Shadow Hunter

Who Are They?

Shadow Hunters are the masters of voodoo within Troll tribes, and they command the most respect out of all of them aside from the Chief. They've gone deep into the art of voodoo and have formed a relationship with the Loa themselves, who channel their energy through the Shadow Hunter's rush'kah mask. They tread a cautious line between dark and light, using the Loa to both heal and curse his enemies to fight for the future of the Trolls. Practicing magic and rituals, the Shadow Hunter often spends his time maintaining his precious relationship with the Loa.

However, although much of his power comes from them, the Shadow Hunter is still a very capable warrior and hunter. They can hurl spears at their enemies with rapid speed, and they can track down enemies with ease. They use a type of glaive and there are only a few who are as skilled with it as they are. Using skills that can only be granted by the Loa and combining it with their weapon expertise, it's no surprise that the Shadow Hunter has been relied upon numerously in troubled times, especially with the Darkspear's high intelligence.

Who Likes Them?

The Trolls hold the Shadow Hunter in the highest regard out of all of the classes, and The Horde as a whole have seen them prove to be a valuale and honourable ally. Vol'jin himself is a Shadow Hunter, and with his abilities and his keen intellect, has become one of Warchief Thrall's closest and most trusted ally and advisor. With this, the Shadow Hunter has been given fame to their name as they lend their glaives to The Horde's cause.

Training

Requirements

Warriors, Shaman and Hunters can become Shadow Hunters.

Alliance » None

Horde » Troll

Strengths

• Fleetfoot

The Shadow Hunter is quick on his feet, both physically and mentally.

• "Got It Covered"

Along with being a very talented warrior, they add to this an array of magical abilities which make them useful in every group no matter how diverse.

• Friends In High Places

The Shadow Hunter's bond with the Loa increases as he gains more and more experience.

• Respect

Trolls will greatly respect any Shadow Hunter that comes across their path, and are a part of their tribe.

Weaknesses

• Powerless

Without their rush'kah mask, they cannot call upon the powers of the Loa.

• Exposed

Though they wear some armour, they probably won't have enough to protect them against the more damaging attacks.

• Gone Within a Second

If you lose favour of the Loa by shunning them, or doing unsavoury things in their name, then they will ignore your calls unless you redeem yourself and prove that you are worthy of a second chance.

Skills and Abilities

• Legba's Haste

The Shadow Hunter calls upon the Loa of speed and blesses his allies with great swiftness and grace. What would take an hour's run would only take them about 15 minutes.

• Blessing of Lukou

The Shadow Hunter calls upon the Loa of healing to either heal individuals, or he may call down rain that will heal all living allies it touches.

• Samedi's Will

The Shadow Hunter calls upon the Loa of the restful dead to smite an Undead foe.

• Wrath of Shango

The Shadow Hunter calls upon the Loa of the storms to electrocute his enemies with bolts of lightning.

• Dambala's Stealth

The Shadow Hunter calls upon the Loa serpents to change his form into a serpent so he may move swiftly and quietly.

• Ogoun's Strategy

The Shadow Hunter calls upon the Loa of war to place a curse onto his foes. He can change his enemy into a harmless frog.

Training Outline

Before the Shadow Hunter can even get started, they need to become very close with the ultimate source of their strength: The Loa. The teacher will bring them to a place of spiritual importance, and the trainee will have to sit in meditation and prayer until they finally commune with each of the Loa spirits individually. What they hear could be anything. In fact, the Loa may not even speak to them at all. They may only give them a sign that they have been achknowledged, and they would have to go to their teacher for further guidance on what their message meant.

The teacher will send the one in training on a task to prove themselves to the Loa that they are worthy of carrying the title of Shadow Hunter and using their powers. This itself depends entirely on the teacher, but most of the time it's some form of sacrifice to the Loa that is relevant to them. Once they present their completed task to each of the Loa, they once again have to sit in mediation and prayer until they see or hear a sign that the Loa approves of them. Then, and only then, will the teacher let you continue to the next task.

After wards, the trainee will have to create their own Rush'kah Mask, their own glaive, and demonstrate their tracking and spear throwing skills. If they have no skill in blacksmithing, then they will be taught. However, they have to supply the materials themselves - without using wealth. They have to go out into the world with, hopefully, the Loa watching over them, and then return to the teacher to craft their weapons. Sometimes, these can all be done in one task.

With the next stage comes a choice. You can either learn how to use the glaive first and then go into the magic of the loa, or you can do it the other way around. Regardless of which, training with the glaive can take various forms, and there is little to touch upon it. The Shadow Hunter will of course, learn how to channel the power of many Loa through his Rush'kah mask. Time and patience will be needed as they delve into their powers, and by now they have hopefully viewed the one in training as worthy and will be granting them abilities. This will continue for the next few weeks, because like with everything, it's highly unlikely that people will master it within a snap.

Once they have mastered using the Loa's powers against his enemies, tracking and the use of the glaive, they can now officially be labled as fully fledged Shadow Hunter.

Active Shadow Hunters

Currently there are no active Shadow Hunters, so any applicants would have to create an NPC for their training.