Kalimdor: Darnassus

Off the stormy coast of Kalimdor, across the restless Veiled Sea, the tiny Rut'Theran Village stood as a gateway to the Night Elves' capitol: Darnassus.

The village was nestled among the enormous roots of the World Tree, Teldrassil.

In addition to the sea port, Rut'theran Village served as a Hippogryph landing, connecting the Tree to the rest of the continent.

A few Night Elves made the area their home, although the bulk remained in the city above.

The heavily guarded portal whisked visitors and adventurers up to the city proper ...

... where another magical tree awaited them.

Nearby the Bough of the Eternals housed the Night Elves' bank.

 

 Across the still lake the Cenarion Enclave was home to the Circle's druids and a center for their organization.

Arch Druid Fandral Staghelm, head of the Cenarion Circle, was often in conflict with the Night Elves' other leaders.

Further across the valley sat the Craftsmen's Terrace.

An adventurer with an agile mind could have learned nearly any trade - so long as wasn't forge work.

The Warrior's Terrace was home to Ancients of War, the Sentinel's training areas, and instructors for those inclined to combat.

Between the Auction House and the local merchants, nearly anything could be had in the Tradesmen's Terrace.

 Magnificent buildings housed the most exclusive merchants' shops.

By far most breath-taking structure within the tree top city was the Temple of the Moon.

Within the Temple Garden's stone walls grew a green world.

The Temple proper felt more like a peaceful glade than a massive building carved from unliving stone. A statue depicting the first Priestess of the Moon was surrounded by soothing waters.

High Priestess Tyrande Whisperwind and her many advisers watched the Temple from the upper balcony.

 

Outside and beyond the city's building were open fields and small ponds. The city was much larger than one's first impression might have given.

Despite the peaceful nature of the Night Elves, the city's walls were both massive and thickly defended. Allies were welcomed with open arms, and enemies met with the fierceness of eternity lost.