Future race ideas

From WoWWiki

Future race ideas is heavily edited! Please make sure to read the introduction sections and talk page before editing this page. Thank you!

This article or section includes speculation, observations or opinions possibly supported by lore or by Blizzard officials. It should not be taken as representing official lore!

For future subspecies ideas see Subspecies ideas.

This page represents the best efforts of the WoWWiki community to create a fact-based analysis regarding why a race may or may not be included as a playable race as World of Warcraft expands. Note that no new races are planned to be introduced in Wrath of the Lich King.

Important information

Legend

+ Lime green — strongly for

Must be cited.

+ Dark green — for

Must be cited.

? White — neutral, could influence either way

Also used for speculation and comparisons, that may have some support in lore or World of Warcraft game mechanics. Must be cited (must be proven to be relevant to the topic).

- Orange — against

Must be cited.

- Red — strongly against

Must be cited.

Grey — additional info

Used for observation or speculation related to the main point.

Race qualification factors

It is mandatory that new race sections are not added unless they have been agreed upon by majority consensus in the talk page first.

When proposing new race ideas please use your common sense and try to stick to Humanoid-type races rather than other monster types — the Scourge, for example, is impossible as a playable race, as are giants and owlkin. In addition, due to Blizzard's policy of choosing original and unique races, it's a rule of thumb that any "race" so physically similar to a currently playable race that it could imitate the other with just a change of clothes should not be added to this list. This includes Wildhammer dwarves, high elves, and leper gnomes amongst others.

It is also a good idea to consider WoWWiki:Race speculation methods and the WoWWiki:Rumored races test.

Making changes

If you think something on this page is inaccurate, please check the discussion tab before you change it yourself. Let people know you think it is incorrect, and leave your ideas and sources for your information. Together, we can agree on how feasible it is. Only add verifiable and cited information. If something is added that lacks a source and proper citation, it will probably be viewed as speculation and will be removed or demoted to the neutral "?".

It is mandatory that anything other than minor edits are discussed through peer review here and agreed upon by group consensus. Please discuss ideas on the talk page if you feel there should be changes to the main article, so the page does not become a battle field for clashing ideas. If you do not follow the above, you may be prevented from editing.

Arakkoa

First seen in the Burning Crusade expansion

General

+ They have their own unique language.

+ They have their own unique architectural style.

? Arakkoa have greater than average intelligence, they are as smart as gnomes.

? Despite being avian, they do not possess the ability to fly. They are bipedal and otherwise completely humanoid, which provides few technical issues.^{[citation needed]}

? Most arakkoa are hostile and xenophobic. They are, however, shown to be redeemable and trustworthy on an individual basis, which could presumably also go for a separate group.^{[citation needed]}

? Arakkoa appear to have little inclination or preference towards either Alliance or Horde, as far as is known.^BC

Nevertheless, the arakkoa were probably friendly with the draenei or orcs at one time or another.

- Arakkoa appear to be strongly tied to Outland, which has already been featured in WoW's first expansion.^BC

Their lore is limited, however, and other unknown populations of them may yet exist.

Join the Alliance?

? The Skettis Exiles in Shattrath City worship the Light, a practice more common in the Alliance than the Horde.^WoW

Centaur

First seen in Warcraft 3

General

+ Maraudon and centaur quest lines (quest lines) indicate that the race may be poised to undergo a reformation and may be willing to join the Horde and Alliance.

? Centaur already have their own unique structures present in-game, although, with the exception of entrance to Maraudon, its limited to rather simplistic tents (most of it does not compare to level of architecture seen within the playable races)^WoW . Few provide true crafts of their own. Their establishments tend toward crude mud-and-thatch huts, built to look more like stables than real homes.^{HPG 209}

? A night elf legend states that some centaur (other than the five clans fathered by Zaetar) were descendants of 'The Centaur', one of three children of Cenarius (the other two being 'the Keeper of the Grove' and 'the Dryad').^WoW

A potential source for playable characters, perhaps?

? Considered a creature class in the Warcraft RPG, a category considered naturally more powerful than regular races (which are usually racial classes).

- Hostile and xenophobic.^{W3Man 142} They eat sapient races. ^{[citation needed]}

Although so did trolls and Forsaken

-Centaur tribes have extremely limited numbers. A centaur tribe is only 26–195 individuals (6-45 are non-combatants), plus ten sergeants, five lieutenants, and one khan.^{HPG 109}

This is far less of a population than even the gnomes or darkspear have. Some interviews imply this would not be enough for a playable race in the MMO.

- Magram have recently started using necromancy and creating undead, but the source of their knowledge is unknown. There is no Scourge presence in the area, so it is believed to be related to the Burning Blade Clan presence in the area. It may be for the purpose of creating a "new" Scourge. This makes the Magram a potential danger to both the Alliance and Horde.^{LoM 31}

- As they have four legs it could introduce a technical difficulties in reworking the code for the new animations, abilities and clothing.

Join the Alliance?

+ "Diplomacy" line of quests in Desolace shows Alliance as interested in friendship with the centaur.

+ Brann believes Magram and Gelkis are the most open to discussions with outsiders, and he believes that it may be possible to get one or both tribes to side with the Alliance, the only problem they blame each other for their troubles.^{LoM 31} Brann believes the Gelkis are a better option for an alliance, due to fact that they don't side with the dead like the Magram.^{LoM 31}

Also, both the draenei and the Gelkis tribe have shamans.

? Closely related to the Children of Cenarius, the elf-allied forest spirits of Ashenvale. However, the five main tribes are also related to earth elementals and were responsible for their Cenarion forefather's death.^WoW

Join the Horde?

+ Rumors speak of one or two tribes, that have given up their evil natures in hopes of joining the Horde.^{HPG 25}

This is likely an RPG reference to the "Diplomacy" line of quests in World of Warcraft.

+ The Gelkis tribe is shamanistic, but bloodthirsty, perhaps comparible to most troll species. Brann Bronzebeard suspects it is possible that the Horde may convince them to give up their bloody sacrifices and join them, like the jungle trolls did, but he admits its pure speculation.^{LoM 31}

+ They are one of the races of the Horde Player's Guide. Though they are an independent race and not allies to the Horde, they have qualities that are more common with the Horde.

Even the Magram could join the Horde, as Magram worship the undead (from a lore standpoint). However, the Magram may not like undead they cannot control through their necromancy. Also, the Forsaken may dislike the mindless thralls of the Magram.

- Most centaur are evil and sadistic creatures, and enemies of the Horde.^{HPG 25} An example is the Kolkar centaur who do not like the Horde, and vice-versa. Numerous Horde quests in the Barrens have you kill Kolkar centaur and their generals. Khan Dez'hepah in Desolace is also supposed to be killed by any Horde player.

- They are ancestral enemies of the tauren.^{HPG 25}

Still, tauren can do quests to gain reputation with one of two tribes living in Desolace.WoW

Cenarius' Favored Children

First seen in Warcraft 3.

Cenarius' Favored Children are: Keepers of the Grove (male), Dryad (female).

General

+ Strong connection to the Emerald Dream (which may be added in an expansion).

? Some dryads leave their forests and become adventurers. For some, encounters with hostile forces spark this desire — they wish to bring the fight to the enemies of nature. Others are curious about the world outside their forests, and wish to experience new environments and meet new beings. Other dryads and night elves see adventuring dryads as a bit less unusual than adventuring ancients - dryads possess an innate streak of curiosity, after all. However, adventuring dryads are still branded as eccentrics who go against the natural tendencies of their kind. ^{APG 28}

? Keepers of the grove and dryads always become creature classes in the Warcraft RPG, a category considered naturally more powerful than regular races (which are usually racial classes).

? Aspect of the Grove is an RPG ability that allows druids to take the form of a keeper of the grove, and could potentially become a World of Warcraft druid ability. ^{MM&M 69} If so, it would be less likely for the favored children of Cenarius to become their own playable race.

? Cenarius', the father and leader of the keepers of the grove, is currently lost in the Emerald Dream. This could be a motive for the keepers and dryads to join a faction.

- As they have four legs it could introduce a technical difficulties in reworking the WoW code for the new animations, abilities and clothing.

- According to lore (as opposed to game mechanics) dryads are immune to magic^{APG 27}. A player race that is immune to both heals and damage spells will have an extremely unfair advantage versus casters.

It may just be racial ability, like passive or active resistance. In warcraft 3 many units that were immune to magic, are now vulnerable.

- They are very heavily integrated into night elven infrastructure, and their religion, language, architecture and culture is inextricably imprinted in Kaldorei civilisation. Even their appearance is similar, every favored child of Cenarius bearing the head, arms and torso of a night elf^{MoM 22APG 206}. Thus, they do not show the independence and diversity seen in previous playable expansion races.

Join the Alliance?

+ Strong Alliance connection, particularly to the night elves. Most are still part of the Alliance.^{APG 27-31}

Join the Horde?

? Those belonging to the Cenarion Circle have proven that it is possible for Keepers to work well with the tauren. Albeit while the Cenarion Circle claims to be unaffiliated, it favors the Alliance more than the Horde, night elves and children of Cenarius make up most of its members.^{LoM 18}

- Would never side against their night elf brethren, especially since the orcs were responsible for Cenarius' death.

Drakonid

First seen in World of Warcraft

General

See also: Race ideas

+ Draconic, though not unique to the drakonids (it is shared with other dragonkin races), is not spoken by any current playable races. Therefore, it would certainly be suitable as a playable drakonid language.

? All Dragonflights (barring Black) have a strong enmity towards Deathwing and the Black Dragonflight and may be eager to aid the mortal races should Deathwing once again pose a threat.

? It is implied that Nefarian has been killed according to The Burning Crusade Manual, which would leave surviving members of the Chromatic Dragonflight without a leader or indeed any discernable purpose. Weakened and under threat from other denizens of Blackrock Mountain, it is possible they could join a player faction.

? Some dragons bred with gryphons (often used by the Alliance) to produce the wyverns (often used by the Horde)^{W3Man 27}. Such links to the major factions could prove fruitful.

? They are a "Dragonkin"-type creature in game, not Humanoid. However, this can be changed in the same way as Forsaken are not Undead.

? There could be a possible starting area for drakonids of the Red Dragonflight in the unused space east of Grim Batol in the Wetlands, which is already surrounded by red dragons (red dragonflight is new faction in wotlk, so this is unlikely). And in burning steppes undiscovered section for chromatics.

? Females of this race do not currently exist in-game. (Though dragons do not show much sexual dimorphism, drakonids appear to have exclusively masculine qualities).

- Drakonids are loyal to their specific dragonflights, and to no one else. They side with no other factions.^{DF 6}

However, if an Aspect joined a faction, its' dragonflight would no doubt honor such an alliance.

- Do not currently possess their own unique style of architecture/buildings.

Join the Alliance?

? It is believed that they may have evolved from humans. It is true that one was a human, at least: Maxnar the Ashmaw.

? Early Warcraft lore states that Alexstrasza gave an oath of non-aggression to the dwarves, humans and elves of the Alliance as long as she was in power over the Red Dragonflight, and she has a deep hatred for orcs. This suggests a reason for the Red Dragonflight to join the Alliance.

However, whilst red dragons distrust the Horde and their gratitude towards the Alliance has existed into recent timesMG 47, they are neutral and aid both factions in Wrath of the Lich King.

Join the Horde?

? In the Sunwell trilogy, Krasus and several blue dragons helped the blood elves.

However, in Wrath of the Lich King the Blue Aspect, Malygos, declared war on all mortal magic users on Azeroth. This makes an alliance far less likely.

? The Horde has previously had strong connections with dragons, but these have been through dark deals or use of force. It is unlikely that any of Alexstrasza's red dragon brood (with the exception of Korialstrasz, who was a good friend of Broxigar) will ever forgive the orcs for their enslavement in the Second Great War. However, members of the other broods have no grudges against the Horde.

Dragonspawn

First seen in Warcraft 3: The Frozen Throne

General

+ Draconic, though not unique to dragonspawn (it is shared with other dragonkin races), is not spoken by any current playable races. Therefore, it would certainly be suitable as a playable dragonspawn language.

? All Dragonflights (barring Black) have a strong enmity towards Deathwing and the Black Dragonflight and may be eager to aid the mortal races should Deathwing once again pose a threat.

? Some dragons bred with gryphons (often used by the Alliance) to produce the wyverns (often used by the Horde)^{W3Man 27}. Such links to the major factions could prove fruitful.

? Intelligence varies by caste.

? The various dragonflights in World of Warcraft tend to either be entirely hostile, or neutral with both factions, offering the same quests to both.

? They are a "Dragonkin"-type creature in game, not Humanoid. However, this can be changed in the same way as Forsaken are not Undead.

? There could be a possible starting area for drakonids of the Red Dragonflight in the unused space east of Grim Batol in the Wetlands, which is already surrounded by red dragons.

? It is implied that Nefarian has been killed according to The Burning Crusade Manual, which would leave surviving members of the Chromatic Dragonflight without a leader or indeed any discernable purpose. Weakened and under threat from other denizens of Blackrock Mountain, it is possible they could join a player faction.

-Dragonspawn are loyal to their specific dragonflights, and to no one else. They side with no other factions.^{DF 6}

However, if an Aspect joined a faction, its' dragonflight would no doubt honor such an alliance.

- Dragonspawn society is limited in scope and is currently known to comprise of the flametongue, scalebane, and wyrmkin classes^{MoM 39}. These are individual castes, even distinctive species; and are little more than military units and segregations.^{MoM 39, 40} Culturally, all are warriors — with surprisingly few having developed magical abilities — and depending on caste they have only a few mages and rogues. This limits class variety lorewise.

Blue dragonspawn apparently have more class variety than the other flight's dragonspawn due to their flight's increased knowledge, including warriors, rogues, hunters, and mages.LoM 116 However, the Blue Dragonflight have declared war on all mortal magic users in Wrath of the Lich King, thus making it unlikely that they will join any faction in the forseeable future.

- Do not currently possess their own unique style of architecture/buildings.

- As they have four legs it could introduce a technical difficulties in reworking the WoW code for the new animations, abilities and clothing.

Join the Alliance?

? It is believed that they may have evolved from humans.

? Early Warcraft lore states that Alexstrasza gave an oath of non-aggression to the dwarves, humans and elves of the Alliance as long as she was in power over the Red Dragonflight, and she has a deep hatred for orcs. This suggests a reason for the Red Dragonflight to join the Alliance.

However, whilst red dragons distrust the Horde and their gratitude towards the Alliance has existed into recent timesMG 47, they are neutral and aid both factions in Wrath of the Lich King.

Join the Horde?

? In the Sunwell trilogy, Krasus and several blue dragons helped the blood elves.

However, in Wrath of the Lich King the Blue Aspect, Malygos, declared war on all mortal magic users on Azeroth. This makes an alliance far less likely.

? The Horde has previously had strong connections with dragons, but these have been through dark deals or use of force. It is unlikely that any of Alexstrasza's red dragon brood (with the exception of Korialstrasz, who was a good friend of Broxigar) will ever forgive the orcs for their enslavement in the Second Great War. However, members of the other broods have no grudges against the Horde.

Ethereal

First seen in Burning Crusade expansion.

General

+ Ethereals already have their own unique architecture present in-game.

+ Already shown to be able to wear armor types over a base layer of mummy-like bandages, including armor for the head, shoulders, wrists, hands, chest, legs and feet [1].

They maintain a humanoid shape only when wearing mummy-like cloth bandages, and are affected by spells that affect other humanoids. Also, the cloth acts as base layer of "underwear" upon which armor is placed. Though some players would prefer not to appear constantly concealed beneath bandages, fortunately the true appearance of ethereals would not have to be entirely concealed due to some clever alpha texturing when it comes to the problem of equipping armor.

? Some people may dislike the idea of "intergalactic mummies", having seen the reaction to the similarly themed "alien" draenei.

? Like goblins, ethereals have a fragmented society already shown to comprise several factions, some of these neutral or friendly to players and some outright hostile. Any playable ethereals could easily be a new faction, or a new form of the current friendly faction.

? Ethereals have an outstanding conflict with the forces of the Void, which have links the Burning Legion. This conflict might give them reason to seek aid from the Alliance or Horde in a future war.

? Ethereals seem to be tied to the current events in Outland, which would have made the current expansion a good fit for them. Clearly, they were not chosen. Nevertheless, their nomadic nature and ability to travel between worlds using the Nether means they could always show up in a future expansion.

Ethereals have even appeared in Karazhan, for instance.

? Their best bet for acquiring a city and starting zones in Azeroth would be a plot device like the draenei crash landing. Clearly, this idea has already been used, though alternatives may be found (a portal?).

? Females of this race do not currently exist in-game. Whether females of an energy-based race would even exist at all is a subject of much debate.

- Ethereals are largely indifferent towards the conflicts of mortals, and favor no race or faction above another. They currently have no incentive to join the Alliance or the Horde.

- Supposedly possess the ability to change shape or become unconfined masses of pure energy. This would seem to give them an unfair advantage over other races.

- An ethereal's true form is not likely to be playable as it is elemental rather than humanoid. In their true forms they are an insubstantial beings of pure energy, so lack distinguishing features and cannot wear armor (technical difficulty).

- They are liars and scoundrels who will stop at nothing to pursue their mysterious aims. The ethereals have no care at all for the Burning Crusade. They would even play both sides of the conflict against each other if doing so would serve to further their own goals.^{WoWtBCOSG 319}

- Ethereals have multi-dimensional abilities. They move oddly through the air as if only part there, sometimes having the ability to blink, resist damage, or call strange weapons to their aid to help them in combat.^{WoWtBCOSG 319}

Join the Alliance?

? A powerful "technological" race like the draenei or gnomes, which might suggest an affinity. At the same time, however, this similarity might make their coexistence within the same faction seem repetitive and unnecessary. Many draenei would also take issue with the ethereals' amoral attitude regarding the exploitation of draenei and naaru holy sites in Nagrand and Netherstorm.

Join the Horde?

? The Horde appears to be lacking a race with a technological theme. However, technology goes against many of the Horde's principles, and the faction largely views the use of technology with disdain.^{MM&M 164} Some nay-sayers do not appreciate the slow spread of technology. They see this new science as inherently destructive, and believe that left unchecked, technology will eventually lay waste to Azeroth.^{HPG 78} See Horde technology.

? Ethereals in Netherstorm hold a tenuous friendship with the blood elves in that area. Of course, those blood elves are mostly minions of Kael'thas and do not represent the Horde at all.

Furbolg

First seen in Warcraft 3

General

See also: Race ideas

+ They have their own unique language.

+ They have their own unique architectural style.

+ "Ursa totemics are perhaps more likely than other furbolgs to move beyond their forests' borders and take on a life of adventure...Others make friends with night elf adventurers (or adventurers of other races) and find a common cause."^{APG 65}

+ The Barkskin tribe of furbolgs united with the Alliance and the Horde in the Battle of Mount Hyjal.

+ The furbolgs are an incredibly ancient race that existed even before the Titans even set foot on Azeroth ^{LoM 85}

This raises some questions as to their origin, and may work in their favor.

+ Furbolgs are widespread, and can be encountered in various zones across three seperate Azerothian landmasses - Kalimdor, Northrend and the Azuremyst Isles.

It is therefore possible that they could be found elsewhere too.

? They have less than average intelligence. "They are not as intelligent as other races..."^{APG 10}

? Furbolgs have long been friends of the night elves and regard the tauren with esteem. They are wary of all other races.^{APG 10}

? The Barkskin furbolgs are closely tied to Mount Hyjal, which is currently an unused zone. This could be a good starting place for the furbolgs. Thanks to Blizzards' policy of separating of expansion areas from original content, there are few size constraints so dividing the mountain into two ample zones would certainly not be difficult.

? The Alliance and Horde have attempted to get the furbolgs interested in being diplomatic messengers between them, but this rarely happens. Furbolgs are expanding their horizons, but they are less interested in Alliance/Horde relations than in their own problems.^{APG 149}

? After the war, emissaries from both the Alliance and the Horde approached the furbolgs and invited them into the affiliations, but they declined both. Perhaps it was their reluctance to choose between their friends, the night elves and the tauren. They do seem to be closer to the night elves, but they don't want to claim themselves the enemies of the tauren simply by association. ^{APG 147}

Though refusing to join the Alliance or Horde at the present time, future events may lead them to join; or a separate tribe (the Barkskin, for example) may choose to accept the tauren or night elves' invitation.

Join the Alliance?

+ A small band of cave-dwelling furbolgs in the Barrow Deeps pledged their allegiance to Tyrande Whisperwind after she saved their shaman from corruption.

See this reference. This group's fate — unlike the tribe she had previously saved from destruction in Ashenvale but fell to corruption in Felwood anyway — is unknown.

+ The Stillpine Tribe has formed an alliance with the draenei.

+ Furbolgs are historically a peaceful people, close to nature and friends of the night elves. Furbolgs have long been friends of the night elves. They visit the night elves in Ashenvale frequently, seeking guidance, camaraderie, and information.^{APG 10, 148, 149}.

+ Furbolgs are one of the main races in the Alliance Player's Guide. They have strong connections to the Alliance although they are not yet members.

Join the Horde?

+ Gorn One Eye of Timbermaw Hold mentions that the Horde is interested in potential furbolg allies and has tried to communicate with them. ^[1]

+ Furbolgs regard the tauren with esteem.^{APG 10}

Gnoll

First seen in Warcraft 3

General

See also: Race ideas

? Their primary language is currently Low Common^{MoM #?MG #?}, but they could be given their own language (Gnoll).

? They have less than average intelligence. They are not very bright by human standards.^{W3Man #?} Though more intelligent than beasts, they tend to lack the finer reasoning of other sentient races. They are poor planners with little forethought and deficient leadership qualities.^{MG 83}

? Sayge, a Gnoll working for the independent Darkmoon Faire, shows some spirituality and even amiability to player characters, like Miblon Snarltooth.

? Gnolls have been seen employed by various organizations, with pirates such as the Bloodsail Buccaneers, and evil corporations such as the Venture Co.

? Undead gnolls (an example of which is the Rot Hide gnolls) could have broken their bonds with the Scourge and have Forsaken-type lore. However, this would only really make them an extension of the Forsaken race...

? Females of this race do not currently exist in-game.

? Do not currently possess their own style of architecture/buildings, though they did in Warcraft III.

- Little evidence of civilization.

- Mostly known as ruthless, cutthroat mercenaries.

- Many Alliance and Horde quests involve killing gnolls.

-They have no love for other races, preferring to eat rather than work with them. Any alliances made will last only as long as the gnolls are well fed or are cowed with displays of force. As carnivores, gnolls consider all creatures as food, including members of their own race. Hunger, not gold or magic, is what motivates them.^{MoM 50}

Join the Horde?

+ "More often than not...they join the Horde".^{MG 82}

- The tauren have a history of conflict with the gnolls, as the Palemane tribe disrespected all attempts of tauren communication in Mulgore (Quest:Sharing the Land), and they declare war or the Woodpaw, as they are a threat to Camp Mojache (Quest:War on the Woodpaw).

Goblin

First seen in Warcraft 2

General

+ Already have graphical support for utilizing equipment, armor and weapons, and recently added support for helmets.

+ They have their own unique language.

+ They have their own unique architectural style.

+ Graphics for goblin females already exist in-game.

+ Goblins are widespread, and can be encountered virtually everywhere in Azeroth and Outland.

? Goblins have average intelligence (for example about as smart as dwarves, humans, tauren, and Forsaken undead). They are not as smart as races with above average intelligence such as gnomes, high elves and blood elves, but are smarter than races with below average intelligence such as the orcs and trolls.^{WoWRPG 42} Long ago goblins didn't have a fraction of their current intelligence. In time goblins unearthed a mineral known as kaja'mite which had some unexpected side effects, it caused the goblins to grow in intelligence. A few thousand years ago the mineral was mined out. Without kaja'mite to strengthen their minds they have since lost intelligence. Goblins are unable to reproduce their previous brilliant technology (rumored to be more advanced than current dwarven technology) or properly maintain it, and their works have rapidly devolved into the crude juryrigged machines of today.^{DF 114}.

? Like ethereals, goblins have a fragmented society already shown to comprise several factions, some of these neutral to players and some outright hostile. Some are totally indifferent towards the conflicts of other mortals, and do not wish to ever see an end to the Alliance/Horde feud, as that would bring an end to their profitable war-time sales. Any playable goblins could easily be a new faction, and remain neutral to the cities of the Steamwheedle Cartel.

? Goblins have a similar culture and likely similar class choices to gnomes. They also share gnomes' eccentric personalities and penchant for technology, inventions and explosives. For these reasons, goblins could be seen as too similar to this existing playable race to ever be playable themselves (especially as part of the Alliance).

- The majority of the race went neutral before the Third War, acting as mercenaries to both Horde and Alliance, and they have continued to be independent to the present day (in all sources), with neutral merchant cities located in various hotspots across both Azeroth and Outland. These neutral goblins are totally indifferent towards the conflicts of other mortals, and do not wish to ever see an end to the Alliance/Horde feud, as that would bring an end to their profitable war-time sales^{HPG 188, 190}. Even the small faction which was once allied with the Horde believes it was a mistake to do so^{DF 115}. Due to the majority of the race having iconic independent and neutral status, working between both factions, they are not likely to become playable any time soon.

However, they could still introduce a subrace or new faction of goblins.

Join the Alliance?

? Although many in the Alliance consider goblins to be mercenaries and war profiteers, they are not above using them. If they have no tinkers, or their tinkers have died in previous battles, they sometimes have to go to goblins for repairs or supplies. And the goblins are always ready to help a customer, for the right price.^{APG 181}

Goblins offer many of the same kinds of services to other factions. They don't care who it is as long as they are payed. Neutrality has its perks.DF 115, 179BtDP 94

? Some goblins have joined SI:7 in Stormwind.

? Intense rivalry with the gnomes, though they have been seen working together on occasions.

? Goblins do not exactly have a good rapport with night elves, especially the goblins of the Venture Company, which is are responsible for illegal logging operations in night elf territories.

Join the Horde?

- A force of goblins under a trade prince were employed with the Horde as early as the First War, and continued service (in greater numbers) during the Second. Despite this accord, the trade prince believed he had made a terrible mistake in his exclusive allegiance and left the Horde for good shortly before the Third War. The goblin race as a whole is, in fact, neutral.^{DF 115BtDP 94}

? Despite the above, many goblins remember the fun of the Horde and are willing to lower mercenary prices to Thrall and his people. Such goblins (Gazlowe, for example) helped build Orgrimmar - and many never left. Others of the same vein can also be found in Ashenvale and Camp Mojache. They offer almost exclusive transport services for the Horde, whether in their steamboats or zeppelins. It is more likely that a team of goblin sappers, who take great pleasure in the chaos the Horde creates, will be found meshed into Horde forces, rather than those of the Alliance.^{HPG 190} Perhaps with enough persuasion, goblins could be convinced to rejoin the Horde for the first time since the Second War (although that could be just as harmful as helpful, knowing the goblins)."^{HPG 188, 190}

It would seem that with the (now-unaligned) trade prince alone having supported the Horde previously, that this number would be low indeed (and likely not enough for a playable race). Additionally, the goblins went onto offering many of the same kinds of services to the Alliance, and other factions as well, and they didn't care who it was as long as they were payed. Neutrality has its perks.DF 115, 179BtDP 94

? The Horde appears to be lacking a race with a technological theme. However, technology goes against many of the Horde's principles, and the faction largely views the use of technology with disdain.^{MM&M 164} Some nay-sayers do not appreciate the slow spread of technology. They see this new science as inherently destructive, and believe that left unchecked, technology will eventually lay waste to Azeroth.^{HPG 78} See Horde technology.

? Metzen listed goblins as a Horde race in this art piece. However, with the retcon of the trade prince's "mistake", this may no longer be true.

? Goblins do not exactly have a good rapport with tauren, especially the Venture Company goblins. Goblins also fought against Quel'thalas in the Second War, though as their new orcish allies did too it would seem ridiculous and petty if the blood elves held a grudge against a race with lesser involvement in the conflict.

Kobolds

First seen in Warcraft 3

General

? Kobolds possess less than average intelligence. They are not too bright.^{MG 95}

? With very little lore present, there could be a creative way to add kobolds into either side.

? Rare are the exceptional kobolds that leave their tunnels behind, striking out on a life of adventure. Most of these have a wanderlust they cannot otherwise sate; others feel the pull of riches more keenly than their brethren, and realize that adventure may be the best way to get what they need.^{MG 95}

? Females of this race do not currently exist in-game.

- Kobolds prefer to remain among their own kind. Many have a fear of the world above ground and of the races that live there. They are comfortable with their existence in the mines, chipping away with their picks and admiring each other’s candles.^{MG 95}

- Kobolds are cowardly and pathetic by nature, and considered by most adventurers to be more of a nuisance than a threat.

Join the Alliance?

+ Friendly kobolds have possibly been raised by night elves and other races.^{MoM 58} Though ruled by fear, heroic kobolds emerge from time to time.^{MoM 58}

- Kobolds have conflicts with the humans of Stormwind and the dwarves of Khaz Modan. They have infested a number of mines in Elwynn Forest and Loch Modan, and some kobolds conspire with the Defias Brotherhood.

Join the Horde?

- The tauren would be particularly tetchy about letting such verminous burrowers into their fold. Kobolds take a liking to mining, which the tauren find unacceptable as shown by their reaction to dwarven mining at Bael Modan in the Barrens.

Mo'arg

First seen in Warcraft 3

General

? A raging felguard is reckless, but not stupid. It coordinates well with its allies, and usually obeys orders.^{MG 69}

? They do not have a unique language. They share the language of all demons and warlock familiars, Eredun (Demonic).

? Possible Forsaken-type lore - as the downtrodden cannon fodder of the Burning Legion, what if a few felguards or other mo'arg variants threw in their lot with the mortals? This is not unlikely as some demons are already leaving the Legion to join Illidan, mo'arg among them. Alternatively, mo'arg could be revealed to have a history similar to that of the draenei — namely, that they were once a non-demonic race and only a large portion of them joined the Legion. The draenei, after all, are little more than non-demonic eredar; perhaps there are non-demonic mo'arg out there somewhere.

? Females of this race do not currently exist in-game.

? Do not currently possess their own style of architecture/buildings. Then again, as those encountered thus far are only troops within the Burning Legion war machine there is no reason why they should. It is possible that free mo'arg may have a degree of architectural skill.

? They are a "Demon"-type creature in-game, not Humanoid (with Taragaman the Hungerer being the only exception).

However, this could be changed in the same way as Forsaken are not Undead.

? All mo'arg so far encountered are neutral evil.^{MG 68} However, many Forsaken undead and blood elves bear a similar disposition.

- Felguard are currently functioning as a Warlock pet.

This may not necessarily be a barrier to becoming a new race, however.

- They are demons, and thus almost every mortal on Azeroth hates them. Also, unlike the Forsaken, it would appear that they joined the Legion of their own free will.

Join the Alliance?

- The draenei would be particularly tetchy about a group of demons joining the Alliance, "friendly" or otherwise, and especially as they are still hostile to the orcs. The night elves would share a similar view on the mo'arg, as they have suffered immensely in the past at the hands of demons.

Join the Horde?

? As a race that has had a similar experience in the past, the orcs may consider accepting repentant or uncorrupted mo'arg (if they exist) into the Horde. In any case, the blood elves and the Forsaken undead may not be so heavily opposed to demons as many other mortal races would be - though as their archenemies were corrupted by demons, they may certainly think twice.

Murloc

First seen in Warcraft 3

General

+ Nerglish, though not unique to the murlocs (it is shared with other races of the sea), is not spoken by any current playable races. Therefore, it would certainly be suitable as a playable murloc language.

+ Murlocs are widespread, and can be encountered near virtually every large body of water.

? Murlocs have average intelligence.^{DF 11}[2]

This is also shown in the orc demo campaign in The Throzen Throne. The murlocs who worshipped the Sea Witch showed intelligence and even had dialogue.

? Are in great need of help, since the mur'guls are running rampant through their habitat. They might just share some of their ancient secrets in exchange for help.

? Trade seems to be important for murlocs. Several people of the Alliance and the Horde have learned to trade with them; using shells as a form of currency.

? Murlocs can breathe underwater indefinitely.^{MG 138} Underwater breathing could give murlocs an unfair advantage over other races unless Blizzard gave a water breathing race to both factions; though the undead do have an extended underwater breathing ability.

? Metzen's said "not soon", though this statement was made in 2007. With the second expansion arriving within the year, "soon" may be coming around. ^[2]

- Females of this race may already exist in game, but it would be difficult to tell as there is a minimal amount of sexual dimorphism (only the length and shape of the head-fin and back-fin indicates gender).^{LoM 135}).

-Murlocs are independent. Murlocs hate all other races, though they occasionally work with powerful aquatic races (like naga) out of fear or misguided religious fervor. Each murloc tribe has its own agenda, though scholars don't agree on whether these agendas are ever more than just existing and killing anyone who comes close. Every once in a while, a murloc leaves the tribe to embark upon adventure, but a murloc joining the Alliance or Horde is unheard of.^{DF 11} They hate living above the waves and hate dealing with land people.^{LoM 136} They are unerringly hostile to all sapient beings they encounter.

- Though murlocs can breathe air, they cannot remain out of water for long. Their skin is scaled like a fish and requires moisture to stay supple. Without daily immersion it dries and cracks, causing intense pain. This is why their villages are built along the shore — every murloc spends part of the day underwater, as much for survival as for enjoyment. Murlocs must immerse themselves in water for at least an hour per day. A murloc who spends a day without immersing itself in water becomes dehydrated.^{LoM 133, 138} Murlocs dry out if they remain out of water for extended periods of time, they can die if out of water for a week. They must be periodically doused with at least a gallon of water every few hours to prevent damage, or submerge and rest to heal damage received from drying out. The race is not known for stealth, infiltration (apart from the nightcrawlers), or traveling far from shore. The difficulty with dry land requires some effort to circumvent, particularly if the murloc must travel a large distance through desert or dry plains.^{MoM 63}

However, one murloc nightcrawler - Yshmeel - is as comfortable on land as in water. If his adaptation becomes more widespread across the murloc population, it could solve this issue.MoM 58

- Murlocs don’t wear much. They do wear armlets and bracers and necklaces and belts, all ornamented with shells and teeth and bits of stone or metal.^{LoM 134} A murloc’s webbed hands and feet make it impossible for them to wear rings, gloves or boots.^{MoM 64} Only a few with rank wear cloths draped across a shoulder or wrapped around their neck (below the gills). Headdresses are common — they have no hair to get in the way and often arrange spines and spikes and shells and rocks about their heads, held in place by seaweed or twine or leather straps or even metal wire. The few who trade with people sometimes wear loincloths and shawls as a concession to human modesty.^{LoM 134}

- Murlocs live in independent tribes, each tribe to its own village of usually six to twelve individuals.^{LoM 135MoM 63} While there are exceptions and some tribes do live in more than one village^{LoM 140}, a single tribe would hardly be enough for a playable race.

Join the Alliance?

? The White Shark tribe has more frequent dealings with surface-dwellers than many other murloc clans. They trade with the Alliance town of Valgarde in Northrend, and as such appear to be one of the few tribes that deals with the races of the land. Nevertheless, they may only tolerate Valgarde's presence.^{LoM 137} Strangers rarely visit their village of K's'litain (or any murloc village) but those who show strength and wisdom are sometimes tolerated. Those who seem weak or foolish are attacked and killed.^{LoM 140}

A single tribe/village usually has only has 6-12 individuals. The White Shark tribe is exceptional in that it has 130 members (or is hosting more than one tribe, a clan).LoM 137, 140 However, this is still hardly enough to be a playable race. They also seem to be a bit too hostile to other races to be playable, despite allowing trade occasionally.

- Murlocs in the Alliance are unheard of.^{DF 11}

Join the Horde?

- Murlocs in the Horde are unheard of.^{DF 11}

- Murlocs were responsible for driving the Darkspear trolls from the Echo Isles, and killing their leader Sen'jin.

Naga

First seen in Warcraft 3: The Frozen Throne

General

+ They have their own unique language, Nazja.

+ They have their own unique architectural style.

+ Naga already have graphical support for utilizing equipment, most upper and lower body armor (although this doesn't appear to be implemented very well) and weapons (minus helmets).

+ Naga are widespread, and can be encountered on virtually every coastline.

? Male naga have less than average intelligence, and naga women have greater than average intelligence. Naga men are larger and stronger than women, but not as intelligent or mentally forceful. Naga women are more intelligent than men and tend toward leadership, but they are physically weaker.^{DF 13}

? In a concept art of Booty Bay, numerous buildings were marked with the word "Naga Entrances".^{AoWoW 157}

? Possible Forsaken-type lore. The invention of a new naga tribe against Aszhara and the Old Gods is always possible, as Blizzard has made lore adjustments in the past, and we've seen what Metzen can do.

? Being able to breathe underwater for long periods of time would not necessarily be an unfair advantage, especially as the Forsaken already have a similar ability.

- They have a past connection with the Old Gods^{Sund #?} (if they are still connected is unknown) and some have sided with Illidan, notorious enemies of both the Alliance and Horde.

- Naga are dark creatures, evil and cunning. A naga might join forces with a being of another race in order to serve her own ends, however, much as Lady Vashj did with Illidan and his forces. Naga are selfish creatures, though, and think only of their own (and their race’s) dominance. Their minds have little room for charity or kindness. A naga that renounced his or her evil ways would be a unique individual indeed.^{MG 106}.

- Naga serve their own purposes and are united in their efforts to return their race to glory. All others — Alliance, Horde, Scourge, Legion and all the rest — are either tools to further this goal or obstacles that must be destroyed.^{DF 13}

- Neither the Alliance nor the Horde will welcome them. Neither the Alliance nor the Horde is willing to grant the naga shelter or succor — not that the accursed aquatic elves would seek such boons.^{A&HC 54}

- So far all playable races have been bipedal, as naga have no legs, rather a snake-like limb, it could introduce a technical difficulties in reworking the WoW code for the new animations, abilities and clothing.

Join the Alliance?

? They would sooner accept the night elves as masters than join the Horde.^{A&HC 73}

? The naga were all highborne elves before their transformation at the Sundering.

- The Alliance elicits nothing but rage in the minds of the naga. Their former brethren, the night elves, still thrive on the continent, and have not forgotten their grudges with the naga. Their blatant hatred of the night elves is only rivaled by the night elves’ feelings for them. Tyrande Whisperwind is highly respected within the Alliance, her hatred and distrust of the naga has spread to the other races.^{A&HC 73}

- Blood elves and naga, both cursed descendents of the night elves and both users of arcane magic, are not welcome in Alliance lands.^{A&HC 66}

- Though the Alliance's opinion of the naga was originally entirely shaped by night elf sentiments (hatred mainly, due to the nagas' betrayal of the Kaldorei in the War of the Ancients), aggressive naga behaviour towards the Alliance and subsequent retaliation (as shown in the quest Stormwind Ho!) has certainly solidified a negative opinion within the Alliance.

It is also interesting to note that Brann Bronzebeard has considered the formation of an alliance with the makrura against the naga.APG 73

Join the Horde?

? The naga mindset and background is similar to the blood elves and Forsaken undead. They also share the same views on the arcane as their fellow Highborne exiles, the blood elves. Blood elves get along well with the naga — with whom they share Highborne ancestry.^{A&HC 15} However, the only naga that have joined with blood elves are those that traveled to Outland.^{DF 119 [3]}

? They have changed much physically, like the Forsaken, and are also viewed as evil by their former brethren.

? Kael's blood elves are currently allied to Vashj's naga. It would therefore not be too difficult to imagine the blood elves of Azeroth taking a similar course of action, though it may require an amount of retconning or new lore to fit, due the contrasting beliefs of the two blood elven factions.

- The races of the Horde are met with derisiveness from the naga; they would have no part of the Horde even if invited to join. They find the spiritual natures of these races worthy of disrespect. The naga consider the Horde to be nothing more than barbaric, weak-minded fools. They would sooner accept the night elves as masters than join the Horde.^{A&HC 73}

Though this doesn't mean a possible rebel tribe couldn't possess a different opinion on the Horde.

Nathrezim

First seen in Warcraft 3

See also: Race ideas

General

? Already wear armors in-game.

? Possible Forsaken-type lore. Some nathrezim have decided to make their own way after the fall of Archimonde and Tichondrius, loosening their binds to the Legion and now have their own agenda, as we can see from Balnazzar and the Scarlet Crusade; his brother Varimathras and his Forsaken allegiance and the presence of numerous nathrezim in Illidan's forces. An agenda that may be shared between Varimathras and Balnazzar.^{HPG 153, 154, 180}

? Dreadlords, masters of trickery, deceit, and guile, take pride in the fiendish destruction they have wrought on Azeroth.^{MG 50} Dreadlords prefer to turn their talents to psychic assault and manipulation, seeking to dissolve the bonds that unify individuals, groups, and nations and leave their mortal victims floundering amidst chaos and decay.^{MoM 117} As powerful infiltrators and manipulators, joining the Alliance or Horde will certainly not be out of their grasp if they wish to make use of them.

? Females of this race (NOT succubi!) do not currently exist in-game.

? Do not currently possess their own style of architecture/buildings. Then again, as those encountered thus far are only tacticians within the Burning Legion war machine there is no reason why they should. It is likely that the highly intelligent nathrezim have architectural skill, though it is possible that their designs are already reflected in Burning Legion architecture.

? The nathrezim are forbidden from killing another of their race, though this only proved a minor obstacle to the rebel nathrezim Varimathras when he attempted to kill his brother. However, it is believed he only tricked Sylvanas into believing he may have killed his brother for his own ends, and is currently manipulating the Forsaken.^{HPG 153, 154, 180} ...evil never truly dies...^{MG 50}

? They are a "Demon"-type creature in-game, not Humanoid.

However, this could be changed in the same way as Forsaken are not Undead.

- Nathrezim in their natural form appear or are described to be very tall and massive in the sources they appear in. A massive demon, a night elf is considered comparatively small next to one.^{APG 135, 172, 174}

Nathrezim are mostly 8.5 feet, but taurens can be up to 9.0 feet tall.

- They are good flyers^{MoM 117MG 117}. In fact, they are better at flying than harpies.^{MoM 55 MG 87} A flying race would be unfairly imbalanced in the game world.

Thiis could be, however, demoted to racial flying mount, for game balance.

- Nathrezim and annihilan are lords of the Burning Legion.^{MG 38} Dreadlords do not work in the same area as other dreadlords, instead they are solitary. They lead Burning Legion forces or manipulate others alone.^{MG 50} Nathrezim prefer a leadership role, standing behind other allies and retreating when their enemies press too close. This is particularly true of the weaker nathrezim.^{MoM 117} Dreadlords invariably stay behind the scenes and effect change through proxies. Adventurers might go their whole lives and never realize a dreadlord has acted against them in countless, seemingly unrelated ways. Only after much exertion and investigation do the heroes uncover the dreadlord behind a plot. Even then, the task of tracking and slaying a dreadlord can overwhelm the most competent hunter of evil.^{MG 50}

- Nathrezim are always evil.^{MG 50} All members of the race are evil. Exceptions, if they exist, comprise less than 1% of the race's population and apply to isolated individuals.^{HPG 8} For the nathrazim malice is the ultimate gift. To torment another creature with physical and moral agony offers something superior to happiness or contentment.^{MoM 117} They are demonic soul vampires, and are thus hated by most mortal races on Azeroth.

Being evil is not barrier becoming playable race, forsakens are evil too.

Join the Alliance?

? Known to be present in human lands, and have often chosen to appear as humans when disguised.

? The draenei and night elves have a particular enmity with nathrezim and would protest should they join the Alliance, as the majority of their current problems stem from the actions of the Burning Legion. Nevertheless, every mortal has a price; and as Lady Onyxia has shown, infiltrating the Royal Court of Stormwind was only too easy. By manouvring themselves into the perfect position and establishing a tight grip on power, they could even reveal their true forms without too much of a backlash.

- The Alliance has a great number of paladins in its ranks, sworn enemies of all that is unholy. They represent a very real threat to the nathrezim, even if they do manage to infiltrate the Alliance. That said, with the open arrival of death knights to the Alliance, in addition to the current presence of a number of warlocks, "all that is unholy" may already be present in the Grand Alliance's ranks...

Join the Horde?

? Should some "traitor" nathrezim join Horde, orcs would most likely gladly help them fight against Burning Legion.

? Though the Forsaken were responsible for the deaths of a number of nathrezim of the Burning Legion, the Dreadlord Varimathras has managed to establish himself as their second-in-command. This may open the door for other nathrezim to join the Horde, though it is unlikely that Varimathras desires the company of his species; especially as he may be secretly working with Balnazzar, and/or Kel'thuzad for his own purposes and to undermine the Forsaken.^{HPG 153, 154, 180}

? The orcs do not have a particularly good rapport with the nathrezim, as they failed the Burning Legion twice in the past. Then again, any nathrezim joining the Horde would likely not be part of the Legion and so would care little about the orcs' shortcomings. In any case, as a matter of pride, the orcs were never part of nathrezim operations — the Pit Lords being the unsuccessful puppet masters on both occasions.

Nerubian

First seen in Warcraft 3

General

+ They have their own unique language, Nerubian.

? Fanatic hatred of the Scourge might lead them to join the Horde or the Alliance.

? Nerubians have higher than average intelligence. Nerubians are smart.^{DF 44} Nerubians are physically and mentally superior to most humanoids.^{LoM 146}

? They once had their own unique architectural style. After the War of the Spider the Scourge used this style for their own architecture, so it is no longer unique only to the Nerubians.^{LoM 143})

? Considered a creature class in the rpg, a classification considered naturally more powerful than regular races.

- The tuskarr war with the nerubians. As the tuskarr are neutral to both the Horde and Alliance, this could cause problems should nerubians decide to join either group.

- Many nerubians worship the Old Gods.

- Nerubians are humongous. The average worker averages 10 feet in height fully standing, with a spider body roughly 8 feet in diameter. Warriors are larger, ranging between 10 feet and 12 feet tall, and 10 feet in diameter. Seers are larger still, reaching almost 15 feet in height and 13 feet in diameter.^{LoM 142} Spiderlords are 18-20 feet tall.^{DF 208}

-Nerubians are cruel and xenophobic^{LoM 146}, and like their silithid relatives are hostile to all races^{DF 44}. They are a depleted and embittered people. Most live in Northrend and shun all contact with outsiders — indeed, they attack intruders on sight, viewing all creatures not of their kind with suspicion.^{DF 44}

- Nerubians tend toward evil; they have always been ruthless and aggressive, and since the fall of the Spider Kingdom these traits are more pronounced.^{DF 44}

- Unlikely to appear even as a non-playable race in any expansion after Wrath of the Lich King.

- As they have six legs it could introduce a technical difficulties in reworking the WoW code for the new animations, abilities and clothing. This could cause a technical difficulty.

Join the Alliance?

? Brann Bronzebeard bought a document written by Hazu'Asnab in Gadgetzan along with some artifacts taken from the scourge. If scourge artifacts were presented along with the document, he was allowed neutrality with any nerubian city for a few days. He was able to use it to "befriend" nerubians of the Sundered Monolith. He believes that the Alliance and nerubians could unite against their mutual enemy: the Scourge. This would only be possible through the use of papers like Brann's document.^{LoM 141,142}.

? Even though they had the opportunity to cooperate with Baelgun's dwarves and possibly defeat the weakened King Arthas (and thus the Scourge) when he entered the nerubian Old Kingdom, instead the nerubians decided to take on all the trespassers into their territory, earning the enmity of the dwarven expedition as well as contributing to Arthas' success. Granted Baelgun's dwarves do not have any document that would allow the Nerubians to trust them, as Brann does.

Join the Horde?

? Thematically, the nerubians would fit in well with the Forsaken though it is unlikely that nerubians would get along with the Forsaken due to the latter's undead nature. However, they both share a fanatical hatred of the Scourge as they were both heavily affected by the Lich King's machinations.

Ogre

First seen in Warcraft 1

General

See also: Race ideas

+ They have their own architectural style.

+ The King of the Ogres quest in Outland and Brewfest Gordok ogres, proves that both Alliance & Horde can work well with Ogres.

+ Ogres can be found virtually everywhere on Azeroth and Outland, and can survive in many habitats other races would never even consider.

? Ogres can be found almost anywhere on Azeroth and Outland, and can survive in many habitats other races would never even consider. They could easily fit into almost any expansion.

? Ogres have less than the average intelligence (they are twice as dumb as the least intelligent races) People have a point when they call them slow and stupid. Ogre ma