Where to Buy Riding in Stormwind: A Comprehensive Guide
The Heart of Riding Training in Stormwind
For aspiring adventurers and seasoned heroes alike, mastering the art of riding is crucial in the vast world of Azeroth. If you are playing an Alliance character and find yourself in Stormwind City, you’re in luck! Your journey to mounted travel begins with Darlene Stokx, Stormwind’s dedicated riding trainer. You can find her just outside of Old Town, conveniently located next to SI:7. She’s your go-to NPC for learning the basics of riding and advancing your skills as you progress.
Getting Started with Riding Skills
Darlene doesn’t just sell you a horse; she teaches you the foundational skill required to mount up. This includes Apprentice Riding, which allows you to ride ground mounts at 60% speed, a must-have for efficient travel in the early levels. Once you reach level 20, you can purchase Apprentice Riding for a base price. However, keep in mind that this cost can be reduced if you have a high reputation with either Stormwind or Orgrimmar. Achieving Exalted status with your faction will unlock significant discounts on riding skill training.
Where to Purchase Your Mounts
Once you have your riding skill, the next step is getting a mount. In Stormwind, you won’t actually be buying your racial ground mounts directly from Darlene. For human racial mounts (horses), you need to travel to the Easternmost flight point in Elwynn Forest. There, you’ll find a vendor selling various horses. For flying mounts like Gryphons, head over to the Gryphon Roost, just off the Trade District. At this location you will find not only the flight master, but also a gryphon vendor, Tannec Stonebeak, and the riding trainer Bralla Cloudwing. You can also buy an Armored Snowy Gryphon for 2000 gold from Mei Francis in Dalaran, if you happen to have access to the city.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Riding in Stormwind
To help you navigate the world of riding in Stormwind, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions:
1. How much does Apprentice Riding cost?
The base cost of Apprentice Riding is 5 gold. However, this can be discounted if you are at a higher reputation level with your faction, potentially even reduced with Exalted reputation.
2. At what level can I learn to ride?
You can learn Apprentice Riding at level 20, which will let you mount your ground mounts.
3. Where can I buy human racial ground mounts?
You can buy human racial mounts (horses) from a vendor located at the Easternmost flight point in Elwynn Forest.
4. Where can I buy a Gryphon in Stormwind?
Gryphons can be purchased at the Gryphon Roost, located just off the Trade District. You’ll find the Gryphon vendor, Tannec Stonebeak, there.
5. Who is the Riding Trainer in Stormwind?
The riding trainer in Stormwind is Darlene Stokx, and you can find her just outside of Old Town, next to SI:7.
6. Can I learn riding skills in another city besides Stormwind?
Yes, different cities and regions offer riding training. For example, if you are a Horde player, you can purchase riding skills in Orgrimmar.
7. What is the difference between flying and ground mounts?
Ground mounts travel on the ground. Flying mounts, such as Gryphons, allow you to fly through the air, enabling faster travel in most zones.
8. How do I increase my riding speed?
There are different levels of riding skill that affect speed. Apprentice Riding (60% speed), Journeyman Riding (100% speed) and further improvements are possible using skills and special mounts. Some special mounts offer even higher speeds such as the 310% flying speed mounts.
9. Where can I find the flight master in Stormwind?
The flight master, Dungar Longdrink, can also be found at the Gryphon Roost, located just off the Trade District.
10. Where is Stormwind located in Elwynn Forest?
Stormwind is located in the northwest portion of Elwynn Forest.
11. Is there a way to travel between Stormwind and Ironforge quickly?
Yes, you can use the Deeprun Tram located in the Dwarven District to travel between Stormwind and Ironforge, without risk of attack by NPC enemies.
12. What is the purpose of Heirloom Items related to riding?
Heirloom items offer several benefits, but they do not directly affect your riding speed or skill. Some may increase your exp gained during leveling which helps you to reach riding levels quickly.
13. Can I buy heirloom items from Stormwind?
Heirloom vendors are located elsewhere. For Alliance, they are in the Hall of Explorers in Ironforge. Some heirloom pieces are also sold by guild vendors and require a reputation with your guild.
14. What is the fastest flying speed available?
Some special reward mounts offer a 310% flying speed, however, this speed is not available on most mounts. Specifically in the context of Wrath of the Lich King, only some druid forms can achieve the 310% speed by unlocking a particular mount.
15. What is the difference between Heirloom cloaks?
Some heirloom cloaks are bought with gold, but some can be purchased with Honor Points or PVP service medals from various vendors. A number of these are only for specific factions.
Conclusion: Mounting Up in Stormwind
Learning to ride and acquiring a mount is a fundamental experience in World of Warcraft. In Stormwind, you have all the resources at your fingertips to get started on your journey. Darlene Stokx is your initial contact for riding skills, while other vendors in the city and nearby provide a range of ground and flying mounts. Understanding the cost, the level requirements, and the locations for each component of riding will ensure you make the most of your time exploring the vast and ever-changing world of Azeroth. Whether you’re an Alliance hero or an adventurer just starting out, mastering the art of riding in Stormwind sets you on the path to greatness.