Not long ago, the demonic forces of the Burning Legion very nearly destroyed the world. The memory of this evil is still fresh in the minds of most of Azeroth's citizens.
However, some still consort with demons on a regular basis. They could be witnesses of the power of the Burning Legion and lust for that power themselves. They could be those who strive to learn more about these beings so they might be better able to combat them, should they return. They could be those that desire to "turn the tables" on the demons, to force them to be the slaves, instead of the mortals.
All of these adventurers choose the path of the warlocks. However, their dark practices and research are not generally accepted among the general populace. As a result, most warlocks are secretive, with their research facilities in the dark corners of their respective cities. Of the races who can become warlocks, including humans, gnomes and orcs, only the undead Forsaken seem to accept the practices of the warlock as something to be tolerated. Perhaps it has something to do with the demonic advisor to the Banshee Queen....
Expected Role
Warlocks tend to be supporting characters. Their various demonic pets allows them to provide substitute "rogues," "warriors" or "mages to a party. Warlocks also are capable of inflicting more damage with the various afflictions they can place upon an enemy, and a wide variety of curses can hinder their opponents even further.
However, since warlocks are nearly universally shunned, many go to great lengths to avoid having their calling known to others. Some choose not to use a demonic ally except when by themselves. Others even go further and only use fire-based spells when grouped with others, trying to pass themselves off as mages. Warlocks often prefer to be alone in their studies, or in the company of other warlocks, but can still be powerful allies if their skills are required.
Equipment
As with most professions that are limited to cloth, warlocks prefer equipment that provide added intelligence. Since they have spells that allow them to transform their own blood into magical energy, stamina also is often desired. Many warlocks also prefer equipment that provides a boost to their mastery of shadow, and sometimes fire. Since most warlocks strive to avoid melee combat if at all possible, strength and agility are fairly low priorities for them.
Specialties
- Affliction - Some warlocks have a morbid fascination in the workings of living creatures. Frighteningly enough, many of these have found a way to apply these studies to their own spells. The magical diseases and curses of affliction-focused warlocks tend to be much more devastating and last longer than those of other warlocks. Many of these warlocks also have a particular fascination with draining the life or mental energies of their opponents and taking it into their own bodies, and are capable of doing this with frightening efficiency.
- Demonology - Demonologists focus their studies on demons and demonic energies. They are able to apply this specialized knowledge to their demonic allies, making them much more skilled at their respective tasks. Some warlocks are even able to learn new spells or tricks to use with the demons. Many believe it is only a matter of time before the demons begin to learn how to return the favor to those who seek to enslave them....
- Destruction - While mages are capable of using elemental fire to burn opponents, warlocks summon fires from the Twisting Nether itself. Those focused on destruction are capable of making these unholy fires burn longer and hotter, and even have discerned ways to entwine these flames with dark shadow magic for even more devastation. Many destruction-based warlocks tend to have a fascination for fire, and sometimes become pyromaniacs.
Miscellaneous Culture Notes
- Warlocks are largely shunned by humans and orcs, since demons caused the wars between the races in the first place. Gnomes are slightly more accepting of warlocks, possibly due to their natural curiosity, but they are still not fully trusted. Only the Forsaken seem to welcome the warlocks among their ranks.
- Gul'dan, the now-deceased orc warlock who opened the Dark Portal between Azeroth and Draenor, is considered to be one of the most powerful warlocks in known history.
- Warning:
- There are many who hate and despise warlocks, including clerics, paladins, night elves, Tauren and most orcs. As a result, players who role-play warlocks should expect their characters to be scorned and hated by other players' characters. It is important to remember that the player on the other end of that paladin or night elf is likely not expressing their own personal views, but acting out their own character's personality. Role-playing a warlock is not recommended for those who are sensitive to mental or emotional abuse, as these characters will likely get insulted or harassed at some time during their career.
Good Diamond Words
AMBITIOUS, CALLOUS, CURIOUS, DRIVEN, FOCUSED, INSANE, INTELLECTUAL, POWER-HUNGRY, SECRETIVE, THOUGHTFUL, VENGEFUL.
Go back to Step 1: Choose A Race
Proceed to Step 3: Describe Yourself
Official Warlock Page