Ask an Expert Online

The wait is over. After months of hints and speculation, developer Blizzard confirmed at E3 the identity of a new playable race to be added to its hit massively multiplayer online game, World of Warcraft (AKA "Warcrack").

Welcome the Draenei, a vaguely sinister-looking species with ties to the Eredar demons, when The Burning Crusade expansion pack debuts later this year.

Details about the Draenei are a bit sketchy on the show floor, though it is known that they will be a part of the Alliance faction and serve as a counterbalance to the new race of Blood Elves being brought in on the side of the Horde. They will be only partially related to the Draenei already feature as non-playable monsters in World of Warcraft.

The look of this new, apparently genetically-superior Draenei is close to the Eredar demons, well known in Warcraft lore as an evil race of beings who sought to take down the World Tree of the Night Elves. Their offspring are certainly menacing in appearance, standing well over seven feet tall and sporting mauve skin, glowing blue eyes, pointy ears, and cloven hooves. Males even come complete with devilish forked beards.

Background of the Draenei seems to add some sci-fi to the fantasy setting of World of Warcraft. According to early information released by Blizzard, the Draenei are somewhat alien in that they arrived on the game world of Azeroth on a spaceship they had been using to cruise other dimensions. The Orcs, however, wrecked this ship, and the Blood Elves stole its technology. Jerks. These acts leave the Draenei a tad upset and totally stranded in Azeroth. Hate it when that happens.

An official release date for World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade has yet to be announced, although Blizzard is indicating that the game will arrive in stores before the end of the year.