Cowssaymoo Wrote:Can't only Necromancers heal undead?
Ding, ding, ding! While it's not the only way that Forsaken can be healed, the necromancers of the Undercity are definitely one very visible method. It's also a very interesting twist on what is normally perceived to be an
evil pursuit; within Forsaken society, necromancers are not just tolerated but also embraced due to the good that they can do for its people! Unfortunately, there is evidence that Sylvanas is having difficulties recruiting more necromancers to her cause as many resort to demon cults or even the Scourge to obtain more power.
According to the
WoWWiki article on Necromancer:
Quote:The Dark Lady, Sylvanas Windrunner, realized how valuable necromancy was to their cause. Though Forsaken heal naturally, many go to the priests of the Forgotten Shadow for "repairs". Necromancers can also free enslaved, mindless undead and research powerful spells that might one day return the Forsaken to life. Sylvanas knew she needed necromancers to heal, strengthen and replace her people, and she set about wooing necromancers away from the Scourge, mainly by force.
Regarding Forsaken use of the Light, there have been many examples of the species being unable to wield the Light. I'm of the opinion that this is more cultural than biological; the vast majority of the Forsaken feel that the Light has forsaken them (how else can they justify the atrocities that have happened to them?) and so they have turned their backs on their former beliefs. While priests aren't exactly like paladins, there is still evidence that belief can influence its use and its effectiveness. So, if former priests of the Light no longer believe in the Light, it would be logical to assume that it wouldn't work for them.
Of course, this has resulted in a culture that is not just adverse to the Light but also chooses to publicly mock it and even outright attack those who still follow the Light. They're the sole group to give rise to Lightslayers -- essentially, zealous assassins who specifically target followers of the Light!
Unfortunately, I think this is a case where game mechanics and balancing issues have created a clash with the lore of the Warcraft universe. Because unduly restricting Forsaken characters from the Holy and Discipline trees would cause balance issues, no such barrier is in place.
I'm of the opinion that Forsaken
can most likely wield the Light. However, it's ridiculously rare due to the beliefs into which the vast majority of their people have been indoctrinated. Use of the Light isn't just uncommon; it's not allowed by many of their organizations. An individual publically using the Light in front of others would most likely find himself in dire peril in a short time. Furthermore, perpetuation of the belief that the Light has turned its back on them has essentially stifled the likelihood of any Forsaken being able to wield the Light consistently.
From the Horde player's guide, we have this discussion:
Quote:"You wear the robes of a priest, Trevor. Why do you not channel the Light in battle, if you seek redemption?"
The priest seemed to wince at that. "While I refuse to wield the shadow, the Light has refused me, or so it seems. And so, I am truly a broken man; I learned to wield spears of Light like Uther's knights did in the Second. Without the Light, I am unarmed and unarmored -- but not entirely helpless, as you see."
Andarin couldn't help but feel a little sorry for the fallen priest, if his story was true. Perhaps a man, no matter how virtuous, could not channel holy power while in such a form.
While Trevor may still consider himself a priest of the Light, he is unable to wield his powers. I think it's important to emphasize, however, that he
believes that the Light has refused him. This may not necessarily be the truth; instead, it might be a self-fulfilling prophecy. He believes that the Light has refused him and so he doesn't fully believe that he would be able to wield the Light when he did try. Without that faith to sustain his powers, he can't use the Light.
It is also important to consider that the vast majority (but by no means
all) of the Forsaken are essentially portrayed as being evil; they are performing evil acts. I think that this is
not a case of a group of people believing that that what they're doing is good. Instead, I think that they're lashing out because of what has happened to them. The events of the last decade have bred a culture that embraces the Shadow and its people willingly do evil as a result.
Edit:
Volshi Wrote:So the idea of a forsaken priest is pretty pointless then? >.>
Loathe as I am to make my already-long post even longer, I do want to touch on this.
Forsaken priests are primarily followers of the Shadow. If you'd like to follow that path, you may want to do research on the
Cult of the Forgotten Shadow. They are the sole organized Forsaken religion. They are die-hard followers of the Shadow and thoroughly hate the Light and those who wield it. It does provide a wonderful source of roleplay.
As I noted earlier, I am of the opinion that a Light-based priest
is possible in Forsaken society. However, repeated application of the idea that the Light has turned its back on the people and a culture that has chosen to revere the Shadow (and may violently treat those who wield the Light) would make the likelihood of this
very minuscule.
It may be fun to pursue a Holy priest in Forsaken society (I personally love the idea of the tragic Holy priest), but you would have to be aware of the limiting constraints that would be in place. You have one of two paths available to you:
- A Holy priest who is unable to wield the Light but still conforms to the beliefs of his faith and
- A practicing Holy priest who is able to wield the Light.
In both situations, revelation of what your character is would mostly likely make you a target within Forsaken lands (and maybe even outside!). In particular, rabid followers of the Shadow would see your character's practices as a betrayal against his people. Practitioners of the Cult of the Forgotten Shadow may hunt you down and it wouldn't be too far-fetched to believe that a Lightslayer who learns of your character would decide to kill him. Embracing the Light (even if your character couldn't use it) would be pretty darned close to being the ultimate betrayal of the Forsaken. The only thing that I could think of being worse would be to return to the Scourge.
Of course, the aforementioned character would also provide ridiculous opportunity for roleplay and I can already see a number of potential storylines and plots that could arise from such a character!