Warrior races

This article lists the races that are able to become warriors, and the lore and speculation regarding each. Technically speaking, any race can become a warrior, it only takes effort and practice with melee weaponly after all.

Alliance[]

Human warriors[]

See also: Human (playable)#Racial traits

Warriors are common among humans.^[1] The art of battle has been practiced and refined since the time of barbarian warlords and human tribes. The most popular place for a human to be is in melee combat with a sword or mace in his or her hand.^[2] Footmen are warriors who serve as basic infantry in armies of the human nations. Comprising the bulk of the Alliance army, the footman is the heart of the war machine for elves, humans and dwarves. Fighting in close formation, they use proven tactical methods: Advance slowly with shields raised, then draw swords and close to melee range. The grim, mud-slogging soldier initially appears to be a grizzled veteran, until you get a glimpse of his young face. His weapons and armor look worn, like they were scavenged from a battlefield. Footmen like to travel in small groups and form ranks. They are attuned to formation fighting, and coordinate their attacks. They're capable of bringing down well-armored opponents.^[3]Aside from champions, the knight is the elite warrior of humanity, the best of the normal troops. They typically form ranks and charge to devastating effect on the battlefield.^[4] Even the lowly peasant, the most humblest of origins for humans, can learn to to use both pick and axe for their own defense if threatened. Ever since the Second War, human peasants and farmers were roused by tales of the orcish atrocities in Stormwind during the First War to train themselves as rag-tag militias should their towns be attacked.

• Anduin Lothar: The Lion of Azeroth, Supreme Allied Commander during the Second War. Lothar fell in battle against Orgrim Doomhammer outside Blackrock Spire.
• Varian Wrynn: Lo'Gosh the "Ghost Wolf", the king of Stormwind. While serving as a gladiator he showed amazing skill in melee combat.
• General Marcus Jonathan: General of Stormwind.
• Lord Marshal Raynor: Leader of the Alliance forces in the battle at the opening of the Dark Portal.
• Commander Duron: Leader of the Alliance forces who fight the Burning Legion in Outland.
• Thoradin: Ancient king of Arathor
• Field Marshal Stonebridge: Field Marshall of Stormwind.
• Daelin Proudmoore: Grand Admiral of the Alliance Fleet.
• Danath Trollbane: The Ruler of Stromgarde. A Member of the Alliance Expedition to Draenor. Danath was lost and presumed dead after the closure of the Dark Portal, but ultimately found alive at Honor Hold.
• Reginald Windsor: A hero from the Second War and former wielder of the hammer  [Ironfoe]. Windsor discovered that the black dragon Onyxia had infiltrated the court of Stormwind, and she killed him after he unmasked her.
• Llane Wrynn I: Former king of Stormwind. Wrynn was assassinated by Garona by the order of Gul'dan.
• Genn Greymane: Ruler and king of the nation of Gilneas. Although Greymane was present at the forming of the Alliance, he gave only token support during the Second War and eventually constructed the Greymane Wall to seal Gilneas off from Lordaeron. At one point he was influenced by the Lord Daval Prestor, who was in actuality the black dragon Aspect Deathwing.
• Thoras Trollbane: Former king of Stromgarde. Thoras was present at the forming of the Alliance and is the uncle of Danath Trollbane. He was assassinated under mysterious circumstances shortly after the Third War.
• Lord Garithos: The commander of the remnants of Lordaeron's army after the Third War. Garithos sent Kael'thas Sunstrider and his blood elves on increasingly suicidal missions, ultimately ordering their execution after Kael allied himself with the naga. He briefly formed an alliance with Sylvanas in order to drive the Burning Legion out of Lordaeron, but afterwards he was betrayed and killed by Varimathras.
• Aedelas Blackmoore: Lord of Durnholde Keep. Blackmoore raised Thrall from infancy to be his champion in a rebellion against Lordaeron. After executing Taretha, his consort and Thrall's friend, Thrall slew him and destroyed the keep.

Dwarf warriors[]

See also: Dwarf (playable)#Racial traits

Ironforge dwarves in particular have a long tradition of combat training, and many dwarves train extensively with axe and hammer.^[1] Mountain kings are the elite of the Ironforge warriors, imposing fighters who tap into mystic powers to become true champions of their race.^[5] Another famous dwarven warrior is the Dwarf Sharpshooter.^[6]

Gnome warriors[]

See also: Gnome (playable)#Racial traits

Every time someone makes a comment about how no gnome warriors exist, he runs the risk of being hamstrung the next time he is in a tense situation. These gnomes are the kind who deny that they are small, every other race is just too big. The gnomes that become warriors are fierce, but are often placed in defensive positions, guarding either artillery or battle magi.^[2] Being small is an advantage, making warrior gnomes difficult targets in the midst of melee.^[7]

• The gnome king Gelbin Mekkatorque could be seen as a warrior, but he is also a Tinker.

Night elf warriors[]

See also: Night elf (playable)#Racial traits

Extremely agile, night elf warriors combine their speed with good tactical knowledge and deadly fighting style. The most well-known warriors of night elf society are the Sentinels, who fight with moonglaives as melee or thrown projectile weapons. The night elf wardens typically fight with the  [Umbra Crescent] and have hidden knives they throw as projectiles. There are some night elf warriors such as some of the warrior trainers in Darnassus, Valstann Staghelm and Jarod Shadowsong, who do not seem to be directly associated with other groups such as the Sentinels.

Draenei warriors []

See also: Draenei (playable)#Racial traits

There are no famous draenei warriors as very little is known of their lore, though there have probably been many a draenei warrior-hero in the past. It could be possible that younger draenei have a lesser feeling of responsibility to worship and show gratitude to the Naaru, at least not in learning the arts of the paladin, but possibly still in thoughts and personal religious actions outside of battle. Draenei warriors could also be individuals who want to achieve fame and glory only through physical skill and training, instead of relying on magic or the favor of the Naaru.

Worgen warriors []

See also: Worgen (playable)#Racial traits

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.

Worgen warriors are likely common as the kingdom of Gilneas had many footmen and knights. Unlike the half naked wild worgen who fight like animals with teeth and claws, the Gilnean worgen fight like men, wearing plate and mail and armed with steel swords and polearms.

Horde[]

Orc warriors[]

See also: Orc (playable)#Racial traits

Warriors are common among orcs.^[1] Orcs have a long history of warfare; their race has been battling various creatures for generations. In the past, many orcs embraced their demon-born bloodlust and became barbarians. In recent years, the orcs' discovery of their spiritual and shamanistic path traditions has allowed orcs to focus and refine their savagery. Many orcs still become barbarians, but the way of the trained warrior - becomes more and more common. The iconic orc warrior is garbed in chain mail or leather and plate. He carries a mighty battleaxe and wears a horned helmet. He crouches in a battle stance, axe at the ready, as he evaluates his opponent...then, with a fearsome yowl, he strikes in a blur.^[8] Such warriors can be found among the common Grunt or the venerated worg riding raiders.

A warrior clapping someone's wrist is a sign of their approval.^[9]

• Blackhand: The chieftain of the Blackrock clan and the original Warchief and the puppet of Gul'dan.
• Broxigar: A Horde warrior and veteran of the First, Second, and Third Wars, who was thrown back to the War of the Ancients by Nozdormu and battled the Burning Legion, dying in a blaze of glory after inflicting an injury upon Sargeras himself.
• Durotan: The chieftain of the Frostwolf clan, and the first chieftain to speak out against the warlocks and Gul'dan. He was later killed on Gul'dan's orders after betraying him.
• Grommash Hellscream: Chieftain of the Warsong clan. He died from his injuries in the aftermath of killing the pit lord Mannoroth and freeing the orcs from their bloodlust forever.
• Kargath Bladefist: Chieftain of the Shattered Hand clan, founding member of the Shadow Council and current warchief of the fel orcs.
• Kilrogg Deadeye: The accomplished chieftain of the great Bleeding Hollow clan during the First and Second War (though considering his age, he was chieftain for a long time). Killed by Danath Trollbane.
• Orgrim Doomhammer: Killed Blackhand and reduced Gul'dans hold on the Horde. He died from fatal injuries after freeing orcs from the Internment camps.
• Rend Blackhand: The son of Blackhand and current Warchief of the Dark Horde.
• Nekros Skullcrusher: Former wielder of the Dragon Soul and second in command of the Dragonmaw clan. He was also a warlock but always felt more like a warrior. He was killed by the dragon Alexstrasza.
• Tagar Spinebreaker: Chieftain of the Bonechewer clan. He is now a fel orc and can be found in Hellfire Peninsula.
• Eitrigg: A veteran who after learning of what Gul'dan had done to the Orcs left the Horde. He befriended the human paladin Tirion Fordring and now serves as Thrall's advisor.
• Varok Saurfang: A renowned orc warrior of the Blackrock clan and a famed veteran of the First, Second, and Third Wars. He served as Orgrim Doomhammer's second-in-command during the Second War, and as Supreme Commander of the combined Might of Kalimdor, rallying the army against the qiraji of Ahn'Qiraj in Silithus.
• Thrall: Revitalised the Horde and led the attacks on the Internment camps, thus freeing his brethren. Became Warchief of the Horde after the death of Orgrim Doomhammer, but stepped down to join the Earthen Ring and heal Azeroth from the wounds the cataclysm inflicted on it. It is interesting to note that Thrall is one of only a handful of people who are both an accomplished warrior and shaman.
• Nazgrel: A raider of the Frostwolf clan, Nazgrel served as Thrall's general and chief of security. Currently commands the Horde forces stationed on Outland.
• Garrosh Hellscream: The son of Grommash Hellscream and former Warchief of the Horde.
• Malkorok: Former member of the Dark Horde, later the bodyguard and chief advisor to Warchief Garrosh Hellscream as well as the new leader of the Kor'kron.

Troll warriors[]

See also: Troll (playable)#Racial traits

See also: Troll Berserker

Savage berserkers, troll warriors rarely think about self defense. They prefer to make an enemy think about it, unleashing their primal fury on their foes. Though there are not many pure warriors among trolls, they usually combine it with their hunting and throwing skills or some dark voodoo rituals. Berserker Zanga, the warrior trainer would seem to indicate troll warriors are representing berserkers. The addition of [Heroic Throw] would also support this.

Tauren warriors[]

See also: Tauren (playable)#Racial traits

See also: Tauren warrior

Tauren warriors are calm and self-sufficient, not given to boredom and despair like many low-ranking soldiers. In large skirmishes, tauren warriors serve as shock troopers and front-line fighters; in small warbands, they might serve as leaders or scouts as well. A tauren warrior's muscles ripple under his brown hide. His compact frame hints at tenacity and endurance, while his scarred armor tells of many past battles. Tauren warriors form the backbone of tauren military forces. These versatile warriors excel in melee combat, plus they can track, scout, and forage for food. A tauren warrior is wise enough not to lose his head in the heat of battle. He flanks with his allies, positions himself to make the best use of his Cleave feat, and obeys his superior's orders. A tauren warrior uses Power Attack to its fullest effect at the start of combat, but stops if he misses twice in a row.^[10] Even with the lowest totem-bearing warrior, tauren exemplify the Horde's strength...Tauren are strong-willed and cunning.^[11]

• Current tauren leader Baine Bloodhoof like his father, one of the largest tauren warrior.

Undead warriors[]

See also: Undead (playable)#Racial traits

Warriors are common among Forsaken. Forsaken warriors in their previous life could be brave knights as well as cruel bandits, so their style can be very different.^[1]

Most Forsaken warrior NPCs are known as Death Guards.

Blood elf warriors []

See also: Blood elf (playable)#Racial traits

Some blood elves become warriors (or scouts or hunters) — especially those seeking to be spell breakers, demon hunters, and rangers. In the aftermath of the Third War, Kael'thas took a group of the strongest blood elf warriors and spellcasters and joined the Alliance against the Scourge (most of these later joined him in Outland).^[12] Although non-playable blood elf warriors do exist, most are in service of Illidan (or at least Kael'thas). There is also a group of blood elf and draenei warriors who form part of the Shattered Sun Offensive, the Shattered Sun Warriors.

The return of war veterans from Outland and Northrend probably led to blood elf Warriors becoming a playable race/class combination in Cataclysm, as they started training new recruits.

Goblin warriors []

See also: Goblin (playable)#Racial traits

Though goblins often rely on ogres and hobgoblins for muscle, it is not uncommon for goblins to practice the ways of the warrior. Many goblin warriors are known as bruisers and enforce the rules of goblin towns such as Booty Bay and Gadgetzan. Despite their small size goblin bruisers are very strong, employing the use of nets and high powered rifles.

It was also said by Broxigar in The War of the Ancients that goblins are much stronger than their size would indicate.

Nightborne warriors[]

The nightborne warriors have primarily been seen combining both arcane magic and the martial arts, though many have also been seen simply using mundane weapons. The Duskwatch employed many warriors as the primary peace-keeping force in Suramar City. Powerful magical swordsmen are sometimes called spell-fencers^[13] or spellblades.^[14] Aside from normal swords, some use large double-bladed swords wielded with one hand, usually with a shield in the other, that can be used to channel magic.

• Silgryn, spell-fencer and former member of the Duskwatch. Wields short-sword and shield.
• Spellblade Aluriel, captain of Elisande's Royal Guard. Wields double-sided sword enhanced with elemental magic.
• Advisor Melandrus, Elisande's advisor. Eschewed magic in favor of improving strength and reflexes.

Other warrior races[]

Legion warriors[]

Gnoll warriors[]

Gnolls are common brutes and raiders, though not many are memorable.

• Hogger, the infamous gnoll of Elwynn forest.

Half-elf warriors[]

• Finnall Goldensword: the rumoured daughter of Admiral Daelin Proudmoore and Kilnar Goldensword.

High elf warriors[]

Mok'Nathal warriors[]

• Rexxar: Though clearly a beastmaster, he is mighty in warrior-like hand to hand combat.

Ogre warriors[]

Due to their brutish nature most ogres are warriors.

Murloc warriors[]

• Mutanus the Devourer: A giant murloc who manifests from Naralex's nightmare.

Quilboar warriors[]

Quilboar males grow taller, heavier, and stronger than females. For this reason, only males take up the path of warrior. Females feel no resentment over this fact, and, indeed, the males do not see themselves as superior. Female quilboar possess such strong tribal instincts that most do not even desire to follow the males' path. On occasion, a female child displays such unnatural strength that the shaman deems her a man. She then trains as a warrior and lives in all ways like a male, even taking female mates. Tribal legend holds that such unions have occasionally produced an exceptional quilboar warrior (though no scholar has confirmed the tale), so there is little or no stigma attached to such situations.^[15]

Quilboar warriors fight with a single-minded ferocity. Given a strong leader or an ancestral enemy, they will fight to the death, sacrificing themselves to destroy even one opponent. Quilboar warriors favor the flail, but they will make use of any weapon, even an impromptu weapon, that presents itself.^[16]

Starting attributes[]

			Strength	Agility	Stamina	Intellect	Spirit	Armor	Health
Alliance	Draenei		24	17	22	20	22	34	60
Dwarf		28	16	23	19	19	32	70
Gnome		18	22	22	24	20	44	60
Human		23	20	22	20	20	40	60
Night elf		19	24	22	20	20	48	60
Worgen		26	22	22	16	19	98	60
Void elf		N/A
Lightforged		N/A
Dark Iron		N/A
Kul Tiran		N/A
Mechagnome		N/A
Neutral	Pandaren		23	18	23	19	22	37	133
Horde	Blood elf		20	22	20	24	19	N/A
Goblin		20	22	22	23	18	100	60
Orc		26	17	23	17	22	34	70
Tauren		28	16	23	16	22	32	71
Troll		24	22	22	16	21	44	60
Undead		22	18	22	18	25	36	60
Nightborne		N/A
Highmountain		N/A
Mag'har		N/A
Zandalari		N/A
Vulpera		N/A

Notes[]

The warrior was the first class to be available to every race. However the Burning Crusade added blood elves who did not have warrior as an option (though they did in early beta). With Cataclysm introducing blood elves warriors, the class was once again available to all races. The original limitation was due to a cap Blizzard set on the number of classes avalibe to each race. Once they added more combinations of old classes and races in Cataclysm, this limit was lifted and blood elves acquired warriors.

Blood elf warriors are a standard class for blood elves in the RPG. Some blood elves become warriors (or scouts or hunters) — especially those seeking to be spell breakers, demon hunters, and rangers.^[17] In addition, there were High Elf Swordsmen in the Undead campaign in Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos and Blood Elf Warriors existed in the Burning Crusade's early beta, so blood elven warriors have technically always been justified.

References[]