore. Indigos is a blue drake that spawns on the southern edge of the Dalaran crater – technically it's more of a Silverpine mob, but it is in Hillsbrad. Lady Zephris is a rare naga spawn who used to be unable to cast spells back in classic. A pity, she learned how to do so now (fun note: the naga also drop Daggerspine Attack Plans, including the Lady). Finally, in the depths of Dun Garok I found Tamra Stormpike, and putting the poor ghost out of her misery actually gave me enough experience to level to 30! I love rare spawns.

Final thoughts: My view of Hillsbrad shifted wildly as I played through. At first I loved it. The opening quest was hilarious, and when each of the recipients showed up again later I really enjoyed the lines. I detested the Sludge Pens, but enjoyed Brazie's Farmstead and the mini-game there. I very much enjoyed the Stormpike line of quests, as it set the pace well for Alterac Valley. The Durnholde Challenge and Yetimus provided some good introductory group content and, overall the rewards for the zone were great.

However, Hillsbrad ended on a sour note. Perhaps I did the quests out of order, but after I finished the Stormpike Apocalypse and Dunholde Challenge lines, I still had Dun Garok left to do... which abruptly ended, leaving me scratching my head going, “Huh, I guess I'll go to the Highlands now? That was it?”

Also, even though Alterac was combined with Hillsbrad, there are NO quests related to the area. Dandred's Fold is empty, the ogres in the ruins are left alone and we even ignore the Syndicate. I feel as though a good fourth of the zone was completely ignored. It made leaving the zone feel like I had a bunch of tasks unassigned and unfinished. I'm pretty sure I hit almost all of the quests, though. I was glad to finally put the memory of the Sludge Pens behind me and move on to greener pastures: Arathi Highlands, here I come!