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For the Warcraft III unit, see Priest (Warcraft III).
Priest
Priest
Priest Crest
Available to Alliance & Horde All playable races (except Dracthyr)
Specializations Discipline Discipline (healer)
Holy Holy (healer)
Shadow Shadow (ranged DPS)
Resource(s) Mana, Insanity
Primary attribute Intellect
Weapon skills Staves, Wands, Daggers, One-handed Maces and held in off-hand items excluding shields and weapons
Armor type Cloth
Signature abilities Priest spell leapoffaith a [Leap of Faith]
Spell holy powerwordshield [Power Word: Shield]
Spell shadow shadowwordpain [Shadow Word: Pain]
Spell holy penance [Penance]
Inv enchant essenceeternallarge [Spirit of Redemption]

“It is faith in ourselves that separates us from others, and with our powers, we will cause great change in all of Azeroth. The weak will come to lean on you. The lepers will call you Lord. And the ignorant will look to you for guidance.”

Dark Cleric Duesten

The priest is the master of healing and preservation, restoring his wounded allies, shielding them in battle and even resurrecting his fallen comrades from death. Priests use powerful healing magic to fortify themselves and their allies. They also wield powerful offensive spells from a distance, but can be overwhelmed by enemies due to their physical frailty and minimal armor. Experienced priests carefully balance the use of their offensive powers when tasked with keeping their party alive.[1] Faith is the greatest strength of a priest and their toughest shield.[2]

While they have a variety of protective and enhancement spells to bolster his allies, the priests can also wreak terrible vengeance on their enemies, using the grand powers of the Holy Light to smite and purge them or the devastating powers of the Void to decimate their minds. They can utilize their holy powers to restore their health and that of their comrades. By calling on mystic shielding and holy empowerment, priests can prevent incoming damage and improve their defenses and those of their allies. Priestly Shadow magic can deliver great amounts of immediate damage, or wracking pains that punish foes over longer periods of time. Their connection with the minds and spirits of living beings allows them to control and manipulate others. The priest is a diverse and powerful class, highly desirable in any group and capable of fulfilling multiple roles.

Priest talents can strengthen their ability to heal the wounded, endanger their foes with the power of Shadow, or empower themselves and others with protective prayers.

  • Discipline priests use magic to shield allies from taking damage as well as heal their wounds.[1]
  • Holy priests are versatile healers who can reverse damage on individuals or groups and even heal from beyond the grave.[1]
  • Shadow priests use sinister Shadow magic and terrifying Void magic to eradicate enemies.[1]

Class overview[]

Priests are devoted to the spiritual, and express their unwavering faith by serving the people. For millennia they have left behind the confines of their temples and the comfort of their shrines so they can support their allies in war-torn lands. In the midst of terrible conflict, no hero questions the value of the priestly orders. These masters of the healing arts keep their companions fighting far beyond their normal capacities with an array of restorative powers and blessings. The divine forces at the priest's command can also be turned against foes, smiting them with holy fury.

As light cannot exist without darkness, and darkness without light, some priests tap into shadow to better understand their own abilities, as well as the abilities of those who threaten them.[3]

Creation screen description[]

Alpha

After the lands of Lordaeron were corrupted by the undead Scourge, the surviving clerics escaped to Stormwind and attempted to salvage their holy order: combining their forces with those of the clerics of Northshire, the weathered healers founded a new priesthood to guide their people in trouble times. Obsessed with the notion that evil lurked within every mortal creature they set forth to purge men's' souls of corruption and darkness. Using strong mind powers and potent fear effects, these new priests were able to reestablish a strong hold over humanity's spiritual destiny. Though they are still able to heal wounds and cure the sick, priests are much more interested in dominating the weak and wretched in order to save them from themselves.[4]

Classic

Priests guide the spiritual destiny of their people. Through their unique insight into the mind, they are able to shape an individual's beliefs, whether to inspire or terrify, soothe or dominate, heal or harm. Just as the heart can hold both darkness and light, priests wield powers of creation and devastation by channeling the potent forces underlying faith.[5]

Priests are well-rounded healers with a variety of tools. However, they can also sacrifice their healing to deal damage with Shadow magic.

Classic guide[]

Walking the line between Shadow and Light, Priests heal allies with powerful holy magic and sling sinister spells in tandem.[6]

Background[]

See also: Priest races
Dwarf priest

Artwork of a dwarven priestess.

While the draenei were the first known physical race to be associated with the forces of the Light, humans were the first to discover the Holy Light on Azeroth, and were responsible for passing on the religion to other races, most notably the high elves and dwarves. Humans built mighty churches and cathedrals as places of worship and teaching of the Light. The Church of the Holy Light teaches its followers to be virtuous in life, and while the religion is more philosophical than theistic, its practitioners do believe their devotion connects them to a greater and mysterious force in the universe. Humans have produced great priests who have healed their allies or have used the powers of the Light to purge their enemies.

The Clerics of Northshire were human priests who served the kingdom of Stormwind during the First War. The clerics served as healers on the battlefield, but were ill-prepared for the hazards of combat, and thus suffered heavy casualties. This order was largely destroyed, and the Second War saw fragile priests replaced on the battlefield by armored paladins, the Knights of the Silver Hand — established by the Church's leader Archbishop Alonsus Faol and his apprentice Uther the Lightbringer.

Third War[]

WC3RoC-logo This section concerns content related to Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos or its expansion The Frozen Throne.
Main article: Priest (Warcraft III)
Priest

Despite the high elves' official departure from the Alliance, some elves still remained true to their former human and dwarven allies. The altruistic priests of Quel'Thalas refused to abandon their roles as healers and agreed to remain in Lordaeron despite the edicts from their reclusive masters in Silvermoon City. The high elven priests used their Light-given powers to heal the wounded and bolster the spirits of Lordaeron's fighting elite.[7]

Fallen Priests are wretched priests who were once counted as the most devout amongst the clergy of Lordaeron. But, after years of constant war and suffering, they have lost their sense of the Holy Light. Now, they exist only to spread their frustration and negativity to their fellow men and women.[8]

World of Warcraft[]

WoW Icon update This section concerns content related to the original World of Warcraft.

After the Third War, many Forsaken priests turned away from the Light[9] and formed the Cult of the Forgotten Shadow based on the teachings of bishop Natalie Seline. Though they turn to dark energies to accomplish their goals, they believe there must be a balance between Light and darkness[10] and members of the cult must know the Light as well.[11]

Cataclysm[]

Cataclysm This section concerns content related to Cataclysm.

Following the Cataclysm, the tauren society saw the appearance of priests led by Tahu Sagewind and known as the Seers, using the power of An'she, the sun god, in their spells like the tauren paladins named the Sunwalkers. This is similar to how night elven priests use the power of the moon through their goddess, Elune, instead of through the Holy Light. There have been tauren seers before, but their path has now either been enhanced with new magic or revitalized by new blood.

The gnomes had an interest in the Light since they joined the Alliance, but they were so focused on technology and later the retaking of Gnomeregan that studying the Light didn't feel necessary to them. The dwarven priests and paladins of Ironforge served as the only connection to the Light they had. Now that the gnomes have reclaimed a foothold in Gnomeregan and begun rebuilding their culture outside of Ironforge however, they've recognized the importance of having followers of the Light in their own ranks. In addition, researching new methods of purifying irradiated gnomes has led to radical advances in Light-based technology.[12] Gnome priests usually refer to themselves as doctors, medics, and surgeons.[13][14]

Legion[]

Legion This section concerns content related to Legion.

During the third invasion of the Burning Legion, the priests of Azeroth united against the Legion as the Conclave, led by Archbishop Alonsus Faol and the High Priest. In order to fight the demons, they obtained the legendary artifacts known as Inv mace 1h artifactheartofkure d 01 [T'uure, Beacon of the Naaru], Inv knife 1h artifactcthun d 01 [Xal'atath, Blade of the Black Empire], and Inv staff 2h artifacttome d 01 [Light's Wrath]. They also used the Netherlight Temple as their headquarters.

Notable[]

Tyrande HS cropped

High Priestess of Elune Tyrande Whisperwind, co-ruler of the night elves.

Main article: List of priests
Name Role Affiliation Status Location
Neutral IconSmall Alonsus Alonsus Faol Archbishop of the Conclave, formerly leader of the Church of the Holy Light. Conclave Active Various
Alliance IconSmall AnduinKing Anduin Wrynn King of Stormwind and High King of the Alliance. Kingdom of Stormwind, Alliance Alive Various
Neutral IconSmall Benedictus Benedictus Leader and prophet of the Twilight's Hammer, formerly leader of the Church of the Holy Light. Twilight's Hammer, Old Gods' forces Deceased Various
Horde IconSmall Calia2 Calia Menethil Councilor of the Forsaken and member of the Desolate Council. Former princess of Lordaeron. Desolate Council, Forsaken, Horde, Conclave Active Various
Alliance IconSmall Iridi Iridi Priestess who sacrificed herself to slew the Twilight dragon Dargonax. Alliance Deceased Buried in Outland
Aldor IconSmall Draenei Female Ishanah High Priestess of the Aldor and champion of the Conclave. Aldor, Sha'tar, Alliance, Conclave Alive Various
Alliance IconSmall Moira Moira Thaurissan Queen-Regent of the Dark Iron clan, Dark Iron representative on the Council of Three Hammers. Formerly the Princess of Ironforge. Dark Iron clan, Alliance, Conclave Alive Various
Horde IconSmall Mag'har Female Nakha Founder of the Lok'osh. Lok'osh, Mag'har, Horde Alive Valley of Honor, Orgrimmar
Neutral IconSmall Sally Sally Whitemane Former High Inquisitor of the Scarlet Crusade. Raised as a death knight. Four Horsemen, Knights of the Ebon Blade Active Various
Neutral IconSmall Troll Male Sen'jin Former chieftain of the Darkspear tribe, father of Vol'jin. Darkspear tribe Deceased Spirit with Bwonsamdi
Horde IconSmall Tauren Male Tahu Sagewind Founder and leader of the Seers. Seers, Thunder Bluff, Horde, Conclave Alive Various
Horde IconSmall Talanji Talanji Queen of the Zandalari Empire, Representative of the Zandalari Empire on the Horde Council. Zandalari Empire, Horde Alive Various
Alliance IconSmall TyrandeNight Tyrande Whisperwind High Priestess of Elune, co-ruler of the night elves. Darnassus, Sentinels, Sisterhood of Elune, Army of the Black Moon, Alliance Alive Various
Alliance IconSmall Velen Velen Prophet of the Naaru, leader of the draenei and the Light's Chosen. Light's Chosen, Exodar, Alliance, Conclave Alive Various
Neutral IconSmall Troll Male Zabra Hexx Shadow priest and champion of the Conclave. Conclave Alive Various

Organizations[]

Netherlight Temple

The Netherlight Temple, class hall of the priests during Legion.

Name Leader Status
Aldor Aldor IconSmall Draenei Female High Priestess Ishanah Active
Alliance Sisterhood of Elune IconSmall TyrandeNight High Priestess Tyrande Whisperwind Active
Alliance Church of the Holy Light Unknown Active
Alliance Brotherhood of Northshire Unknown Active
Neutral Cult of Forgotten Shadows IconSmall Human Female Natalie Seline Active
Horde Seers IconSmall Tauren Male Tahu Sagewind Active
Neutral Crane Wing order Unknown Active
Priest Conclave IconSmall Alonsus Archbishop Alonsus Faol
IconSmall Adventurer The High Priest
Active
Horde Lok'osh IconSmall Mag'har Female Lok'osh Nakha Active

Abilities[]

For a full list of priest abilities, see Priest abilities.
Argent Confessor Paletress TCG

Argent Confessor Paletress, a human holy-priest.

Priests bring a wide range of abilities to any party. Depending on their spec, priests may specialize in healing and protecting their allies, or dealing powerful shadow damage to their enemies. However, a priest's capabilities extend far beyond these roles. Priests can buff their allies' stamina, ward against fear, restore mana to their party, and even dispel magical debuffs and diseases from their allies. They can terrify, silence and horrify enemies, and remove some of their most powerful buffs and immunities. They can defer aggro, grant substantial speed buffs to their allies and even pull heedless teammates out of the fire. Priests' innate power in manipulating others can allow them to see through the eyes of a distant target, or even dominate an opponent's mind, turning a foe into a friend, or sending them to their death at the bottom of a precipice.

Healing[]

Priests have a range of healing abilities. Discipline and Holy priests are natural masters of healing and protection, and have additional capabilities in these areas, with spells ranging from direct heals and heal over time effects to AoE abilities and on-damage procs. Ability priest atonement [Atonement] also allows Discipline priests to heal by dealing damage. While Shadow priests excel at wreaking havoc, they can still can contribute passive healing to their group through Spell shadow unsummonbuilding [Vampiric Embrace].

Damage mitigation[]

As well as an array of healing options, priests can choose to shield their allies from damage. This pre-emptive approach to damage prevention allows for rapid and lifesaving intervention, but can require skill to correctly anticipate incoming damage. Spell holy powerwordshield [Power Word: Shield] is the priest's signature shield, absorbing attacks directed at the target and preventing pushback. While all priests are capable of shielding themselves and their allies, Discipline priests are the masters of damage absorption, being able to shield multiple allies at the same time with Spell holy rapture [Rapture]. Discipline priests can also protect their allies with Spell holy powerwordbarrier [Power Word: Barrier]. Each spec also has a powerful damage-reduction cooldown, from the direct avoidance of Spell holy painsupression [Pain Suppression] and Spell shadow dispersion [Dispersion] to the self-sacrifing grace of Spell holy guardianspirit [Guardian Spirit].

Damage dealing[]

RembaAbbessOfAsh

Remba, Abbess of Ash, a dwarf shadow-priest.

Priests have access to two schools of magic - Holy and Shadow - and can deal substantial amounts of damage from either. Priests have a number of direct damage options, as well as a few DoTs and specialties. Shadow priests are without doubt the most damage-oriented of priests, but Discipline priests with Ability priest atonement [Atonement] come a respectable second. Even healing priests can contribute some damage by summoning their temporary pet - the Spell shadow shadowfiend [Shadowfiend] or Spell shadow soulleech 3 [Mindbender] - to attack enemies.

Utility[]

As well as their obvious capabilities in healing and dealing damage, priests also have access to a range of utility spells, many of which are unique to the priest class. Abilities such as Spell holy layonhands [Levitate], Spell holy mindvision [Mind Vision], and Spell shadow shadowworddominate [Mind Control] can make the priest class fun to play, but are also capable of providing game-changing advantages if used correctly. Priests can also evade aggro with Spell magic lesserinvisibilty [Fade]. Priests can also cast Priest spell leapoffaith a [Leap of Faith] to pull other players to the priest and possibly save them from death.

Dispels[]

Priests are significantly capable dispellers. They can strip magical buffs and even immunities from their enemies with Spell nature nullifydisease [Dispel Magic] and Spell arcane massdispel [Mass Dispel], while Discipline and Holy priests can also Spell holy dispelmagic [Purify] their allies of magic and disease effects. Discipline and Holy priests can generally consider dispelling to be their most important duty after healing, while Shadow priests are also capable of contributing if necessary.

Crowd control and mobility[]

Priests have a range of abilities to aid in escaping and incapacitating their attackers. Spell holy symbolofhope [Body and Soul] and Ability priest angelicfeather [Angelic Feather] provide speed boosts for the priest or their allies, while Spell shadow psychicscream [Psychic Scream] provides excellent fear effects. Meanwhile, Shadow priests' Spell shadow dispersion [Dispersion] can be used to slip out of roots and snares.

Shadow priests have the most crowd control abilities, with Ability priest silence [Silence] and Spell shadow siphonmana [Mind Flay] providing a 50% snare. Priests can also offer sustainable crowd control on undead targets with Spell nature slow [Shackle Undead], while Holy priests can disorientate and interrupt opponents with Spell holy chastise [Holy Word: Chastise]. Priests can also take control of other players or creatures temporarily by using Spell shadow shadowworddominate [Mind Control].

Stats, weapons, and armor[]

Races[]

Main article: Priest races
Survivor Xyrella

Xyrella, a draenei priestess in Hearthstone.

Priests start with the following attributes:

Strength Agility Stamina Intellect Spirit Armor Health Mana
Alliance Alliance DraeneiDraenei Draenei Bc icon 21 17 20 22 25 34 52 N/A
DwarfDwarf Dwarf WoW Icon update 25 16 21 21 22 32 62 N/A
GnomeGnome Gnome Cataclysm 15 23 19 25 23 51 51 N/A
HumanHuman Human WoW Icon update 20 20 20 22 23 40 52 N/A
Night elfNight elf Night elf WoW Icon update 16 24 20 22 23 48 52 N/A
WorgenWorgen Worgen Cataclysm 23 22 20 18 22 46 52 N/A
Void elfVoid elf Void elf Legion N/A
Lightforged draeneiLightforged draenei Lightforged Legion N/A
Dark Iron dwarfDark Iron dwarf Dark Iron Battle for Azeroth N/A
Kul TiranKul Tiran Kul Tiran Battle for Azeroth N/A
MechagnomeMechagnome Mechagnome Battle for Azeroth N/A
Neutral Neutral PandarenPandaren Pandaren Mists of Pandaria 20 18 21 21 25 37 113 N/A
Horde Horde Blood elfBlood elf Blood elf Bc icon 17 22 20 25 21 44 52 N/A
GoblinGoblin Goblin Cataclysm 17 22 20 25 21 33 52 N/A
TaurenTauren Tauren Cataclysm 25 15 22 17 25 35 72 N/A
TrollTroll Troll WoW Icon update 21 22 20 18 24 44 52 N/A
UndeadUndead Undead WoW Icon update 19 18 20 20 28 38 52 N/A
NightborneNightborne Nightborne Legion N/A
Mag'har orcMag'har orc Mag'har Battle for Azeroth N/A
Zandalari trollZandalari troll Zandalari Battle for Azeroth N/A
VulperaVulpera Vulpera Battle for Azeroth N/A

Specializations[]

For a full list of specialization abilities, see Priest abilities

There are three priest specializations: Discipline, Holy and Shadow. Discipline and Holy priests are powerful healers, with the former specializing in healing through damage-dealing (with a side-line in damage mitigation), and the latter excelling in sheer healing power, as well as a versatile range of healing options. Shadow priests are ranged DPS that assault their opponents' minds with shadowy magic, specializing in sinister damage over time effects and crowd control. While all priests can use Spell nature nullifydisease [Dispel Magic] and the potent Spell arcane massdispel [Mass Dispel], Discipline and Holy priests are especially capable dispellers, with Spell holy dispelmagic [Purify] allowing them to instantly cleanse an ally of all diseases and magical afflictions.

Discipline[]

Priest preview Discipline
Spell holy powerwordshield

Uses magic to shield allies from taking damage as well as heal their wounds.

Discipline priests are a powerful force on the battlefield, balancing the powers of Light and Shadow to assail enemies and assist allies in equal measure. While capable of reactive healing, Discipline priests truly come into their own when able to proactively bless their allies with Ability priest atonement [Atonement] via Spell priest power word [Power Word: Radiance], Spell shadow shadowmend [Shadow Mend], or Spell holy powerwordshield [Power Word: Shield] in anticipation of incoming damage. With their allies touched by the Light, a well-prepared Discipline priest is free to visit the Inv staff 2h artifacttome d 01 [Light's Wrath] on their unfortunate enemies, using spells such as Spell holy holysmite [Smite] and Spell holy penance [Penance] to simultaneously damage foes and unleash powerful burst healing.

The combination of strong cooldowns and a focus on preemptive healing makes Discipline priests the preferred healing option for PvP. Their Spell holy powerwordshield [Power Word: Shield] can be improved in multiple ways, becoming an efficient and powerful protection option, and Discipline's ability to damage and heal on the move is a powerful asset. Discipline priests anticipating incoming damage can stack protection with Spell holy painsupression [Pain Suppression], allowing them to protect their allies even when incapacitated, and their ability to utilize two different schools of healing magic sets them apart from other healers by allowing them to retain some casting ability even when interrupted.

Some priests pride themselves on pragmatism. They understand that light casts a shadow, that darkness is defined by light, and that true discipline stems from one's ability to balance these opposing powers in services of a greater cause. While these priests possess many holy virtues to aid their allies, they also dabble in the dark arts to debilitate their enemies—always exercising immense discipline to keep themselves away from the brink of insanity. Many would say the ends justify the means; scriptures both virtuous and vile should be studied and understood to protect the congregation.[15]

Holy[]

Priest preview Holy
Spell holy guardianspirit

A versatile healer who can reverse damage on individuals or groups and even heal from beyond the grave.

Holy priests are versatile healers who possess a variety of tools to support their group. In contrast to Discipline, the Holy specialization focuses primarily on reactive healing. Holy priests supplement their powerful direct healing with heal over time effects such as Spell holy renew [Renew] and their mastery, Spell holy aspiration [Mastery: Echo of Light], which attaches a powerful heal over time effect to the priest's initial heal. They also have access to impressive group effect healing such as Spell holy prayerofmendingtga [Prayer of Mending], a preemptive healing spell that bounces between allies.

Holy priests also have access to several powerful abilities with long cooldowns, including the Holy Word abilities: Spell holy divineprovidence [Holy Word: Sanctify], a powerful ground-targeted heal; Spell holy persuitofjustice [Holy Word: Serenity], a truly massive single-target heal; and Spell holy chastise [Holy Word: Chastise], a single-target nuke and crowd-control spell. Even death itself proves to be no match for the healing prowess of the Light, allowing Holy priests to save an ally from certain demise by invoking a Spell holy guardianspirit [Guardian Spirit] to protect them, or even heal from beyond the grave as a Inv enchant essenceeternallarge [Spirit of Redemption] - for a time.

After spending much of their lives in temples studying ancient doctrine, preaching the tenets of their faith, and pledging their full devotion to the divine powers they follow, the most adept priests leave their houses of worship to serve on the battlefield, as shepherd to flock. There, they use their holy powers to bless allies and mend wounds. And while most stay behind the frontlines to aid their comrades, these holy champions are also capable of smiting foes and carrying out sacred justice. They're also morally opposed to the use of Shadow and Void magic—rather, they are exemplars of the incredible grace and power of the divine and the Light, and even death cannot fully stop their healing capabilities.[15]

Shadow[]

Priest preview Shadow
Spell Shadow ShadowWordPain

Uses sinister Shadow magic and terrifying Void magic to eradicate enemies.

Shadow priests are born damage-dealers, instantly recognizable by their signature Spell shadow shadowform [Shadowform] - a distinctive aura that increases shadow damage. They tend to focus on afflicting multiple targets with potent damage over time effects, such as Spell shadow shadowwordpain [Shadow Word: Pain] and Spell holy stoicism [Vampiric Touch], as well as unleashing psychic agony on a single target with their Spell shadow unholyfrenzy [Mind Blast], Spell shadow siphonmana [Mind Flay], and Spell shadow mindshear [Mind Sear] spells. Drawing on their dark powers causes Shadow priests to accumulate Insanity and this, in turn, fuels potent spells such as Spell shadow devouringplague [Devouring Plague], a grim mockery of the priestly ability to Spell holy nullifydisease [Purify Disease]. The height of a shadow priest's power is heralded by a massive Spell priest void-blast [Void Eruption] that twists their Spell shadow shadowform [Shadowform] into Spell priest voidform [Voidform], which further increases their spell damage, grants Mind Blast additional charges, and enables the use of the powerful Ability ironmaidens convulsiveshadows [Void Bolt] spell. Shadow priests can even call down beings from the Void itself, conjuring a Spell shadow shadowfiend [Shadowfiend] or Spell shadow soulleech 3 [Mindbender] to assail their enemies.

Shadow priests also excel at crowd control, capable of using a Spell shadow psychicscream [Psychic Scream] to fear enemies, weaponizing the minds of their enemies with a Spell shadow mindbomb [Mind Bomb] to stun them, or silencing and interrupting casters with the aptly named Ability priest silence [Silence]. In the hands of a skilled Shadow priest, these abilities can be utilized to provide windows of opportunity that can prove fatal to even the most battle-hardened healer. Shadow priests also have a powerful survival ability in Spell shadow dispersion [Dispersion], and can convert their damage into healing for their allies through Spell shadow unsummonbuilding [Vampiric Embrace].

A large percentage of a Shadow priest's damage comes from damage over time effects, allowing them to deal damage simultaneously to multiple targets and to continue dealing damage even while the priest is incapacitated or hidden out of line of sight. This tactic, known as multi-dotting, allows them to excel at add fights. While dedicated damage dealers, when need be, Shadow priests are also decent emergency healers; an attentive Shadow priest can potentially turn a disastrous wipe into an unexpected victory with a well-placed Spell shadow shadowmend [Shadow Mend] or Spell holy powerwordshield [Power Word: Shield].

The Light in which many priests bathe is brilliant and effervescent, granting them immense divine power. But the brightest light casts the darkest shadow—and from within this blackness, a rival power dwells. Shadow priests fully embrace this opposing polarity, their faith equally resolute as their holy counterparts—but focused on shadowy magics and mental manipulation. Like all priests, they dedicate much of their lives to worship—but they derive their power from the Void, straying dangerously close to the domain of the Old Gods. To truly understand such ancient, corruptive influence is to be driven mad. This is the state in which these dark priests thrive, embracing insanity and feeding off of the minds of their opponents to reach terrifying new limits.[15]

In the RPG[]

Dwarven Priest by Samwise

Priest prestige class in Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game. Art later used for the Warrior character class in World of Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game.

Icon-RPG This section contains information from the Warcraft RPG which is considered non-canon.

The priest prestige class was eliminated from the World of Warcraft RPG and replaced with the priest core class.[16]

Priests practice a complex, organized form of spirituality built around moral philosophy, the worship of a particular deity (such as Elune) in some cases, and/or idol worship, rather than around the reverence of the elements that shamans practice, or the close divine connection with animals and the wilderness that druids maintain. Priests serve not only as influential religious figures in their respective societies, but also as powerful practitioners of divine magic, which they use to heal and protect, or harm and weaken.

Devotion to the faiths of Azeroth leads many priests to the paths of courage and heroism. In dark times, priests carry the Light of faith with them as a reminder of the powerful forces at work beyond the comprehension of the peoples who walk the land. Powerful healers with an intimate connection to the divine, priests are empowered with abilities that aid them in times of dire need.[17]

Priests comprise quite a varied group in Azeroth. A female priest is called a "priestess". Many are followers, in some manner, of the Holy Light. Some priests choose to be pyremasters or High Priest. There are also racial restrictions to some titles, such as witch doctor for trolls and Priestess of the Moon for night elf females.

There are also shadow priests among the trolls, they find Forsaken to be kindred spirits, supporting them because they are evil.[18] There are also shadow priests that follow Kil'jaeden.[19]

Epic priest[]

The epic priest is a paragon of his ideals, a vessel which his faith pools and spreads like wine overflowing from a chalice. He bolsters his allies to amazing heights and brings non-believers low with divine wrath. Where he walks, all feel his presence. He focuses on increasing his spellcasting potential. He knows that metamagic feats can make even low-level spells potent. Wisdom is, of course, his paramount ability. If he must improve himself, he improves his constitution. Constitution improves his staying power and charisma increases his turning capability.[20]

Notes and trivia[]

  • Priests of the Light must abnegate themselves through meditation, in order to become conduits for the Light and use its powers.[21]

Gallery[]

Trading Card Game
Hearthstone
Fan art

Patch changes[]

See also[]

References[]

External links[]

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