Shadow Hunter Class Concept 2024

[Teriz]

Shadow Hunter Class



Part I: Introduction

The Shadow Hunter is a physical ranged class heavily influenced by the various troll races of Warcraft. Essentially it is to trolls what the Demon Hunter class is to elves, only far more inclusive and expansive. This class should have three specs and utilize multiple troll races. The class primarily utilizes throwing weapons, voodoo magic, Wards, Rush'ka masks, and the dark loas of the troll civilization.

Troll only?



Yes, this class would be troll only. I understand that this would be a controversial decision, but after much discussion, I came to the conclusion that the best way to express this class was to keep it troll only and not water down the concept with substitutions for voodoo or the loa. Within troll society, Shadow Hunters are highly regarded and I simply felt that it would be a disservice to the lore to include non-trolls into this class. In Voljin Shadows of the Horde the Loa explained that Shadow hunters are the religious heart of the Loa centric Troll culture ... A shadow hunter guides, preserves and defines what it means to be a Troll. That to me meant that only a troll could and should be this class.



So what does this mean for the Alliance who has no playable trolls on their faction? IF this class were ever brought into the game, it is rather obvious that we would be dealing with an expansion that revolves around trolls in some way, shape, or form. Because of this, it would be expected that a new neutral troll race would enter the picture and be playable by both factions. I believe that race would be Amani Trolls. Via this, the Horde would have 3 available troll races, while the Alliance only has one. Again, I believe lorewise this makes sense because Shadow Hunters are definitely more Horde-themed than Alliance themed, and Vol'jin the model for the Shadow Hunter was always horde-based, so the horde should get more options than their Alliance counterparts.

TBF, I often dismissed this class concept because I simply couldn't see Blizzard creating a class based on trolls. However, after the Evoker class that could only choose a single race, and Demon Hunters remaining as 2 races despite other elf races being available, I came to recognize the possibility that Blizzard could base a class on a singular race like trolls. Additionally, trolls have the benefit of being a VERY diverse race, with trolls coming in various shapes and sizes. In fact, the troll race is SO diverse that Blizzard could introduce 2 new troll races for the Horde and Alliance respectively with little issue in terms of overlap. Sand (Gurubashi), Ice (Frostmane), and Jungle (Amani or Gurubashi) could all easily be brought into the game as new races along with a Shadow Hunter class.

Part II: Class Features



Shadow Hunters would be a 3-spec class with the following specializations:

Warbringer: (Tank) Burly shadow hunters who utilize twin axes and the power of voodoo to empower their spirit and decimate their foes.
Shadowspeaker: (Support) Eccentric shadow hunters who specialize in communing with loas to boost themselves and their allies.
Berserker: (RDPS) Deadly shadow hunters who use voodoo and forbidden blood magic to enhance their head hunting abilities.


Basic Facts
Armor: Mail
Races: Troll, Zandalari Troll, Amani Troll (other troll races like Gurubashi or Farakki are possible)
Weapon Types: Warglaives, 1h sword, 1h axes, 1h maces
Specs: Tank, RDPS, Support

New Races

Blizzard would structure any new class along the lines of a similarly themed expansion. With this being a troll-based class, a troll-based expansion would be the likely scenario for this class to be brought into existence. In addition, since the Alliance doesn't have a troll race, a new non-AR troll race would need to be brought into the game in order to balance out the factions. For the sake of this write-up, I've proposed the following;



Pictured above are the Farakki (Sandfury) tribe. Essentially the sand trolls we typically find in Tanaris. Alongside them is the Amani, the forest trolls we find in the Eastern corner of the Eastern Kingdoms.

The Farakki are characterized as being slimmer than other trolls with brown to light beige skin. Their skin is said to be tough and wrinkled due to living in the desert, and they practice blood magic to survive.

The Amani are characterized as being bulkier and more muscular than other trolls with green skin. They specialize in voodoo and shadow magic, and they are masters of throwing weapons, especially axes.

Due to proximity, I would place the Farakki with the Horde, and the Amani with the Alliance.


Armor and Visual considerations



As mentioned before, the class would be largely based around five main aspects: Throwing Weapons, Voodoo, Rush'Ka masks, Wards, and Loas. These concepts should be utilized with their overall appearances and armor. Masks should be in place for helmets, armor should have a troll-based tribal flair, and large glaives should be the general weapon of choice. The bottom picture mostly depicts how the tank spec would look, utilizing 2 1h weapons instead of just the glaive.

Throwing weapons



Pulling from their head hunter origins, Shadow Hunters have the ability to hurl their equipped weapons at their targets at a distance with deadly accuracy. Warbringers have the ability to throw both of their equipped weapons, while Shadowspeakers and Berserkers tend to use throwing glaives. In melee range, Shadow Hunters auto attacks are melee. Beyond 5 yds, Shadow Hunters auto attack becomes ranged, where they toss their equipped weapon at their targets. This turns the Shadow Hunter into a physical ranged attacker.

Voodoo and Loas




Shadow Hunters are masters of dark (Shadow magic). They use these magics to manipulate the battlefield to their advantage. Powerful and sometimes unpredictable, these abilities are the hallmark of the class. In addition to voodoo magic, Shadow Hunters can also call on the immense power of their loa gods, who can greatly empower their allies and cause destruction to their enemies.

Masks




Shadow Hunters are able to don enchanted voodoo masks that enhance their abilities. These masks act like stances which the Shadow Hunter can switch between based on need during battle. While the player can swap between their masks of choice, some masks are enhanced by their specialization. For example, a mask that increases the armor of the Shadow Hunter might get a talent boost in the Tank spec, while a mask that increases spell power might get a talent boost in the Support spec. The player should have the option to have the activated mask show up on their character in place of their helmet.

Wards



Wards are enchanted items with powerful magical properties that are designed to protect the Shadow Hunter from danger. While similar to Shaman totems, there are some key differences. For starters, Shadow Hunters can summon multiple (up to 3) types of the same ward. For example, while Shaman can only summon a single Searing totem, Shadow Hunters can summon up to 3 Serpent Wards. Wards are not cooldowns like totems, but are active abilities with multiple charges. Finally, Wards are not tied to the elements and have no elemental alignments.

Effigies



Shadow Hunters have the ability to summon loas to assist them in combat through effigies. Acting as cooldowns, these effigies grant the Shadow Hunter the power of a loa for a limited amount of time. Some specializations offer different effigies, while a few effigies exist in multiple specializations.

Part III: Specializations

Sample Abilities

Grievous Throw Tosses an axe forward, dealing damage to a target and marking them. Targets marked by Grievous Throw receives additional damage for the next X seconds.
Impaling Throw Hurls your equipped weapon in a straight line, dealing shadow damage to every target it hits.
Regeneration (Channeled) Rapidly regenerates your health and resource over 6 seconds. Moving will cancel this effect and incur the cooldown.
Unstable Hex Transforms a target into a random critter for 1 minute and inflicts them with a random debuff.
Healing Ward Summons a ward that heals yourself and nearby allies for X seconds in a wide area. (2 charges) Only 2 healing wards can be active at a time.
Stasis Trap Ward Summons an invisible ward that stuns enemy targets around it. The trap activates when an enemy approaches. (2 charges). Only two traps can be active at a given time.
Serpent Ward Summons a serpent ward at your location that immediately spits fire at the nearest target (3 charges). Only 3 wards can be active at a given time.
Boomerang Throw a boomerang at the target that disorients them and increases damage taken.
Bind Spirit Binds target enemies' spirit, inflicting Shadow damage every 1 sec. for 3 sec and rooting them in place.
Big Bad Voodoo (Channel) commune with the spirits, casting a voodoo spell on your party, surrounding them in a shield that heals them, increases their movement speed, and reduces their damage taken by X%. This caster does not benefit from this effect.
Shadow Dagger Throw a cursed dagger at a target that deals shadow damage over X seconds. The dagger bounces to the next 2 nearby targets.
Call of Gonk (Effigy) The caster summons the spirit of Gonk for X seconds, allowing the caster to fight and cast spells while mounted during the duration (outdoor only). Summons Raptors near your closest 2 allies that they can ride as well.
Bwonsamdi's Bad Juju (effigy) Summons the spirit of Bwonsamdi who casts Bind Spirit on all enemy targets within 8 yards, and blesses the Shadow Hunter with a gift that benefits their specialization. However, the Shadow Hunter must do what Bwonsamdi says before time runs out or they will be punished! (ability explained in the next section)
Unstable Concoction (Empower) Throw an unstable concoction at a targeted area, burning all targets within that area with shadowflame damage for up to 8 seconds depending on Concoction's Empower level. BEWARE! If you hold on to the concoction for too long, it'll explode!

The following specializations are purely speculative. I purposely kept the ability list for each specialization brief for the sake of time. However, I may add to the lists in the future. Feel free to offer suggestions to the list if you see fit.

Warbringer (Tank)


Shadow Hunters who combine their mastery of voodoo and headhunting to increase the survivability in battle and protect their tribal lands against all enemies. Through powerful voodoo magics, Warbringers turn their indomitable spirits into a formidable weapon against their enemies. Warbringers wield two 1 handed weapons which they expertly wield at close range and at a distance to brutal and bloody efficiency.

Spirit Armor (passive) Reduces the physical damage you take by X%. You can have a maximum of 6 spirit armor nodes at a time. Damage done reduces your spirit armor by a % of the damage done.
Spirit Transfer (passive) Damage from Grievous Throw, Twin Cleave, Shadow Blade, and Guillotine add to your Spirit Armor. This effect is increased from Marked targets.
Akali's Axe The Shadow Hunter hurls an axe infused with spirit armor power, dealing shadowstrike damage to the initial target, and dealing lesser damage to all targets within 4 yards. Uses (3) Spirit Armor nodes. If you kill a marked target with your axe, (1) of your spirit armor nodes are restored.
Vicious Assault (Melee) Strikes with both weapons causing significant physical damage to the target and shattering their spirit. Increases the effects of Spirit Transfer for 6 seconds.
Twin Cleave Throw your weapons in a circle, dealing shadowstrike damage to all targets in its path, and slowing them for 3 seconds. Generates a moderate amount of threat.
Boneslicer (passive) Your Grievous Throw gets an additional charge, and can mark multiple targets within five yards of the initial target.
Protective Wards (passive) Your active Wards reduce the magical damage you take by %.
Mask of Fortitude Increases your armor and stamina by 10%.
Guillotine The Shadow Hunter summons Mueh'zala the loa of death who drops a massive axe on the targeted area, dealing shadowstrike damage to all targets within its radius. (3 minute CD)
Might of Mueh'zala (Effigy) Summons the spirit of Mueh'zala who turns your attacks into shadow damage for X seconds. Enemies killed by your attacks have their souls absorbed by Mueh'zala which reduces the cooldown of your next Guillotine. If satisfied with your slaughter, Mueh'zala will drop his own Guillotine on the targeted area that heals you for the % of damage done.
Taz'dingo! Refills your Spirit Armor nodes to full capacity. For the next 4 seconds, the Warbringer's health cannot be brought below 1. (5 minute CD)

Shadowspeaker (RDPS/Support)


Unlike their more martial brethren, Shadowspeakers lean more towards voodoo and shadow magic to manipulate the battlefield towards their whims. Their ability to communicate with the revered loa makes them trusted and respected warriors and advisors of the troll empire. Despite their magical prowess, Shadowspeakers remain deadly fighters. Never hesitating to deftly sling a throwing blade into the heart of an enemy.

Soul Eater (passive) When you kill targets marked by Grievous Throw, you consume their souls. After you consume at least 5 souls, you can cast a Spectral Bolt.
Spectral Bolt Launches a powerful bolt of shadow damage at an enemy target. (Requires 5 stored souls)
Spectral Embrace (passive) Shadow damage from your Spectral Bolt blesses your allies with additional shadow power that enhances their next healing or damaging spells.
Mask of Dambala When worn, your Serpent Wards now deal shadow damage to targets, healing you and nearby allies for a % of the damage they deal.
Voodoo Shuffle You can now cast Regeneration while moving and using abilities, and your movement speed is increased during Regeneration's duration by 25%. In addition, your regenerate ability also restores the health and mana of nearby allies and also increases their movement speed by 10%.
Shrink Reduce a target's size, highest stat and stamina by 10% for 20 seconds. (shares cooldown with Embiggen)
Embiggen Increase a target's size, highest stat, and stamina by 10% for 20 seconds. (shares cooldown with Shrink)
Good Mojo (passive) Increases the duration of your loas by 3 seconds. Reduces their cooldowns by 15 seconds.
Krag'wa the Huge (Effigy) Summons the spirit of Krag'wa. While active, your magical abilities are area of effect and your Unstable Hex spell becomes instant cast. Casting Hex on a target will turn them into a bug, which Krag'wa will quickly eat, and give an ally Krag'wa's blessing which increases their highest stat for 10 seconds.
Shadra's Web Your Shadow Dagger creates a sticky web when it bounces to its next target, binding them together and poisoning them. Allies who attack these targets deal increased damage to them.
Jo Jo's Bizarre Elixir (Empower) Throws elixir at a targeted area, causing different beneficial effects based on empower level.

Berserker (RDPS)


Supreme masters of the throwing glaive and blood magic, Berserkers are the ultimate killing machines. They use their own blood to power their voodoo and push their abilities to the limit, throwing caution, and sometimes their own lives, to the wind.

Shadowblood (passive) Your abilities that cause shadow damage have a chance to trigger Shadowblood. When active, Shadowblood will absorb the damage to your health caused by your abilities.
Duskbreaker Throw a shadow version your equipped weapon three times in rapid succession, dealing shadow damage to the target. Critical strikes on targets inflicted by your Grievous mark has a chance to reset Duskbreaker's cooldown.
Shadow Glaive Swings your weapon in an arc, slashing all targets within 4 yds, dealing shadow damage and knocking them back. (2 charges) For 4 seconds after Shadow Glaive's completion, your auto attacks also deal shadow damage.
Grievous Wounds (passive) Targets marked by your Grievous Throw bleed from your attacks for X seconds.
Berserk (toggle) Increase attack damage and attack speed by X%. Lose a % of life based on damage done. You cannot heal while Berserk is active.
Blood Oath (cooldown) After dealing damage for 12 seconds, you are healed for 50% of the damage done while active. (2 minute CD)
Blood Rush When activated, you increase your movement and Haste by X%,but you also rapidly lose health while active. You cannot be healed while Blood Rush is active, or for 15 seconds after use.
Recklessness (passive) While below 75% Health, your movement speed is increased by 15%. While below 50% attacks against you can cause your next Unstable Concoction to instantly be at full empower level. While below 25% health, Shadowblood's duration is extended by 6 seconds.
Mask of G'huun Invoke the legacy of G'huun! Increases your shadow damage, and bleed damage caused by your attacks heal you for a % of the damage done. Enemies who die while bleeding have a low chance to summon a spawn of G'huun that will attack your next target and cause them to bleed for X seconds.
Hi'reek the Horrible (Effigy) Summon the spirit of Hi'reek to aid you in battle, increasing your leech by X% and vomiting a spray of gore at your targets. Hi'reek's attack damages them, and reduces their armor for X seconds. Your leeching abilities under Hi'reek will allow you to heal while under Blood Rush and Berserker's effects.
Headhunter's Legacy (passive) Increases the maximum range of your throwing abilities and your wards by 5 yards.


Part IV: Conclusion



While I personally don't feel that a Shadow Hunter class is likely during the WSS, I do feel that it has a chance to appear in an expansion afterwards. Perhaps an expansion where we venture to the other side of Azeroth and encounter an antagonistic troll empire? Additionally I believe that such a class would be a great opportunity to delve into Troll culture, and bring a popular hero class to life.

Notes:
1. There should be more loa abilities. I simply chose the ones listed in this write up.
2. Hero talents should definitely be considered, and I might add some at a later date.
3. Yes, the tank spec is based mainly on Zul'jin HotS. The other specs are based on combos of WoW, WC3, and HotS.
4. I will be adding a few more abilities to the tank spec later.
5. Harrornir are possible race inclusions for this concept.
6. This will likely be my final class concept write up. I really can't think of any other possible WoW class.
7. All art and icons belong to their respective creators.

Bwonsamdi's Bad Juju: Blessings: Warbringer: You can't lose Spirit Armor for the duration.
Shadowspeaker: Receive 3 charges of Spectral Bolt
Berserker: Berserk and Blood Rush don't cost health

Requirements (one of these at random): Laugh. Jump 3 times. Dance for 3 seconds. Wave to Bwonsamdi. Cast a random spell, etc.

Punishment: 25% of health lost with Bwonsamdi's curse, which is a shadow DoT that lasts 12 seconds. Cannot be healed for 5 seconds.

Thank you for reading. Please feel free to leave thoughts and comments below. Until next time!

[KOUNTERPARTS]

10 pages of incessant bickering and semantic circle-jerking in the future class thread certainly did not prep me for this thread at all. And now it's here!

[FossilFree]

I'd love to play this class! Amani are a long overdue addition, as is a pure throwing spec.

I especially liked the spells Call of Gonk, Might of Mueh'zala, and Shrink. We've seen shrink in the game before, but it has never been something the player had access to (as an offensive spell anyways). It would be cool if it had that Trample effect like in the Mekkatorque raid boss fight, where if you ran over someone it did a bunch of damage to them and stunned them.

[AudibleEscalation]

Interesting and well done concept. Very heavy on Troll fantasy, the troll only choice is bold. Don't think it would be very popular limitation.

As long as Support isn't official role, I don't think we should get another Aug, it just doesn't work with current roles and mechanics
Also, the tank concept could perhaps need a bit of work, it's lacking defensive abilities and active mitigation.
I wouldn't mind if they added a new RDPS, your choices look cool.

[Nightmare Queen]

Hmm... nothing for Bwonsamdi?
Also, I'm not sure if Blizzard would do a Horde only Class unless the Faction barrier goes away

[username993720]

I believe that race would be Amani Trolls.

The Amanis would never join the Alliance, not would the Alliance embrace them.

Warbringer: (Tank) Burly shadow hunters who utilize twin axes and the power of voodoo to empower themselves and decimate their foes.
Berserker: (RDPS) Deadly shadow hunters who use voodoo magic to enhance their head hunting abilities.

These are, basically, the same.
What's the point of repeating a theme in both specs?

Masks




Shadow Hunters are able to don enchanted voodoo masks that enhance their abilities. These masks act like stances which the Shadow Hunter can switch between based on need during battle. While the player can swap between their masks of choice, some masks are enhanced by their specialization. For example, a mask that increases the armor of the Shadow Hunter might get a talent boost in the Tank spec, while a mask that increases spell power might get a talent boost in the Support spec. The player should have the option to have the activated mask show up on their character in place of their helmet.

Wards



Wards are enchanted items with powerful magical properties that are designed to protect the Shadow Hunter from danger. While similar to Shaman totems, there are some key differences. For starters, Shadow Hunters can summon multiple (up to 3) types of the same ward. For example, while Shaman can only summon a single Searing totem, Shadow Hunters can summon up to 3 Serpent Wards. Wards are not cooldowns like totems, but are active abilities with multiple charges. Finally, Wards are not tied to the elements and have no elemental alignments.

Effigies



Shadow Hunters have the ability to summon loas to assist them in combat through effigies. Acting as cooldowns, these effigies grant the Shadow Hunter the power of a loa for a limited amount of time. Some specializations offer different effigies, while a few effigies exist in multiple specializations.

I approve.
Great job.

Regeneration (Channeled) Rapidly regenerates your health and resource over 6 seconds. Moving will cancel this effect and incur the cooldown.

This is a Troll racial ability.

[/url] Shadow Dagger Throw a cursed dagger at a target that deals shadow damage over X seconds. The dagger bounces to the next 2 nearby targets.

This is a Dark Ranger ability.

[/url] Voodoo Shuffle You can now cast Regeneration while moving and using abilities, and your movement speed is increased during Regeneration's duration by 25%. In addition, your regenerate ability also restores the health and mana of nearby allies and also increases their movement speed by 10%.

Another Troll racial.

[/url] Berserk (toggle) Increase attack damage and attack speed by X%. Lose a % of life based on damage done. You cannot heal while Berserk is active.

Yet another Troll racial.

Part IV: Conclusion

While I personally don't feel that a Shadow Hunter class is likely during the WSS, I do feel that it has a chance to appear in an expansion afterwards. I believe that such a class would be a great opportunity to delve into Troll culture, and bring a popular hero class to life.

I'm just glad you moved on from your constant dismissal of the class concept. That shows growth. Remember how you used to say it was nothing but a Shaman? And that the Tinker was the only viable option? You've come a long way and it seems like you've opened up your mind.

Anyway, this is my Shadow Hunter concept:
Expansion - https://www.mmo-champion.com/threads...arcraft-Occult
Abilities - https://www.mmo-champion.com/threads...pecializations

[BeeMaister]

Very interesting concept! Trolls are one of my favorite races.
what would their class mount be? a shadowy raptor?

[Pyrophax]

I prefer race skin for shamans. But not like Hero specs work now - massive one.
Let SH wear warglaives, reskin skills, add some flavour stuff as replacing windrush totem with stealth one, make chain heal yellow and bring serpent totem back.
Same as any other unique race-class.
Priestess of the Moon with bows, SH shamans with warglaives, Headhunters hunters with throwing spears, Blood mage mages or warlocks, Runemasters shamans, Necromancer warlocks, Spellbreaker paladin, tinker druids - all that can be cowered with race-class skins rather then new classes.

[username993720]

Very interesting concept! Trolls are one of my favorite races.
what would their class mount be? a shadowy raptor?

They're not shadow priests.

I prefer race skin for shamans. But not like Hero specs work now - massive one.
Let SH wear warglaives, reskin skills, add some flavour stuff as replacing windrush totem with stealth one, make chain heal yellow and bring serpent totem back.
Same as any other unique race-class.
Priestess of the Moon with bows, SH shamans with warglaives, Headhunters hunters with throwing spears, Blood mage mages or warlocks, Runemasters shamans, Necromancer warlocks, Spellbreaker paladin, tinker druids - all that can be cowered with race-class skins rather then new classes.

You lost me at Tinker Druids.
And Shadow Hunters work quite different to a Shaman, as the concept and mine present.
If you want ideas for class skins, though, i have some:
https://www.mmo-champion.com/threads...estige-Classes

[Pyrophax]

You lost me at Tinker Druids.
And Shadow Hunters work quite different to a Shaman, as the concept and mine present.
If you want ideas for class skins, though, i have some:
https://www.mmo-champion.com/threads...estige-Classes

Tinker druids can work with goblin/gnome/mechagnome only. Other races should get their druid skins. Techno races are too advanced to be druids in classic sence of that word in WoW. But class mechanics, class balance and gameplay should stay same. Same with different class weapons as NE priest can choose to be Elune priest and wield a bow, for expample replacing SW:Pain with Bow autoattack. Agility can be converted to Int.
Same as Tinkers (technodruids) should be able to wield guns, replacing for expample Moonfire with autoattacks. And so on and on.

[Shadowferal]

You lost me at Tinker Druids. And Shadow Hunters work quite different to a Shaman, as the concept and mine present. If you want ideas for class skins, though, i have some: https://www.mmo-champion.com/threads...estige-Classes

Yea, nomenclature should always matter. My idea of tinkers would be insulted if they were called druids.
That said while I admire how well fleshed out Teriz's presentations are, I differentiate my shadow hunter (night elf) from my dark ranger.(darkspear troll)

[Teriz]

The Amanis would never join the Alliance, not would the Alliance embrace them.

We had the Worgen join the alliance, and they were essentially nothing more than wild beasts. Also the Zalandari joined the Horde after both factions fought against them bitterly for years. I could see the Amani under newer leadership and facing new threats siding with the Alliance, or going neutral with some joining both factions.

These are, basically, the same.
What's the point of repeating a theme in both specs?

Warbringers would utilize voodoo to enhance their bodies in the service of protection and defense, yet they deal less damage.
Berserkers would utilize blood-based voodoo to enhance their bodies towards dealing higher damage, yet they're far more fragile.

I'm still working on more defensive abilities for Warbringers, but I think I nailed Berserkers rather well. With the latter, I think it would be interesting to see a player having to constantly juggle their health bar to get the highest DPS possible.

This is a Troll racial ability.

Another Troll racial.


Yet another Troll racial.

It's a troll-based class. No different than Dracthyr racials showing up in Evoker talents. These are merely more advanced versions of those racials with the notion that Shadow Hunters train themselves to a point where their innate racials are far stronger.

This is a Dark Ranger ability.

It's unused.

I'm just glad you moved on from your constant dismissal of the class concept. That shows growth. Remember how you used to say it was nothing but a Shaman? And that the Tinker was the only viable option? You've come a long way and it seems like you've opened up your mind.

Anyway, this is my Shadow Hunter concept:
Expansion - https://www.mmo-champion.com/threads...arcraft-Occult
Abilities - https://www.mmo-champion.com/threads...pecializations

Why thank you, and thanks for the links to your concepts.

- - - Updated - - -

Hmm... nothing for Bwonsamdi?
Also, I'm not sure if Blizzard would do a Horde only Class unless the Faction barrier goes away

Yeah, I'm still working on Bwonsamdi's ability. It's on the way.

This concept works under the belief that Blizzard would bring a troll class to the Alliance. Potentially Amani Trolls. Also the upcoming Harrornir could be a troll-based AR that would be playable on the Alliance.

Very interesting concept! Trolls are one of my favorite races.
what would their class mount be? a shadowy raptor?

Gonk of course.

- - - Updated - - -

Interesting and well done concept. Very heavy on Troll fantasy, the troll only choice is bold. Don't think it would be very popular limitation.

As long as Support isn't official role, I don't think we should get another Aug, it just doesn't work with current roles and mechanics
Also, the tank concept could perhaps need a bit of work, it's lacking defensive abilities and active mitigation.
I wouldn't mind if they added a new RDPS, your choices look cool.

I definitely believe Blizzard should create a support role so that DPS isn't competing with specs like Augmentation. We'll see.

I added some more abilities to the tank spec. Let me know what you think.

[Trazzle]

Classic Teriz, posting early so that if there’s even the slightest chance it might be implemented, they can say they did it first/knew all along.

[Teriz]

Classic Teriz, posting early so that if there’s even the slightest chance it might be implemented, they can say they did it first/knew all along.

TBF, I was the only one who thought of a troll-only Shadow Hunter class using only Shadow Hunter elements. Most others would mix this concept up with unrelated stuff like Dark Rangers or Void Hunters, or try to spread this beyond the troll race, thoroughly watering down the concept.

I believe this is the best way to go for the class. With it being troll only, you can really get to the core flavor of the Shadow Hunter idea, and make a much more interesting class. If a player doesn't want to be a troll, why would they roll a Shadow Hunter?

[Al Gorefiend]

I feel like this is a regressive class idea. We should be aiming for more inclusivity, not exclusivity.

I'd sooner take Demon Hunters for all races over a class only a single race can be.

Trolls may be my favorite race but that does not dissuade my same feelings for this as with Cryptlord and Evoker - No thanks.

I know this is the direction Blizz is probably going though, so if I was dragged kicking and screaming and told single race hero classes are the future, I would say I'd support these. But I emphasize the kicking and screaming part, I think hero raceclass is a bad design to move forward with

[Teriz]

I feel like this is a regressive class idea. We should be aiming for more inclusivity, not exclusivity.

I'd sooner take Demon Hunters for all races over a class only a single race can be.

Trolls may be my favorite race but that does not dissuade my same feelings for this as with Cryptlord and Evoker - No thanks.

I know this is the direction Blizz is probably going though, so if I was dragged kicking and screaming and told single race hero classes are the future, I would say I'd support these. But I emphasize the kicking and screaming part, I think hero raceclass is a bad design to move forward with

I don't agree that it's regressive. The Evoker class is only available to 1 race. The Demon Hunter class is only available to 2 races.

If this class were to be implemented, we'd likely be looking at a Troll expansion of some sort, so it is quite likely that they would introduce 1 or 2 new playable troll races. Given the sheer diversity of troll types, Blizzard could really make some interesting and novel inclusions.

For example, while I believe Amani Trolls are a given, there's also the Gurubashi, Faraaki, Frostmanes, and other troll tribes that could end up being playable. They could also make them physiologically different in terms of body shape, skin color, tusks, etc.

There's also the Harrornir, who could possibly be this class as well if they share enough troll culture. So that would be 4-5 possible races for this class. Quite a jump up from Demon Hunters and Evokers.

[Triceron]

Interesting concept.

I'm not a big fan of having a Tank spec for a Shadow Hunter, but I do consider the concept interesting. Zul'jin doesn't strike me as a Tank, but his heavy survivability build could definitely become a basis for one. But I'll have to say, I really don't think the Ranged Tank angle will fly. Dual Wield 1H axes I can see working, but I think a lot of the main abilities would have to be adapted to the melee standard. I'm glad this concept is absent of a Healing spec too, as I also think a Shaman does well to cover that angle already.

As I'm more of a fan of the various Loa/Spirits that the Trolls worship, I'll be interested in seeing what other Loa-based abilities you have in store. Are you planning to have any actual summons, or will Loa mostly be characterized through specific abilities and cooldowns?

Also would be interested to hear if you have any plans for potential Hero Talent options to explore even more niches or themes.


I also found this concept. Shows the different throwing weapons that Zul'jin uses, and I find all the different shapes and sizes very interesting, and adaptable here.

[Teriz]

Interesting concept.

Thank you. The back and forth was getting drawn out, and I could see the Mod hammer on the way, so I decided that I'd rather show what I was thinking instead of talking about it.

I'm not a big fan of having a Tank spec for a Shadow Hunter, but I do consider the concept interesting. Zul'jin doesn't strike me as a Tank, but his heavy survivability build could definitely become a basis for one. But I'll have to say, I really don't think the Ranged Tank angle will fly. Dual Wield 1H axes I can see working, but I think a lot of the main abilities would have to be adapted to the melee standard. I'm glad this concept is absent of a Healing spec too, as I also think a Shaman does well to cover that angle already.

Yeah, in the write up I noted that within 5 range, the auto-attack switches from ranged to melee. Similarly to the Hunter class in classic WoW. I also added a melee ability to the tank spec to help alleviate the amount of ranged abilities.

And yeah, I also didn't want a healing spec for this class. I prefer support simply because I view this class as being more aggressive than defensive.

As I'm more of a fan of the various Loa/Spirits that the Trolls worship, I'll be interested in seeing what other Loa-based abilities you have in store. Are you planning to have any actual summons, or will Loa mostly be characterized through specific abilities and cooldowns?

Also would be interested to hear if you have any plans for potential Hero Talent options to explore even more niches or themes.

I'd keep the Loas tied to the Effigy concept and specific abilities named for them. I do think a summoner concept could work for a Hero talent option. I'd like to see a summoner concept along the lines of the Final Fantasy summoner, just with Loa instead of the Final Fantasy Espers.

As for other hero talents, maybe one dealing with a potions? I like the idea of utilizing the Empower mechanic for throwing potions like I did for Unstable Concoction and Jo Jo's Bizarre Elixir in my write-up. I believe you can do a lot with the concept;



I suppose for the third hero talent concept, maybe something to do with Blood Magic, since that's an integral part of many troll societies.

I also found this concept. Shows the different throwing weapons that Zul'jin uses, and I find all the different shapes and sizes very interesting, and adaptable here.

Very much so. May I use them for the concept?

[Clone]

snip

With the faction barrier essentially gone I'd rather just have the Alliance get their own class as well, instead of trying to figure out how a troll race would join them.

I also feel like berserker should be it's own thing rather than be part of shadow hunter.

[Teriz]

With the faction barrier essentially gone I'd rather just have the Alliance get their own class as well, instead of trying to figure out how a troll race would join them.

I also feel like berserker should be it's own thing rather than be part of shadow hunter.

Eh, it shouldn't be too hard to envision a troll race joining the alliance after what happened with the Zalandari. Also Blizzard isn't likely going to make a faction exclusive class.

As for Berserkers, they use throwing weapons and voodoo to enhance themselves. That's essentially the same thing as Shadow Hunters. Shadow Hunters and Berserkers are also connected lore wise in the TTRPG.