Alliance Rogue Racials
These are the advantages that you will see when selecting any of the rogue playable Alliance races in World of Warcraft. These racial benefits are sometimes known simply as racials. To see the Good Rogues recommendations for race, check this post. To explore the math behind those recommendations, check out ShadowPanther’s spreadsheet. Descriptions of the various races are taken from the World of Warcraft Race pages.
Alliance
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.
- Every Man for Himself: Removes all movement impairing and loss of control effects. 2 min cooldown
- Perception: Increases your Stealth Detection
- Diplomacy: Reputation gains increased by 10%
- Human Spirit: Spirit increased by 3%
- Mace/Sword Specialization: Expertise with Maces and Swords increased by 3
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.
- Shadowmeld: Activate to slip into the shadows, reducing the chance for enemies to detect your presence. Lasts until cancelled or upon moving. Any threat is restored versus enemies still in combat upon cancellation of this effect. 2 minute cooldown.
- Elusiveness: Reduces the chance enemies have to detect you while Shadowmelded or Stealthed.
- Quickness: Reduces the chance that melee and ranged attackers will hit you by 2%.
- Wisp: Transform into a wisp upon death, increasing speed by 75%.
- Nature Resistance: Reduces the chance that you will be hit by Nature spells by 2%.
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 journeys 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.
- Stoneform: Removes all poison, disease, and bleed effects and increases your armor by 10% for 8 seconds. 3 minute cooldown.
- Gun Specialization: Your chance to critically hit with Guns is increased by 1%.
- Mace Specialization:
- Frost Resistance: Reduces the chance you will be hit by Frost spells by 2%.
- Find Treasure: Allows the dwarf to sense nearby treasure, making it appear on the minimap. Lasts until cancelled.
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.
- Escape Artist: Escape the effect of any immobilization or movement speed reduction effect. 1.75 minute cooldown.
- Expansive Mind: Intellect increased by 5%.
- Arcane Resistance: Reduces the chance you will be hit by Arcane spells by 2%.
- Engineering Specialization: Engineering skill increased by 15.
