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Dwarves
The stoic dwarves of Ironforge are an ancient race of robust humanoids who live beneath the snow-capped
mountains of Khaz Modan. The Dwarves have always been fast allies with the Humans, and they revel in the
prospects of battle and storytelling alike. In past ages, the Dwarves rarely left the safety of their
mountain fortresses. However, whenever the call to battle sounded, they rose up to defend their friends
and allies with unmatched courage and valor. Due to a recent discovery that uncovered fragments of their
ancient origins, the Dwarves have undergone a remarkable transformation. The discovery convinced the Dwarves
that the mighty Titans created them from stone when the world was young. They feel that their destiny
is now to search the world over for more signs and proof of their enchanted heritage and to rediscover
the Titans' hidden legacies. To this end, the Dwarves have sent out their Prospectors to all ends of
the world in the hopes of discovering new insight into their shrouded past. These journey s led to Dwarven
excavation sites all over the known world, some of which serve as outposts and some of which serve as potential
hunting grounds for enemies of the Dwarven race.
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Gnomes
The eccentric, often-brilliant Gnomes are one of the most peculiar races of the world. With their obsession
for developing radical new technologies and constructing marvels of mind-bending engineering, it's a wonder
that any Gnomes have survived to proliferate.Thriving within the wondrous techno-city of Gnomeregan, the Gnomes
shared the resources of the forested Dun Morogh Peaks with their Dwarven cousins. Though the dwarves of Ironforge
also have a propensity for technology and engineering - it is the gnomes who provide the critical, visionary designs
for most of the Dwarves' weapons and steam vehicles.The Gnomes served the Alliance well during the Second War, but
strangely, they refused to send any personnel to aid their allies during the Burning Legion's recent invasion.
Though their designs helped turn the tide against the Legion, the Dwarves and Humans were shocked by the Gnomes'
decision to withhold their courageous troops and pilots.When the war ended, the Alliance discovered the reason
for the Gnomes' sudden withdrawal. Apparently, an ancient, barbaric menace had risen from the bowels of the earth
and invaded Gnomeregan. Knowing that their allies' priority was defeating the Burning Legion, the Gnomes decided
to make their stand alone. Though they fought valiantly to save their beloved city, Gnomeregan was irrevocably lost.
Nearly half of the Gnomish race was wiped out during the fall of Gnomeregan. The ragged Gnomes that survived fled to
the safety of the Dwarves' stronghold of Ironforge. Committed once again to the Alliance's cause, the Gnomes spend
their time devising strategies and weapons that will help them retake their ravaged city and build a brighter future
for their people.
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Humans
The Humans of Stormwind are a resilient breed, having survived an invasion by the savage Orcs during the First War.
During the Second War, the armies of Stormwind rallied with the Alliance to reclaim their homeland of Azeroth.
After the success of the Second War, Stormwind was rebuilt and Human civilization began to flourish once again
throughout the southlands. With the recent invasion of the Burning Legion - which left the northern kingdom of Lordaeron
in ruins - Stormwind now stands as the last bastion of human civilization. Following the heroic examples of the
legendary Sir Lothar and King Llane, the defenders of Stormwind are considered to be among the fiercest warriors
in the land. They stand resolute in their charge to maintain the honor and might of humanity in an ever-darkening world.
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Night elves
The reclusive Night Elves were the first race to awaken in the World of Warcraft. These shadowy, immortal beings
were the first to study magic and let it loose throughout the world nearly ten thousand years before Warcraft I.
The Night Elves' reckless use of magic drew the Burning Legion into the world and led to a catastrophic war between
the two titanic races. The Night Elves barely managed to banish the Legion from the world, but their wondrous homeland
was shattered and drowned by the sea. Until recently, the Night Elves closed themselves off from the rest of the world
and remained hidden atop their holy mountain of Hyjal for many thousands of years. The Legion's invasion brought the
Night Elves out of their long period of slumber. They now have renewed interest in shaping the world, and for the first
time are allying themselves with other races to insure the continued survival of Azeroth. As a race, Night Elves are
typically honorable and just, but they are very distrusting of the 'lesser races' of the world. They are nocturnal
by nature and their shadowy powers often elicit the same distrust that they have for their mortal neighbors.
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Orcs
The savage, green-skinned Orcs are one of the most prolific races of Azeroth. They are commonly believed to be brutal
and mindless, possessing no humanity or empathy for other races. Born on the hellish world of Draenor, the Orcs were
brought into the kingdom of Stormwind through the dimensional gateway known as the Dark Portal and forced to wage war
on the Humans. Although few are aware of their history, the Orcs once cultivated a noble, Shamanistic society on
the world of Draenor. Tragically, the proud Orc clans were corrupted by the Burning Legion and used as pawns in the
Legion's invasion of Azeroth. The Orcs managed to rebel, however, and they were ultimately able to help turn the tide
against their demon masters. Led by the young Warchief, Thrall, the Orcs have reclaimed their strength and honor.
Now, the Orcs stand ready to fight not for the sake of conquest, but for their right to survive in their adopted world.
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Tauren
The Tauren are huge, bestial creatures who live in the grassy, open barrens of central Kalimdor.
They live to serve nature and maintain the balance between the wild things of the land and the restless spirit
of the elements. Despite their enormous size and brute strength, the remarkably peaceful Tauren cultivate a quiet,
tribal society. However, when roused by conflict, Tauren are implacable enemies who will use every ounce of their
strength to smash their enemies under hoof. Under the leadership of their ancient chief, Cairne Bloodhoof,
the Tauren allied themselves with the Orcs during the invasion of the Burning Legion. The two races have remained
steadfast allies ever since. Like the Orcs, the Tauren struggle to retain their sense of tradition and noble identity
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Trolls
The vicious Jungle Trolls, who populate the numerous islands of the South Seas, are renowned for their cruelty
and dark mysticism. Barbarous and superstitious, the wily Trolls carry a seething hatred for all other races.
One tribe, however, was forced to overcome its prejudices when it encountered the Orc Warchief, Thrall,
and his mighty Horde. The Trolls of the Darkspear tribe, long since exiled from their ancestral lands in Stranglethorn
Vale, were nearly destroyed by a band of aquatic Murlocs, but Thrall and the Horde managed to save them.
In return the grateful Trolls swore an oath of eternal allegiance to the Horde.
Led by the cunning Shadow Hunter, Vol'jin, the Darkspear Trolls now make their home in Durotar along with their
Orcish allies. Their village, named after their fallen tribal elder, Sen'jin, lies along the eastern coast of the harsh,
rocky land. The Darkspear tribe also occupies tracks within the nearby jungles of the Echo Isles.
As part of the Horde, the Trolls have extended their loyalty to the mighty Tauren, but they have little trust
for the manipulative Forsaken, whom they believe will visit only misery and strife upon their allies.
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Undead
Having broken free from the tyrannical rule of the Lich King, a renegade group of undead seek to retain their own free
will while destroying all those who oppose them. Known as the Forsaken, this group is dedicated to serving their leader,
the banshee queen Sylvanas Windrunner. These dark warriors have established a secret stronghold beneath the ruins
of Lordaeron's former capital city. Situated deep beneath the cursed Tirisfal Glades, the labyrinthine Undercity
is a sprawling bastion of evil. Within its shadowy confines, Sylvanas' royal apothecaries scramble to develop
a devastating new plague - one which will not only eradicate their hated Scourge rivals, but the rest of humanity as well.
To further their dark aims, the Forsaken have entered into an alliance of convenience with the primitive,
brutish races of the Horde. Holding no real loyalty for their newfound comrades, the Forsaken have duped them into
fighting against their common enemy - the Lich King. Only time will tell how these disciples of doom w ill fare in
their mission of vengeance.
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