Races in the Warcraft universe: Encyclopedia - Races in the Warcraft universe

Races in the Warcraft universe

This is an alphabetical list with the major and minor races in the Warcraft universe — a fictional universe in which a series of games and books are set.

The characters races here have been featured prominently at one time or another in the Warcraft universe, and commonly depicted as heroic, villainous or sometimes both and this is subject to changes in the Warcraft universe and timeline.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Animals

Various kinds of animals inhabit Azeroth. Most of them only appears in World of Warcraft, though some (such as bears, wolves, horses and spiders) appear in earlier Warcraft games too. Some of them are tameable by the Hunter in World of Warcraft, others are used as mounts.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Bats

Small, herbivorous flying mammals, mostly found in dark places, inhabited by undead, such as Tirisfal Glades. As a Hunter's pet, they have the Screech skill.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Bears

Large omnivorous mammals, dwelling in forests and mountains. Rexxar the Beastmaster was in a close relationship with a bear called Misha.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Boars

These pigs are wide-spread omnivores. As a Hunter's pet, they have the Boar Charge skill.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Canines

Wolves, coyotes and hyenas are some of the most common carnivores in Azeroth. Wolves are often tamed and used as mounts by Orcs. As a Hunter's pet, they have the Furious Howl skill. Hyenas are sometimes used as guard dogs by the Centaur.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Carrion Birds

These carnivorous birds look like vultures with long caudal feathers.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Crawlers

These omnivorous giant crabs inhabit the shores of Kalimdor. Most are non-aggro mobs.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Crocolisks

Crocodile-like carnivorous reptiles, found in rivers and lakes.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Felines

Lions and tigers, leopards and cougars. Cat-like carnivores can be found in any place of Azeroth. Night elves have tamed a species called Nightsabre, now used as mount. As a Hunter's pet, they have Prowl skill.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Gorillas

These huge herbivorous apes live in the tropical regions of Azeroth. As a Hunter's pet, they have the Thunderstomp skill.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Horses

Humans use horses as mounts and pack animals.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Owls

Hunters of the night, these birds inhabit the Ashenvale forest. Night elves sometimes tame them and use them as scouts.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Rams

These herbivores are tamed by dwarves, and sometimes used as mounts.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Raptors

With huge claws and sharp teeth, these savage bipedal reptiles seem to be the top predators in Azeroth. Trolls use tamed specimen as mounts.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Scorpids

These carnivores look like giant scorpions. As a Hunter's pet, they have the Scorpid Poison skill. Their relatives in Northrend are the Arachnatids.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Spiders

Unlike their relatives in the real world, spiders of Azeroth are savage eight-legged carnivores at the size of a bear.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Tallstriders

Huge flightless herbivorous birds, with long necks and legs. They inhabit the plains of Kalimdor.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Turtles

Huge omnivorous reptiles living in wet areas. As a Hunter's pet, they have the Shell Shield skill. Naga use the large Dragon Turtles as tanks in the Warcraft III expansion.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Winged Serpents

These rare omnivorous creatures look like a cross between a snake and a bird. As a Hunter's pet, they have the Lightning Breath skill.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Zhevra

These herbivores look like striped unicorns. They are mostly found in Barrens.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Chimaera

Two-headed beasts, native to Kalimdor. They use their terrible breath and ability to hurl bile at the enemy to fight anyone who would defile their lands. Surely based on Chimeras.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Dragons

Races in the Warcraft universe - Frost Wyrms

Dying Dragons traditionally fly to the land of Northrend to die. When Ner'zhul the Lich King took control of Northrend, he used his powers to raise the residents of the vast Dragon graveyards to do his bidding. They possess breath as cold as the bitter winds of Northrend. In this new age, the Scourge plan to kill all the dragons in the world with their plague and turn them into Frost Wyrms.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Black Dragons and Dragonspawn

Led by the mad leviathan, Deathwing (Missing) the Destroyer (formerly known as Neltharion the Earth Warder), the Black Dragons plan to destroy all other races and Dragons, the Burning Legion, and the Scourge to rule the world with their view of perfection. Deathwing used to be allied with the other Dragons, but an artifact he created (the Demon Soul) drove him mad with arcane magic. Khaz'goroth, the Titan shaper and forger of the world, bestowed some of his vast power upon the mighty black wyrm, Neltharion. The great-hearted Neltharion, known afterwards as the Earth-Warder, was given dominion over the earth and the deep places of the world. He embodied the strength of the world and served as Alexstrasza's greatest supporter.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Red Dragons and Dragonspawn

The Red Dragons were devastated by Neltharion's betrayal. Deathwing led an orc to the Demon Soul, because he couldn't use it himself when the other Aspects (flight leaders) cast a spell on him. The Orcs used it to trap the Dragonqueen Alextrasza the Life-Giver and steal her eggs to give a new force to the Horde. Eonar, the Titan patron of all life, gave a portion of her power to the red leviathan, Alexstrasza. Ever after, Alexstrasza would be known as the Life-Binder, and she would work to safeguard all living creatures within the world. Due to her supreme wisdom and limitless compassion for all living things, Alexstrasza was crowned the Dragonqueen and given dominion over her kind. It is thought that Alexstraza is the "Earth Mother" that the Tauren speak of.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Blue Dragons and Dragonspawn

All the Blue Dragons, aside from Malygos the Spell-Weaver, were killed in the War of the Ancients, but when Alextrasza was freed from the Orcs after the Second War, she gave the maddened Malygos some of her eggs to revive his flight. The breath of blue dragons is freezing cold rather than the usual fire. Norgannon, the Titan lore keeper and master-magician, granted the blue dragon, Malygos, a portion of his vast power. From then on, Malygos would be known as the Spell-Weaver, the guardian of magic and hidden arcanum.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Bronze Dragons and Dragonspawn

Nozdormu, the Timeless, rules over the sands of time, the realm of the Bronze Dragons. He was also maddend by Deathwing's betrayal and decided to keep a collection of important things. He claimed that even Deathwing will one day become part of his collection. Like Malygos, he has regained his sanity. Bronze Dragons have a breath of lightning aside from fire. Aman'Thul, the Highfather of the Pantheon, bestowed a portion of his cosmic power upon the massive bronze dragon, Nozdormu. The Highfather empowered Nozdormu to guard time itself and police the ever-spinning pathways of fate and destiny. The stoic, honorable Nozdormu became known as the Timeless One.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Emerald Dragons and Dragonspawn

They live in the Emerald Dream and can control people's dreams in a limited way, although only the Emerald Dragons know their limits. Night Elf Druids can also walk the Emerald Dream while hibernating and this has led to a close relationship between these races. Tauren druids can enter the Emerald Dream as well. Ysera the Dreamer is their queen. Eonar also blessed Alexstrasza's younger sister, the lithe green dragon Ysera, with a portion of nature's influence. Ysera fell into an eternal trance, bound to the waking Dream of Creation. Known as the Dreamer, she would watch over the growing wilds of the world from her verdant realm, the Emerald Dream. Emerald Dragons have a breath of acid rather than fire.

More recently, the Emerald Dream has fallen into turmoil, and a foul taint has spread inside. This taint twists all life it touches, including those of the Green Flight. Ysondre and her most trusted have felt the touch of corruption, and now fight all who venture close. Below is a listing of the twisted dragons.

Lethon's exposure to the aberration within the Emerald Dream not only darkened the hue of the mighty dragon's scales, but also empowered him with the ability to extract malevolent shades from his enemies. Once joined with their master, the shades imbue the dragon with healing energies. It should come as no surprise, then, that Lethon is considered to be among the most formidable of Ysera's wayward lieutenants.

A mysterious dark power within the Emerald Dream has transformed the once-majestic Emeriss into a rotting, diseased monstrosity. Reports from the few who have survived encounters with the dragon have told horrifying tales of putrid mushrooms erupting from the corpses of their dead companions. Emeriss is truly the most gruesome and appalling of Ysera's estranged green dragons.

Taerar was perhaps the most affected of Ysera's rogue lieutenants. His interaction with the dark force within the Emerald Dream shattered Taerar's sanity as well as his corporeal form. The dragon now exists as a specter with the ability to split into multiple entities, each of which possesses destructive magical powers. Taerar is a cunning and relentless foe who is intent on turning the madness of his existence into reality for the inhabitants of Azeroth.

Once one of Ysera's most trusted lieutenants, Ysondre has now gone rogue, sowing terror and chaos across the land of Azeroth. Her formerly beneficent healing powers have given way to dark magics, enabling her to cast smoldering lightning waves and summon the aid of fiendish druids. Ysondre and her kin also possess the ability to induce sleep, sending her unfortunate mortal foes to the realm of their most terrifying nightmares.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Gryphon

Wild animals with the body of lions and the head and front legs of eagles. The savage creatures are native to Aerie Peaks and are employed as mounts by the brave Dwarves of the Wildhammer Clan, who have developed a close bond with the mighty beasts. During the Second War, Gryphon Riders became the flying warriors of the Alliance, often facing the Horde's enslaved Red Dragons.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Hippogryph

Hippogryphs are ancient, magical beasts who resemble Gryphons in build. They have the hind quarters of a stag and the horns of a stag and the front part of a raven. They patrol the skies above Kalimdor and viciously attack any enemies that they encounter. The intelligent hippogryphs have given their allegiance to the Night Elves in honor of Cenarius, a demigod who stood as the protector of nature and all of its creatures..

Races in the Warcraft universe - Kodo

Kodo are very large creatures that are hunted and respected by the Tauren. They are either mammals or reptiles, and bear a heavy resemblance to Rhinoceros, which they may have been based on. Kodo are likely to be herbivorous, and this is corroborated by a specific quest, although in Warcraft III they had an ability to devour almost any enemy, so their diet may be omnivorous. Kodo travel Mulgore in packs of a Matriarch with her calves, and sometimes a bull or two; in contrast, bulls can usually be seen as rogues in the northern barrens and seen in packs in the southern barrens. Tamed Kodo are used as pack animals in caravans to haul trade goods and to carry wardrums. A smaller breed has been used as mounts, mainly for the Tauren, since a Kodo is the only mount strong enough to carry a Tauren. The tauren chieftain Cairne Bloodhoof gave the orcs, led by Thrall, a number of kodos as a reward for helping them fight the centaurs. Since then, the orcs adorne them with drums and ride them to war. Some fel orcs have been seen riding chaos kodo beasts in Outland, though it is unknown how they obtained these beasts.

The name Kodo might come from the Japanese word KODO, meaning DRUM. Their first reference in WarCraft 3 as "Kodo Beasts" would mean "Drum Beasts". It is also possible that the name is derived from Komodo Dragon.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Thunder Lizard

Probably related to the kodo, thunder lizards are giant reptiles with an appearance of a cross between a rhinoceros and a stegosaur. They are wide spread in the Barrens, though the biggest population known is in Thunder Ridge, in Durotar. Despite their horns and spikes, which can also be used as lethal weapons, thunder lizards use their magical powers in combat: they can emit deadly bolts of lightning from their mouth. The largest thunder lizards are called Storm Wyrms.

Salamanders are very similar to thunder lizards in appearance, though they have red or blue scales instead of green. Instead of lightning, salamanders spit fire. Draenei are known to tame some of these creatures.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Wyvern

The Wyvern are flying lion-like creatures with a venomous barbed tail. In fact, they very closely resemble manticores in traditional mythologies, and not wyverns, which are more often lizard-like. These noble sentient beasts allied with Warchief Thrall after he discovered them. They now serve as the trusted aerial mounts of the Orcs, Trolls, Undead, and Tauren. They have recently been renamed Wind Riders, since Warcraft 3: the Frozen Throne. Some remain reluctant and even hostile to outsiders, such as those of Highperch in Thousand Needles.

Demonic Races

These races are the minions of the Burning Legion, and were otherwise corrupted.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Doom Guards

See main article Doom Guards.

Doom Guards were the elite guard of Archimonde, the Defiler, a combination of destructive magic and brute force. After their master's death, it is believed that some of the Doom Guards broke from the fold and are working more akin to mercenaries. However, they are probably in the minority, as there are still many Doom Guards at the Burning Legion's beckon call.

In the World of Warcraft game, Warlocks at level 60 can summon a Doom Guard through use of either the Ritual of Doom or the Curse of Doom spell.

Curse of Doom deals 3200 damage after 60 seconds. If this damage kills the creature, it has a small chance of summoning a doomguard directly on top of the warlock, which it begins to attack. It must be enslaved using the Enslave Demon spell, which consumes a soul shard even if it is resisted.

Ritual of doom requires a Demonic Figurine and a full group to summon. When it is finished channeling, it consumes the reagent and a random party member's life. It may even kill the summoning warlock, so this is the least preferred method. This method also required the Enslave Demon spell.

Considering the rather lackluster strength of the summonable Doom Guards at present, and factoring in their costly summoning requirements, they are considered an undesirable pet for the Warlock to summon, and revisions are slated for patch 1.9.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Elemental

Elementals were some of the first creatures that appeared on Azeroth. Chaotic and destructive, they worshiped a race of 'Old Gods', but were destroyed by the Titans. However, Elementals of Water are commonly summoned by mages and wizards, while fire elemental known as 'Firelords' still exist in certain places. While not pictured, Wind Elementals exist and are commonly seen in Arathi Highlands, Desolace and Silithus.

They are ruled by the Elemental Lieutenants: Ragnaros the Firelord (fire elemental), Therazane the Stonemother (earth elemental), Al'Akir the Windlord (air elemental), Neptulon the Tidehunter (water elemental).

One thing to note is that these elementals are infact not a part of the burning legion. They will fight the demons of the burning legion as well as the beings that inhabit Azeroth. They are merely trying to restore their masters (the old gods) to power and to free their elemental lieutenants (mentioned above) so these can once again rule the world.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Eredar

The Eredar are an ancient race of demons. They come from the Twisting Nether and are skilled sorcerers and warlocks. The most powerful of the Eredar were Kil'jaeden and Archimonde, chosen by Sargeras, the fallen Titan, to be his lieutenants.

This race and the fiction surrounding them were first introduced in Warcraft: Orcs and Humans as experts at manipulating nature, and are capable of summoning blizzards, typhoons, tidal waves, volcanoes, earthquakes, meteors, and lightning storms to destroy their enemies. During the early phase of development for Warcraft: Orcs and Humans, the Eredar units were given a special ability, the Finger of Pain. This is a one-hit-kill ability, destroying a single enemy with one stroke.

The Eredar did not appear in Warcraft II, but they came back with greatly expanded background in Warcraft III, being some of the strongest creeps, hostile NPCs introduced in this game.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Felhound

Felhounds are demon hounds used by the Pit Lords to sniff out sources of magic wherever they may be found. Felhounds, who feed upon magic itself, are fond of draining the energies of hapless wizards and then ripping their bodies to shreds.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Fel Guard

The Fel Guard made up the bulk of the Burning Legion's forces during the first invasion of Azeroth. They are large, brutish demons, similar in appearance to Orcs but much taller. They normally wield great axes or swords. They are also used as guards of many of the demonic places in Azeroth, and although they have many disadvantages compared to Doom Guards or Infernals, they comprise the bulk of the Legion's forces.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Gargoyle

The dreaded gargoyles of Northrend are voracious flying creatures who revel in slaughter and mayhem. The Lich King, leader of the undead Scourge, brought them under his control to fight for him. They have rough, crystalline hides which protect them from many attacks, and in case this is not enough, in times of danger gargoyles can condense their hides into a stone-like surface. They are also able to regenerate while in this stone form.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Infernal

Infernals are giant golem-like demons, made of dark stone and green demonic flame, which can be summoned by powerful warlocks. They exist only to destroy every living thing in their paths and take pleasure in tearing all mortals they encounter limb from limb. Fast-moving and enveloped in flame (granting them immunity to fire), they are some of the deadliest creatures to face in the Warcraft universe.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Nathrezim

The Nathrezim, or Dreadlords, are vampiric winged demons allied with the Burning Legion. While they had existed in Warcraft lore for some time, it was not until Warcraft III that they were introduced into the game. They were tasked by Kil'jaeden to keep watch over his unwilling puppet, the Lich King Ner'zhul. Many prominent Dreadlords played parts in the events of the Third War, notably Tichondrius, Anetheron, Mephistroth, Balnazzar, Varimathras, Detheroc, and Mal'ganis. Mal'Ganis was killed by Arthas at the behest of Ner'zhul. Later, Arthas (now driven mad and acting as the right hand of Ner'zhul) manipulated Illidan Stormrage into consuming the Skull of Gul'dan and killing Tichondrius. Anetheron was slain at the Battle of Mt. Hyjal, while Mephistroth's current whereabouts are unknown. Arthas intended to kill Balnazzar, Varimathras, and Detheroc when Illidan Stormrage and his cohorts threatened the Lich King's existence, forcing Arthas to withdraw to Northrend. Sylvanas Windrunner then took Varimathras captive, offering that he become her slave or die. Together they killed the other two, despite Varimathras's insistence that it was forbidden for the Nathrezim to kill one another. It would appear that Balnazzar's death was a ruse, however, as he has been sighted in the headquarters of the Scarlet Crusade, leading many to believe that he was in charge of the entire operation, and that Varimathras may not be as loyal to Sylvanas Windrunner as he seems.

For more information see Dreadlord..

Races in the Warcraft universe - Pit Lord

The Pit Lords who served under Mannoroth the Destructor are some of the most cruel, barbarous butchers to ever roam the trackless wastes of the Twisting Nether. These hulking engines of hate and death live only to kill and bring sorrow to all living creatures. Fanatically loyal to Mannoroth, the Pit lords will stop at nothing to see the will of the Burning Legion upheld. Their leader is Azgalor, who succeeded Mannoroth after he was slain by Grom Hellscream.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Satyrs

Former Highborne who practiced demon magic prior to the destruction of the World Tree. They left the Night Elf civilization and have since developed goat-like features such as hooves and horns. While Highborne, they were the greatest spellcasters in all of Night Elven civilization before their corruption. Lord Xavius was the first Satyr, dying as a Night Elf to Malfurion Stormrage, only to be brought back to life by Sargeras. Hiding in the darkest corners of Ashenvale forest, Satyrs awaited the return of Burning Legion to unleash their vengeance on the Night Elves, joining with the corrupted Treants and Ancients.

Races in the Warcraft universe - The Scourge

Undead army of the Lich King Ner'zul, whose main purpose is the destruction of every major race on Azeroth. They were created in order to finish the job that the Orcs started when they went through the Dark Portal.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Succubi

A race of female whores, similar to the Nathrezim but smaller, Succubi are one of the races enslaved by the Burning Legion. While less powerful than their master, Succubi still possess deadly magical powers. Ruled by 'the Mistress of Pain', Succubi are part of the forces of the Pit Lord Magtheridon and plague regions of Outland.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Void Walker

Void Walkers are wraith-like demonic creatures with a blue body, somewhat resembling an elemental. Like succubbi, void walkers are another of the demon races enslaved by the Burning Legion and are under the command of the Pit Lord Magtheridon. They are made purely from shadows, and can absorb shadows around them to "mend" any wounds they receive in combat. However, being made from shadow means that they cannot hit too hard.

Void Walkers are the Warlock's main 'tank' minion in the game World of Warcraft. The spell is learned at level 10 as part of a short quest chain.

Humanoid Races

Races in the Warcraft universe - Centaur

The natural enemies of the Tauren, legends say they are the bastard offspring of Cenarius, a Night Elf demigod who also fathered the Keepers of the Grove and dryads. Whether or not this is true, it is certain that they are savagery and brutality incarnate. The centaur constantly raid and terrorize cities of the Barrens. In appearance they have the body of a horse and the torso of a human where the neck and head should be. The centaur have a savage and bloodthirsty nature and are wary of any person that is not a centaur. The centaur especially hate the Tauren, and by extension, the orcs.

These horse-men hail from Desolace in western-central Kalimdor, but tribes of them are spread throughout much of central Kalimdor, including: The Barrens, Thousand Needles and Durotar. In the past they have ceaselessly terrorized the villages of the indigenous peoples, and have now extended their hatred to include the orcs and trolls of the Horde. The tauren claim that the centaur have always existed to scourge the land. Legend holds that Zaetar, immortal son of Cenarius and the earth elemental princess, Theradras, sired the misbegotten centaur race. It is said that upon their emergence, the barbaric centaur turned on their father and killed him. Some believe that Theradras, in her grief, trapped Zaetar's spirit within the winding caverns of Maraudon - using its energies for some malign purpose. The subterranean tunnels are populated by the vicious, long-dead ghosts of the Centaur Khans, as well as Theradras' own raging, elemental minions.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Draenei

The Draenei are one of the three primary races native to Draenor (the others being the Orcs and the Ogres). They once populated the planet heavily, but were slaughtered by the Orcs shortly after their corruption by the Warlock Gul'dan. A small number of Draenei survived, using a recessive cloaking ability. Severely mutated in the destruction of Draenor, they were thought to be extinct, but Illidan and his forces discovered and liberated one of the last surviving Draenei villages among the wastes of what is now known as Outland. The Draenei are known for being stealthy spies and assassins as their warriors can Shadowmeld at all times of day, even while moving. They are currently ruled by Akama, the Elder Sage, and are allied with Illidan's Naga and Blood Elves. The Draenei are consumed by an unquenchable bloodlust whenever they know Orcs are near. A few Draenei were led through the portal by a few unknown leaders with the hopes of finding a new life, and have settled in The Swamps Of Sorrow. Unfortunately, most of them were driven mad due to homesickness, and attack all on sight. There are a few, led by Magtoor, that remember their noble roots and survive on in the swamp separate of their mad brothers. The mad Draenei are called "The Lost Ones" in memory of their old homeworld.

They are a likely candidate for the new Alliance race to be added in the World of Warcraft Expansion: The Burning Crusade [1]. However, according to Blizzard, the "confirmation" is pure speculation, [2] as they have not revealed the new Alliance race to websites, magazines, or other media sources. The lore also seems to make this speculation self-contradictory, as Blood Elves are the officially announced new Horde race, and Draenei are allied with them. The same lore may also make the Draenei joining the Alliance likely, as the Draenei may not like the Blood Elves becoming allies with the Orcs, a race that nearly annihilated the entire Draenei population. But then it gets further complicated - Blizzard has announced that the Blood Elf leader, Prince Kael'Thas Sunstrider, is to be a raid boss. This may mean that the Blood Elves are divided, meaning that the Draenei are still allied to Illidan...

Note: No information has been confirmed by Blizzard entertainment, any information circulating the second race is pure rumour.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Dryads

Half deer and half-night elf in appereance, Dryads are the frolicking daughters of Cenarius. Like their Keeper brothers, Dryads are protectors of the Ashenvale forest and have joined the Sentinels to defend nature from those who dare to defile it. Weaker than Keepers, Dryads are nonetheless immune to magic.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Dwarves

The 'Earthen', one of the races created by the Titans when they shaped Azeroth, was greatly affected when the Well of Eternity exploded. They locked themselves into their underground chambers and went into a comatose state, refusing contact with the outside world. One group, however, woke up early for a reason as yet unknown, and they lost their stone skin and power over rock and earth. They called themselves the Dwarves and built the city of Ironforge. Up to the War of the Three Hammers, the three clans - the Bronzebeards, Wildhammers and Dark Irons - lived relatively peacefully in Ironforge until King Anvilmar died, leaving no heir. This began a civil war of enormous proportions, all three attempting to take the throne of Ironforge as their own. Eventually the Bronzebeards won, forcing the other clans out of the kingdom.

The Wildhammers recovered from this and built their own city of Grim Batol in the Wetlands. The Dark Irons did not recover quite so well, however, and resolved to destroy both the Bronzebeards and the Wildhammers in a single, two pronged attack. Though Grim Batol suffered heavy casualties and the death of its king, both forces of Dark Irons were repelled and brought to the edge of destruction in an ambush, the survivors fleeing to the Redridge Mountains. They were not finished yet, however, and attempted to bring back one of the Old Gods to aid them in their cause - Ragnaros. Though they succeeded in summoning the evil monster, their leader and many others died in the aftermath, burned to a cinder by Ragnaros' power or enslaved to do his bidding. And with Ragnaros summoning a great fiery mountain was formed around the area known as Black Rock Mountain where the dark iron dwarves still reside in. This not only affected the Dwarves themselves, but the land around them, which became a burned wasteland rather reminiscent of the land of Mordor in Lord of the Rings. The Wildhammer clan, fearing that Grim Batol was irrevocably cursed, left the Wetlands for Lordaeron, where they built Aerie Peak above ground on the mountains of the Hinterlands, refusing to have anything else to do with the underground lairs of their brethren and forefathers.

And so the Bronzebeards claimed the entirety of Khaz Modan as their own, though still trading with the Wildhammers, with whom they attempted to mend their relationship. During the Second War, the Humans were able to convince the Bronzebeard Dwarves of Khaz Modan to aid them in the war effort. The Horde overran Khaz Modan, but the Alliance was able to liberate it once again. It was then that King Magni Bronzebeard vowed that the Ironforge Dwarves would forever owe a debt to the Alliance.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Elf

The Warcraft universe has three species of elf, the Night Elves, the High Elves, and the Blood Elves.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Night Elf

Night Elves are one of the oldest races on Azeroth. They have deep lavender skin, glowing eyes, long ears, and blue, purple, silver, or green hair. In their own language, they are called the Kaldorei ("children of the stars"). The elves originated on the continent Kalimdor. Satyrs, Naga, and the High Elves descended from them.

Races in the Warcraft universe - High Elf

Night Elves with an addiction to arcane magic became the offshoot known as the High Elves. They were originally followers of Queen Azshara and helped her in her research of magic and demons. Azshara, feeling they were inherently superior to her subjects who did not practice magic, named her followers "Quel'dorei," meaning "Highborne." Azshara and the Highborne were responsible for the invasion of the Burning Legion and for the destruction of the Well of Eternity, a highly magical and sacred lake which once stood in the center of Ancient Kalimdor. Only a few Highborne survived the explosions from the destruction of the Well, and they joined the Night Elves fleeing to the continent of Kalimdor. The Highborne, seeing that their dreams of magical power could never be realized under the rule of their magic-hating brethren, went into self-imposed exile to create a new, magical civilization for themselves. They found such a place across the sea, on the continent of Lordaeron. Traveling the continent for centuries, the Highborne slowly began to look less and less like the other Night Elves on Kalimdor, owing to the harsh conditions they faced in their new home and on natural evolution. They finally settled in the North, and were responsible for the destruction of the great troll empire. Upon the introduction of Humans from the south, the High Elves (as they were now called) joined forces with the Humans, and welcomed them to their kingdom of Quel'Thalas.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Blood Elf

The name of a particular group of the High Elves that survived the destruction of Quel'Thalas. They adopted the name in memory of their fallen brethren and turned to corrupted magic and drew upon demonic forces to avenge their lost kingdom. Most of them were left in charge of the defense of Lordaeron and Quel'Thalas to drive out the Undead, led by Prince Kael'thas. The racist Human general in charge of the force, Lord Garithos, despised the Elves, and sought to force them into actions for which he could justifiably kill them. He finally recalled all Human and Dwarven units to the front line, leaving only the meager Elf forces to defend against the rampaging Scourge. Garithos' plan was to force the Elves into alliance with the Naga, whom he had seen talking to Kael'thas earlier. His plan worked; with no other options, the Blood Elves were forced to ally with the Naga, an action Garithos had specifically forbidden. He subsequently had them imprisoned in the ruins of Dalaran, where they were eventually freed by the Naga. Upon escape, they agreed to travel with the Naga to Outland, where they hoped to find the Naga's master, Illidan Stormrage, to ask his help in finding a cure for their racial addiction to magic. Other Elves, those that survived Quel'Thalas's destruction and didn't fall to the primal rage that fueled the Blood Elves' descent into dark magic, now consider the Blood Elves to be not only traitors to the Grand Alliance, but also a stain upon the memory of their fallen bretheren. Confirmed to be the next Horde race in the Burning Crusade expansion pack, the Blood Elves have reoccupied the surviving lands of Quel'thalas and regained much of their strength.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Faceless Ones

In Warcraft 3: the Frozen Throne, Arthas and the Crypt Lord, Anub'arak, treked to Icecrown to defend the Lich King from Illidan and the army of Naga he had amassed. As they worked their way through the underground kingdom of the Nerubian, Azjol-Nerub they encountered still living Nerubian freedom fighters and dwarves left over from Arthas' previous trip to Northrend. As they entered even deeper into the caverns, they also encounter what the Dwarf leader Balegun refered to as "horrors" that had been released by Illidan's recently caused earthquakes. Humanoid creatures with tentacled arms and faces called the Faceless Ones were found as well as one massive creature of which we only see it's giant tentacles. The entire experience is like a page taken from H.P. Lovecraft.

Anub'arak's statements during this adventure suggest that there is some ancient and forgotten race that was buried underground, of whom only myths reached the Nerubian people. The Nerubians are descended from the ancient Aqir people; the prospect of an even earlier race raises many questions. This is the only time they have appeared in the Warcraft universe and thus little is known about them.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Furbolg

Furbolgs are ursine humanoids. They reside in tribes, and were peaceful allies of the Night Elves until the coming of the Burning Legion, when many were affected by the corruption they brought and turned evil. The Timbermaw tribe were supposedly the only tribe to escape the corruption. Their tribe now has been forced into hostility due to an increasing show of violence towards them as they are mistaken for corrupted. Around 10,000 years before Warcraft: Orcs and Humans the Furbolg race fought the Burning Legion alongside the Night Elves, Tauren and Earthen. The Ursa Warriors are the Furbolg elites.

The name Furbolg seems to be a derivative of the Irish Fir Bolg.

Furbolgs are one of the favorite choices for the Alliance playable race put forward by the fan base.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Goblin

The Goblins are a neutral race in the World of Warcraft and tend to do everything for profit. However prior to that, during the great wars they sided with the Horde and still currently favor the horde. They are green-skinned and the same height as Gnomes. Most goblins are engineering geniuses, but appear to have an insane side to their personality. Goblins are not always neutral; many are employed by the Black dragonflight and were responsible for welding plates onto the scales of Deathwing. More recently, they assisted Nefarian in his creation of the Chromatic dragonflight.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Golem

Golems are magical or mechanical constructs of materials such as rock or mud resembling humanoid giants. Due to their strength and immunity to magical attacks and the fact that they don't sleep, Golems are therefore employed by wizards to guard special locations from intruders.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Gnoll

One of the younger races of the world, Gnolls inhabit much of Lordaeron. Although technically intelligent, the hyena-like humanoids often spend their time fighting with each other over things such as "whose shadow is larger." It has been said that if the Gnolls were able to stop fighting each other and organize an army, they would be quite a fearsome race. Gnolls are commonly found as members of various mercenary and pirate organizations across the world. There is one tribe serving the Scourge, two other tribes serving humans and many Gnolls serve Goblins. However, as of yet there are no known organizations of Gnolls serving the Alliance or Horde. While native to Lordaeron, there are a couple Gnoll tribes in western Kalimdor. It is currently unknown how the Gnolls have spread to these far reaches.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Gnome

The Gnomes are the super-advanced race of WarCraft. Though the Dwarves, who live near the Gnomes' former home of Gnomeregan, also have some advanced technology, the Gnomes provided them with some of the more critical designs for Dwarven weapons and tanks. They provided the Alliance with some of their inventions and personnel during the Second War, but in the Third war they did not send any actual personnel to fight. Only after the war did the rest of the Alliance discover that the Gnomes had been under attack by an enemy called the Troggs. Not wanting to further burden the other races during the Third War, they fought alone. Ultimately, they could not drive the Troggs from their home and released large amounts of radiation as an attempt to kill the Troggs and evacuated the city. This left about half of the Gnomish population alive to flee to Ironforge, the kingdom of the Dwarves.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Harpy

A race of scavenger birds with the heads and bodies of women, but the wings and legs of vultures. Rather aggressive, their leader was Bloodfeather, who is later killed by the Beastmaster Rexxar. Harpies originate from Greek mythology.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Human

Humans have typically been the "good guys" in the Warcraft saga, being constantly thrown into battle with the savage orcs in the first two games. However, in Warcraft III, with the orcs as a "good" race, and two new races (night elves and undead), their distinction as the "noble humans" has been blurred.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Keeper of the Grove

The Keepers of the Grove are among the offspring of Cenarius. Along with their sisters, the Dryads, they fought alongside the Night Elves against the Burning Legion when the latter invaded Azeroth. To this day, they keep watch over Kalimdor and stand vigilant against any other possible threats to Azeroth.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Kobold

Rat-like humanoids who infest tunnels and mines. They try to stay away from larger, more powerful races, as they are traditionally rather cowardly. Kobolds have a rather big obsession for mining and digging, and their religion mostly bases itself on the earth. The spellcasters of their race mostly focuses on Geomancy, and some Kobolds are known to craft Golems from dirt and rocks.

Of all the things one can mine from the earth, Kobolds seem to like Gold the most. Some even go to such lengths that they ally themselves with other races, like the Kobolds of Westfall are allied with the Defias. When Thrall, the leader of the Horde, entered a dungeon in Stonetalon Mountains to find the Oracle, he discovered and slew a gang of Kobolds, led by a Kobold "Mastermind", which shows that some Kobolds actually form gangs and syndicates of their own.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Makura

Crab-like humanoids living in the oceans of Azeroth.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Mountain Giants

Created by the Titans during their visit to Azeroth, Mountain Giants are gentle, gigantic humanoids of rock, and possess almost limitless strength as well as immunity to magic. Awakened from their slumber by Malfurion Stormrage after the invasion of the Burning Legion they now protect the forests of Kalimdor.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Murloc

Murlocs resemble bipedal, amphibious Fish, that can be found amongst pretty much all shorelines in Azeroth. They became a running gag on YTMND. They are one of the older races of Azeroth, though new to Lordaeron. Their intelligence is hard to truly tell, as their gurgling speech is near impossible to decipher, but the facts that they use weaponry and build huts imply that they may be a bit smart after all. Some Murlocs have begun moving into other territories such as the Elwynn Forest, due to being driven out of their home The Swamps Of Sorrow by the newly arrived Draenei.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Naga

The Naga are snake-like humanoids that inhabit a region of the Great Sea known as the Maelstrom. They were once Highborne, Night Elf mages, that allied themselves with Queen Azshara and the Burning Legion during the War of the Ancients. When the Well of Eternity imploded and swallowed vast portions of Kalimdor, including the Night Elf capital of Zin-Azshari, many of the Highborne were swept under the waves. Azshara, in desperation, made a pact with the Old Gods that transformed her and her followers into the Naga. A large number of naga, led by lady Vashj, allied with Illidan's forces and reside in Outland, the remnants of the original home of the orcs.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Nerubian

Nerubians are a race of sentient spider-like people that inhabit the continent of Northrend. They once had a great underground empire, Azjol-Nerub, that occupied most of the continent and perhaps even above. However, with the coming of the Lich King it was only a matter of time before they were destroyed, although they where at first immune to the scourge. When they attacked the Litch King's citadel, the majority of Nerubians were wiped out and resurrected by him, with only a few pockets of resistance remaining. Although he almost annihilated the entire race, the Lich King was impressed by their bravery and battle prowess and, to honor them, adopted their distinctive architectural style as the basis for his future army, the Scourge. He also resurrected most of the Nerubians he had killed, turning them into Crypt Fiends and Crypt Lords. They were once the same race as the Silithid but their kingdom divided thousands of years ago to become Azjol-Nerub in the northeast, home of the Nerubians, and Silithus in the southwest, home of the Silithid. Anub'Arak was their traitor king, who willfully allied with the Lich King. Some Nerubians are rumored to still live in Northrend, with the hopes of one day rebuilding their ancient kingdom.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Ogre

Ogres are a savage race from Draenor. They are huge and strong, but tend to be stupid, fat, and slow. Many have two heads. They followed the Orcs through the Dark Portal into the world of Azeroth. During the First War, they were little more than destructive brutes, hazards to both sides. But between the First and Second War, the Ogres were recruited into the Orcish Horde by the Warlock Gul'dan to replace the now-disbanded Wolf Riders as heavy cavalry. It is as this point, due to Gul'dan's experiments, that the Ogre Magi appeared — the powerful body of an Ogre with the mind of a slain warlock implanted in one or both heads. The Ogres left the Horde after they lost the war, and decided to leave peacefully. Most became traders as many also made their own clans.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Orc

The Orcs are a savage, but noble, race from the planet Draenor who became corrupted by a demonic force known as the Burning Legion. Under the legion's influence, the Orcish Horde slaughtered the Draenei, another race native to Draenor, and then were led to the world of Azeroth. After two devastating wars, the Orcs were finally defeated on Azeroth, and rounded up into internment camps, until a young Orc named Thrall rallied them together, and finally broke the Horde free from demonic influence and helped them return to their shamanistic roots. Draenor exploded, due to the Portals created by Ner'zhul, who later became the Lich King. Azeroth would have also, but the Heroes of WarCraft II journeyed to Draenor and destroyed the Portal, saving Azeroth. The Heroes were never seen again.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Pandaren

Pandaren are humanoids that resemble Giant Pandas. They reside on an isolated island outside Kalimdor, although some have ventured out into the outside world like the Pandaren Brewmaster. They first appeared in Blizzard's Warcraft III real-time strategy computer game as a hero unit called the Pandaren Brewmaster. Blizzard later provided more background information on the Pandaren in the "Alliance and Horde Compendium" sourcebook for their "Warcraft, The Role Playing Game" d20 system fantasy role playing game. Blizzard originally announced that the Pandaren would be the fourth race of Warcraft III, but they later revealed the announcement to be an April-Fools joke. Pandaren have subsequently become a running gag in Warcraft, such as a later April Fools' Joke announcing a take-out Chinese cuisine service called Pandaren Xpress, available from inside the game World of Warcraft (this was also a parody of EverQuest II's /pizza command, which would open a web browser to order pizza, generating plenty of press for them). Recently, it has been rumored that the Pandaren are the as-yet unannounced fifth Alliance race to be added to World of Warcraft with the upcoming expansion pack, The Burning Crusade. There were rumors among World of Warcraft players that the pandas were shelved as a game race due to the pressure of Chinese government authorities who objected to this use of their national symbol, but these rumors appear to be entirely fictional since no supporting evidence has ever been provided - and many Chinese WoW players say that it is false. The use of Pandaren as the fifth Alliance race would fit with Blizzard's tradition of balancing the Alliance and Horde factions, as the Pandaren would be a second Alliance race on Kalimdor, bringing the total of races per continent to five (Pandaren/Night Elves and Orcs/Trolls/Tauren on Kalimdor; Humans/Dwarves/Gnomes and Undead/Blood Elves in the Eastern Kingdoms).

They were created by Blizzard artist Samwise Didier, whose 'trademark' is a giant panda.

Their name may also be a pun, combining the word "Panda" with the Chinese word for man, "Ren (人）".

Races in the Warcraft universe - Quilboar

Quilboars are creatures that resemble bipedal pigs. They posed a problem to the orcs who had settled in Kalimdor. Their main city is Razorfen Downs which is a dungeon located in the southern Barrens. Locations where Quilboars inhabit are usually indicated by giant thorny vines that sprout out of the ground. The Quilboar have historically participated in a 3-way war with the Tauren and the Centaur. Though they are not normally evil, they are territorial and natural enemies of these two races. When the Orcs arrived on Kalimdor they took the side of the Tauren and have driven the Quilboar to near-extinction. In order to survive the leaders of the Quilboar have considered the possibility of an alliance with the Scourge. There are two main tribes of Quilboar, the Bristlebacks who tend to be weaker and live in the northern Barrens and Durotar and the Razormanes who live in the southern part of the Barrens. The two tribes are in a perpetual war. The Quilboar of Razorfen Downs who are considering the alliance with the Scourge are the Razormanes.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Silithid

A race previously unknown to those of Lordaeron, Azeroth, and Kalimdor, little information is available on the Silithid. All that is known is that they live in Silithus, south of Kalimdor, and they are related to the Nerubians. There is an ancient wall in southern Silithus named The Scarab Wall, behind which lies Ahn'Qiraj, said to be the next 40-man raid instance in World of Warcraft.

The Night Elves, under Archdruid Fandral Staghelm, fought a war against the Silithids many years prior to the emergence of the first humans. The Night Elves were on the edge of defeat, losing their outpost of Southwind Village and Staghelm's son in the process, and retreating westward, when they discovered that the Silithids would not go past Fire Plume Ridge in Un'goro Crater. Staghelm took this respite to enlist the help of the dragonflights. With the sacrifice of the consorts of the red, blue, and green aspects, Staghelm and the bronze dragonflight was able to seal the Silithids behind the Scarab Wall. Anachronos, as the representative of the Bronze Dragonflight, offered Staghelm the Scepter of the Shifting Sands, the artifact required to reopen the gate to Ahn'Qiraj, but he refused it, instead hurling it at the wall, shattering it.

The Trolls, however, have an extensive knowledge on the ancestors of the Silithids, the Aqir.

The Silithid are also rumored to be the new Alliance race for the Burning Crusade expansion pack, even though the majority of players on World of Warcraft even go to the extents of claiming that the race will be the Pandaren or, for the more delusional, Murlocs.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Sprite/Faerie Dragons

Though not actual Dragons, they police the Emerald Dream from magic. They are immune to magic and seem to have the ability to phase into an alternate dimension. They resemble small, brightly colored lizards with wings.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Tauren

The Tauren are a minotaur-like race with a fierce warrior tradition. They are about twice as big as a man and when fighting prefer to wield totem poles nearing the size of an old oak tree stem or axes. The Tauren are known for their passion for nature and honor. They are lead by the great chieftain, Cairne Bloodhoof. Cairne allied with the Thrall's Orcs when they came to Kalimdor, and defeated the Centaur, claiming Mulgore as their own. They founded Thunder Bluff, the great Tauren city, where the Tauren have attained tranquility. In their own language, the Tauren are called the Shu'halo. Their principal goddess is the Earth Mother, the ruler of the earth.

The Tauren were introduced to Warcraft in Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos. Originally there was only a hero (Tauren Chieftain) and a unit (Tauren). In the expansion, Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne, the magical Spirit Walker was added. The Spirit Walkers are White Tauren, and as such they are believed to be the ill omen of a coming age, and are held in near reverence by their people, often becoming reclusive priests who wander the land in search of kindred spirits. The Tauren are also a playable race in the MMORPG World of Warcraft.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Titans

Main Article Titans (warcraft)

The metallic-skinned gods who ordered the world and created all the life of Azeroth besides the elementals, who were there already. They also chained the evil "old gods" of the elementals under ground.

After creating Azeroth, they then proceeded to imbue certain powers to the five Dragonflights. The Titans, also known on Azeroth as "the Creators", made the Earthen. The Earthen evolve to either Dwarves or Trogg. An account of this action is documented on the Discs of Norgannon, named after the Titan of Lore Norgannon. The discs, along with a brief history and explanation, are located at the end of Uldaman, an instance in the MMORPG World of Warcraft.

Sargeras, the Dark Titan, is not a Titan of the Pantheon. He deserted the Pantheon after being driven mad by demons and the evil and corruption they possessed.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Treant

Treants are enormous enchanted beings whose bodies are born from the living trees of Kalimdor. They are tremendously strong and resilient to even the strongest blows. In times of great peril, they can be seen emerging from their shadowy forests to protect the land from evil corruption. Some, however, were tainted and corrupted by the Burning Legion ages ago. The corrupted Treants wish only to spread their corruption and hate for living things.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Trogg

Troggs are primitive humanoids that inhabit Dun Morogh, Loch Modan and Gnomeregan among other places. They are often found living in caves and resemble cavemen.

When the Titans first came to Azeroth, they created a race of humanoids, the Earthen, to help them shape the world. After the creation of the Earthen, anomalies due to high-stress environments were discovered. These anomalies resulted in a degeneration of the Earthen into two forms - Troggs and Dwarves. The Troggs maintained the stamina and strength of their Earthen predecessors, but almost all their cognitive powers were lost in favor of force of will and strong cunning. Troggs will consume anything they can obtain, including stones and other Troggs. Due to these characteristics, the Titans considered them unsuitable for further work and discarded them.

Recently, Dwarven excavations of Titan ruins have awakened the Troggs, who have proceeded to invade Dwarven lands and even drive the Gnomes from their beloved capital of Gnomeregan.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Troll

In the current Warcraft universe, there are multiple types of trolls, each in their own tribe. It is speculated that a small group of Trolls are what were drawn to the Well of Eternity and evolved into Night Elves, although the Night Elves fiercely deny this. Trolls are thin, cunning and agile, with pointed features, rather than hulking brutes like traditional trolls. Before the time of multiple tribes of trolls, they were at one time united in the Gurubashi Empire that encompassed much of Azoroth and eventually attacked the Elven kingdom of Quel'thalas and seemed to almost destroy it. However, when the elves allied with the human state of Arathor, the combined might of the two armies destroyed the trolls, along with the Gurubashi empire. It was this defeat that led to the division of the trolls into their particular tribes. The five types are:

Races in the Warcraft universe - Dark Trolls

Dark Trolls are dark purple in color and live in Ashenvale forest. Although they appear extremely hostile to the Night Elves, a band of dark trolls assisted in fighting the Burning Legion on Mount Hyjal. This type of troll has yet to make an appearance in World of Warcraft.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Forest Trolls

Under their leader Zul'jin, they allied with the Orcs during the Second War. They were enemies with the High Elves, who took their land when they were exiled from Kalimdor and landed in Quel'thalas. Since the Elves were allied with Humans, an alliance between the Orcs and Trolls was logical. They are savage, and very much into ritual sacrifices and cannibalism. They are green in color, and their Tribe who continue to serve the horde, but are held in distrust by many of the Orcs who still resent their choice not to help the Orcs escape the interment camps after the Second War.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Ice Trolls

The Ice Trolls are huge and light blue, adapted for life in extremely cold climates. They can be found in Northrend, as well as in cold, mountainous regions of Khaz Modan.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Jungle Trolls

The Jungle Trolls are blue-skinned, and originate from Stranglethorn Vale, a jungle south of Azeroth. They practice voodoo, dark magic, and cannibalism. The Darkspear Tribe was exiled from its home of Stranglethorn Vale by the other tribes because they refused to engage in the beastly nature that commonly defines their kind. After Thrall and his newly reformed Horde rescued the tribe from Murlocs and their sea witch leader (possibly a Naga), the tribe swore eternal allegiance to the Horde. First they settled on the echo Isles, but after being driven out by the crazed human admiral, Daelin Proudmoore, they now reside with the Orcs in Durotar, off the coast parallel to the Echo Isles in the Sen'jin Village. Vol'jin, a shadow hunter, is their leader. Aside from the Darkspears, the Skullsplitters among other tribes remaining in Stranglethorn Vale have re-united under the evil rule of the resurgent Blood God Hakkar the Soulflayer, who now resides in the ancient city of Zul'Gurub. Thus, the Gurubashi Empire has begun to reassemble itself at last, despite the fact that it is once again under the vicegrip rule of a Quetzalcoatl-like evil being.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Sand Trolls

The Sand Trolls live in the desert region of Tanaris. They have pink skin tones and act as marauders. They live in a great temple in the desert where they worship dark gods. They have a friendly relationship with the Jungle Trolls and Forest Trolls that worship Hakkar, however they are not themselves worshipers of this dark god.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Tuskarr

Humanoid walrus-like creatures who can be found in Northrend. Not much is known about them, although it is said that they have light lore connections to the Alliance.

The Tuskarr are also rumored to be the Alliance's new playable race in the Burning Crusade expansion.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Undead

Races in the Warcraft universe - Forsaken

Races in the Warcraft universe - The Scourge

Races in the Warcraft universe - Wendigo

Savage humanoids living in cold places Dun Morogh and Northrend. They look like giant apes with claws and horns, and white hair. Their outfit is mostly based on the Yeti or Abominable Snowman.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Wildkin

Bear like humanoids with the heads and wings of owls, and antlers (also called Moonkin or Owlbears). Generally peaceful, but if roused are very powerful. They were created by Elune to guard her most sacred places. Druids are able to transform into moonkin to increase their strength in nature and arcane power.

Races in the Warcraft universe - Worgen

These creatures resemble werewolves. Their true origins are unknown; the Worgen of Duskwood were called by the discovery of the Scythe of Elune, the Worgen of Silverpine Forest are seemingly the result of an experiment by Archmage Arugal, and the Dark Riders of Deadwind Pass have no known origin, but are rumoured to dwell within Medivh's Tower. Recently, there have been rumors that Worgen would become the new playable Alliance race in the upcoming Burning Crusade expansion pack, but so far there has been no concrete evidence to back up this claim.

Categories: Warcraft races | Fictional species

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Races in the Warcraft universe", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki