The Holy–Shadow Priest is a new hero concept built around the eternal struggle between Light and Darkness.

From the very beginning of the game, this hero can switch between Holy Form and Shadow Form, each granting a completely unique set of abilities. In Holy Form, the Priest protects and heals allies with sacred magic; in Shadow Form, he spreads fear and decay through forbidden sorcery.

Mastering this hero means knowing when to save and when to strike — a true test of faith and control.

Inspired by classic priest archetypes, the Holy–Shadow Priest offers a fresh take on Dota 2’s form–switching gameplay, combining the flexibility of Invoker with the thematic depth of Omniknight and Queen of pain.

This is an early concept, and everything here is open to change.
I’d be more than happy to hear feedback, suggestions, or improvements — if anyone has better ideas for abilities, balance, or lore, I’d love to discuss and refine it together.

Below you’ll find the full hero sheet, including all abilities, talents, and Aghanim’s upgrades. Feedback is welcome. — which side would you choose?

Hero : Vareth, the Shadowed Faith

Role: Support / Nuker / Healer / Disabler
Attack Type: Ranged
Primary Attribute: Intelligence
Complexity: ★★★★☆

Hero Overview

A master of duality, the Holy–Shadow Priest wields both light and darkness in perfect balance. Whether mending allies with radiant grace or consuming minds with forbidden shadow magic, the Priest’s power depends on which form he embraces — Holy or Shadow.
Mastering the timing of form-switching defines the difference between salvation and destruction.

HERO SPELLS:

1.Ultimate (Available at Level 1): Dual Ascension

Type: Toggle  Mana Cost: 50  Cooldown: 4 s

Switch between Holy Form and Shadow Form.

Transformation delay: 1.2 s (silenced while transforming)

Retains mana pool and shared ability cooldowns

Gains a distinct visual aura per form

Each form unlocks three unique spells

Holy Form Abilities:

1. Renew

Target: Ally  Mana Cost: 80  Cooldown: 10 s
Heals a friendly unit over 10 seconds.

Heal per second: 15 / 25 / 35 / 45

Self-cast bonus: +25 % healing

2.Divine Aegis

Target: Ally  Mana Cost: 120  Cooldown: 18 s
Applies a holy shield that absorbs incoming damage and reflects part of it.

Block: 120 / 200 / 280 / 360 damage

Reflect: 25 % as pure damage

Duration: 5 s

3.Angelic Pull / Fade

Target: Ally or Self  Mana Cost: 90  Cooldown: 22 s

On ally: Pulls the target ally to the Priest and grants 30 % bonus movement speed for 2 s.

On self (Alt-Cast): Dispels negative effects and grants invisibility for 1 s.

Shadow Form Abilities:

1. Terror Wave

Type: AoE  Mana Cost: 100  Cooldown: 18 s
Unleashes a pulse of darkness that causes nearby enemies to flee.

Radius: 350 / 400 / 450 / 500

Fear duration: 1.5 / 2 / 2.5 / 3 s

2.Mind Flay

Type: Channel (Target Enemy)  Mana Cost: 75 per second  Cooldown: 8 s
Channels a beam that damages and slows the target.

Damage per second: 40 / 70 / 100 / 130

Move slow: 20 % / 25 % / 30 % / 35 %

Max channel: 4 s

3.Shadow Plague

Target: Enemy  Mana Cost: 110  Cooldown: 12 s
Afflicts an enemy with a spreading shadow curse.

Duration: 8 s

Damage per second: 25 / 40 / 55 / 70

If the target dies or the debuff is dispelled, it jumps to the nearest enemy hero within 600 range.

Talents
Level Talent Options
10 +100 Renew Heal per Second or +10 % Spell Lifesteal (Shadow Form)
15 Divine Aegis Reflect +20 % or Terror Wave Radius +150
20 Mind Flay Applies Shadow Plague or Renew Affects Two Allies
25 Dual Ascension Form-Switch No Cooldown or Shadow Plague Can Bounce to Creeps and Heroes.

Aghanim’s Upgrades
Aghanim’s Scepter — Equilibrium

When switching forms, triggers both a minor Holy and Shadow pulse:

Entering Holy Form: Heals allies in 400 radius for 200 HP.

Entering Shadow Form: Damages enemies in 400 radius for 200 magic damage.

Aghanim’s Shard — Twilight Faith

Dual Ascension becomes instant and grants +8 % spell amplification for 6 s after each form switch.

Playstyle Summary

Early game: Sustain allies with Renew and Aegis to dominate lanes.

Mid game: Transition into Shadow Form for offensive pressure and crowd control.

Late game: Constantly swap forms to heal, disable, and zone—becoming a hybrid of Omniknight and Queen of Pain.