Independent

The terms independent or neutral are used for individuals, organizations and factions that are aligned with neither the Alliance nor the Horde.

In the RPG
Although the Alliance and Horde encompass most of Azeroth's sentient races, there are still a few that maintain neutrality and independence. While the Independent prefer the freedom of answering to no one, this also raises 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 or diplomatic liaisons, and could eventually become regular employees of one or the other. The downside to this is that regular work for one faction may create animosity with the other. Regular work for both factions could create further suspicion from each side. 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. Independent races are frequently affected by the current activites of the two most prominent sides. Therefore, the Independent must always be aware of what's going on within the two affiliations.

Independent characters 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
These races are currently considered independent in the RPG.
 * Dark Iron Dwarf
 * Dragonspawn
 * Forest trolls
 * Furbolgs
 * Pandaren
 * Pandaren are one of the major Independent races. Pandaren enjoy a free passport to travel to the island of Theramore, the plains of Durotar or the forests of Ashenvale with little or no questioning.


 * Tuskarr
 * Murloc
 * Naga
 * Naga are also a major race that are considered Independents.


 * Quilboar

Others
This section relates only to races considered Independent in the RPG, but whose members have become playable in the MMO in either the Alliance or the Horde.

Blood Elves
There are still blood elves that remain independent. Among those are the Scryers, those formerly under Illidan and Kael'thas. The ones remaining in Silvermoon have now become members of the Horde. Although even they maintain some independence (they start off neutral to the Horde).

Goblins
Goblins 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, sell and trade. 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.

However, a faction of goblins, the Bilgewater Cartel, have joined the Horde. This was done for the Horde's need of a powerful ally and for themselves being attacked by the Alliance.