From WoWWiki

A zeppelin is an airship that consists of a wooden gondola attached to a large balloon, and kept aloft by a phlogiston powered boiler.^{WoWRPG 215} They were conceived by the goblins.^{W2Man 75}

The pilot of the zeppelin can control the direction through use of ropes which are connected to both the steering wheel in the gondola, as well as fins on the balloon's back. Altitude is maintained or adjusted by the degree of inflation of the balloon, as well as with ballast. Moving in a direction or changing speed requires thrust, given by one or more rotors.

The zeppelin is an example of one of the most stable technological devices to be found on Azeroth (a trait uncommon of goblin inventions), and malfunctions tend to be non-threatening. Naturally, it is possible for the zeppelin to drift off course or develop a leak, but only rarely will the phlogiston boiler have difficulty, and even rare still will it explode.^{WoWRPG 215}

Contents 1 History 2 Zeppelin routes 2.1 Wrath of the Lich King 3 Other zeppelins 4 Patch changes

History

They were first constructed and used by the Horde during the Second War. At that time, zepplins were manned by a small team of goblins, whose purpose was to spy on enemy positions. The zeppelins were cumbersome, awkward and maintained no armament. However, at the time, they had extensive line of sight, as well as the ability to spot submerged Alliance technology.^{W2Man 75}

Since then, zeppelins have become a widespread method of transportation, due to development by the goblins.^{M&M 188} After the Second War, the goblins rescinded their alliance with the Horde and began selling their goods and services to the highest bidder. Throughout the course of the Third War, the zeppelins were employed by both the Horde and Alliance. Their speed had increased substantially, and the zeppelins were now able to travel over long distances and rough terrain, as well as carry vast numbers of troops.^{M&M 188}

Now, in the times following the defeat of the Burning Legion at Mount Hyjal, the zeppelins are employed once again by the Horde for the passage of the Great Sea between the continents. Although the goblins remain a neutral force, the Horde alone has the privilege of using the zeppelins. Goblins still offer passage to the Alliance in many locations of the world, but those zeppelins in use by the Horde are not usually used by the Alliance.

Zeppelin routes

In World of Warcraft, you will rarely see free-flying zeppelins with no specific course. They now generally follow established routes with a Zeppelin Tower at each end point. Some cargo zeppelins can be seen crashed in places.

• The Iron Eagle: Orgrimmar, Durotar ↔ Grom'gol Base Camp, Stranglethorn Vale
• The Thundercaller: Orgrimmar, Durotar ↔ Undercity, Tirisfal Glades
• The Purple Princess: Undercity, Tirisfal Glades ↔ Grom'gol Base Camp, Stranglethorn Vale
• Undercity, Tirisfal Glades ↔ Vengeance Landing, Howling Fjord
• Orgrimmar, Durotar (?) ↔ Warsong Hold, Borean Tundra
• Warsong Hold, Borean Tundra ↔ Vengeance Landing, Howling Fjord

Wrath of the Lich King

In the next expansion, World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King, two new zeppelin routes will be added, connecting the Undercity in Tirisfal Glades to Vengeance Landing in Northrend's Howling Fjord and an unknown route to Warsong Hold in Northrend's Borean Tundra. There will also be a zeppelin link between these two towns.

Other zeppelins

• Beezil's Wreck in Dustwallow Marsh.
• Marvon Rivetseeker's in Thistleshrub Valley, Tanaris.
• One crashed in a tree in Stranglethorn Vale.
• A few above Orgrimmar.
• "Screaming" Screed Luckheed's Zeppelin Crash in Hellfire Peninsula.

Patch changes

Patch 2.3.0 (11/13/07): crews and guards have been added to the zeppelins. Machine vendors were also added on each zeppelin, one for trade goods/reagents and repairing, the other for food and drink.

The vendors did not work as intended, and the crews were removed shortly thereafter.