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For the Warcraft III unit, see Priest (Warcraft III).
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.
Priest crest

Priests are masters of healing and preservation. Infused with the Light, they can restore their wounded allies, shield them in battle, and even resurrect them. While they have a variety of protective and enhancement spells to bolster their allies, they can also wreak terrible vengeance on their enemies, using the grand powers of the Holy Light to smite and purge, or the devastating powers of the shadow to decimate their minds. The priest is a diverse and powerful class, highly desirable in any group and capable of fulfilling multiple roles.

The priest is perhaps the best healing class in the game with a surprisingly strong damage potential. Their ability to heal and buff allies, avoid aggro, dispel buffs on enemies, dispel debuffs on their allies, and resurrect fallen comrades makes them an important member of any group, whether PvP or PvE.

Priests are limited to cloth armor and the following weapons: daggers, one-handed maces, staves, and wands.

Background[]

Dwarf priest

Moira Thaurissan

Priests practice a complex, organized form of spirituality. It can be built around moral philosophy, the worship of a particular deity (such as Elune), and/or idol worship. This is in contrast to 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. They use this 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.[1]

Priests comprise quite a varied group in Azeroth. Many are followers, in some manner, of the Holy Light. Some priests choose to be pyremasters or High Priests, while some of the most experienced become epic priests. There are also racial restrictions to some titles, such as witch doctor for trolls and Priestess of the Moon for night elf females.

Notable priests[]

Main article: List of priests
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  • Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:Factiongfx/faction_tip_link.json' not found.IconSmall Draenei Female High Priestess Ishanah
  • Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:Factiongfx/faction_tip_link.json' not found.IconSmall ZandalarTroll Male Rastakhan
  • BothIconSmall Arakkoa Talonpriest Ishaal
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  • Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:Factiongfx/faction_tip_link.json' not found.Unknown race Race unknownIconSmall Dwarf Female Moira Thaurissan
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  • Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:Factiongfx/faction_tip_link.json' not found.IconSmall Human Male Archbishop Alonsus Faol
  • Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:Factiongfx/faction_tip_link.json' not found.IconSmall Velen Velen
  • Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:Factiongfx/faction_tip_link.json' not found.IconSmall Draenei Female Soulbinder Tuulani
  • Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:Factiongfx/faction_tip_link.json' not found.IconSmall Tyrande Tyrande Whisperwind
  • Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:Factiongfx/faction_tip_link.json' not found.IconSmall Troll Male Zabra Hexx
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  • Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:Factiongfx/faction_tip_link.json' not found.IconSmall Troll Male Vol'jin

Races[]

Main article: Priest races

The priest class can be played by the following races:

Race Strength Agility Stamina Intellect Spirit Armor Health Mana
Alliance DraeneiDraenei Draenei Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:Inlinegfx/img_link_data.json' not found. 21 17 20 22 25 24 103 50
Alliance DwarfDwarf Dwarf 25 16 21 21 22 33 113 50
Alliance GnomeGnome Gnome Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:Inlinegfx/img_link_data.json' not found. 15 22 20 25 23 33 103 52
Alliance HumanHuman Human 20 20 20 22 23 33 103 50
Alliance Night elfNight elf Night elf 16 24 20 22 23 33 103 50
Both 15 PandarenPandaren Pandaren Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:Inlinegfx/img_link_data.json' not found. 20 18 21 21 25 37 113 50
Alliance WorgenWorgen Worgen Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:Inlinegfx/img_link_data.json' not found. 23 22 20 18 22 33 103 50
Horde Blood elfBlood elf Blood elf Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:Inlinegfx/img_link_data.json' not found. 17 22 20 25 21 33 103 50
Horde UndeadUndead Undead 19 18 20 20 28 33 103 50
Horde GoblinGoblin Goblin Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:Inlinegfx/img_link_data.json' not found. 17 22 20 25 21 33 103 50
Horde TaurenTauren Tauren Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:Inlinegfx/img_link_data.json' not found. 25 16 21 18 25 24 117 50
Horde TrollTroll Troll 21 22 20 18 24 24 103 50

VelenCardgameArt

Prophet Velen, a draenei priest.

Human/Dwarf

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, thus suffering 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 clerics' leader Archbishop Alonsus Faol and his apprentice, Uther the Lightbringer.

During events of the Third War, 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. The high elven priests used their Light-given powers to heal the wounded and bolster the spirits of Lordaeron's fighting elite. A holy field medic, these padres roam the battlefield curing the wounds of fallen comrades.

Draenei

The Draenei have been worshipers of the Light for at least as long as they have known the Naaru, and draw their wisdom and power from them.

Forsaken

Forsaken who once followed the tenets of the Holy Light altered their philosophy upon their transformation. Most Forsaken have abandoned religion, just as they believe it abandoned them. Some still adhere to their old faiths, such as the Holy Light. Priests of the Holy Light in particular struggle to reconcile the philosophy that guided their life with their unfortunate new condition. Some balance their old beliefs with their new forms, but most Forsaken priests belong to The Cult of Forgotten Shadow. Lost and hurt, these priests founded a new religion based on a self-centered version of their former faith. This philosophy centers around self-empowerment and a desire to balance life with death. They can no longer use the Holy Light and have since learned how to use the shadow.

Troll

The troll priesthoods, much like the shamans and witch doctors of the troll tribes, are comprised of spiritual advisers and caretakers. With trolls being naturally superstitious and spiritual, it allows the various troll priests to manipulate the spiritual energy of the world in order to either heal or harm their targets. The energies the troll priests draw can come from various sources, be it Loa spirits, voodoo magic, or the target itself. Drawing upon these energies, troll priests either mend or harm, depending on which blessing the spiritual entity bestows. Arguably, in World of Warcraft, troll priests can be considered witch doctors in a cultural perspective, in equal terms with the shamans.

Tauren
Questionmark-medium
This article or section includes speculation, observations or opinions possibly supported by lore or by Blizzard officials. It should not be taken as representing official lore.

In Cataclysm, the Tauren gained the ability to become priests. It is possible they use the light of the Sun in their spells, as opposed to the Holy Light. This is similar to how the night elves use the power of the Moon, their goddess Elune, instead of the Holy Light.

Gnome
Questionmark-medium
This article or section includes speculation, observations or opinions possibly supported by lore or by Blizzard officials. It should not be taken as representing official lore.
With the announcement of the Cataclysm expansion, gnome healers finally became playable. Gnome priest NPCs have existed in Azeroth for some time, but the destruction brought on by Deathwing likely inspired many more gnomes to turn to their allies and adopt devotion to The Light.

Specializations/stats[]

Uses magic to shield allies from taking damage as well as heal their wounds.
- Official description
Stat priority
  • Intellect
  • Haste
  • Critical Strike
  • Mastery
  • Versatility
PenanceTCG

Penance

Ability Min Level
Penance 10
Mind Vision 13
Psychic Scream 18
Atonement 20
Purify 22
Plea 24
Shadow Mend 28
Smite (2) 36
Focused Will 38
Ability Min Level
Shadowfiend 40
Pain Suppression 48
Rapture 50
Power Word: Radiance 52
Leap of Faith 63
Mass Resurrection 66
Power Word: Barrier 70
Mastery: Absolution 78
A versatile healer who can reverse damage on individuals or groups and even heal from beyond the grave.
- Official description
Stat priority
  • Intellect
  • Mastery
  • Critical Strike
  • Haste
  • Versatility
HealTCG

Heal

SpiritofRedemptionTCG

Spirit of Redemption

Ability Min Level
Holy Fire 10
Holy Word: Serenity 10
Renew 12
Holy Word: Chastise 18
Serendipity 20
Purify 22
Heal 24
Holy Nova 26
Prayer of Healing 28
Spirit of Redemption 32
Holy Fire (2) 36
Ability Min Level
Focused Will 38
Holy Word: Sanctify 40
Guardian Spirit 48
Prayer of Mending 50
Desperate Prayer 52
Leap of Faith 63
Mass Resurrection 66
Divine Hymn 70
Mastery: Echo of Light 78
For other uses of the name "Shadow", see Shadow (disambiguation).
Uses sinister Shadow magic, especially damage-over-time spells, to eradicate enemies.
- Official description
Stat priority
  • Haste
  • Critical Strike
  • Mastery
  • Intellect
  • Versatility
DispersionTCG

Dispersion

Ability Min Level
Mind Flay 10
Mind Blast 10
Shadowform 12
Mind Vision 13
Psychic Scream 18
Void Eruption 20
Void Bolt 20
Voidform 20
Purify Disease 22
Vampiric Touch 24
Mind Sear 26
Ability Min Level
Shadow Mend 28
Void Bolt (2) 36
Shadowy Apparitions 38
Shadowfiend 40
Dispersion 48
Shadow Word: Death 50
Silence 52
Shadow Word: Death (2) 65
Vampiric Embrace 70
Mastery: Madness 78

Skills/Glyphs[]

Note: Players technically start in Discipline spec; if a player chooses another specialization at level 10, Holy priests lose Shadow Word: Pain and Power Word: Shield; Shadow priests lose Smite.
SmiteTCG

Smite

Power Word Shield

Power Word: Shield

Ability Min Level
Smite Starts with
Shadow Word: Pain 3
Flash Heal 5
Power Word: Shield 8
Resurrection 14
Levitate 32
Ability Min Level
Shackle Undead 34
Mind Control 42
Fade 44
Dispel Magic 56
Mass Dispel 80
Level Abilities (choose one)
15 Discipline The Penitent
Holy (Priest) Trail of Light
Shadow Twist of Fate
Discipline Castigation
Holy (Priest) Enduring Renewal
Shadow Fortress of the Mind
Discipline Schism
Holy (Priest) Enlightenment
Shadow Shadow Word: Void
30 DisciplineHoly (Priest) Angelic Feather
Shadow Mania
DisciplineShadow Body and Soul
Holy (Priest) Body and Mind
DisciplineShadow Masochism
Holy (Priest) Desperate Prayer
45 DisciplineHoly (Priest) Shining Force
Shadow Mind Bomb
DisciplineShadow Psychic Voice
Holy (Priest) Censure
DisciplineShadow Dominant Mind
Holy (Priest) Afterlife (priest talent)
60 Discipline Power Word: Solace
Holy (Priest) Light of the Naaru
Shadow Void Lord (priest talent)
Discipline Shield Discipline (priest talent)
Holy (Priest) Guardian Angel
Shadow Reaper of Souls
Discipline Mindbender
Holy (Priest) Symbol of Hope
Shadow Void Ray (priest talent)
75 Discipline Contrition
Holy (Priest) Surge of Light
Shadow San'layn (priest talent)
Discipline Power Infusion
Holy (Priest) Binding Heal
Shadow Auspicious Spirits
Discipline Twist of Fate
Holy (Priest) Piety
Shadow Shadowy Insight
90 Discipline Clarity of Will
Holy (Priest) Divinity (priest talent)
Shadow Power Infusion
DisciplineHoly (Priest) Divine Star (discipline and holy talent)
Shadow Shadow Crash
DisciplineHoly (Priest) Halo (discipline and holy talent)
Shadow Mindbender
100 Discipline Purge the Wicked
Holy (Priest) Apotheosis
Shadow Legacy of the Void
Discipline Grace
Holy (Priest) Benedicton
Shadow Mind Spike
Discipline Shadow Covenant
Holy (Priest) Circle of Healing
Shadow Surrender to Madness
Name Specialization
Glyph of Ghostly Fade All
Glyph of Inspired Hymns Holy (Priest) Holy
Glyph of Shackle Undead All
Glyph of Shadow Shadow Shadow
Glyph of Shadowy Friends Shadow Shadow
Glyph of the Heavens All
Glyph of the Sha DisciplineShadow Discipline, Shadow
Glyph of the Val'kyr Holy (Priest) Holy
Honor Level Talent
1 Gladiator's Medallion
2 DisciplineHoly (Priest) Defender of the Weak, Shadow Train of Thought
4 DisciplineHoly (Priest) Purification (honor talent), Shadow Void Shield (honor talent)
6 Discipline Searing Light, Holy (Priest) Delivered from Evil, Shadow Driven to Madness
8 Discipline Strength of Soul, Holy (Priest) Faith Renewed, Shadow Mind Trauma
10 Discipline Power Word: Fortitude, Holy (Priest) Divine Attendant, Shadow Psyfiend
13 Adaptation (honor talent)
16 DisciplineHoly (Priest) Vim and Vigor, Shadow Mind Quickness
19 DisciplineHoly (Priest) Spiritual Cleansing, Shadow Pure Shadow
22 Discipline Premonition, Holy (Priest) Holy Consecration, Shadow Void Origins
25 Discipline Renewed Hope, Holy (Priest) Rapid Mending, Shadow Shadow Mania
28 Discipline Archangel, Holy (Priest) Spirit of the Redeemer, Shadow Last Word (honor talent)
31 Relentless (honor talent)
34 Discipline Inner Renewal, Holy (Priest) Inner Focus, Shadow Initiation
37 Discipline Purified Resolve, Holy (Priest) Holy Ward, Shadow Fleeting Embrace
40 Discipline Solemn Prayers, Holy (Priest) Greater Fade, Shadow Edge of Insanity
43 Discipline Dome of Light, Holy (Priest) Greater Heal, Shadow Psychic Link
46 Discipline Dark Archangel, Holy (Priest) Ray of Hope, Shadow Void Shift

Suggested professions[]

  • Tailoring [Tailoring] and Enchanting [Enchanting] are logical choices for any class that wears cloth armor. This allows crafting decent armor as one levels and various enchants from [disenchanting] created items as one levels. Tailoring also increases cloth drops at higher levels.
  • Alchemy [Alchemy] can be useful for non-Holy spec who need quick potion heals and various buffs from elixirs and flasks. This profession is also good all around for making money and supplying guild runs.
  • Herbalism [Herbalism] provides ingredients for Alchemy [Alchemy] and Inscription [Inscription]. This profession is also good all around for making money.
  • Cooking [Cooking] is good for non-combat health regeneration and provides good buff foods.
  • First Aid [First Aid] is good for for in-combat health regeneration and low downtime regeneration. For healing specs it saves precious mana for heal spells.
  • Fishing [Fishing] is good for leveling cooking.

Tactics[]

Main article: Priest tactics

Priests are generally regarded as a tough class to play in PvP, but they are highly desired in battlegrounds. They are arguably one of the best healers in the game and a great utility class. While the discipline and holy specializations focus on making very strong healers, the shadow specialization focuses on damage dealing while restoring the party's health and mana at the same time.

Many players regard healing priests as being the jack-of-all-trades healing class due to the great diversity of healing spells at their disposal. This includes Direct Heal, Heal over time, Area of Effect healing, and the ability to shield targets from damage. Due to this great diversity, a healing priest can heal any encounter while other healing classes may find it more difficult.

Healing priest tactics generally involve conserving mana while choosing the ideal time to heal. Priests must decide which spell to use and at what time. While Flash Heal and Power Word: Shield may be very mana-intensive, they are excellent methods to quickly rescue someone from death. Many priests use a tactic known as stopcasting. In this method, the priest will constantly use Heal; however, if in the 2.5-second cast time the target never takes sufficient damage, the priest will cancel the heal before it goes off and begin recasting.

The goal of a shadow priest is to keep a series of spells with unique cooldowns and durations going constantly. They must cycle through several direct damage, channeled, and damage over time spells. A shadow priest is unique in that Vampiric Embrace restores health to the priest's entire party, which is based upon the damage the priest deals.

End-game expectations[]

Though many priests found themselves originally pigeonholed into a single role in classic World of Warcraft, many are experiencing greater freedom in a post-Burning Crusade raiding environment. Priests are capable of filling both healing and damage-dealing roles, depending on the priest's spec and the need of the raid. This flexibility is further aided by the increased debuff cap, making it easier to allow multiple shadow priests to contribute without being detrimental to a raid.

End game healing[]

Proficient and skilled healers are highly valued, capable of utilizing a variety of heals and numerous buffs that benefit raiders such as Power Word: Shield. Considered by some to be mana-inefficient when compared with other healing classes, the introduction of the Shadowfiend in the Burning Crusade allowed a healing priest to regain a significant amount of mana used to continue healing while providing negligible damage against one target. Spirit of Redemption allows holy priests to continue casting healing spells on a raid for 15 seconds beyond death with no mana expense.

For Discipline priests, their strength lies in preventing damage. They cannot put out as much raw healing as holy priests can. They prefer to strengthen allies and prevent damage from happening by shielding others. Discipline priests are capable of healing multiple targets, but in a large group their role will usually be to keep the main tank alive. Their specialization focuses on protection. While healing priests do not possess the raid healing output of a druid or the tank healing capabilities of a holy paladin, priests are incredibly proficient at both of theses roles, earning them the name "The jack of all trades, master of none".

End-game damage dealing[]

Shadow priests are a very dangerous encounter for their enemies. Players should not lose concentration while fighting a shadow priest as they're able to CC their targets, damage them, and have a Mana/HP recovery - everything at once. The strength and versatility of a shadow priest has been recognized as an invaluable asset in both five-mans and raids. A shadow priest is capable of contributing significant damage as well as providing a variety of buffs and debuffs that benefit the group as a whole. Vampiric Embrace gives a portion of the shadow priest's single-target shadow damage as a group-wide heal that can aid in keeping the health of group members up; this can be especially helpful when grouped with a tank and warlocks who Life Tap frequently, as well as rogues and Feral druids performing melee damage.

In addition to providing significant damage and buffs, shadow priests have the flexibility to drop out of Shadowform and provide backup healing if the situation warrants, though they typically suffer from reduced bonus healing.

Notes[]

Media[]

Videos[]

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ World of Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game, 70
  2. ^ World of Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game Conversion Document, 1-2

External links[]

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