Inspired by Warcraft 3's numerous units and hero classes, I sought to bring them alive in WoW. I looked closely at their abilities and fantasy themes. I tried to create playstyles around each unit's gameplay. I also attempted to make each build somewhat viable for endgame PvP and PvE. Feel free to make minor adjustments as you see fit.
Sit down by the hearth and pull out a mug of ale, because this one is going to be long.
HERO CLASSES:
THE PALADIN
By the strength of the Light, may your enemies be undone. May you vow to vanquish evil wherever it be found, and protect the weak and innocent with your very life. Compassion, patience, bravery—these things mean as much to a paladin as strength in battle.
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Drawing their strength from the power of the Holy Light, these elite warriors of the Order of the Silver Hand are steadfast in their faith. While still reeling from the loss of their leadership in the Third War, these knights show unwavering devotion in protecting the grand Alliance.
Paladins are fast-moving support heroes that assist their allies while damaging their foes. This build isn't anything special, nor is it creative. Paladins traditionally wield two-handed hammers to crush their enemies. To do this, I focused on creating a standard retribution build, but with emphasis on Improved Devotion Aura and 3/3 in Healing Light, to further empower the paladin's Holy Light ability.
THE ARCHMAGE
You'd best stay clear of me, or else I'll turn you into a mindless sheep!
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These brilliant, yet oftentimes crotchety wizards are powerful allies. Through trials and tribulations, the archmagi have attained immense power and mastery over the arcane. Despite the destruction of Dalaran, these pragmatic minds search ever onward to uncover truth and mystery.
The Archmage is a fragile albeit powerful spellcaster. They specialize in Blizzard, Mass Teleport, Brilliance Aura, and Water Elemental. While the Water Elemental is unavailable in vanilla WoW, Frostbolt is a reliable replacement. While the caster has mana, damage is focused mainly through frost. However, I also wanted to express their mastery over the arcane by going fairly deep into arcane for support. Brilliance Aura is depicted by Arcane Intellect and can be casted on allies as support. I also went with Improved Blizzard as this is an iconic spell of the character in the RTS. Mass Teleport can be depicted through the mage's Portal spells. Using your wand is like the Archmage auto-attacking. When you have no mana for spells, this is your go-to option. For this reason, I decided to rank 2/2 in Wand Specialization.
THE MOUNTAIN KING
FOR KHAAAAZ MODAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!
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This build is a personal favorite of mine. At first glance, you might see the Mountain King has no Bloodthirst. While this negatively impacts its single target damage, this dwarven macdaddy has excellent cleave and mitigation, which makes it a great AoE tank. The Mountain King in Warcraft 3 has four signature abilities, which can all be faithfully recreated as a warrior. The first is Storm Bolt, which stuns the target. Ironically, the protection tree has Concussion Blow, which uses the same icon! The second is Thunder Clap, which is an AoE slow in the RTS. While using the Thunder Clap ability of WoW may sound like an obvious choice, TC in WoW only slows enemy attacks. To faithfully recreate TC, Piercing Howl serves the same purpose as an AoE slow. Thirdly, The Mountain King has a chance to stun his enemy with his auto-attacks. As a replacement when mitigating damage, I recommend switching to Defensive Stance and using Revenge. With the 3/3 in Improved Revenge, you have a 45% of stunning per hit with the ability! With the combination of Cleave, Piercing Howl, Concussion Blow, and Revenge, you're a high threat-dealing monster. To recreate Avatar from the RTS, you can use Last Stand and Death Wish at the same time. You'll deal more damage while also having more HP.The Mountain Kings, or 'Thanes' as they are known in Khaz Modan, are the mightiest Dwarven warriors under the mountain. Wielding both enchanted warhammers and hand axes, these fierce fighters live to test themselves against worthy opponents. Unconcerned with their race's preoccupation with mechanical devices and mining precious minerals, Mountain Kings live only for battle. Dedicated to safeguarding the Alliance which saved their kingdom during the Second War, the Mountain Kings can be counted upon to rally behind any banner that stands between freedom and the ever looming shadow of evil.
THE BLOOD MAGE
My blood cries out for the vengeance of my people's blood, which can only be repaid with at least twice as much blood! Or maybe three times as much blood! LIKE IF YOU WENT TO HELL, AND IT WAS FULL OF BLOOD, AND THAT BLOOD WAS ON FIRE, AND IT WAS RAINING BLOOD, AND THEN MAYBE THAT WOULD BE ENOUGH BLOOD! Ehh… but probably not.
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While I strongly believe the warlock class fits the Blood Mage the best and Turtle WoW does not have playable warlocks for high elves (makes sense lore wise if you consider the distinction between blood elves and high elves, the fire mage is the second best choice. Even if you cannot use Banish or Siphon Mana, you still have Improved Flamestrike. Scorch the world into a new dawn, and from the ashes, a land reborn anew!Many of the stoic high elves, reeling from the loss of their ancient homeland, Quel'Thalas, have given in to their hatred and despair and embraced the dark side of their magical natures. Calling themselves 'Blood Elves' - these cold hearted refugees seek to expand their remaining magical powers at any cost - even if it means courting the infernal powers of the Burning Legion! Their passions will lead them not only to the highest pinnacles of power, but to the darkest depths of madness.
THE BLADEMASTER
Snatch the pebble from my hand, grasshopper.
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In order to play a Blademaster accurately, I recommend going alchemy for Invisibility Potions. This is a replacement for Wind Walk, a brief invisibility spell. Sadly, Mirror Image cannot be recreated in vanilla WoW. However, Bladestorm can somewhat be recreated with a combination of talents. Sweeping Strikes with Cleave/Whirlwind has the same intended effect. Sword Specialization in combination with Cruelty, Mortal Strike, and Enrage has the same intended effect as the Blademaster's passive crit chance.Though their numbers are few, the seasoned Blademasters represent an elite fighting force within the Horde. These skilled swordsmen were once part of the ill-fated Burning Blade Clan which consumed itself in the throes of Demonic corruption. With their Clan scattered and broken, the proud Blademasters swore a grim oath to free themselves and their brethren from Demonic control once and for all. Under Thrall's command, the Blademasters have once again joined the Horde and serve as the young Warchief's personal honor guard.
For full flavor, wear leather/mail with no chest piece, and stack agility for that sweet crit chance.
THE FAR SEER
Spirits of Earth and Storm, STRIKE! (Wow, it's hard to find art of these guys.)
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Far Seers are talented shamans who make liberal use of Far Sight (which is available in-game thankfully). A psuedo Earthquake ability can be used by combining Elemental Mastery with Earth Shock. In ordinary situations, you use Lightning Bolt or Chain Lightning.Far Seers are ancient Orcs who represent the pinnacle of Shamanistic power. These powerful Shamans are counted amongst Thrall's closest advisors and are constantly in tune with the workings and maneuverings of the Horde. Far Seers are not only tied to the elements of the earth and sky, but are also adept at foretelling the future.
For maximum RP flavor, you should use some sort of one-hander and shield, alongside your trusty wolf mount.
THE TAUREN CHIEFTAIN
Ish-ne-alo por-ah!
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Tauren Chieftains are wizened warriors of their tribe that unleash the fury of the Earth Mother in their wake. Sadly, the Endurance Aura from Warcraft 3 does not exist in vanilla WoW. A workaround to make Reincarnation work is using a warlock's Soulstone as a pseudo-Reincarnation. War Stomp and Shockwave can be expressed by the tauren racial, War Stomp (stun) and Thunder Clap. For this reason, I went with Improved Thunder Clap. The Chieftain also uses polearms.These elder Tauren warriors lead their Tribes in daily life as well as in battle. Ceremoniously decked with the ancient totems of their Tribes, Chiefs uphold the honor and simplicity of Tauren culture. When roused by battle, the gigantic Chiefs employ enormous warblades which are capable of tearing through solid trees with one mighty swipe.
For maximum RP flavor, you should wear leather armor. The armor loss can be mitigated by stacking stamina through various buffs and armor potions.
THE SHADOW HUNTER
What do ya mean what kinda accent is 'dis? It's a troll accent! I swear, Jamican me crazy...
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The Shadow Hunter is a hero class that was poorly translated over to WoW. Healing Wave and Hex are eventual shaman spells, yet the Shadow Hunter is a ranged character. I decided that hunter made the most sense for this shaman/hunter hybrid. The substitute for Hex is Wyvern Sting, which has the same effect as crowd control. Serpent Ward does not exist either, but the Shadow Hunter can purchase non-combat snake pets in Orgrimmar for class fantasy flavor. Big Bad Voodoo somewhat works as an idea if the Shadow Hunter gives Invisibility Potions to their allies. Overall, this was a difficult character to transfer over, but it manages to work with the right effort.These reclusive, wily jungle trolls are considered to be the highest authority within their respective warbands. They are masters of voodoo magics who can use their spirit-powers to both heal their allies and place curses upon their hapless enemies. Channeling the spirits of their dark gods, the Shadow Hunters walk the line between darkness and light in the hope of salvaging the future for their savage brethren.
THE PRIESTESS OF THE MOON
Warriors of the night, ASSEMBLE!
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The Priestess of the Moon fights alongside her Frostsaber companion. Combining both Marksmanship and Beast Mastery, the PotM is a deadly fighter. Starfall can be imitated by Volley, Trueshot Aura directly transfers over, Searing Arrows is essentially Arcane Shot, and Eyes of the Beast can be used as a pseudo-Scout.The fearless leaders of the Sentinel army, the Priestesses of the Moon epitomize the power and grace of their race's ancient Moon Goddess, Elune. The Priestesses, equipped with silvery, glowing armor, ride the fearless Frostsaber tigers of Winterspring into battle. Charged with the safekeeping of the night elf lands and armed with magical energy bows—the Priestesses will stop at nothing to rid their ancient land of evil.
THE WARDEN
Only the guilty need fear me!
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The Warden uses a single weapon (preferably a fist weapon as that is closest to their traditional glaive I suppose). While Vengeance from Warcraft 3 is not part of vanilla WoW, Sprint works as a form of Blink when combined with Improved Sprint. Shadow Strike is any ordinary rogue DoT. In Vanilla WoW, the closest ability to Fan of Knives is Blade Flurry. The Warden is a fast-acting executioner who may strike from the shadows. Do not be her prey.The mysterious wardens serve as the night elves' special police force in Kalimdor. Set apart from the militant Sentinels, wardens are usually employed as jailors, assassins, and bounty hunters. When loosed upon escaped criminals, wardens employ a number of supernatural powers that enable them to recapture their prey and mete out the night elves' justice.
THE BEAST MASTER
By fang and claw!
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The Beast Master is an odd build. Survival's talents rely on the target attacking you, yet the Beast Mastery specialization turns your pet into a hulking behemoth. Your pet is babysitting you. Unlike Rexxar, you will not deal a lot of damage, but your pet sure will.A warrior Hero, able to call forth the creatures of the forest to serve them. These lone wandering forest dwellers come from all backgrounds and cultures, seeking the essence of combat through the mimicry of wild beasts.
THE RANGER
Shot through the heart... and I'm to blame.
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Reeling from the destruction of their homeland, these wayward high elves wander the forests of the Eastern Kingdoms. If a friend, then rest easy. These rangers will ensure your safety in the wilds. If a foe, the last thing ever heard is the whizzing of an arrow, struck into your heart.
Rangers mainly rely on Survival and Marksmanship. Pets are an afterthought and optional. Ranged combat is preferable, but you can still put up a fierce fight in melee. The class relies on crowd control to stay alive.
THE DARK KNIGHT
In memory of Terenas!
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Following the dissolution of Lordaeron's Silver Hand Chapter and the tragic death of King Terenas Menethil II, many former knights of the Silver Hand fell into despair. Some outright denied the authority of Uther the Lightbringer. The Paladin should have slain that monster, Arthas, when he had the chance. The Plague swept over the land. While some joined the Scarlet Crusade, others led surviving isolated pockets of humanity. Food was scarce. In an attempt to uphold the vows they swore, some of these paladins partook in acts of depravity to save their own. A common belief arose across these last bastions of humanity. Humanity was betrayed by the dwarves of Muradin's expedition. They assisted Arthas in Northrend. And the elves were no better. They too took part in the Culling of Stratholme. Humanity is in peril. The House of Nobles in Stormwind denied these claims to ease tensions with Ironforge. Many believe this was a trick by Grand Marshal Lord Garithos to unite isolated pockets. Regardless of this upheaval, the Banshee Queen's massacre at the Capitol City ended the followers of such superstitious beliefs. The Dark Knight is a defender of the helpless. The vows they took are taken to the extreme. Many otherwise sinful acts are justifiable through their creed. Through them, the Light can be used for a tool of both good and evil, for they believe they are just—regardless of their action.
This part is speculation and personal headcanon. Do not take this paragraph as a lore fact.
The Dark Knight is a single-target tank focused both on damage and mitigation. With Holy Strike from the Turtle WoW development team, holding threat should be easier to manage.
ORDINARY UNITS:
Footman
Uncle Lothar wants YOU!
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Rifleman
Guns don't kill people. I DO! HAHAA!!!
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Knight
VICTORY for Lordermph...
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Priest
I HAVE been chosen by the big, metal hand in the sky!
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Sorceress
Kick down, sparky.
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Grunt
Me no sound like Yoda... do I?
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Headhunter
Tazdingo!
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Shaman
Storm, Earth and Fire! Heed my call!
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Witch Doctor
Did somebody call for da' doctah'?
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Spirit Walker
My hoof and your ass have an appointment.
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Raider
What's that smell?! Oh, bad dog!
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Tauren Warrior
Hey, what are these letters burned on my ass?!
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Orc Warlock
I serve the Warchief... for now.
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Archer
I'm more than a ranger... I'm a night ranger.
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Huntress
Give a hoot, don't pollute.
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Druid of the Claw
Only you can prevent forest fires.
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Druid of the Talon
I am the dark night... elf.
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Troll Trapper
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Troll Warlord
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Troll Shadowpriest
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Bandit
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Wizard
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