Subversive Subversives are militant defenders of the wild who use guerilla tactics and sabotage to safeguard the land . While their methods may be morally questionable , subversives dedicate their lives to defending nature and its inhabitants . They believe that Azeroth ' s welfare and survival depend on the state of the wilderness and the creatures populating it . When nature is destabilized , everything in the world is thrown into anarchy — and everyone suffers . Recent history strengthens this belief , as many men and women already closely tied to nature — such as druid s , hunter s and scout s — bore witness to the havoc magic and warfare bring . Although subversives have existed for a long time , they are now more convinced than ever that their cause is essential to the future and that the path they walk is the only one worth traveling . Because of their unwavering convictions , subversives strive to defend the fragile balance of nature and protect animals , plants , magical beasts and other creatures that live in the wilderness . Subversives do anything to reach that goal . A subversive spends most of his time in the wild , honing his knowledge of nature and survival skills and testing his mettle against anyone who would harm nature . Subversives are great trackers and survival experts . They are also competent combatants who take full advantage of terrain and positioning when engaged in battle . They often use guerilla tactics , striking at their enemies when they least expect it . Furthermore , subversives know how to build a variety of dangerous , magical traps using natural materials they collect in the wild . These skills , combined with their unwavering dedication , make subversives dangerous opponents . Subversives in the World . Subversives spend most of their time in the wilderness and seldom travel to towns , fortresses or similar settlements , preferring instead to remain close to nature . When they need to journey to a humanoid settlement , they take short trips and stay no longer than is necessary . Almost everyone shuns subversives due to their violent and cruel natures , so subversives know not to overstay their welcomes . Though they may not always agree with their tactics or morals , druids , hunters and scouts view subversives as dedicated members of society — some may even see subversives as necessary . Those who respect nature hold subversives ’ ideals in some esteem , though many despise their tactics . The Earthen Ring and Cenarion Circle disapprove of subversives , and consequently most subversives are loners . Although subversives do not presume to know everything , they believe that the cause they defend is righteous . They often seem more concerned about the well - being of plant and animal life than about the safety of their compatriots . In truth , however , this is rarely the case . Subversives are determined to save nature because they believe that doing so is the only way to protect the people who share the world with the creatures living in it . Scholars disagree on subversives ’ origins . Alliance sages believe that subversives developed ages ago in night elf society — though the night elves deny this assertion . Regardless of the race actually responsible for its development , the calling of the subversive is widely spread among both night elf and tauren societies , as heroes from both races frequently come to the same conclusions and harbor the same desires to defend nature . Night elves and tauren share their beliefs and knowledge with their allies , and today some human s and orc s also learn the subversive ’ s mysteries .