If the Emerald Dream is opened as the next xpac, I doubt it will bring "new races"... We really don't have the landmass in the Starter World to support new races.

I do, however, think that there's stock in the idea that some race may be introduced that can choose its affiliation. The idea of reputation is almost as important as experience in the game now. That race is easily the Goblins, as they can level quickly to 10 in the Undermine Island, and then choose affiliation through Horde or Alliance "recruitment". Possible Goblin classes include Warrior, Rogue, Mage, Warlock, Hunter, and wait for it... Bard.

I think the next xpac's new schtick will be the implementation of one or two new classes — either new altogether, or new classes available to existing races. We've discussed the possiblities for several classes, and I think a Bard class is the most useful and most novel for the game as it stands. I've even thought of the talent trees: Performace(crowd-control), Poetry(buffs and multiple spell effects), and Noise(destruction).

If new tricks for old dogs is the case, I can see Night Elves learning Shaman class, and the Undead learning Paladin. If "Bard" or some other class is implemented, I think Tauren and Gnomes are the first races to get it, followed by Dwarves and Orcs.

There's little things that I think the next xpac could implement, like book items that allow players to "learn" another races' language or dances. Dance books would excellent! I'd like more "book-bought" polymorph shapes for mages, and new "book-bought" shapes available to druids. Spider for crowd control, Serpent as a poison caster, alternative travel form Stag.

Hero classes could be implemented as well. Or at least level 80 "God modes" with 24 hour cooldowns. For instance, Balance druids can become Cenarius-like Keepers of the Grove. Feral Druids can become ethereal Green Drakes. Restos become enormous and stationary superhealing Ancient of War. Other class's talent trees would correspond to an "ultimate" form.

In any case, I'd prefer more seasonal "events"... Like opening the new instance of Grim Batol and the global release of the crazed red dragonflight would be handled in a similar way to Naxxramas and the Scourge infestation of 2006. Opening Uldum would be our first exposure to the Titans. The random depletion of mana throughout the realms could be traced back to Dalaran, where casters could be "inoculated" against the magic siphoning powers under the dome.

Obviously, I have lots of ideas, which can only mean Blizzard has thousands more waiting for us.

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