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The '''Witch Doctor''', abbreviated '''WD''', is a pure [[caster|spellcaster]], dealing with elemental magic, nature magic, necromancy and alchemy. The class has taken some inspiration from the [[{{iw|Necromancer]] Necromancer}} of [[Diablo II]], in its ability to summon pets of various types, as well as cast some mind control spells.

{|cellpadding="2" width="250px" align="right" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; background: #2D0606; clear:left; margin-top: 5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; line-height: 10px; font-size: 10px;"!colspan="2" style="text-align: center; line-height: 12px; font-size: 14px;"|'''[[Diablo III Class]]'''

|colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"|[[File:Witch_Doctors.jpg|200px]]

!colspan="2" style="text-align: center; line-height: 14px; font-size: 16px;"| The WizardWitch Doctor

| [[TraitsPassives]]:| [[Witch Doctor traitsPassives]]

[[Leonard Boyarsky]] describes the Witch Doctor: <ref>[http://uk.pc.gamespy.com/pc/diablo-iii/885172p1.html Leonard Boyarsky @ BlizzCon 2008] - Gamespy, October, 2010</ref>

The [[==Witch Doctor skill]]s were arranged in three skill trees, [[Zombie_Skill_Tree|Zombie]], [[Spirit_Skill_Tree|Spirit]], and [[Voodoo_Skill_Tree|Voodoo]], prior to 2010. They have since been arranged into one large list. The following is a very short version of it; see the [[Witch Doctor skills]] for a more complete list, or view any of the individual skills articles.Active Skills==

Tier One Skills* The [[Summon Witch Doctor skill]]s were arranged in three skill trees, [[Zombie_Skill_Tree|Zombie Dog]] -- The Witch Doctor summons a zombie dog , [[Spirit_Skill_Tree|Spirit]], and [[Voodoo_Skill_Tree|Voodoo]], prior to aid him2010.* The [[Plague of Toadsskills]] -- Release a handful of toads that hop out across and [[skill tree]] systems were entirely revised in 2010, and the screen active skills were arranged into one large list. At [[BlizzCon 2010]] in semi-random directionsOctober Blizzard revealed the new skill system, with all [[passive skills]] moved to [[traits]]. Toads burst upon contact with an enemyHowever, dealing poison damage and leaving a small puddle on At the ground[[July 2011 Press Event]], it was revealed that [[traits]] had been changed back to [[passive skills]].

Tier Two SkillsThe following is a very quick list. See the [[Witch Doctor skills]] page for a more thorough summary, or any of the individual skills pages for full information. ===Physical Realm===

* [[Zombie Charger]] -- Summon a zombie that charges straight forward, disintegrating into a damaging cloud of poison.* [[Corpse Spiders]] -- Summon spiders to attack nearby enemies. The spiders emerge from a rotting zombie corpse.* [[Haunt]] -- Launchs a ghostly creature that latches onto enemies, dealing [[Arcane]] damage over time. IF the target dies while the Haunt is active, it will [[chain]] to another nearby enemy. Tier Three Skills* [[Poison Dart]] -- The WD fires a dart that deals poison damage upon impact, and more over time.* [[Grasp Plague of the DeadToads]] -Release a handful of toads that hop out across the screen in semi- A debuff curserandom directions. Toads burst upon contact with an enemy, this slows dealing poison damage and damages enemies for leaving a short durationsmall puddle on the ground.* [[HexZombie Charger]] -- Summon a [[Fetish Shaman]] which will hex enemies zombie that charges straight forward, disintegrating into chickens. Hexed enemies are unable to perform offensive actions and take additional damage from attacksa damaging cloud of poison.* [[SacrificeCorpse Spiders]] -- Detonate one of your [[Mongrels]], dealing substantial damage Summon spiders to attack nearby enemies.* [[Soul Harvest]] -- A spell-casting buff. This grants increased increased spell damage for every enemy within the effective radius, for The spiders emerge from a limited timerotting zombie corpse. Tier Four Skills* [[Firebats]] -- An inferno-like spray of flaming bats damages all enemies in the line of fire.* [[Firebomb]] - Lob an skull that explodes on impact, dealing fire damage to all nearby enemies.* [[Locust Swarm]] -- Fire a plague of locusts that swarm over enemies, dealing physical damage over time. If the enemy dies the locusts will [[chain]] to other nearby targets. Tier Five Skills* [[Acid Cloud]] - A [[DfA]] spell that rains acid down on a small radius, dealing poison damage to the target and leaving a [[DoT]] puddle behind.

* [[Acid Cloud]] -- A [[DfA]] spell that rains acid down on a small radius, dealing poison damage to the target and leaving a [[DoT]] puddle behind.* [[Firebomb]] -- Lob an skull that explodes on impact, dealing fire damage to all nearby enemies.* [[Horrify]] -- A horrifying giant Witch Doctor appears overhead, frightening away any nearby enemies.* [[Wall of Zombies]] -- A long row of zombies erupt from the earth and attack nearby enemies. Tier Six Skills* [[Gargantuan]] -- Summon a large zombie to fight for you.* [[Mass Confusion]] -- A curse that causes enemies in the vicinity to switch allegiances, fighting against their fellow for a short duration.* [[Pit of Fire]] -- Summons gang of [[Fetish]]es, which attack enemies, dealing fire damage to all nearby.* [[Spirit Walk]] -- An escape/movement skill that allows the Witch Doctor to leave his empty husk of a body behind and run, moving freely in the spirit realm for several seconds. Tier Seven Skills* [[Fetish Army]] -- Summon an army of [[Fetish]]es to fight by your side for a short duration.* [[Parasite]] -- Launch a Parasite at an enemy. The Parasite deals damage over time; if the enemy dies while the Parasite remains active, a [[Zombie Dog]] will emerged from the corpse.* [[Spirit Barrage]] -- A powerful DfA skill, this brings down a bombardment of spirits that deal Arcane damage to anything in the radius.  ==Witch Doctor Traits== This is a very quick listing. See the [[Witch Doctor traits]] article for more detail, or click to any of the individual traits for full stats and info. Level required: Under 10 * [[Toughness]] -- Increases [[vitality]].* [[Unbreakable Will]] -- Increases [[willpower]].* [[Spirit Vessel]] -- The Witch Doctor gains [[mana]] whenever he picks up a [[health globe]]:* [[Mana Regeneration]] -- Regenerate more mana per second.* [[Mind and Body]] -- Regenerate more health per second.* [[Lucky]] -- Causes monsters to drop larger amounts of gold.  Level requirement: 11* [[Death Pact]] -- Reduces damage taken when the Witch Doctor is under 50% health.  Level requirement: 15* [[Ritual of Blood]] -- 50% of mana costs go to health.* [[Leader of the Pack]] -- +5% damage to Zombie Dogs.* [[Meditation]] -- Spirit skills give back 30% of their mana cost back over 10 seconds.

Level requirement: 19===Support===* [[RitualsSummon Zombie Dogs]] -The Witch Doctor summons a zombie dog to aid him.* [[Grasp of the Dead]] - Increases spell A debuff curse, this slows and damages enemies for a short duration.* [[Hex]] - Summon a [[Fetish Shaman]] which will hex enemies into chickens. Hexed enemies are unable to perform offensive actions and take additional damage by a percentage from attacks.* [[Sacrifice]] - Detonate one of your Vitality[[Mongrels]], dealing substantial damage to nearby enemies.* [[Blood RitesGargantuan]] -Summon a large zombie to fight for you.* [[Big Bad Voodoo]] - Health globes give you increased damage done Summon a fetish to begin a ritual dance that increases the attack, casting and movement speeds of all allies in the area.* [[Fetish Army]] - Summon an army of [[Fetish]]es to fight by your side for a few secondsshort duration.

Level requirement: 23* [[Staff Specialization]] -- Increases damage done by skills when the Witch Doctor This is wielding a staffvery quick listing.* See the [[Right-HandedWitch Doctor skills]] -- Increases damage done by article for more details, or click on any of the individual passive skills when the Witch Doctor is wielding a weapon in his/her right handfor full stats and info.

Level requirement: 27* [[Mana Regeneration]] - Regenerates more [[mana]] per second.* [[AssassinMind and Body]] -Regenerates more health per second.* [[Spiritual Attunement]] - Increases damage when the Witch Doctor is wielding a daggermaximum [[mana]].* [[Unrelenting AssaultCare of the Master]] -- Gives a chance Increases the health of a Zombie Dog will be brought back to life when it diespets.* [[Natural LeaderQuickening]] -- UnknownIncreases casting speed.

Level requirement: 31* [[Spirit Vessel]] - The Witch Doctor gains [[mana]] whenever he picks up a [[health globe]].* [[Beast HunterAggression]] -Increases [[attack]].* [[Expert Defense]] - Damage bonus against Increases [[Beastsdefense]].* [[DemonsbaneSuperior Skill]] -- Damage bonus against Increases [[Demonsprecision]].* [[Just... Stay... Dead!Toughness]] -- Damage bonus against Increases [[Undeadvitality]].

Level requirement: 35* [[Superior SkillDeath Pact]] -- Increases Reduces damage taken when the Witch Doctor is low on health.* [[DexterityLeader of the Pack]]- Increases damage dealt by Zombie Dogs.* [[Spirit LinkRitual of Blood]] -- Part of damage [[mana]] costs for skills are taken is instead redirected to your summonsfrom health. * [[Plagued]] - Increases damage done by [[Animal skills]] and [[Plague skills]].

===Witch Doctor Traits===Level requirement: 47* Many [[Ferocitytraits]] -- Increases damage done by your summons.* were preserved as [[Quickeningpassive skills]] -- Increases your casting speed, but a lot them were dropped.* See the [[Care of the MasterWitch Doctor traits]] -- Increases page for full info on what the health of your summonstraits system looked like.

===WD Build Variety?===

::'''''Diii.net: '''The Witch Doctor build seems fairly narrow in concept. He’ll always have mongrels for tanking, some mini-mage support, and some minion attacks and a bit of mind control. Looking at his skill tree now, there doesn’t seem to be that many potential Witch Doctor builds, which isn’t true of the [[Wizard]] or [[Barbarian]]. Can you comment on that? Is it just that we don’t know enough about the Witch Doctor yet? ''

[[File:Arena-profile-m-wd.jpg|frame|Male WD profile.]]The Witch Doctor is the only class in Diablo 3 who uses [[mana]] as a character resource. In this the WD is very conventional and familiar to people who played Diablo and Diablo 2. The character casts spells that cost X amount of mana, which regenerates over time, at a rate determined by various factors including total mana pool, item modifiers, and relevant skills. Mana regenerates slowly compared to a resource like [[Arcane Power]], but the amount of mana available to the Witch Doctor increases (Details are as of yet far from completeand scales) with level.)

::'''''Diii.net: '''Do you envision the health globes will boost [non-mana resources] in the way that the Wizard and Witch Doctor gained mana from them at Blizzcon?''

[[Image:Mana_bulb.jpg|left|thumb|200px|The Mana bulb.]] ::But the key is that we don’t necessarily want to... we don’t want to cannibalize an existing gameplay mechanic. So when you take health globes that are already important, and you make them even more important, then that doesn’t really create gameplay. For the WD, the health globes weren’t that important a lot of times, since he very rarely took damage with his pets, so for him by enhancing his desire for health globes, we’re really putting gameplay where it wasn’t. So whatever we’re designing a class that’s what we look at.   ==Class-Specific Items== [[Image:WDItems.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Witch Doctor with a [[Mask]], [[Mojo]], and [[Ceremonial Knives]].]]The Witch Doctor has three [[item]] types that are specific to the class: [[Mojo]]s, which are held in the off-hand, [[Ceremonial Knives]], and [[Voodoo Masks]]. Class-specific items not only add visual flavor to a class, but they also allow the developers to add in specific item [[modifiers]] and affixes that are appropriate only to that certain class, to avoid having an inordinate amount of "junk" items spawned for the other classes. As previously noted in this entry, the similarities between the Necromancer and the Witch Doctor, while not legion, are certainly not few. The off-hand Mojos certainly add a necromantic flavor to the class, high reminiscent of the Shrunken Heads that the Necromancer had available in Diablo II: Lord of Destruction. In addition, the Witch Doctor will carry his Ceremonial Knives (and also daggers) in the same highly-stylised, distinct manner that the Necromancer did in Diablo II, which should be welcome to most fans. Especially those with a Poison Dagger build in D2.The masks are not part of any specific tier of item sets, but are their own models/textures and are individual like the mojos and daggers. There are only a few masks at present but they are very distinctive in appearance. 

The tribes define themselves by their belief in the [[Mbwiru Eikura]], which roughly translates to "[[Unformed Land|The Unformed Land]]". Their belief holds that the true, sacred reality is veiled behind the physical one we normally experience. Their vitally important public ceremonies are centred centered upon sacrifices to the life force that flows from their gods, who inhabit the Unformed Land, into this lesser physical realm.

Witch Doctors are finely attuned to this Unformed Land and are able to train their minds to perceive it through a combination of rituals and the use of selected roots and herbs found in the jungles. They call the state in which they interact with this other world the [[Ghost Trance (Wizard)|Ghost Trance]].

<blockquote>''Most believe the fearsome [[witch doctor]] of the [[umbaru]] race a legend, but I have seen one in battle with my own eyes. And it was difficult to believe, even then. He dispatched his opponent with terrifying precision, assaulting his victim's mind and body with elixirs and powders that evoked fires, explosions, and poisonous spirits. As if these assaults were not enough, the witch doctor also had at his command the ability to summon [[undead]] creatures from the netherworld to rend the flesh from his enemy's body.''

''I came upon this rare display as I ventured deep into the interior of the dense [[Torajan]] jungles that cover the southern tip of the great eastern continent, in the vast area known as the [[Teganze]], with the goal of seeking out the tribes that reside there. This area is extremely secluded, and heretofore unseen by foreign eyes. I was fortunate to befriend the witch doctor I saw in battle, and, through him, his tribe: the [[Tribe of the Five Hills]].''

''The culture of the umbaru of the lower Teganze is fascinating and perplexing to those hailing from more civilized walks of life. For instance, the Tribe of the Five Hills frequently engages in tribal warfare with both the [[Clan of the Seven Stones]] and the [[Tribe of the Clouded Valley]], but these are matters of ritual and not of conquest. I had heard tales that these wars are waged in order that the victors may replenish their supply of raw materials for the human sacrifices that their civilization revolves around, and when I timidly asked my hosts more about this topic, I must admit their laughter made me fear for my safety. However, through stumbled attempts at communication of such complex topics as what constitutes heroism and honor in their society, I gathered that only those taken in battle are considered worthy of the ritual sacrifice, much to my relief.''

''Upon further discussions with my hosts, I discovered that these tribes define themselves by their belief in the [[Mbwiru Eikura]], which roughly translates to "[[Unformed Land|The Unformed Land]]" (this is an imprecise translation, as this concept is completely foreign to our culture and language). This belief holds that the true, sacred reality is veiled behind the physical one we normally experience. Their vitally important public ceremonies are centered upon sacrifices to the life force that flows from their gods, who inhabit the Unformed Land, into this lesser physical realm.''

''The [[witch doctor]]s are finely attuned to this Unformed Land and are able to train their minds to perceive this reality through a combination of rituals and the use of selected roots and herbs found in the jungles. They call the state in which they interact with this other world the [[Ghost Trance (Wizard)|Ghost Trance]].''

''Alongside the primacy of the belief in the life force and the Unformed Land, the second most sacred belief of the tribes is their philosophy of self-sacrifice and non-individuality, of suppressing one's self-interest for the good of the tribe. This idea, so foreign to our culture, struck me as something I wished to delve into much more deeply.''

''Unfortunately, there was intense social upheaval among the tribes due to an incident involving their most current war (inasmuch as I could discern in the ensuing bedlam), and the charged atmosphere warranted my quick departure before I could ask anything further of my hosts.''</blockquote>

* [[Ghost Trance (Wizard)|Ghost Trance]]

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