Ogre mage

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Ogre magi are smarter, spellcasting versions of ogres. Ogre magi came into existence in the Second War, when the orc warlock Gul’dan carved up an elven runestone and used its mystic powers to imbue ogre enforcers with the ability and intelligence to cast spells. The experiment was a success, with the only noticeable side effect the fact that it turned the ogres’ skin blue. A small price to pay for the power they wield — indeed, blue skin is now a sign of cunning, potential and might among ogres. In many ways, ogre magi are similar to their less intelligent brethren. They belong to the same society. Because of their intellects and magic powers, ogre magi are often in leadership positions in an ogre clan. However, because they focus on developing their spellcasting potential, they are often not as strong physically as other ogres, and ogre chieftains and warlords are usually mighty barbarians or warriors instead of magi. However, such a leader usually has one or more ogre magi advising and assisting him.Template:Cite

History

The first ogre magi were originally a small band of extremely loyal Ogre enforcers, transformed by Gul’dan into scheming and malicious two-headed beings with a natural affinity for magic.Template:Cite

During the Second War, the orc warlock Gul’dan and a group of ogres captured the elven Runestone of Caer Darrow. Gul’dan had the ogres hew it into slabs, and from these slabs Gul'dan created the first Altar of Storms. The once powerful Elf-magiks of the Runestone were twisted and warped by the process. Gul'dan harnessed this dark magic to transform normal ogres into intelligent spellcasters by infusing the magical abilities of long dead Warlocks into the Ogre's unsuspecting bodies.Template:Cite Once hulking simpletons, the transformed ogre magi directed their death magiks as easily as their lesser cousins delivered crushing blows to any foolish enough to stand in their path. Of these, the most famous ogre mage was Gul'dan's apprentice Cho'gall. Many such Altars and ogre magi were created by the Horde throughout the Second War.

In the aftermath of the Second War, Alliance forces, particularly high elves, sought out and destroyed the Altars to eliminate the tainted magic that created the ogre magi. Other Altars were converted to shamanistic totems under Thrall's reformation of the Horde. Deprived of their original means of creation, the number of surviving ogre magi have diminished. Some speculate that the ogre magi can breed amongst themselves, while others think that some ogre magi — or darker forces — have developed a way to create more. At least two Altars are known to have survived destruction, and they could still be used by powerful warlocks to create more ogre magi.Template:Cite

Whatever the case, ogre magi survive to this day in the most unlikely locales. They remain cunning and insidious -- serving the Horde only as they see fit.Template:Cite Because of their intelligence, and the fact that they often desire to search for arcane knowledge to enhance their spellcasting abilities, ogre magi are more likely to adventure than other ogres. Their spells, combined with their physical might, make them self-sufficient. While they are met with stares or violence in most civilized towns, they possess the smarts necessary to talk their way out of many volatile situations. For example, ogre magi allied with the Stonemaul clan are welcome in any Horde settlement. Nevertheless, the Alliance still views all ogres as savages and enemies.Template:Cite

Culture

Ogre magi are less chaotic than their brethren. Their intellect creates an awareness of power structures and allows them to understand political machinations. Ogre magi respect power; thus they served Gul’dan in the Second War. Most ogre magi are ambitious and seek to secure both political and magic power.Template:Cite These ogre magi have since become the spiritual leaders of the ogre tribes. They provide spells and magical items to protect the tribes from more established civilizations. Magi are the healers, record-keepers, and advisors to the chieftains.Template:Cite A given tribe will have ogre magi, usually one for every ten individuals. That is a twenty member tribe will have two ogre magi or one ogre magus. Occasionally a chief will be an ogre magus, but this is rare. They favor the sorcerer class, though healers, shamans and warlocks are common. A few rare ogre magi become wizards, but the need for writing materials can limit their persuit of magic.Template:Cite

Language

Ogre mages speak Common and Low Common. Ogre magi enjoy learning other languages including Goblin, Orcish, Taur-ahe and Zandali.Template:Cite

Appearance

In addition to gaining intelligence, a newly created ogre mage’s skin turns blue.Template:Cite Those who pursue the path of the warlock develop a blue tinge to their skin, a side-effect of wielding necromantic energies.Template:Cite

Two-headed ogre magi

Like normal ogres, some ogre magi have two heads. Their heads usually get along with each other. A two-headed ogre mage is not different from a one-headed ogre mage having the same characteristics, including equal intelligence.Template:Cite

Notable Ogre Magi

• Template:Race Icon Ogre Male Small Cho'gall, chieftain of Twilight Hammer Clan
• Template:Race Icon Ogre Male Small Mogor
• Template:Race Icon Ogre Male Small Dentarg