Fictional races of the Warcraft Universe:

Draenei

The Draenei are one of the four primary races native to Draenor (the others being the Orcs, the Ogres, and the Goblins). They are generally cloaked and once populated the planet heavily, but were slaughtered by the Orcs once they sealed a pact with a demon. They were thought to be extinct, but Illidan and his forces discovered and liberated a lone village that had survived. They are known for being great spies and assassins as their warriors can shadowmeld at all times of day and even while they are moving. They are currently ruled by Akama, the Elder Sage, and are allied with Illidan's Naga and Blood Elves.

Frost Wyrm

In ages past, the ancient Dragons who were near death flew to the land of Northrend to die. To this day there are entire Dragon graveyards that are littered with massive petrified bones and skulls. When Ner'zhul the Lich King took control of Northrend, he used his powerful magics to raise the ancient Dragon skeletons from the dead. Now the skeletal Dragons radiate cold power and think of nothing other than serving their dark master. Frost Wyrms have a cold-based breath weapon that can do shattering damage to enemies both on the ground and in the air.

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 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 Eradar 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.

Furbolg

Furbolgs are bear based humanoids. They reside in tribes, and were peaceful until the coming of the Burning Legion where they were affected by the corruption they brought and turned evil.

The name Furbolg seems to be a pun on the Irish Fir Bolg.

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 untill Warcraft III that they were introduced into the game. Mal'ganis , Tichondrius , and Varimathras are all Nathrezim.

For more information see Dreadlord.

Nerubian

Nerubians are a race of sentient six leged spider centaurs that inhabit the continent of Northrend. They once had a great empire underground, occupying most of the continent and perhaps even above. However, with the coming of the Lich King it would only be a matter of time before they would be destroyed, which did happen. Many of the Nerubians were wiped out and resurrected by the Lich King 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.

Night elves

Night elves are one of the the oldest races of Azeroth in the Warcraft Universe. The have deep lavender skin, long ears, and hair colors of blue, purple, white, and green. The elves lived on the continent known as Kalimdor.

See: Night elves

Orc

The Orcs were a savage, but noble race from the planet Draenor who fell to corruption by a demonic force known as the Burning Legion. Under the legion's influence, the Orcish Horde slaughtered the Dranei, another race home 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.

See: Orc (Warcraft)

Pandaren

Pandarens are humanoids that resemble Giant Pandas. They reside in a isolated kingdom in North Kalimdor, although some have ventured out into the outside world like the Pandaren Brewmaster. Blizzard origianlly announced that the Pandarens would be the fourth race of Warcraft III (before the Night Elves were announced), but they later revealed this piece of information to be an April-Fools joke.

Quillboar

Quillboars are creatures that resemble bipedal pigs. They posed a problem to the orcs who had settled in Kalimdor.

Tauren

The Tauren are a warrior, minotaur-like race. Tauren are about twice as big as a man. Preferred weapons are totem poles nearing the size of an old oak tree stem or axes. The Tauren are known for their passion for nature and honour.

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 Tauren are also a playable race in the MMORPG World of Warcraft.

See: Tauren