New Undead Priest Racials:
Undead Shadow Priests are the spiritual leaders of the Forsaken and the most unique among all undead classes, before the racials I'd like to dive into their lore, as all the Undead Classes are deeply affected by it:
All Shadow Priests in WoW are lore-wise standardized capped version of Forsaken Shadow Ascendants.
A human Priest, Natalie Seline, began studying the forces of shadow because she believed that holy light can be fully understood only through an insight into the balance with it's opposing force, her studies became the foundation for the Cult of the Forgotten Shadow, and the Forsaken delved deeper into the subject than any other race, both academically and philosophically.
Unfortunately due to standardization other races were given this version of the Shadow Priest, while simultaneously the Forsaken one was limited from being fully expressed because it would be going too far for the other races and it would conflict with their lore. At least there are some priest racials making a distinction, but in TBC priest racials were removed and in Cataclysm, Shadow Priest was entirely retconned to be a standardized cultist of the Old Gods for all races, erasing this way Undead Shadow Ascendants, let alone Troll Loa Worshippers/Witch Doctors, Night Elf Priestesses of Elune/Wardens etc.
About Shadow Ascendants
The Forgotten Shadow is a powerful religion that sweeps through the Forsaken. A devotee may throw off the shackles of their zombie-like body, becoming one with the Shadow. Those who succeed become shadow ascendants. Outsiders do not understand the process that fuels the ascendant's evolution from a physically powerful but slow corpse to a quick and deadly shadow. The Cult of Forgotten Shadow, however, preaches that all Forsaken are born from the Shadow and that they carry a portion of the Shadow within them. By strengthening their ties to death and undeath, the ascendant manifests their inner Shadow, bonding with it until they become a living shadow, the ultimate manifestation of the Shadow from which they were born.
Changes
As the Forsaken undertakes their journey, many changes manifest. The Forsaken's skin darkens, and shadows cling to their body. Their features blur and become indistinct, almost as if they were melting away. The ascendant becomes more sensitive to light, preferring to stay in darkness. Later, the air becomes cold around the ascendant. Their voice echoes, as if they speak both words and thoughts. The ascendant becomes one with darkness and shadows, and they feel their emotions grow colder and darker as they continue down this path.
Culmination
At the culmination of this path, the ascendant's body fades, and they become a living shadow. While the Forsaken loses the strength of an undead body, they gain the perfection of undeath, an incorporeal and inhumanly powerful free soul. This form resembles their old form, but without facial features. Hair and body shape remains, formed of the stuff of shadows, and eyes remain as burning balls of unholy light. The Forsaken still has a body, however, and is not truly incorporeal as a ghost is. The ascendant's shadow body bears some substance, almost like an ephemeral, inky fluid, but it is so wispy that it almost doesn't exist.
Abilities
As the Forsaken ascends the normal coils of undeath and transforms to an undead shadow, they grow supernaturally quicker. An ascendant can use the Stealth skill to hide even while being observed. As long as they are near some sort of shadow, an ascendant can hide from view in the open without anything to actually hide behind. They cannot, however, hide in their own shadow. A skilled ascendant can see any invisible creature and may climb any surface as though it is a spider. The ascendant can travel between shadows as if by means of a dimension door spell, the magical transport must begin and end in an area with at least some shadow. A highly skilled ascendant can cause innumerable tendrils of shadows to sprout from their body. The effect is centered on the ascendant, the tentacles don’t affect them, and the tendrils retract into their body and the effect ends.
An ascendant can attempt to drain the shadows from a creature, and through its shadows, absorb its life forces. If the ascendant pins a foe during a grapple, they drain its shadows. When the ascendant uses this ability, the victim’s shadows drain into the ascendant, and the hollows in his facial features, under his hair, and beneath his body pale into nothingness. The ascendant may use this ability to cannibalize a corpse as well, as normal, but they do not need to actually eat any flesh, while the ascendant feeds, the corpse begins to wither, until it turns to dust.
The ascendant animates their own shadow into a shade resembling them. Unlike a normal shade, this shadow’s alignment matches that of the ascendant, and the creature is always visible to the ascendant. The shade cannot be turned, rebuked or commanded. It serves as a companion to the ascendant and can communicate with them. While the ascendant has a shadow companion, they do not have a shadow of their own.
A highly experienced ascendant finally throws off the shackles of their body and becomes a living shadow. As an incorporeal undead, they no longer have the use of any mundane item unless it has the ghost touch property. They can drain shadows only from a helpless victim or a corpse, however, as they can no longer grapple corporeal foes. They retain all other abilities. The ascendant finds themself unable to stand bright lights. While in a source of bright light (whether natural sunlight or from a spell)the ascendant's attacks are weaker, they are more vulnerable to attacks, and they are less competent at their skills. Furthermore, any light-based attack (such as the holy light spells or damage from a brilliant magical weapon) deals double damage to the ascendant.
Shadow ascendants in the world
Shadow ascendants, obviously, are universally Forsaken. Ascendants come from all walks of life, but most are priests, though the occasional warrior or rogue may find ascension in the Forgotten Shadow. Most Forsaken revere ascendants as the perfection of death and their own inner darkness. An ascendant is a powerful creature, a physical manifestation of the Shadow, free of mortal constraints such as a body or feelings. Shadow ascendants hold a special place in the Cult of Forgotten Shadow. Most ascendants are followers of that faith and expound that their transformations are proof of the faith's truthfulness. Ascendants attend the cult as prophets, leading clergies to the path of true undeath. Even ascendants who claim to be atheists have some knowledge of religions and faith if just to understand their own undead bodies and the Shadow from which they were born. Secretly, an ascendant must have a little faith to begin the transformation, despite how atheistic they may be.
Among the Horde, ascendants serve as nigh-invisible spies, priests, and assassins. These living shadows frighten other Horde members, but the Horde bears a measure of respect toward them. The shadow-creatures they become resemble some shaman and voodoo spirits, though dark and uncontrollable. Tauren are wary of the creatures, which exude an overpowering stink of death to the tauren's spirit-sensitive noses. On the other hand, some trolls revere those who complete their manifestations of true undeath as dark Loa spirits, and go out of their way to please ascendants.
To fully understand the nature of Undead Priests, one should be acquinted with the philosophy and history of their religion;
The Cult of the Forgotten Shadow
The Forgotten Shadow is a corrupted reinterpretation of the beliefs and traditions practiced by the Holy Light, and is the religion of the Forsaken. The religion of those who follow and use the shadow is called the Cult of Forgotten Shadow. It is a religion of divine humanism (see below).
Forsaken who once followed the tenets of the Holy Light often alter their philosophy upon their transformation. Former priests of the Holy Light lost their faith when they became undead. Lost and hurt, these priests founded a new religion based on a self-centered version of their former faith. Dubbed the Forgotten Shadow, this philosophy centers around self-empowerment and a desire to balance life with death. Many of the virtues and principles of the Holy Light exist within the Forgotten Shadow, but are twisted to an egocentric view. While small, the Cult of Forgotten Shadow grows in popularity, especially among Sylvanas’ dark rangers. The cult claims Deathknell as its home, as well as a section of the warrior sector in the Undercity, but it is not yet organized enough to claim much control over anything.
The Forgotten Shadow is the dark interpretation of the Holy Light's teachings, and many Forsaken find truth in its doctrine. Forsaken turn to the Forgotten Shadow for different reasons. Forsaken who feel isolated and outcast might join their brethren in support of the Forgotten Shadow to obtain a sense of solidarity, of belonging. Forsaken who feel betrayed by the Holy Light's failure to protect them sometimes find that turning their backs on the Holy Light is not enough; they throw aside the Holy Light and embrace its dark twin out of spite. Finally, some Forsaken simply see the value and practicality in the teachings of the Forgotten Shadow. Forsaken of any class might emulate the values of the Forgotten Shadow, but devoted church members are usually priests. Some become lightslayers, and others become shadow ascendants. Even some dark rangers have joined the ranks of the cult.
The curse of undeath proved especially brutal to those humans who once followed the philosophy of the Holy Light. Their lives as Forsaken seem dreary, hateful and unspeakably cruel. Many allowed anger and bitterness to foster in their souls. They had believed in the teachings of the Light, and now find themselves shrouded in eternal darkness. Such Forsaken founded the Cult of Forgotten Shadow.
Priests of the Holy Light who become Forsaken alter their beliefs to more adequately reflect their new existences. Practitioners of the Forgotten Shadow believe that the actions and emotions of the self have the capacity to change the universe. The Forgotten Shadow shapes reality. There is no inherent bond between self and universe; a bond exists only when Forsaken impose its will on the universe. By strengthening their personal power, Forsaken can impart greater changes to the world around it. Exceptionally strong Forsaken can literally shape the world. Forgotten Shadow priests refer to this central tenet as Divine Humanism.
The Cult of Forgotten Shadow plays an important role in Forsaken society. Shortly after the emancipation of the Forsaken and the formation of their culture, the Forsaken indulged in a momentary backlash against necromancers. Necromancy was seen as the art of slavery, the tool of the Scourge, and its use was repulsive to the newly liberated undead.
The most serious failing of the Cult of Forgotten Shadow is its lack of organization. Dozens of different interpretations of the three or four virtues exist, and no two priests seem to be able to agree on how the faithful should follow the Forgotten Shadow. A single city can hold several different cult leaders, all in disagreement on their philosophy. Members of the Forgotten Shadow spend almost as much time arguing with other members as they do practicing the tenets they believe.
A particularly charismatic and intelligent Forsaken may draw all the disparate branches of the cult together someday. A united front of philosophically aligned Forsaken would be a dire threat to the Church of the Holy Light. Priests of the Forgotten Shadow can gain access to the Death, Destruction and Power Domains.
Organization
The cult is loosely organized, with a hierarchy defined by power and experience. Novice acolytes work at menial tasks, while a single shadow priest serves as bishop for a community. Dark priests are more like archbishops ruling over wide territories. There are exceptions to the rules, as they haven't formed a strict organization as of yet. Lightslayers are the assassins of the religion sent out to kill enemies of the cult, as well as destroy practitioners of the Holy Light whenever possible. Shadow ascendants are those that have ascended beyond physical world, and have taken on a form between physical and spiritual, they are often used as spies, priests or assassins.
The Three Virtues
The Cult of Forgotten Shadow preaches three virtues: respect, tenacity, and power.
Respect
The universe is the physical manifestation of other's wills. Thus, for people to denigrate the universe is to ignore the personal power of those around them. This is not only disrespectful, it is dangerous. Followers of the Forgotten Shadow must develop their personal power in order to exert its will on the universe, but seeking too much power too quickly puts them in conflict with other, stronger beings. Only a foolish follower seeks to challenge their superiors right away. Showing respect ensures a measure of self-protection.
Tenacity
Followers of the Forgotten Shadow put even greater stock in the virtue of tenacity. It may at first seem impossible for people to change the universe when countless others seek to do the same around them. Through unwavering perseverance and tenacity though, they may triumph.
Power
Power is the third virtue of the Forgotten Shadow, and the most difficult to attain. Forsaken who grab greedily for power might encounter power too great for them to handle, and die in their attempt to master it. Forsaken who succumb to despair and seek no personal power has no reason to exist; they crave nothing, desire nothing, they sit alone and pine for their old life. To the cult, Forsaken who do not seek to better themselves might as well still be part of the Scourge. The quest for power requires caution, forethought, and a subtle touch.
Other Virtues
Some branches of the Forgotten Shadow consider death to be a fourth virtue; most consider it sub-virtue of power. Additionally some members of the Forgotten Shadow still show a limited yet twisted version of the virtue of Compassion (one of the Holy Light's main virtues).
Death
Forsaken reach the pinnacle of power when they master death itself, transcending it. This power over death requires the same delicate touch of any other power. Forsaken must not kill indiscriminately, nor can they withhold death from the weak. To kill wantonly escalates the Forsaken's risk of encountering power too great for them to overcome. It also robs them of their strength; Forsaken who spend all day slaying wildlife and human peasants might exhaust its power, and be left defenseless when a true threat arises. Likewise, Forsaken who show mercy to the weak and forgoes regular exercise of their power may gain a reputation for weakness themselves. This draws predators and offends the cult. They must always preserve a balance.
Compassion
Despite their mercenary outlook, the cult possesses a streak of compassion. The living world fears and shuns the living dead, and who can blame them? The cult understands the plight of the Forsaken and wishes to ease their burden if only a little. This compassion tempers even the most heartless priest - though the compassion they show is only towards other Forsaken.
Ascension
The ultimate goal of practitioners of the Forgotten Shadow is to ascend. Ascension occurs once a person achieves complete control over itself and the power to transcend death. Forsaken who ascend become invulnerable, invincible and eternal. In essence, they become gods.
The Cult of Forgotten Shadow teaches that the Forsaken of Azeroth were too weak to ascend. Their undead state is a curse brought on by that weakness. Once the Forsaken learn to master themselves and control the world around them, they shake off that curse and become what they always should have been. Those on the path to ascension often become shadow ascendants.
Divine Humanism
Instead of seeing both a self and a universe and seeking to create a bond between them through compassion, the Forgotten Shadow preaches a much more self-oriented idea. Priests preach that the self has power over the universe, and the universe revolves around the self. They preach that if undead were powerful enough to rise from the grave on their own free will and become sentient, they may strengthen themselves by increasing their control of the world around them, thus becoming more godlike. Many priests dub this concept "divine humanism".
Divine humanism is the concept that the self shapes the universe. In essence, each sentient creature in the world is a tiny god, able to exert their will to manifest small changes in the universe. A minor example of divine humanism might be something as simple as mood. The Holy Light teaches that to be happy, one must work to better the universe, and the effort of reflecting joy back through the universal bond spreads happiness. However, divine humanism notes that angry individuals who show rage trigger anger in those around them. They do not change some insubstantial universe "out there" - they makes a choice and others sense the strength of their emotions and change themselves. In short, the Holy Light teaches that by changing the universe, followers change those around them. The Forgotten Shadow teaches that by using power, followers can change those around them and change the universe. Power is key, not some mythical bond.
Balance between Light and Shadow
While the undead can no longer use the Holy Light, and have learned how to use the Shadow, they also preach that there must be a balance between Light and Shadow, and that they must learn the Light as well, but never forget they were born from the Shadow.
How "light" works;
The lore states that undead are physically incapable of using the light, but then we have Forsaken players casting healing spells, and Sir Zeliek in Naxxramas using pseudo-paladin abilities.
The Light is a matter of having willpower or faith in one's own ability to do it. That's why there are evil paladins (for example, the Scarlet Crusade and Arthas before he took up Frostmourne). For the undead (and Forsaken), this requires such a great deal of willpower that it is exceedingly rare, especially since it is self-destructive. When undead channel the Light, it feels (to them) as if their entire bodies are being consumed in righteous fire. Forsaken healed by the Light (whether the healer is Forsaken or not) are effectively cauterized by the effect: sure, the wound is healed, but the healing effect is cripplingly painful. Thus, Forsaken priests are beings of unwavering willpower; Forsaken tanks suffer nobly when they have priest and paladin healers in the group. (Forlorn Light, the first Undead racial I've mentioned, is ment to depict this)
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