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The Characters of WoW
Throughout your time in the land of Azeroth you will venture upon many races.
From the littlest gnome to the large bipedal Taurens; your experience can vary
dramatically. Below is a list of all available races and what is each race
brings to the game. Each race has a specific set of classes able to play, a
language of speech, a home origin, and 4 to 5 special Racial Traits. I will
provide a description of the traits, a little info on the race itself and some
pros/cons of the each.
Alliance
Race: Dwarves
Home: Dun Morogh; Ironforge
Classes: Hunters, Rogues, Warriors, Paladins, and Priest
Language: Dwarvish, Common
Description: With a legacy of generation after generation, the Dwarves of
Azeroth, are much into treasures and toils of mining the earth. Sturdy and
strong they are tireless in their quest for riches but of recent they have
unearthed ancient sites of their history. Now along their rich history of mining
they have taken up the cause of archaeologist. Seeking out their history the
Dwarves are aware of the dangers that lurk around every corner of Azeroth.
Fearless in battle, Dwarven clan is great benefit to the Alliance faction. Grab
a pint of your favorite ale and prepare for an adventure unlike any other race.
Much like the gnomes, Dwarves can expect many encounters with the Troggs and
wild beast that stalk the snowy fields.
Racial Traits: Stoneform, Gain immunity to diseases, poisons, and bleed
effects for short time frame; Treasure Finding, Gain ability to see
treasure on mini-map; Frost Resistance, +10 resist to Cold damage; Gun
Specialization, Gun skill +5
Pros: Dwarves are a hearty group and with that comes a nice trait for those who
would take hunter dwarf classes. The Gun Specialization, much like the Sword
Spec for humans, helps in adding leveling skill and damage overall. This also
benefits the rogue and warrior builds but not as greatly as the hunter dwarves.
Treasure Finding is great for those hidden chest in caves and areas unseen in
your general screen view area.
Cons: The Treasure Finding trait is nice but for those who take professions that
require gathering resource radar you cant have this trait on. Other than that
Dwarves are not a bad class to choose to play.
Race: Gnomes
Home: Dun Morogh; Gnomeragen (originally); Ironforge (by adoption)
Classes: Warriors, Rogues, Mages, and Warlocks
Language: Gnomish, Common
Description: The smallest race in Azeroth but not the weakest. Highly skilled in
the mechanics of creating technology the gnomes of Gnomeragen are a fiesty
group. Never did they fight in Azeroth, the Gnomes were the ones in the
background providing the weaponry, gadgets needed to win the battle for the
Alliance. While residing in their technologically advanced city, the gnomes
suffered a home invasion of sorts. From the bowels of the underground came the
Troggs, a race of barbaric humanoid like threats and laid siege to their city.
With the aid of the Dwarves they were fought bravely but in the end lost control
of their beloved home. Those who were able to escape sought refuge in Ironforge
and the lands surrounding. Always trying to create the most advance gadgets and
weapons the Gnomes hope to return to their own home but now they fight beside
the Alliance. As a Gnome look to see many fights with the menacing Troggs and
the wildlife in the snow laden Dun Morogh. Grab your Mechanical Chicken and knee
less pants for the battle over Azeroth has just begun.
Racial Traits: Escape Artist, Activate to break free of hold effects;
Expansive Mind, Intellect increase by 5%; Arcane Resistance, 10%
resist to Arcane attacks; Technologist, +15 skill bonus of Engineering
Pros: Though short in stature, gnomes make up for it their ingenuity. Taking
advantage of the +15 skill bonus in Engineering will help you out in leveling up
one of the most unique and creative Profession Skills in WoW. Escape Artist is a
nice benefit in both PvE and PvP.
Cons: Gnomes tend to look like they received one of the shorter ends of the
stick, no pun intended, in Racial Traits. They also have the shortest list of
available class builds.
Race: Humans
Home: Elwynn Forest; Stormwind
Classes: Paladins, Rogues, Warriors, Priest, Mages, and Warlocks
Language: Common
Description: Humans once a nomadic group that roamed from area to area with the
changing of the season now originate from a central area of Azeroth. Now based
in the city of Stormwind, Elywnn Forest they are ruled by child king; Anduin
Wrynn, always standing guard against those that threaten their land or lives.
Heroes who venture to the human race can expect to have many run ins with the
gang known as Defias and the ever present gloom in the south land called
Duskwood. Stand fast and prepare for arms when you are called to fight for your
people.
Racial Traits: Perception, ability to detect stealthy person for short
time frame; Human Spirit, Spirit increase of 5%; Diplomacy,
Faction bonus of 10% gained; Sword Specialization, +5 to Sword skills
Pros: Many classes to choose from give you a good idea of different fighting
styles in the game. In addition the Humans have one of the better Racial Traits
in the game, Diplomacy. When you begin the grueling task of reputation grinding
this comes in handy. Its not great but it can be the difference of few hours
less compared to other races. Perception is a nice benefit for PvP minded
players but doesn't come in very handy for PvE aspects. If you are looking for a
Rogue, Warrior or Paladin build the +5 Sword spec is a great added bonus.
Cons: Not many cons can be given for the race of Humans, other than ones own
opinion (looks and such). One of the biggest is the inability to communicate to
one another secretly like many other races. Humans have one language of speech.
Race: Night Elves
Home: Teldrassil; Darnassus
Classes: Rogues, Hunters, Druids, Priest, and Warriors
Language: Common, Darnassian
Description: One of the oldest races of Azeroth the Night Elf is heavily in tune
with nature. Their main mission in Azeroth is in restoring the land and nature
that has become tainted. From their island residence of Teldrassil the beautiful
city of Darnassus resides. But they aren't out of the reach of the Burning
Legion, with much sacrifice the Night Elves were able to drive back the horde.
Now many years later the sacrifices and the decisions made are the in the
forefront of new Night Elves to Azeroth. To undo the corruption and restore what
was once beautiful. Night Elves have many early encounters with animals driven
mad by disease and the ferocious Furblogs that roam the nearby forest. When
nature calls, the Night Elves answer.
Racial Traits: Shadowmeld, Gain Invisibility Stealth, unable to move or
be in combat to activate; Wisp Spirit, When dead movement speed is
increased by 50% over other races ghost form speed; Quickness, Dodge
chance increased by 2%; Nature Resistance, +10 Resist to Nature attacks
Pros: Only Alliance race that can play the druid class, a hybrid build of
casting and melee. If you are interest in PvP the Night Elves (NE's) have some
added benefits, Shadowmeld and Quickness. Though you are unable to keep stealth
while moving, Shadowmeld can be a very helpful to classes not Rogues. Imagine a
Warrior Charging from Stealth or Hunter w/ pet attacking from the shadows. It
can throw off an opponent that thought he/she was in the clear. As for PvE
players the Wisp form can help for those who like to die often and Nature Resist
bonus is helps in an upper level dungeon, various foes throughout leveling. With
a history reaching back thousands of years Role Playing players can get very
creative with characters. Sticking with the NE's ever present mission of
preserving nature against any that seek to do harm there is always an original
story to be created.
Cons: Sadly the NE's are an isolated group. Broke off from the rest of the
Alliance faction on the island of Teldrassil, right in the thick of the mostly
Horde friendly zones. With no direct connecting route to the rest of the
Alliance it can be quite a task for players in lower levels to venture over to
rest of the friendliest (it can be done but it is a long, hard journey through
some higher level zones).
Horde
Race: Orcs
Home: Durator; Orgrimmar
Classes: Rogues, Warriors, Hunters, Shaman, and Warlocks
Language: Orcish
Description: Strength, spiritualist, and a past that was filled with corruption
from the Burning Legion. The Orcs that now reside in the rough lands of the
Barrens have fought hard to shake the pass errors and scars from the corruption
of the Burning Legion. Even in their past the Orcs have always had a tumultuous
past with the Humans, waging a war for centuries. Alongside the trolls they have
found a home in the Barrens with their capital city of Orgrimmar. A scarred past
can't even keep these Orcs down, prepare for a battle of vengeance against the
Burning Legion and a long waged war with the Humans. As an Orc expect to
confront Humans, Centaurs, and the Kodo of the Barrens frequently in your
levels.
Racial Traits: Blood Fury, activating increases strength by 25% at a cost
of 5% health loss for 3 seconds of power duration; Command, Pets melee
damage increased by 5%; Axe Specialization, Axe skill increase by +5;
Hardiness, 25% resistance to stuns and knockout effects
Pros: Yet another race with some very strong Racial Traits. Blood Fury and
Hardiness being the two traits that become the most useful of the pack. Though
hunters also find that Command and Axe Spec specifically nice due to their pet
training and a great majority of Hunters using the ax as a main melee weapon.
Cons: Much like the Humans, the Orcs don't have too many cons. One language
ability comes to mind. One could pick out here and there but it would basically
be some ones specific opinion. Which all races could have many pros and cons.
Race: Tauren
Home: Mulgore; Thunderbluff
Classes: Warriors, Druids, Hunters, and Shamans
Language: Taurahe, Orcish
Description: Once scatter tribes in Kalimdor, the rise of a threat caused the
noble Taurens to unite and fend for their lives, home. The peaceful tribes
sought the help of the Orcs to help drive back the marauding menace called
Centaurs and were able to claim the area known as Mulgore. Now this grassy plain
is home to the Taurens where their central city of Thunderbluff resides amid the
clouds. Spiritual and respectful of the land the mighty Tauren stand ready to
protect and fight. No longer are the bovine dossal, these guys fight back.
Sharpen your horns and steady your spirituality in the land of Kalimdor.
Racial Traits: War Stomp, Activate to release a stun attack on opponents
within 5 yards of you; Cultivation, skill bonus to Herbalism increase of
15; Nature Resistance, +10 Resist to Nature attacks; Endurance,
max health increased by 5%
Pros: The only race on Horde side faction that can create a druid class
character. Also Taurens have one of the most effective Racial Traits available,
the War Stomp is a life saver of sorts. Whether in PvP or PvE the stomp comes in
handy in pinches of low health, many assailants or just an extra hold in
general.
Cons: Much like the Gnomes of Alliance, the Taurens are on the short stick of
available classes. Though they have a specialized Druids they are limited in
choices. Some also say the Taurens feel like they move slower than other races
but its not really a confirmed concept (though I do believe it myself). Besides
War Stomp, they also don't have a great array of Racial Traits. The Endurance
trait is ok but the 5% increase isn't a super benefit, as well as Cultivation
for +15 in herbalism since its a gather trait as opposed to main or creating
profession.
Race: Trolls
Home: Durator; Orgrimmar
Classes: Hunters, Rogues, Warriors, Shaman, Priest and Mages
Language: Orcish, Troll
Description: Fierce in character, the Trolls that inhabit this world are deep
rooted in mysticism and barbaric ways. The Darkspear trolls that have sided
themselves with the Orcs of Durator are a faction of the various jungle trolls
of the south seas. Pushed from their homes by the much hated Murlocs, these
trolls also hold a deep hatred for humans. Now safe within the land of Durator
they are beginning to rebuild what was almost completely lost. A strong loyalty
with the Orcs gives you an advantage many other Horde faction members don't
have, vast strength. Your hatred only fuels your intensity. Take up arms and
battle for the rebirth of your clan.
Racial Traits: Berserking, when wounded activate to increase melee and
spellcasting by 25% for short period; Regeneration, 10% Health
regeneration bonus, 10% active in combat; Throwing Weapon Specialization,
Throwing Weapon skill increase +5; Beast Slaying, +5 damage bonus toward
beast
Pros: Out of the available traits at your disposal two stand out, Beserkerking
and Regeneration. Those two traits are both beneficial in PvE and PvP aspects of
WoW. The Beserkering especially for those melee minded builds. As for available
classes they have a wide assortment to choose to play. Many different styles can
be tried for those who love the feel and look of this race.
Cons: Not much can be said bad about Trolls, Beast Slaying and Throwing Weapon
Spec aren't superior traits but not awful either. Beast Slaying being the better
of the two. As for anything else Trolls aren't that bad of a race overall.
Race: Undead
Home: Tirisfal Glades, Undercity (Lordaeron)
Classes: Rogues, Priest, Mages, Warriors, and Warlocks
Language: Gutterspeak,Orcish
Description: Once what was Human is now Undead, members of the human race that
turned when a plague swept over the land. Scourge members that broke free, the
Forsaken have taken up place in the northern land of Azeroth. The city of
Lordaeron was once a human bastion but now is home to the undead known as the
Forsaken. Not only do they wage a war against their former masters but also
against the humans that hunt them still. Because of where they have come many
feel they can't be trusted. Prepare yourself for a battle on all fronts. As an
Undead you have many encounters with the human group known as Scarlet Crusade
who's undying quest is to rid the land of the disease.
Racial Traits: Will of the Forsaken, when activated become immune to
fear, sleep, and charm effects for short period; Underwater Breathing,
breathing underwater increased by 4x normal for other races; Shadow
Resistance, shadow resist increased by 10%; Cannibalize, ability to
consume humanoid corpses to regain health regeneration by 200%
Pros: Of all the races in Azeroth (Alliance and Horde) the Undead have some of
the best Racial Traits in game. From Cannibalize to Underwater Breathing, all
come in very handy throughout the game. Whether you PvP or PvE these traits can
be some sort of benefit. Will of the Forsaken comes in very handy if you are
ever caught in sleep or fear effects that are so favorably used in PvP
especially. Underwater Breathing on one hand helps for those quest that involve
deep sea diving and for those who need to avoid enemies that don't take to
water. And one of the most helpful skills you can use is your Cannibalize, if
ever in a pinch with no food or healing ability find the nearest humanoid and
replenish your health in a few lovely bites.
Cons: Other than their nice Racial Traits the Undead are much like the other
races with a general make up of Classes. They have no specific class that stands
out from other races like druids or shamans. Other than that not much can be
said bad concerning the Undead.
So now you have to ask yourself Horde or Alliance? Alliance or Horde? Classes?
Race? Do I like to PvP or PvE or Both? The class I'm choosing, do I like the
Racial Traits? Will they benefit me in my experiences of Azeroth. Some traits
are greatly better than others and some classes they benefit more. One of the
things I didn't mention were beginning level quest (1-28-ish) before you start
to mingle more frequently with opposing factions. Each race has a
climate/landscape definitive to themselves. For the Alliance: Humans (forest,
farms), NE's (darkened forest), and Dwarves/ Gnomes (snowy fields, caves). As
for the Horde: Trolls/Orcs (desert/plains), Taurens (grassy plains/desert) and
Undead (dark forest/farms). Some starter zones seem easier but all in all they
are all about the same size, level, and enemy types to fight. Speaking on which
side is better depends on server and preference. Some servers have a higher
faction presence than others. Some people love playing the "evil" side so the
Horde calls more but others want to feel like they are answering a more "noble"
cause so they fight for the Alliance. Whatever your choice may be, have fun,
experiment with different classes and races. Don't corner yourself into only
playing one faction you may find the other side is just as fun and challenging.
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