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| Set: |  Legacy |
|---|---|
| Type: | Spell |
| Spell school: | Shadow |
| Class: |  Priest |
| Rarity: |  Epic |
| Cost: | 2  |
| Abilities: | Replace Hero Power |
| Wiki tags: | Hero Power-related |
If a bright light shines on a priest in Shadowform… do they cast a shadow?
Shadowform is an epic priest spell card, from the Classic set. Playing it for the first time will transform the player's Hero Power into Mind Spike. Playing it for a second time in a game will transform the Hero Power into Mind Shatter.
How to get
Shadowform can be obtained through Classic card packs, through crafting, or as an Arena reward. Regular Shadowform can also be obtained through the Highest Rank Bonus chest at the end of a Ranked season, or as a first-time reward for first time reaching Platinum 10 or Diamond 10 in Ranked mode.
| Card | Crafting cost | Disenchanting |
|---|---|---|
| Shadowform | 400 | 100 |
| Golden Shadowform | 1600 | 400 |
Generated Hero Powers
Notes
The Shadowform visual effect
- This spell's effect varies depending on your current Hero Power (but regardless of your current hero or class):
- If your Hero Power is not Mind Shatter nor Mind Spike, Shadowform will replace it with Mind Spike.
- If your Hero Power is already Mind Spike, Shadowform will replace it with Mind Shatter.
- If your Hero Power is already Mind Shatter, Shadowform will have no effect (including not refreshing your Hero Power).[1]
- If your Hero Power is not Mind Shatter nor Mind Spike, Shadowform will replace it with
- Example: If a mage has replaced their hero with Ragnaros the Firelord and plays a Shadowform obtained from
Nefarian, their Hero Power will still be replaced by Mind Spike.
- As usual, replacing your Hero Power will refresh it, allowing the new Hero Power to be used on that same turn if mana allows.
- Example: You can use
Lesser Heal, cast Shadowform and use Mind Spike on the same turn.
- Casting this spell creates a distinctive visual effect on the hero portrait: this effect is removed when your Hero Power is replaced by a Hero Power other than Mind Spike and Mind Shatter.[2]
- The damage dealt by Mind Shatter and Mind Spike can be increased as usual by Prophet Velen and Fallen Hero.
- As usual, casting a non-golden Shadowform will always grant a non-golden Hero Power, even if the replaced Hero Power was golden.
- Example: If you play a golden Shadowform followed by a non-golden Shadowform, the golden Mind Spike will be replaced by a non-golden Mind Shatter.
Strategy
This is more powerful than it might appear at first glance. 2 "untauntable" damage that can be targeted at anything is better than any other offensive Hero Power. It is comparable to a twice as powerful Fireblast, or three times as powerful when changed to Mind Shatter. Just remember you are trading a reliable source of healing synergies.
Shadowform tends to be weaker in the early game, but more powerful as mana becomes more available later in the game. Shadowform costs 3 mana, and Mind Spike costs an additional 2 mana for a total of 5 mana for 2 damage. This can be a big hit to a deck's tempo. However, once mana is more free, the double Shadowform Mind Shatter is the most powerful Hero Power in the game (other than INFERNO! granted by the warlock's Lord Jaraxxus card; and DIE, INSECT! granted by the neutral Majordomo Executus card.).
Turn 7 and 10 are notable checkpoints for use of multiple hero powers in one turn. On turn 7, Lesser Heal, Shadowform and then Mind Spike can be played in a single turn (2 healing and 2 damage). On turn 10, Shadowform, Mind Spike, Shadowform then Mind Shatter can be played in a single turn (5 damage).
If you play Prophet Velen, your Shadowform ability will deal double damage. This means Mind Spike will deal 4 damage and Mind Shatter will deal 6 damage, the latter being arguably more powerful and useful than any other Hero Power (INFERNO! included). This is because unlike INFERNO!, you do not have to wait a turn to deal the 6 damage, and you can deal the damage behind enemy Taunt minions. Under these circumstances, however rare or difficult they may be to pull off, you essentially gain a Fireball which costs only 2 mana and can be played every turn. Just make sure to protect your Prophet Velen.
Lore
- Let me ask you this, brothers and sisters: Can good exist without evil? Can there be light without dark?[3]
This spell is normally used by Shadow priests. Though Anduin Wrynn studied under King Magni and High Priest Rohan, which suggest Wrynn was a priest of light, others of the world of Azeroth and Outland believe light does not exist alone, that there must be a balance between the light and dark. This other side to Anduin's powers is reflected in his portrait, with dark shadow energy covering his left hand and swirling outwards, perhaps illustrating his command of this other side of the priest's powers.
World of Warcraft
- I draw deep from the shadows to slake my thirst for power. I'm never thirsty for long.[4]
Shadowform is a priest ability available only to Shadow priests. Using it shifts the priest into a Shadowform, increasing their spell haste, armor and Shadow damage dealt. However, these dark powers have their price; attuning to the Shadow leaves the priest unable to call upon the power of the Light, preventing them from using most Holy spells. Shadowpriests are almost always to be found in Shadowform, but can drop the form if need be, in order to make use of their healing spells. Priests in Shadowform are instantly recognisable by their purple, translucent appearance, with this visual effect extending to mounts and equipment.
Trivia
- The artwork for this card comes from the World of Warcraft Trading Card Game "Heroes of Azeroth" series, depicting the spell Shadowform.
- Shadowform may be used in a number of combos which allow for multiple Hero Power uses in one turn. See Hero Power - Trivia for details.
- Until the release of Blackrock Mountain (specifically Majordomo Executus), Shadowform was the only way a player could use multiple Hero Powers in one turn without the use of cost-modifying effects.
Artist
Template:Setartist
Gallery
Shadowform, full art