Independent Although the Alliance and Horde encompass most of Azeroth ' s sentient races , there are still a few that maintain neutrality and wish to remain independent . They prefer the freedom of answering to no one , but they pay for that freedom with automatic suspicion from both Alliance and Horde factions . Independence has its advantages . In most cases , the Independent races won ’ t be attacked simply for their affiliation . Independent races can easily work for either the Alliance or Horde as mercenaries , and could eventually become regular employees of one or the other . The downside to this is that regular work for one affiliation may create animosity with the other — and regular work for both could create suspicion on both sides . Independent is the best affiliation , as heroes serve whatever masters they please . If they want no part in a mission , they have no special duty to fulfill it . Many races on Azeroth have no interest in the problems of the Alliance and Horde . These races ally themselves with no one and are more concerned with their own problems . Without affiliation to the Alliance or Horde , the Independent races have fewer ties and responsibilities , not to mention fewer obvious enemies . These heroes can work as mercenaries for either the Alliance or Horde , or as diplomatic liaisons . Independent races , while not allied to the Alliance or Horde , may still be concerned with them and are frequently affected by them , and they must be aware of the goings - on within the two affiliations . Independent heroes have more freedom when it comes to adventuring , as they have fewer expectations placed upon them . They are not tied to Alliance or Horde laws and can avoid all the tensions therein . However , neutrality can be dangerous . No one weeps for mercenaries ’ deaths , and there are few — if any — allies to send out search parties for missing individuals . It behooves the Independents to foster good relationships with at least one major faction . Many of Azeroth ’ s denizens do not owe fealty to the Alliance or Horde . Some races , such as goblins , blood elves and pandaren , are or were Independent . Many Independent races live and work in harmony with members of both the Alliance and the Horde , and could conceivably join a party of either . A goblin running his merchant shop in Orgrimmar would happily take up arms alongside the Horde to defend his shop . Independent doesn ' t mean neutral . Some Independent races are neutral , but others may be aggressive . Independent simply means not part of the Alliance or the Horde . It may also mean they are not part of the other large organizations such as the Burning Legion or Scourge . Currently in RPG . These races are currently considered independent in the RPG . Others . This section relates only to races considered Independent in the RPG , but whose members have become playable in the MMO in either the Horde or the Alliance . Blood elves . All blood elves were once Independent . There are still blood elves that remain independent , for example the Scryers , and those under Illidan and Kael ' thas , but those remaining in Silvermoon have now become members of the Horde . Although even they maintain some independence ( they start off neutral to the Horde ) , and keep ties to the blood elves of Outland . Goblins . Goblin s are an Independent race . Goblins have control of one of the largest commerce centers on Kalimdor , their large city of Ratchet . They will deal with anyone — even demons — if the price is right . They used to care not for the petty rivalries between the other affiliations ; they simply want to buy low and sell high . Goblins are ubiquitous , always managing to be around wherever anyone has money . These inventors , merchants and thieves relish the nomadic lifestyle , moving to places where they can buy low and sell high . They used to be unabashed mercenaries and hired themselves to the highest bidders — Alliance , Horde or unaffiliated . What matters to a goblin is gold , and gold can drive goblins to adventure as a carrot on a stick might spur a donkey . In Cataclysm , however , a faction of Goblins are shifting from Neutrality , and joining the Horde , for their need of a powerful ally , and for themselves being attacked by the Alliance . Worgen . Worgen are mostly free from any major faction affiliation , butchering and devouring any easy prey . While those under Arugal and Velinde Starsong ( and even the original Druids of the Scythe ) were alliance affiliated at various points , they would ultimately posses no loyalty to any faction . The Gilneas worgen also were initially independent however , an invasion by the Forsaken would force them to join the Alliance . Humans . From the Defias Brotherhood to the Bloodsail Buccaneers , many groups of men are independent of the Alliance ' s jurisdiction and often , will side with the Horde if the coin is right .