WoW Rumor: Priests to get a Monk Form?

Over at the World of Warcraft Forums, an interesting bit of speculation is underway regarding a new build for WoW‘s Priest job class. The discussion was started by Daniel, who said this following message was found at one of the web sites he frequented:

In 2.0.12 we will be tentatively testing “Monk Form.” Monk Form drastically changes the priest play style, adding a real sense of “Discipline” to the priest class. Specializing to 41 will allow the priest to focus his energies through either open-handed or staff combat, adding additional dimensions to a real World of Warcraft favorite. This is in line with the archtype, and should provide new means of survivability and offense; focusing this third tree that has seen many changes in the last two years. We hope to see you on the Test Server!

Given that there is no official word on this via Blizzard, we recommend that this be treated as a rumor. We’re sure this will perk up the ears of any player who has been attempting to emulate the monk archetype that’s been longed for in-game, all the more since the announcement mentions improved open-handed and staff skills. What adds validity to this rumor is the fact that the Scarlet Monastery instance is already host to warrior monks (as NPCs), which may provide hints as to what this new Discipline-based build will look like.

On the other hand, doesn’t WoW already have healer/fighter hybrids in the guise of Shammies and Pallies? We’re not really sure what to make of this speculation, although a fist-fighting holy man does seem due, all the more as other MMORPGs already carry this job archetype. What’s your take on the matter, guys?

Over at the World of Warcraft Forums, an interesting bit of speculation is underway regarding a new build for WoW‘s Priest job class. The discussion was started by Daniel, who said this following message was found at one of the web sites he frequented:

In 2.0.12 we will be tentatively testing “Monk Form.” Monk Form drastically changes the priest play style, adding a real sense of “Discipline” to the priest class. Specializing to 41 will allow the priest to focus his energies through either open-handed or staff combat, adding additional dimensions to a real World of Warcraft favorite. This is in line with the archtype, and should provide new means of survivability and offense; focusing this third tree that has seen many changes in the last two years. We hope to see you on the Test Server!

Given that there is no official word on this via Blizzard, we recommend that this be treated as a rumor. We’re sure this will perk up the ears of any player who has been attempting to emulate the monk archetype that’s been longed for in-game, all the more since the announcement mentions improved open-handed and staff skills. What adds validity to this rumor is the fact that the Scarlet Monastery instance is already host to warrior monks (as NPCs), which may provide hints as to what this new Discipline-based build will look like.

On the other hand, doesn’t WoW already have healer/fighter hybrids in the guise of Shammies and Pallies? We’re not really sure what to make of this speculation, although a fist-fighting holy man does seem due, all the more as other MMORPGs already carry this job archetype. What’s your take on the matter, guys?