If they made a new class in the future, what would it be?

[EyelessCrow]

Give DKs the warlock treatment and make a necromancer class. Shit could probably give warlocks the warlock treatment for some skills too.

[Triceron]

Which they have stated is one of their requirements for class inclusion.

They never said it was a requirement. They just happened to match the setting. Monks had zero relevance to the MoP story otherwise; the story already explained them coming from a completely different place; the Wandering Isle. The Wandering Isle and the Pandarens could have been introduced to the world at any time. It's actually a HUGE coincidence that they happened to come out into the world at the same time that the Alliance and Horde discover Pandaria. Even the Cataclysm couldn't explain this happening all at once, since by all means it should have happened *during* the Cataclysm and not immediately after.

And again, Worgen, Goblins, Dark Iron and Mag'har all didn't fit the theme or settings of the expansions they were introduced in. So off the bat, it's not a requirement to fit an expansion theme as long as they fit the story being told. Dark Rangers fit the setting but they didn't fit the story being told. They deliberately chose not to write in a Dark Ranger arc even though they could have.

It would appear that based on WotLK, MoP, and Legion a new class

Based on appearances, we should have had *any* new class this expansion based on the pattern of having one every second expansion. We can clearly see that Blizzard has chosen to break the pattern completely. Theme, setting, none of that seems to matter right now because they chose not to bring out any new class or choose a setting that would fit a new class.

With that said, if Sylvanas isn't in the picture, all you have left are undead Hunters

We have Delaryn Summermoon and Velonara? Arthas died, Illidan is offfworld and we still have both Death Knights and Demon Hunters. I don't see the issue here.

If we're looking at WC3 Dark Ranger abilities, Warlocks still have Drain Life and Priests still have Silence. If we look at Dark Ranger NPCs in WoW their abilities aren't significantly different than the Hunter class and wouldn't be out of place in any Hunter spec. So instead of creating a Dark Ranger class based on discarded Hunter abilities, you can just place those abilities there.

There is nothing in the game that lets you play as a Dark Ranger right now. If Blizzard was interested in making a spec or anything out of the Hunter, I'm pretty sure they would have also done that in Shadowlands. The fact that Blizzard took out ALL Dark Ranger elements out of the Hunter is pretty clear that they aren't Dark Rangers.

I'm not asking what they *could* do, since it's just as easy for them to make a new class altogether instead of shoehorning the concept into an existing class the way Xelnath tried making Demon Hunters out of Warlocks. We already saw that shoehorning concepts into another class doesn't work, and just ends up having classes be gutted. I would guess this is why they decided to remove Black Arrow from the Hunter talents once again.

[Teriz]

They never said it was a requirement. They just happened to match the setting. Monks had zero relevance to the MoP story otherwise; the story already explained them coming from a completely different place; the Wandering Isle. The Wandering Isle and the Pandarens could have been introduced to the world at any time. It's actually a HUGE coincidence that they happened to come out into the world at the same time that the Alliance and Horde discover Pandaria. Even the Cataclysm couldn't explain this happening all at once, since by all means it should have happened *during* the Cataclysm and not immediately after.

Feel free to put Blizzard's quote up if you like. They say quite clearly that new classes are informed by the setting and the story. Monks fit the story and setting of MoP (they are Pandren Monks after all), thus they were brought in for class inclusion. Yes, they could have been brought in at any point, but Blizzard purposely brought them in during the Pandaren expansion with Chen Stormstout on the cover box of said expansion.

Based on appearances, we should have had *any* new class this expansion based on the pattern of having one every second expansion. We can clearly see that Blizzard has chosen to break the pattern completely. Theme, setting, none of that seems to matter right now because they chose not to bring out any new class or choose a setting that would fit a new class.

They clearly chose not to bring out any new class because no class in their list of future classes is a death-themed class.

It's actually very simple.

We have Delaryn Summermoon and Velonara? Arthas died, Illidan is offfworld and we still have both Death Knights and Demon Hunters. I don't see the issue here.

Neither of those characters are any different than your standard Hunter, and they certainly aren't major lore characters. Also Velonara appears in Trueshot lodge, just like every other Hunter character.

There is nothing in the game that lets you play as a Dark Ranger right now. If Blizzard was interested in making a spec or anything out of the Hunter, I'm pretty sure they would have also done that in Shadowlands. The fact that Blizzard took out ALL Dark Ranger elements out of the Hunter is pretty clear that they aren't Dark Rangers.

I'm not asking what they *could* do, since it's just as easy for them to make a new class altogether instead of shoehorning the concept into an existing class the way Xelnath tried making Demon Hunters out of Warlocks. We already saw that shoehorning concepts into another class doesn't work, and just ends up having classes be gutted. I would guess this is why they decided to remove Black Arrow from the Hunter talents once again.

Except you really don't have to shoehorn anything to make a Hunter a "Dark Ranger", all you need to do is add some shadow-based arrows to the MM talent tree, or give MM a max-level talent that changes a set of their shots (2-3) into shadow-themed shots and you're there. No need for a new class when it's that easy.

- - - Updated - - -

Give DKs the warlock treatment and make a necromancer class. Shit could probably give warlocks the warlock treatment for some skills too.

Thankfully that doesn't appear to be happening.

Anyone looking to play a Necromancer should strongly consider playing an Unholy DK. It's really doing the Necromancer thing quite well. If you want to play a caster that summons evil minions, Warlock is also quite good at summoning an army of evil.

Either way, when you look at what's available in the class lineup, it's easy to see why they didn't bring a Necromancer into WoW.

[Triceron]

They say quite clearly that new classes are informed by the setting and the story.

Classes AND Races. And we have examples of Races that didn't fit both, just one or the other.

With Dark Rangers, Blizzard chose not to write them into the Shadowlands, so they don't fit in the story. Honestly, I don't see why they chose this, but again we're all baffled by the lack of any new class this expansion and only Blizzard has their reasons why. We don't know why they chose Covenants over any new class.

They clearly chose not to bring out any new class because no class in their list of future classes is a death-themed class.

Frankly the story is just at its beginning that we don't know what will really happen to the Life/Death cycle by the end of the expansion. If they plan to break that cycle then it's hard to add in a Death-themed class when the expansion happens to be about getting rid of 'Death' altogether. It's already being set into motion with Sylvanas' plans.

It'd be like suggesting Cataclysm was a perfect time for Dragonsworn since it had Deathwing and the Aspects in it. Sure it's thematic, but we also didn't know the Aspects were all going to lose their Aspect powers by the end of the expansion, making it anti-climactic to add a Dragon-themed class. They wouldn't have fit the story very well.

Except you really don't have to shoehorn anything to make a Hunter a "Dark Ranger", all you need to do is add some shadow-based arrows to the MM talent tree, or give MM a max-level talent that changes a set of their arrows into shadow-themed arrows and you're there. No need for a class when it's that easy.

So where is it now? How do you play a Dark Ranger right now?

It's not about whether it'd be easy or not, since we could say that giving Professions class abilities (like Covenants) would be easy, but it'd also be unrealistic.

[Traveler Voltin]

So you are saying that the possibility of Pure DPS queueing as tanks/healers because they would be Hybrids instead, would not reduce queue timers? I know not all Pure DPS would want to tank or heal, but I am sure a lot of players would do it just to reduce the queue timers for LFG/LFR.

The lack of tank/healers has nothing to do with the amount of tanking/healing options.

Its the community being jerks to tanks/healers that created the lack of tanks.

[Teriz]

Classes AND Races. And we have examples of Races that didn't fit both, just one or the other.

In your opinion.

With Dark Rangers, Blizzard chose not to write them into the Shadowlands, so they don't fit in the story. Honestly, I don't see why they chose this, but again we're all baffled by the lack of any new class this expansion and only Blizzard has their reasons why. We don't know why they chose Covenants over any new class.

They chose it because they never intended for Dark Rangers to be a stand alone class. Again, it really is that simple.

If it's clear then why didn't they outright say it? If it's clear then they could make a blatant statement just like 'We have no plans on a Demon Hunter class' and be done with it right?

Why would they need to though? To satisfy a few fans who can't accept reality?

And frankly the story is just at its beginning that we don't know what will really happen to the Life/Death cycle by the end of the expansion.

There won't be a new class introduced in the middle or end of this expansion, and the next expansion is going to be a different theme and setting entirely. Nathanos and Sylvanas will both either be dead or gone by the end of this expansion as well. Thus, while it isn't impossible, it would be rather odd to introduce a Dark Ranger class in the next expansion instead of doing it during this expansion.

So where is it now? How do you play a Dark Ranger right now?

You first need to decide what you think a Dark Ranger is. Are we talking about the Sylvanas version, or the Nathanos/Velonara/ Summermoon/Clea/Anya/Cinada/etc. version?

If you're talking about the latter, just play a Forsaken Hunter, or an Elf Hunter with very pale skin. Thanks to the new customization options, you can make your elf look quite undead.

You're suggesting things that aren't in the game as a precedent for not needing it in the game. That's like if I said Engineering could be given scaling Class Abilities and you wouldn't need a Tinker. There's really nothing to suggest this would ever happen.

Except I'm talking about something Blizzard has already done (given Hunters shadow-based shot abilities/Blizzard giving max talents that alter the effects of standard abilities), while you're talking about something that would break the game completely. I hope you understand how absurd your comparison truly is.

[Triceron]

In your opinion.

My opinion based on facts we have right now, yes.

Dark Iron and Mag'har have no connection to the BFA themes of exploring Islands in the South and Great Seas. They had no direct stake in the War against Sylvanas, especially not the Mag'har who were in a different world entirely.

They chose it because they never intended for Dark Rangers to be a stand alone class. Again, it really is that simple.

Then why take away Black Arrow from the Hunters? They seem to not intend the Dark Rangers to be connected to the Hunter class at all either.

You first need to decide what you think a Dark Ranger is. Are we talking about the Sylvanas version, or the Nathanos/Velonara/ Summermoon/Clea/Anya/Cinada/etc. version?

If you're talking about the latter, just play a Forsaken Hunter, or an Elf Hunter with very pale skin. Thanks to the new customization options, you can make your elf look quite undead.

There is also the Warcraft 3 and Heroes of the Storm Dark Ranger which the gameplay could be based on. Right now, Dark Rangers in WOW are depicted as NPCs with very few unique abilities, whereas in WC3 and HOTS they are the same named characters who have a slew of magical abilities that aren't shown in WC3. There's quite a disconnect in gameplay.

Story-wise, they only need to be connected to existing Dark Rangers in the lore. Sylvanas is no different than the level of disconnect between Player Classes and Arthas or Illidan; there's no longer any direct connection needed.

Except I'm talking about something Blizzard has already done (given Hunters shadow-based shot abilities/Blizzard giving max talents that alter the effects of standard abilities), while you're talking about something that would break the game completely. I hope you understand how absurd your comparison truly is.

You said they could easily make a spec. They've never made a 4th DPS spec for Hunters. They frankly never will.

And yes, I did make an absurd example to directly compare to what you've been suggesting. I'm glad you can recognize the absurdity in it.

[Teriz]

My opinion based on facts we have right now, yes.

You saying the races don't fit the expansion is completely your opinion.

Dark Iron and Mag'har have no connection to the BFA themes of exploring Islands in the South and Great Seas. They had no direct stake in the War against Sylvanas, especially not the Mag'har who were in a different world entirely.

Fourth War, both sides need allies, they recruit various races for the war effort. Simple.

Then why take away Black Arrow from the Hunters? They seem to not intend the Dark Rangers to be connected to the Hunter class at all either.

Because it was a terrible talent that no one took. Serpent Sting (it's replacement) is infinitely better.

There is also the Warcraft 3 and Heroes of the Storm Dark Ranger which the gameplay could be based on. Right now, Dark Rangers in WOW are depicted as NPCs with very few unique abilities, whereas in WC3 and HOTS they are the same named characters who have a slew of magical abilities that aren't shown in WC3. There's quite a disconnect in gameplay.

You mean the WC3 hero with Drain Life, Silence and Charm, abilities no current Dark Ranger has?

You mean the HotS Sylvanas who once again is more than likely gone after this expansion?

You said they could easily make a spec. They've never made a 4th DPS spec for Hunters. They frankly never will.

And yes, I did make an absurd example to directly compare to what you've been suggesting. I'm glad you can recognize the absurdity in it.

Except I never said make it a 4th spec. I said add those abilities to the MM Hunter spec in the form of talents. Black Arrow was a MM talent, as was the removed beta Dark Ranger talent, so it would be an appropriate place to put those types of talents. Again, it's something Blizzard has already done, and it's no different than what they do with talents in general.

You on the other hand want to give a profession class abilities which would break the profession system as well as classes. Thus breaking the entire game.

[Triceron]

You saying the races don't fit the expansion is completely your opinion.

They didn't fit the theme of the expansions, but they definitely fit the story. Despite having no direct ties to the war or to exploring islands, they were added to both sides because of an ongoing war and a need for allies.

You said it was a requirement to fit the themes of the expansion, and I said here we have examples of ones that only fit the story to show you it's not a requirement, it's just one of many factors. The story seems to take precedent over theme in this case.

You mean the HotS Sylvanas who once again is more than likely gone after this expansion?

Yes, and a Dark Ranger class can still take up those abilities because Sylvanas isn't the only Dark Ranger in the Warcraft universe.

Except I never said make it a 4th spec. I said add those abilities to the MM Hunter spec in the form of talents. Black Arrow was a MM talent, as was the removed beta Dark Ranger talent, so it would be an appropriate place to put those types of talents. Again, it's something Blizzard has already done, and it's no different than what they do with talents in general.

You on the other hand want to give a profession class abilities which would break the profession system as well as classes. Thus breaking the entire game.

Warlocks already had Metamorphosis, what you are suggesting is another Warlock-with-Metamorphosis situation.

If Dark Rangers were already Hunters then Blizzard would have doubled down on the connections instead of removed them, especially in a Death themed expansion that gives all Hunters Necromantic abilities.

Why would Blizzard give Hunters Necromantic abilities after Shadowlands?

[Teriz]

They didn't fit the theme of the expansions, but they definitely fit the story. Despite having no direct ties to the war or to exploring islands, they were added to both sides because of an ongoing war and a need for allies.

The theme of the expansion is war, and the factions seeking new allies. Again, what’s the issue here?

You said it was a requirement to fit the themes of the expansion, and I said here we have examples of ones that only fit the story to show you it's not a requirement, it's just one of many factors. The story seems to take precedent over theme in this case.

The story is part of a theme. And again, the theme of BFA was a war and seeking new allies.

Yes, and a Dark Ranger class can still take up those abilities because Sylvanas isn't the only Dark Ranger in the Warcraft universe.

Oh? Name another Dark Ranger in the WCU with Banshee abilities.

Warlocks already had Metamorphosis, what you are suggesting is another Warlock-with-Metamorphosis situation.

Hunters had Black Arrow in vanilla WoW, so no it’s not the same as Warlocks and Meta.

If Dark Rangers were already Hunters then Blizzard would have doubled down on the connections instead of removed them, especially in a Death themed expansion that gives all Hunters Necromantic abilities.

In your opinion.

Why would Blizzard give Hunters Necromantic abilities after Shadowlands?

They don’t need to give them necromantic abilities. They can just give them a few shadow-based shots. However, in all seriousness they don’t even need that, because there’s plenty of evidence to suggest that the only thing that makes you a “Dark Ranger” is being an undead Hunter. No different really than a Paladin and a Blood Knight.

[Triceron]

The theme of the expansion is war, and the factions seeking new allies. Again, what’s the issue here?

That the story of Shadowlands isn't about adding Dark Rangers or any Class for that matter.

Oh? Name another Dark Ranger in the WCU with Banshee abilities.

What does Banshee abilities have to do with Dark Rangers in the WCU?

Warcraft 3 is where the root concept comes from, Heroes of the Storm popularizes with expanded gameplay. That's what would influence a playable Dark Ranger class. Just like how Frost and Blood abilities didn't exist on any DK prior to Arthas and the Wrath DK's.

We don't know any lore behind Dark Rangers other than what we've been shown, and frankly there's huge gaps in showing how they're actually created and what powers they are capable of. Delaryn Summermoon literally just appeared as a Dark Ranger after she died in the Sylvanas cinematic.

Hunters had Black Arrow in vanilla WoW, so no it’s not the same as Warlocks and Meta.

What Hunters had back doesn't answer how you can you play as a Dark Ranger now.

The Dark Ranger has become absent from the current line, and there's no point in assuming that one ability would replace the demand for a class.

It's the same as Warlocks and Meta in assuming that everyone will be happy as long as the gameplay ability exists. You're the only one who believes this.

They don’t need to give them necromantic abilities.

Then it's not a Dark Ranger.

[Teriz]

That the story of Shadowlands isn't about adding Dark Rangers or any Class for that matter.

Neither was MoP’s.

What does Banshee abilities have to do with Dark Rangers in the WCU?

Charm, which was actually a form of possession. Priests have that thematic. Another reason not to add Dark Rangers as a class.

Warcraft 3 is where the root concept comes from, Heroes of the Storm popularizes with expanded gameplay. That's what would influence a playable Dark Ranger class. Just like how Frost and Blood abilities didn't exist on any DK prior to Arthas and the Wrath DK's.

But again, that’s Sylvanas. No other Dark Ranger has those abilities. Not even Nathanos.

We don't know any lore behind Dark Rangers other than what we've been shown, and frankly there's huge gaps in showing how they're actually created and what powers they are capable of. Delaryn Summermoon literally just appeared as a Dark Ranger after she died in the Sylvanas cinematic.

Uh read the lore. There’s quite a bit about her. She doesn’t have Banshee powers.

What Hunters had back doesn't answer how you can you play as a Dark Ranger now.

The Dark Ranger has become absent from the current line, and there's no point in assuming that one ability would replace the demand for a class.

It's the same as Warlocks and Meta in assuming that everyone will be happy as long as the gameplay ability exists. You're the only one who believes this.

Again, we have Dark Rangers in the Hunter class hall, Nathanos as a Hunter class trainer, Black Arrow in the Hunter class since Vanilla, and outside of Sylvanas, Blizzard has made no clear distinction between Hunters and your typical Dark Ranger.

The writings on the wall.

Then it's not a Dark Ranger.

Summermoon, your new Dark Ranger avatar and Nathanos don’t have necromancer powers either.

[Triceron]

But again, that’s Sylvanas. No other Dark Ranger has those abilities. Not even Nathanos.

Are we talking about a Dark Ranger class or are we talking about Dark Ranger NPCs here?

I think you are confusing the two since NPC abilities have nothing to do with the WC3 and Heroes of the Storm abilities that are lacking from the game right now.

Again, we have Dark Rangers in the Hunter class hall, Nathanos as a Hunter class trainer, Black Arrow in the Hunter class since Vanilla, and outside of Sylvanas, Blizzard has made no clear distinction between Hunters and your typical Dark Ranger.

So where is the playable Dark Ranger right now? You keep dodging the question even though you assert that there's no room for one.

Summermoon, your new Dark Ranger avatar and Nathanos don’t have necromancer powers either.

Sure they do.

Dark Rangers have been shown to have Life Drain and the ability to summon Dark Minions, both which are Necromantic abilities. Summermoon and Blightcaller are both Dark Rangers.

It's little different than assuming Malfurion doesn't have shapeshifting. Well, he always could, we just never saw it until he did it in BFA. It's part of being a Druid. You're just assuming they don't have necromantic abilities despite them being specifically referred to a class that is known to use necromantic abilities.

Nathanos is a bit ambiguous though, since he is technically a Dark Ranger but his title has always been Ranger Lord and he does not seem to take up the Dark Ranger title anywhere in the lore. I can't say I'm too well versed in Blightcaller's lore.

[Teriz]

Are we talking about a Dark Ranger class or are we talking about Dark Ranger NPCs here?

I think you are confusing the two since NPC abilities have nothing to do with the WC3 and Heroes of the Storm abilities that are lacking from the game right now.

And the WC3 hero's abilities have been divided up between multiple classes. The HotS abilities only apply to Sylvanas. WoW's lore has indicated that only Sylvanas is a Banshee-based DR and the rest are simply Forsaken Hunters. This has been backed up by their placement within the Hunter class at multiple levels. Now Sylvanas herself isn't even really a Dark Ranger anymore due to her being seemingly imbued with powers from the Jailer. So even that link is gone.

You can ignore this if you want, but that's the way it is.

So where is the playable Dark Ranger right now? You keep dodging the question even though you assert that there's no room for one.

In the Hunter class.

Sure they do.

Such as?

[Triceron]

You can ignore this if you want, but that's the way it is.

Sure, I probably will since it isn't relevant at all to a new class. Monks didn't seem to be affected by Chen being or not being in the story; they all derive from the Pandarens of the Wandering Isles in the lore.

The connection you're trying to make is like saying Demon Hunters can't have horns or wings because Illidan was the only one shown with them. It didn't stop Demon Hunters from getting them, and they even altered NPCs like Altruis to reflect the change in the lore.

Same would apply here; you're just arguing that X class can't have their own abilities because they're either absent or being used by other classes. We already went through this once with Death Knights, and again with Demon Hunters. Why keep pushing an argument you know has been proven wrong?

In the Hunter class.

How?

There are zero Dark Ranger abilities in the Hunter class in this Death-themed expansion where every class has been given Necromantic abilities. Curious isn't it?

Such as?

Everything a Dark Ranger can do in WC3, which they are classified as.

Druids do Druid things. If Malfurion doesn't use shapeshifting until BFA, it doesn't mean he *just learned* how to shapeshift now. He's always had it, he just chose never to use it.

Dark Rangers having Dark Ranger abilities would only be common sense.

[Teriz]

Sure, I probably will since it isn't relevant at all to a new class. Monks didn't seem to be affected by Chen being or not being in the story; they all derive from the Pandarens of the Wandering Isles in the lore.

Yet Chen WAS in the story, and the Monk class fit the theme of the expansion.

You completely ignored this question so I'll ask again; If Shadowlands doesn't fit for a Dark Ranger introduction, with Sylvanas defeating the Lich King in the opening cinematic, Nathanos gets killed by Tyrande to be with Sylvanas in the Maw, and the Forsaken race undergoing a leadership shift, in what expansion could such a class be possible/make sense?

The connection you're trying to make is like saying Demon Hunters can't have horns or wings because Illidan was the only one shown with them. It didn't stop Demon Hunters from getting them, and they even altered NPCs like Altruis to reflect the change in the lore.

Same would apply here; you're just arguing that we can't have X class because we don't already have X class. Abilities were distributed to other classes? Again, Demon Hunter. Already happened. You were wrong already, using the same argument twice won't make you right. Fool me- can't get fooled again.

Another bad comparison. You're comparing cosmetics to abilities. If the Illidari were shown not to possess any demonic abilities displayed by Illidan and they were shown to be nothing more than wannabes with Rogue abilities and that's it, they'd be in the same situation that all of these Dark Rangers are in. However, instead we had multiple Illidari with Metamorphosis and WC3 Demon Hunter abilities, so clearly Illidan's abilities were transferrable to others, giving a foundation of a possible class.

Further, Illidan himself didn't start out with horns and wings, he got those after consuming the skull. Illidan originally looked like this;

There are zero Dark Ranger abilities in the Hunter class in this Death-themed expansion where every class has been given Necromantic abilities. Curious isn't it?

What exactly is a Dark Ranger ability? Black Arrow? Daelyn Summermoon doesn't have Black Arrow. Nathanos also doesn't have Black Arrow. So, what abilities are we looking for here that would designate someone as a "Dark Ranger"?

In fact, the ONLY thing consistent in this "class" is the fact that they're all undead, which leads us back to the very real possibility that "Dark Ranger" is nothing more than a racial identifier for the Hunter class.

Which probably explains why Undead Hunters can now tame Undead pets.

Everything a Dark Ranger can do in WC3, which they are classified as.

Druids do Druid things. If Malfurion doesn't use shapeshifting until BFA, it doesn't mean he *just learned* how to shapeshift now. He's always had it, he just chose never to use it.

Dark Rangers having Dark Ranger abilities would only be common sense.

Again, what Dark Ranger abilities would those be?

[Traveler Voltin]

in WC3 Dark rangers were female elven banshees that possessed their own bodies like Sylvanas.
In WoW it seems like they got down graded to just elite hunters.

[Triceron]

If Shadowlands doesn't fit for a Dark Ranger introduction

Blizzard devs collectedly decided that no class jumped out at the story that they wanted to explore in the Shadowlands.

It doesn't mean they *couldn't* fit, or that they *don't* fit, it's that nothing jumped out. The reason why you can't answer your own question is because you're asking the wrong one. We already have a clear answer that it was their decision not to pursue a class this expansion, that's all.

The answers you're looking for are already clearly explained.

If the Illidari were shown not to possess any demonic abilities displayed by Illidan and they were shown to be nothing more than wannabes with Rogue abilities and that's it, they'd be in the same situation that all of these Dark Rangers are in.

Er, that's exactly what the supplicants outside of Black Temple were.

What exactly is a Dark Ranger ability?
Again, what Dark Ranger abilities would those be?

They're whatever Blizzard wants to give a Dark Ranger.

I mean, shouldn't it be obvious?

When asking what a Death Knight ability is, then we have to look at what a Death Knight has. It isn't as simple as 'Death Coil, Death Pact and Animate Dead'. Those aren't what we associate the WoW DK with today; they're way more influenced by new abilities like Howling Blast, Death Grip and Death and Decay.

Same with Demon Hunters. Most of the abilities we associate with the class didn't even exist, like double jump/wing glide, Eyebeams and the dashing attacks they have.

Just pointing at one or two WC3 or Heroes of the Storm abilities isn't quite going to satisfy anyone's demand for a Dark Ranger. And if we're talking about their abilities, then we're talking about stuff that fits their theme; Necromantic, Banshee and Shadowy magic abilities.

Which probably explains why Undead Hunters can now tame Undead pets.

Yes, because they are Hunters. Same as Goblins and Gnomes taming Mech pets. That's what Hunters do.

- - - Updated - - -

in WC3 Dark rangers were female elven banshees that possessed their own bodies like Sylvanas.
In WoW it seems like they got down graded to just elite hunters.

Yes, much in the same way Tinkers all became vendors, boss NPCs and quest givers. It's unfortunate eh? WoW could do so much more for these classes.

[Traveler Voltin]

Yes, much in the same way Tinkers all became vendors, boss NPCs and quest givers. It's unfortunate eh? WoW could do so much more for these classes.

i get it. you hate tinkers stop bringing them up.
tinkers are not vendors. that is headcanon.

[Teriz]

Blizzard devs collectedly decided that no class jumped out at the story that they wanted to explore in the Shadowlands.

It doesn't mean they *couldn't* fit, or that they *don't* fit, it's that nothing jumped out. The reason why you can't answer your own question is because you're asking the wrong one. We already have a clear answer that it was their decision not to pursue a class this expansion, that's all.

Oh, I can answer my own question just fine; If Dark Rangers and Necromancers "don't jump out" in an expansion like Shadowlands, that means they weren't on the menu in the first place.

Now, please answer my question.

Er, that's exactly what the supplicants outside of Black Temple were.

I'm not talking about them though. I'm talking about Netheral, Varedis, and Theras, who were Demon Hunters trained by Illidan, and had his abilities.

They're whatever Blizzard wants to give a Dark Ranger.

What

I mean, shouldn't it be obvious?

When asking what a Death Knight ability is, then we have to look at what a Death Knight has. It isn't as simple as 'Death Coil, Death Pact and Animate Dead'. Those aren't what we associate the WoW DK with today; they're way more influenced by new abilities like Howling Blast, Death Grip and Death and Decay.

Same with Demon Hunters. Most of the abilities we associate with the class didn't even exist, like double jump/wing glide, Eyebeams and the dashing attacks they have.

Just pointing at one or two WC3 or Heroes of the Storm abilities isn't quite going to satisfy anyone's demand for a Dark Ranger. And if we're talking about their abilities, then we're talking about stuff that fits their theme; Necromantic, Banshee and Shadowy magic abilities.

And once again you're not answering the question, and you really can't answer the question because there is no defined Dark Ranger ability. That's by design. Just like Blizzard stuffing them into the Hunter class hall, making Nathanos a Hunter trainer, making the Dark Ranger hood a Hunter exclusive item, etc.

Yes, much in the same way Tinkers all became vendors, boss NPCs and quest givers. It's unfortunate eh? WoW could do so much more for these classes.

You mean like how Brewmasters all became vendors and quest givers before MoP?