Markiplier: The Shadow Priest Masquerading as a Paladin?
For years, Markiplier has cultivated the image of a noble, kind-hearted content creator—an internet paladin, if you will. But what if I told you this is merely a carefully constructed illusion? What if behind the grand speeches, the emotional monologues, and the theatrical sincerity lies something far more calculating? A hidden hunger for influence? A shadow lurking beneath the light?
Markiplier is often associated with the Draenei Paladin archetype—righteous, self-sacrificing, and devoted to the protection of others. But does this truly fit him? I argue that while his race may indeed be Draenei, his class is something entirely different. The truth is, Markiplier aligns far more with a Shadow Priest, if not a Warlock. But why?
The Warlock’s Greed or the Priest’s Deception?
Warlocks do not shy away from their hunger for power. They embrace it, wielding fel magic without concern for how others perceive them. While Markiplier certainly harbors an undeniable ambition, he is too careful, too controlled, to fall into the blatant darkness of a Warlock. No—his manipulation is far more subtle, more insidious.
A Shadow Priest, on the other hand, thrives in deception. They whisper false comforts while feeding off the devotion of their followers. They do not openly wield power; instead, they poison minds slowly, ensuring undying loyalty through the facade of compassion. Sound familiar?
Markiplier’s deep, emotional monologues serve a purpose beyond just ‘relating’ to his audience. They create a sense of dependency, a belief that he truly understands them—when in reality, this is nothing more than a spell of devotion woven through carefully crafted words. His influence runs deep, bending the wills of millions, not through brute force, but through calculated charm. He appears to be a beacon of light, but beneath the surface, his power festers like shadow magic creeping through his veins.
The Profession of a Mastermind: Alchemy
If we are to assign a profession to this supposed ‘paragon of virtue,’ then Alchemy is the only fitting choice. Alchemists concoct potions that manipulate perception, create illusions, and bend reality to their will. What is Markiplier’s greatest strength if not his ability to transform himself at will? He shifts between personas effortlessly, adapting to whatever best fits the narrative. One moment he’s the heroic leader, the next he’s the tortured artist, and then, just as seamlessly, he’s the cunning businessman. This is the power of Alchemy—the ability to shift, deceive, and control without ever revealing one's true nature.
The Illusion of Righteousness
At the end of the day, Markiplier’s greatest weapon is the illusion of virtue. He has built an empire not through brute force, nor through the reckless hunger of a Warlock, but through the slow, methodical whispers of a Shadow Priest. His followers believe they are standing beside a beacon of light, but they do not realize they are already deep within the void.
He is not the hero you think he is. He is something else entirely.
The only question that remains is this: Has he already convinced you otherwise?
