Shattered Sun, Mended Hearts

I knew how Kaelydia had come to be golden-eyed — see the flavor text descriptions for Blood Elf Mage outfits 62 – 64 & 60 — but I didn’t know much else about her. I was wondering what her relationship status might be when she said, “Oh, I’m married. To a Draenei.”

~*~*~

We were both members of the Army of the Shattered Sun, and occasionally had assignments together. We became moderately well acquainted with each other, but not enough that I would necessarily have called us “friends”. After the restoration of the Sunwell, I stayed at Quel’Danas while he went to Icecrown with the Argent Crusade. Following the defeat of the Lich King, he returned to Quel’Danas. By that time, the number of long-term members of the Army of the Shattered Sun had gotten much smaller, and so we encountered and worked with each other much more frequently than before. Over the years, we gradually became friends, then better friends, until eventually we were quite close.

When Lady Liadrin went with Archmage Khadgar to the other Draenor, we both chose to go with her. We spent most of our time with Lady Liadrin’s forces at Auchindoun in Talador. Occasionally, he took me to see places in Shadowmoon Valley that corresponded to the places he had known on “our” Draenor, to show me what they had been like before our Draenor became Outland.

On one such outing, I dared to ask a question that had been consuming me with curiosity for some time. I’d observed that Draenei wore different colors of gems in their tail rings, which sometimes changed. More to the point, I wondered what the green gems that he’d begun wearing in his tail rings some time ago signified.

“Ah,” he answered, rather shyly and awkwardly, “the colors are a signal between Draenei about our interest in romantic relationships. The green means that I am not currently seeking a relationship because I am already… seeing someone. And the pattern…” he became even more shy and awkward, “means that there is some… complexity.”

I was surprised. We had known each other well enough for long enough that we had shared a great deal of our pasts with each other. I knew about the wives and children he had lost to the Burning Legion, most recently when the Orcs went on their rampage on Outland. He knew about my two failed marriages.

My first marriage hadn’t quite been Arranged, but it had certainly been Set Up. As a young woman, I had been deeply immersed in my studies and had no marital prospects to speak of. I wasn’t bothered by this; my older brother had married well and would handle the family futures quite competently. The young man was a younger son of his family; when began courting me, I knew at once that it was because my parents and his sought a financial alliance. We got along amiably enough, so I agreed to the match. After three successive pregnancies ended in early miscarriages, however, he sued to be released from the marriage. Because it had been a political marriage, the legal jousting required to disentangle the conjoined business affairs without completely ruining either family took so long that my husband had fathered two children with another woman by the time everything was resolved. Once our divorce was final, he married her as promptly as he could.

(To their credit, my parents learned from this debacle and did not attempt to manipulate the marital prospects of my younger brother, Ianestin. Although I do not know her well, I approve of the young woman who has captured his attention — though neither he nor she seems willing yet to admit to the depth of their mutual affection and desire.)

After the destruction of the Sunwell, I followed Prince Kael’thas to Outland. During that journey, I fell madly in love with a certain man in the group.

He was as infatuated with me as I was with him, and infatuation rapidly progressed to a marriage proposal. Our wedding was a great celebration for the whole group; Prince Kael’thas himself showered it with praise as a sign of the new hope the Sin’dorei had before us in Outland. When we were together, fireworks flew.

But the whole thing was a mistake. For all the things we found fascinating about each other, there were as many or more that we disagreed upon, especially as Prince Kael’thas’s choices became more and more extreme. My second husband was staunchly loyal to Prince Kael’thas, whereas I began to be persuaded by Seer Voren’thal. When Seer Voren’thal began to talk, quietly, of defecting to Shattrath City, I divorced my second husband.

After that, I had been embittered and not at all interested in anything other than friendship for a very, very long time.

But my dear Draenei friend had said nothing of any recent romantic attachments.

“Are you willing to tell me about it?” I asked.

He twisted his fingers together. “I am not interested in a relationship with another Draenei,” he said slowly, “because I am too much in love with you.”

“Well, then,” I said, “let me uncomplicate things for you.” And I reached up and kissed him.

When we returned to the Sunsworn camp in Talador, we went straight to Lady Liadrin and asked her to marry us. She gave us a Look that said I was wondering how long it would take you two to figure that out and then asked simply, “Which rite?”

We’d discussed this thoroughly on the journey back to the camp, and we answered, “Both of them.”

That evening, when the appropriate ceremonial preparations had been made and the required number of witnesses had been gathered from among our friends, we were wed: first with Soulbinder Tuulani conducting the Draenei ceremony, then with Lady Liadrin conducting the Sin’dorei ceremony.

This time, the celebrations and feelings of hope were genuine.

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Light and Magic; Horns, Hooves, and Tails

What was that I said about not making any more Allied Races alts unless I liked their Heritage Armor enough to level from scratch for it?

Well, I’m not all that keen on the Lightforged Draenei Heritage Armor — not for a Mage, at least — but I just haven’t been able to get the notion of having a Lightforged Draenei among the Minor Mages out of my head.

Meet Krystaliza.

I don’t know much about who she is, other than that she is a long-lost relative of Kaprikka. As far as Kaprikka was aware, all of her progenitors had perished in one Legion attack or another by the time the Draenei arrived on Draenor; her parents, too, were killed in the Orcish rampage. I’m not sure at quite what point in the 25000 years of the Draenei’s flight from Kil’jaeden that Xe’ra arrived and took those who wished to follow her off in the Xenedar, so I don’t know exactly how many generations back Krystaliza is a sister of one of Kaprikka’s ancestors — but for each of them to find that they do, in fact, have a blood relative still living was a delightful shock.

Part of my desire to have this character on my roster came from wanting to pair the Lightforged tabard with the Draenic Silk Robes, as seen above.

Part of it comes from a couple of occasions when I’ve made a white and gold outfit and wished that I had a blonde Lightforged Draenei to model it in the Dressing Room.

And part of it is that with the Orb of Deception, a Lightforged Draenei can become a Highmountain Tauren (or a Gnome can be a Mulgore Tauren), thereby allowing me to pretend — for five minutes at a time, at least — that I have Tauren Mages!


Come on, Blizzard! Some of the Crazed Mages in Blackrock Caverns are Tauren, and they’ve been in the game since Cataclysm! Because they use ice and fire magic already, I think that Tauren becoming Mages as a divergence from Shamanism could be just as valid as Tauren becoming Priests and Paladins as a divergence from Druidism.
But as much as I’d like this to happen, it’s not likely to happen. I’ll just go sit in the corner with the folks who really really want to play Gnome or Night Elf Paladins…

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For the Alliance! For the Horde!

For the Alliance!

Mountainsage Hood, Primal Mooncloth Shoulders, Whispering Tunic, Bridenbrad’s Sash, Leggings of the Night Sky, Exiled Dabbler’s Gloves, Faith Healer’s Boots*, Bone Witch’s Drape, Replica Lion’s Fang, Divine Companion, Stormwind Tabard

Kodo-Repellant Shoulders, Silksand Wraps, Belt of Unsolvable Problems, Gaze Dreamer Pants, Gloves of Rapid Evolution, Ritual Sandals, Bloodpetal Cloak, Orange Mageweave Shirt, Excavation Rod*, Everglow Lantern*, Ironforge Tabard

Eye of Flame, Orchid Amice*, Cat Lover’s Vest, Dreamer’s Belt, Darkweave Breeches, Gossamer Gloves + Courier’s Wraps, Elegant Boots, Staff of Dominance, Gnomeregan Tabard

Buoyant Shoulderpads, Replica Sorcerer’s Robes, Belt of False Promises, Gandling’s Gloves, Footfalls of Memories, Mok’Morokk’s Beat Stick, Darnassus Tabard

Ceremonial Shoulderpads of Karabor, Astralaan Robe, Ceremonial Sash of Karabor, Wild Gladiator’s Gloves of Prowess, Staff of the Redeemer, Exodar Tabard & Mantle

Lord Walden’s Top Hat, Enumerated Shoulderpads, Sorcerer Drape, Juju Belt, Godfrey’s Britches, Fel-Infused Grips, Woolen Boots, Staff of Deserved Tranquility, Gilneas Tabard

Arcane Pads, Blue Linen Robe, Sorcerer Sash, Heavy Linen Gloves, Tushui Tabard

~*~*~

For the Horde!

Circle of Flame, Simple Blouse, Aboriginal Sash, Ritual Leggings, Ritual Gloves + Cuffs of Black Elements, Kurkenstoks, Thaumaturgist Staff, Orgrimmar Tabard

Stonecloth Epaulets, Aboriginal Robe, Crimson Silk Belt, Ritual Gloves + Magiskull Cuffs, Griftah’s Authentic Troll Shoes, Staff of Firey Fate, Darkspear Tabard

Nimar’s Tribal Headdress, Silksand Shoulder Pads, Native Robe, Wise Man’s Belt, Heavy Linen Gloves + Featherbead Bracers*, Staff of Feral Furies, Thunder Bluff Tabard

Enumerated Shoulderpads, Mindwrack Robes, Clutch of Andros*, Cobalt-Threaded Gloves, Apprentice Boots, Wand of Qiraji Nobility, Light-Imbued Lantern, Undercity Tabard & Mantle

Sanctified Bloodmage Shoulderpads, Silvermoon Robes, Black Belt of Knowledge, Primal Combatant’s Gloves of Prowess, Sorcerer Slippers, Mantle of Silvermoon, Book of Highborne Hymns, Silvermoon City Tabard

Embersilk Tunic Cord & Leggings, Phoenix Gloves, Ritual Sandals, Spider Frier, Kobold Candle, Bilgewater Cartel Tabard

Exquisite Sunderseer Mantle, Red Linen Robe, Apothecary’s Waistband, Ritual Gloves, Apprentice Boots, Renzithen’s Dusty Cloak, Wand of Separation, Seer’s Fine Stein, Huojin Tabard

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Crowns of the Argussian Empyrium

Metalworkers who went to Argus in Patch 7.3 gained access to a material called Empyrium from which Jewelcrafters could make a set of matching Army of the Light-themed crowns.

Empyrial Key to the Cosmos


Empyrial Cosmic Crown, Dominant Combatant’s Silk Amice, Vicious Embersilk Robe, Nightvale Waistwrap, Pyrotex Ignition Cloth, Sage’s Boots, Key to the Planes

Empyrial Windblade

Empyrial Deep Crown, Arinor Keeper’s Spaulders, Wild Draenish Vest, Arinor Keeper’s Belt, Salamander Scale Pants, Mountainscaler Leather Gloves, Overgrowth Cutter Boots, Mana Wrath

Empyrial Legacy






Empyrial Elemental Crown, Demonic Combatant’s Chain Spaulders, Bramblemail Hauberk, Skettis Belt, Manaburst Legguards, Mojo-Mender’s Gloves, Lifestep Treads, Rich Purple Silk Shirt, Thas’dorah (upgraded, first tint)

Empyrial Bastion

Empyrial Titan Crown, Demonic Combatant’s Scaled Shoulders, Chestguard of Exile, Uktar’s Belt of Chiming Rings, Magistrate’s Greaves, Gauntlets of Radiant Glory (N), Pillarfoot Greaves (N), Sunsoul Scepter, Aldori Legacy Defender

~*~*~

Outfits made after the original date of the post, collected here to keep them all in one easily-searchable location

Empyrial Legacy II

Empyrial Elemental Crown, Dominant Combatant’s Ringmail Spaulders, Bramblemail Hauberk, Skettis Belt, Manaburst Legguards, Fathomheart Gauntlets, Wavefury Boots, Archon’s Gavel, Aldori Legacy Defender

Azerite

Empyrial Elemental Crown, Relentless Gladiator’s Linked Spaulders, Warmongering Gladiator’s Ringmail Armor, Warmongering Gladiator’s Waistguard of Prowess, Marauder’s Gauntlets, War Mace of Unrequited Love, Ice Spire Scepter

Azerite Arcanum



Empyrial Cosmic Crown, Heroes’ Frostfire Shoulderpads, Robes of the Exalted, Runed Spell-Cuffs, Sandswept Sandals, Cloak of Tranquil Clouds, Spectral Censorite’s Staff

Effulgent Sanctification


Empyrial Cosmic Crown, Conqueror’s Shoulderpads of Sanctification, Conqueror’s Robe of Sanctification, Sash of the Unredeemed (M), Fel-Flecked Grips (M), Shadow Council Boots, Cranewing Cloak, Argent Crusader’s Tabard, Spectral Censorite’s Staff
This outfit started with the hat, the shoulders, the tabard, and the staff. I hadn’t intentionally farmed for this robe, but now I’m glad that I got it along the way to getting the shoulders, because it’s just the thing to go with the tabard.
Here’s a darker variation with the Army of the Light Tabard and the Robes of the High Priest:

Empyreal Aspirations


Empyrial Cosmic Crown, Waylight Shoulderpads, Drape of Twisted Loyalties, Aspiring Aspirant’s Robes & Handwraps, Cord of Uncertain Devotion, Ringo’s Blizzard Boots, Spectral Censorite’s Staff

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Signature Outfits of the Minor Mages

A non-comprehensive collection of just the best Transmogrification Kits that I have made for the Minor Mages.

Alliance Core Races: Dwarf, Gnome, Night Elf, Draenei, Worgen, Tushui Pandaren
Horde Core Races: Forsaken, Troll, Orc, Goblin, Huojin Pandaren
Alliance Allied Races: Lightforged Draenei, Dark Iron Dwarf, Mechagnome
Horde Allied Races: Nightborne, Mag’har Orc, Zandalari Troll, Vulpera

Items that are no longer obtainable are marked with an asterisk (*).

~*~*~

Alliance Core Races: Dwarf, Gnome, Night Elf, Draenei, Worgen, Tushui Pandaren

~*~*~

Bronzebeard Firebrand

Kodo-Repellant Shoulders, Silksand Wraps, Belt of Unsolvable Problems, Gaze Dreamer Pants, Gloves of Rapid Evolution, Ritual Sandals, Bloodpetal Cloak, Orange Mageweave Shirt, Excavation Rod*, Everglow Lantern*
I couldn’t find a lot in orange, to go with the Ironforge Tabard, for a low-level character. This combination of oranges, browns, and golds works quite nicely, though.

Country Girl

Blue Overalls, Willow Belt, Mangy Claw Mitts, Trogg-Slayer Boots, Seer’s Fine Stein, Bright Yellow Shirt
A plain and simple look for a quiet, unassuming girl… but don’t make the mistake of underestimating her.

Brewfest Dirndl

Brewfest Dress, Ritual Gloves + Ritual Bands, Brewfest Slippers, Wand of Separation, Seer’s Fine Stein
It’s Brewfest! Let’s dance some polkas!
I think that maybe “dirndl” isn’t actually the correct name for this style of folk dress, but I’m not sure what the correct name is.

~*~*~

Gnomeregan Artificer

Eye of Flame, Orchid Amice*, Cat Lover’s Vest, Dreamer’s Belt, Darkweave Breeches, Gossamer Gloves + Courier’s Wraps, Elegant Boots, Staff of Dominance, Gnomeregan Tabard

S.A.F.E. Operative


Swoop-Tail Shoulders, Shimmering set, Jessera’s Fungus-Lined Cuffs, Green Linen Shirt
The Fel-Proof Goggles complete the look; I just haven’t gotten around to taking some new screenshots that include them.

Gnomeregan Runner

Crimson Tunic*, Captain Sanders’ Sash, Crimson Silk Pantaloons, Rotting Handwraps + Jessera’s Fungus Lined Cuffs, Warm Red Woolen Socks
A variation on Kelilla’s signature outfit worn while participating in the Great Gnomeregan Race.

Father Winter’s Helper

Red Winter Hat & Red Winter Clothes with Rotting Handwraps + Jessera’s Fungus Lined Cuffs, Warm Red Woolen Socks, Green Linen Shirt, and Thaumaturgist Staff/Green Winter Hat & Green Winter Clothes with Shimmering bracers gloves & boots, Red Linen Shirt, and Whelp Keeper’s Staff
Who else but a Gnome to show off the best cloth accessories to wear with the Winter Clothes?
I am rather fond of the effect created by using the contrasting colored shirt.

Darkmoon Magician



Elder’s hat vest belt & pants, Silk Mantle of Gamn*, Shimmering gloves & boots, Aurora bracers, Cloak of the Darkmoon Faire, Green Holiday Shirt, Greater Magic Wand, Spellbinder Orb
Use the Gossamer shoulderpads to retain the white look of the Silk Mantle of Gamn, or use the Elder’s or Hibernal shoulders or the Slavehandler Amice to match the greens and purples.

Darkmoon Sleight-of-Hand

Elder Wizard’s Mantle, Cat Lover’s Vest, Nesingwary’s Sash, Genavie’s Leggings, Shimmering Gloves, Duskwoven Sandals, Tuxedo Shirt, Cloak of the Darkmoon Faire, Enchanted Azsharite Felbane Staff*
If you’re going to wear the Darkmoon Top Hat to get that sweet 10% XP and rep buff, you might as well own the look.
Trying for a stage magician sort of look here. I almost didn’t use any shoulders with this kit, until I saw how nicely these ones complemented the cloak.
A lookalike of the staff is the Rod of the Void Caller, a quest reward from Hellfire Peninsula. For a low-level character, the Magician Staff would also work nicely.

Keeper of the Fens

Enumerated Shoulderpads, Fen Keeper’s Robe*, Shimmering Sash, Heavy Linen Gloves + Jessera’s Fungus Lined Cuffs, Bright Boots, Arcane Staff*, Gilnean Adventurer’s Shirt
This lovely recolor of the Night Elf Druid starter robe was awarded from the pre-Cataclysm version of Rethiel the Greenwarden’s quest chain in the Wetlands. The Spellbinder Robe could be used for a similar look.

Whitemane’s Power


Whitemane’s Chapeau*/Ata’mal Crown, Silk Mantle of Gamn*, Robe of Power, Captain Sanders’ Sash/Apothecary’s Waistband, Heavy Linen Gloves, Shimmering/Ivycloth Boots
The Red Pointy Hat or Crimson Felt Hat would also work well with this set.
The Gossamer shoulders are a suitable alternate for the Silk Mantle of Gamn.

~*~*~

Daughter of the Stars


Buoyant Shoulderpads, Replica Sorcerer’s Robes, Belt of False Promises, Gandling’s Gloves, Footfalls of Memories, Mok’Morokk’s Beat Stick, Darnassus Tabard
I wanted to use Queen Azshara’s Dressing Gown for this outfit, but even though the actual item is equippable at level 51, which would suggest that it should be Moggable by characters in the Classic level bracket, the appearance requires level 78 to use because it is a lookalike of the Naxx 25 Mage tier chest 😦

With a high-level character, I’d probably use the Spire of Defiance for this kit.

Druid of the Ley

Fallen Apprentice’s Robe, Belt of False Promises, Ritual Gloves + Greenweave Bracers, Ritual Stopper’s Slippers, Darnassus Doublet, Scepter of Celebras*
I chose this robe for my Night Elf Mage because is the same style as that worn by a newly-created Night Elf Druid — though before she became a Mage, Keriluna was neither a Druid nor a Priestess, but a Bard.

Stillpine Interpreter

Feline Mantle, Fur Covered Robe, Wizard’s Belt, Woolgathering Gloves, Ritual Stopper’s Slippers, Squire’s Shirt
It was delightfully easy to put together a nice low-level Transmogrification kit to go with this beautiful and unique starting zone quest reward robe.

Deep Purple Dreams

Feline Mantle, Cat Lover’s Vest, Wizard’s Belt, Darkweave Breeches, Woolgathering Gloves, Ritual Stopper’s Slippers
I love the deep purple color of this chestpiece and these pants, so naturally I had to use them together!

Purple Moonlight

Crown of Good Fortune, Festive Purple Dress, Replica Magister’s Gloves, Kurkenstoks, Mok’Morokk’s Beat Stick
This staff pulls together the silvery blue of the flowers and the purple of the dress quite nicely.

Miss Lorrayne

Hat of the Youngest Sister, Deadwalker Mantle*, Tranquil Spiritbind Robes, Belt of False Promises, Cobalt-Threaded Gloves + Paper Roll Bracers, Suspicious Slippers, Chillwind Staff
The Tainted Forest near Surwich was the most Bradensbrook-like place this lowbie character could find for her Crooked Tree kit.

~*~*~

Child of the Exodus



Ceremonial Shoulderpads of Karabor, Astralaan Robe, Ceremonial Sash of Karabor, Wild Gladiator’s Gloves of Prowess, Exodar tabard & cloak, Staff of the Redeemer
I designed this kit for the “Faction Pride” theme at the Trial of Style; it placed third.
Kaprikka was born on Draenor, in the region called Farahlon, in the first century after the Draenei settled there; she is between 200 and 250 years old. She has no living relatives who remember Argus; her parents were also born on worlds on which the Draenei had temporarily settled, and their progenitors have all perished in the course of the countless times that the Draenei have been found by the Legion.

Void-touched


Shadowmoon Shoulderguards, Fur Covered Robe, Hexweave Belt (2-655), Grips of the Void + Crystalweave Bracers, Waterfall Drape, Squire’s Shirt, Staff of the Redeemer
This kit came about because I wanted to use the stage 2 version of the Hexweave Belt — but not with its own robe — and thought it might be a good alternate belt for the Shadowmoon set. It is, but I’m not really all that fond of the Shadowmoon robe, so I looked for other robes I already owned that looked good with the combination of the Hexweave belt and Shadowmoon shoulders. It seemed appropriate that this classically Draenei-styled robe from Azuremyst Isle questing looked the nicest overall! After I’d decided to use this robe, it only seemed right to make the outfit with Kaprikka.

Space Opera Jumpsuit

Shoulderwraps of the Enthralled, Vindicator Tunic Belt & Pants, Manaspark Gloves, Enumerated Sandals, Lavender Mageweave Shirt, Staff of the Skymagi
The Vindicator set has always made me think of the jumpsuits worn by spaceship occupants in stories from the Golden Age of early science fiction.
Races that cannot wear invisiboots might like to use the Vindicator boots or the Ethereal Boots of the Skystrider that match the gloves.

Aldor Covenant

Pauldrons & Vestments of the Aldor, Nethershard Girdle, Gloves of the Fallen Wizard, Staff of the Unknown Road, Silver Covenant Tabard
Why the Silver Covenant NPCs are wearing Mage T4 raiment, I don’t know. But because they are, and because the Aldor are a Draenei faction, and because she is Draenei, Kaprikka insisted upon dressing like the Silver Covenant NPCs for her Silver Covenant set rather than coming up with something more original.
Kaprikka chose this hairstyle to go with this set in honor of her hero/role-model concerning all things Draenei and Mage-ical, Millya.

Soulmate Searching


Mantle of the Locusts, Soulcloth Vest, Wizard’s Belt, Titan-Forged Cloth Leggings of Salvation, Wraps of the Persecuted, Shattrath Jumpers, White Swashbuckler’s Shirt, Staff of the Skymagi
Some years ago, Shoryl of Dwarven District started a Transmogrification meme called “Mog Busting”. Though it was a fantastic idea, it sadly fizzled out after only a few rounds. While it was going, however, Kaprikka was lucky enough to have a beautiful dating outfit designed for her by Effraeti.

Soulspark

Cloudscorcher Cowl, Angkhal Amice, Soulcloth Vest, Wizard’s Belt, Manaspark Gloves, Cerulean Filigreed Doublet, Staff of the Redeemer
This hat looks best, I think, on white-haired Draenei and (naturally) Pandaren.

Soulwind

Netherwind Crown, Shoulderwraps of the Enthralled, Soulcloth Vest, High Councillor’s Sash, Darkweave Breeches, Sage’s Gloves + Crystalweave Bracers, Enumerated Sandals, White Swashbuckler’s Shirt, Staff of Divine Infusion
The first outfit I created for Kaprikka using the Soulcloth Vest.

White Wizard

Aurora Mantle, Astral Knot Robe*, Dawnspire Cord, Zaetar’s Gloves, Silky Spider Cape, Nolkai’s Lantern
The Astral Knot Robe was awarded from a pre-Cataclysm Mage class quest. The Gossamer or Aurora Robes may be used for a similar effect.

Hand of Destiny



Feline Mantle, Robe of the Dragon Slayer, Cincture of Woven Reeds, Scholar’s Gloves, Staff of the Royal Wizard, Tabard of the Hand
The unique Tabard of the Hand is awarded only to Draenei characters at the completion of the Bloodmyst Isle storyline, when they are acclaimed as revered heroes of the Hand of Argus. This outfit contains only items that a Draenei Mage could reasonably expect to be able to obtain by about the same time that she completes the Bloodmyst Isle storyline and receives the Tabard of the Hand, thus allowing her to make a complete, reasonably well-coordinated outfit to wear with her new tabard almost immediately.

Sagefish

Sage’s set with Aurora shoulders
What Draenei can wear this set and not think of Diktynna and the Red Snappers?

~*~*~

Gilneas Vogue

Lord Walden’s Top Hat, Enumerated Shoulderpads, Sorcerer Drape, Juju Belt, Godfrey’s Britches, Fel-Infused Grips, Woolen Boots, Staff of Deserved Tranquility, Gilneas Tabard

Role Model


Seer’s Padded Armor, Nightwind Belt, Simple Kilt, Heavy Linen Gloves + Sage’s Bracers, Sandals of the Neverending Bridge
Motherhood is a prominent feature of Kymberlea’s RP story, so I made her a “Mom” outfit.
I like this style of bracers because they are so small and also because from certain angles they look sort of like a wristwatch.

Gilnean Bride


Crown of Prosperity, Noblewoman’s Finery & Skirt, Gloves of the Messiah, Sandals of Ritual
Kymberlea and her husband Bertie are middle-class tradespeople, so they probably would have been married in a smaller church in their own neighborhood rather than in the Cathedral itself — but of course in the abbreviated version of Gilneas City that exists in the game world, the Cathedral is all there is.
She might still have worn this clothing, though — it would be her Best Dress, not her everyday garb. The dress has elbow-length sleeves that are a bit awkward to work with, but fortunately these AQ40 gloves are a decent match for the color.

~*~*~

Tushui Wanderer

Arcane Pads, Blue Linen Robe, Sorcerer Sash, Heavy Linen Gloves, Tushui Tabard
My original version of this outfit used the Feline Mantle, but now that Transmogrification allows any items up to the cap of one’s current level bracket, I can use some fancier shoulders!
I haven’t listed any boots because on a Pandaren, they won’t be visible anyway. If you want to support the Tushui as a character of another race, try the Kurkenstoks.

~*~*~

Horde Core Races: Forsaken, Troll, Orc, Goblin, Huojin Pandaren

~*~*~

Lordaeron, Lost




Azure Silk Hood, Enumerated Shoulderpads, Mindwrack Robes, Clutch of Andros*, Cobalt-Threaded Gloves, Apprentice Boots, Mantle of Undercity, Undercity Tabard, Wand of Qiraji Nobility, Light-Imbued Lantern
In the interest of faction parity, here is an outfit for the other racial capital city that was lost at the outset of Battle for Azeroth. I have never liked Undercity, though, so the chances of me asking Zidormi to turn back time in Tirisfal Glades are quite small indeed.

Royal Apothecary

Black Velvet Robes, Belt of Arugal*/Sash of Whispered Secrets, Black Mageweave Gloves, Apprentice Boots, Chillwind Staff
The NPC Royal Apothecary Society members are wearing the mail Infantry Belt, so I could only match the colour, not the style.

Bride of Arugal

Ghostly Mantle*, Robes of Arugal, Belt of Arugal*/Sash of Whispered Secrets, Black Mageweave Gloves, Apprentice Boots, Light-Imbued Lantern
Another classic set for a Forsaken.
The Shadow Council Mantle works very well with this robe.

Argent Apothecary


Simple Glasses, Argent Shoulders, Runecloth Robe, Argent Crusader’s Tabard, Black Mageweave Gloves, Celestial Observer’s Buckle, Apprentice Boots, Touch of Light + Tears of Heaven

Emerald Enchantress

Watcher’s cap & shoulders, Hinott’s Outer Robe, Keyton’s Sash, Brewer’s Gloves*, Slippers of Unturned Loyalties, Judkins’ Staff
The irony of using vibrant, uncontrolled life as the backdrop for an ensemble worn by an undead did not escape me.

Nostalgia-Tinted

Bronze-Tinted Sunglasses, Durable Shoulders, Sacrificial Robes*, Gossamer Belt & Gloves, Watched Watcher’s Slippers, Nimboya’s Mystical Staff*
In her first incarnation as a Warlock named Kaprikka — before I decided that a) I wanted my “one of each race” characters to all be Mages and b) that particular name really ought to belong to a Draenei — Kivrinne was one of my very earliest alts — even earlier than Kaelinda. Thus, she felt that she of all characters definitely deserved to look at Azeroth through bronze-tinted lenses.
These robes were originally obtained as a rare drop from the boss mob in the Tower of Ilgalar in Redridge Mountains. Since Cataclysm, Horde characters have been able to get them as the Ale-Soaked Robes from the most entertaining quest chain in Silverpine Forest.

Forgotten Potpourri

Crown of Dark Blossoms, Royal Amice, Robes of the Honorable, Master’s Belt, Black Mageweave Gloves, Apprentice Boots, Spellcrafter Wand*, Penelope’s Rose*
When the Lunar Festival flower crowns debuted, I commented that this coloration of the flower crown was just right for gloomy folks like Death Knights and Forsaken. After stumbling across this combo of flower crown and robe while exploring ideas for another character, I decided I ought to use it for my Forsaken, instead.

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Darkspear Arcanital

Stonecloth Epaulets, Aboriginal Robe, Crimson Silk Belt, Ritual Gloves + Magiskull Cuffs, Griftah’s Authentic Troll Shoes, Staff of Firey Fate, Darkspear Tabard

Wild Magic

Zealot’s Robe*/Brightcloth Robe, Willow Belt, Native Pants, Flutterer Silk Handwraps + Firwillow Wristbands*/Goldenvine Wraps, Cookie’s Table Cloth, Resurgence Rod*/Ogre Mage Staff
Despite the hardships that the Darkspear Trolls suffered during her childhood and teenage years, Kiki’maia retains a bright, optimistic personality, which she expresses with a love of bright, cheerful colors.

Red Blood, Blue Blood

Double-Stitched Woolen Shoulders, Sanguine Robe, Wise Man’s Belt, Red Silk Trousers, Heavy Linen Gloves + Seer’s Cuffs, Sen’jin Doublet
Races that wear shoes might want some blue boots, such as the Cushy Cenarion Walkers.

Big Voodoo Ma’da

Dragonskin Cowl*, Voodoo Mantle*, Elder’s Robe, Stonecloth Britches, Jumanza Grips, Staff of Orgrimmar*
The leather Big Voodoo Robe is identical to the cloth Elder’s Robe.

Troll Action Battle Princess




Fen Spirit Headdress, Fen Spirit Mantle, Cloak of Everburning Knowledge, any sleeveless tunic, Talanji’s Expedition Tabard, Loa Speaker’s Cuffs, Sash of the Chosen Dead, Soothsayer’s Kilt, Warmongering Combatant’s Battle Staff

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Orgrimmar Flamecaster

Circle of Flame, Geomancer’s Spaulders, Sanguine Robe, Aboriginal Sash, Ritual Leggings, Ritual Gloves + Cuffs of Black Elements, Kurkenstoks, Orgrimmar Tabard, Carved Ashwood Stick

Orgrimmar Fireweaver

Circle of Flame, Simple Blouse, Aboriginal Sash, Ritual Leggings, Ritual Gloves + Cuffs of Black Elements, Kurkenstoks, Thaumaturgist Staff, Orgrimmar Tabard

Mama Frostwolf


Stonecloth Epaulets, Mystic’s Robe, Willow Belt/Joanna’s Sash, Tangled Thread Gloves, Pagan Shoes, Thug Shirt*
I like to use a shirt with this robe style because the bodice is a little too skimpy for my taste; the Squire’s Shirt would probably also work well with this coloration of the robe.

Great-Mother Winter

Stonecloth Epaulets, Beaded Robe, Meat Packer Ribbon, Wet Work Gloves, Bloodcup Slippers, Red Linen Shirt
“But did you ever in your life/Know that [Great-Father Winter] had a wife?”
How Mrs Claus Saved Christmas, by Phyllis McGinley, is one of those classic stories that we read aloud every Christmas Eve in my family. It’s out of print, but I think it might be public domain by now, so perhaps you can find the text floating around the internet somewhere.

Wise Woman

Resilient Cap, Stonecloth Epaulets, Ancestral Robe, Willow Belt, Tangled Thread Gloves, Pagan Shoes, Bristlebark Cape, Apprentice’s Shirt
Although I modeled this outfit on a Human, a Forsaken, and a Worgen for Round 1 of Mog Madness, it was much more practical to make it in-game with Kenosha because the Ancestral Robe typically sells for sky-high prices and I had already obtained one for her. I will switch to the brown Outlander’s Pauldrons if and when Kenosha gets leveled up enough to wear them. Until then, I probably will not display the hood.

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Bilgewater BOOM!

Embersilk Tunic Cord & Leggings, Phoenix Gloves, Ritual Sandals, Spider Frier, Kobold Candle, Bilgewater Cartel Tabard

Sepia Dreams

Durable Tunic, Dreamer’s Belt, Gaze Dreamer Pants, Phoenix Gloves, S.B.R.B. Prototype 1, Spellcrafter Wand*, Out-of-Date Manual
I like this chestpiece style for my Goblin because it is worn by the captains and first officers of the zeppelins that run between Orgrimmar, Undercity, and Grom’gol. Someday, perhaps I will make outfits for Kermione using each of the colors of this handsome tunic.

Portal Supervisor


Skein Woven Mantle, Wild Combatant’s Silk Robe, Breezebinder Handwraps, Quet’zal’s Crackling Cord (LFR), Slippers of Serenity, Portal Ripper’s Staff

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Huojin Wanderer


Exquisite Sunderseer Mantle, Red Linen Robe, Apothecary’s Waistband, Ritual Gloves, Apprentice Boots, Renzithen’s Dusty Cloak, Wand of Separation, Seer’s Fine Stein, Huojin Tabard
This outfit isn’t quite “fresh off the balloon” because it uses some Ghostlands quest rewards.

Huojin Apothecary

Exquisite Sunderseer Mantle, Apothecary’s Robe, Apothecary’s Waistband, Ritual Gloves, Renzithen’s Dusty Cloak, Wand of Separation, Seer’s Fine Stein, Huojin Tabard
I like the cloth quest rewards from the Ghostlands so much that I send all of my cloth-wearing Horde characters there. Kaoling continues to wear them because they coordinate so nicely with the Huojin tabard.

Lucky Red Envelope

Crown of Prosperity, Exquisite Sunderseer Mantle, Festival Suit, Black Mageweave Gloves, Kurkenstoks, Nub’s Wand, Kobold Candle
“Firecracker” would be another good name for this outfit.

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Alliance Allied Races: Lightforged Draenei, Dark Iron Dwarf, Mechagnome

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Homesick Warmage

Draenic Silk Robes, Gossamer Belt, Lightforged Tabard, Nimboya’s Mystical Staff*

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Moira’s Defense Mage

Silver-Thread set with Ritual Belt, Tabard of the Dark Iron, and Shadow Wing Focus Staff

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Mechagon Spark

Red Mageweave Shoulders, Fire-Gizzard Robes, Mechagonian Tabard, Bling Cane

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Horde Allied Races: Nightborne, Mag’har Orc, Zandalari Troll, Vulpera

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Student of the Dusk Lily


Cat Lover’s Vest, High Councillor’s Sash, Darkweave Breeches, Elder’s Gloves & Boots, Shal’dorei Tabard, Magician Staff
The purple and deep bluish-green combination of the Elder’s items makes a perfect combination with the colors of Thalyssra’s Dusk Lily sigil.
I’m a little bit disappointed that the Allied Race tabards are exclusive to each of those particular races, because I think this tabard is rather pretty and I’d like to be able to make kits for my other Elf Mages with it, too.
New Nightborne characters start out inside the Nighthold. The main gate to the rest of Suramar City is closed, but there’s a portal to Shal’aran. If a low-level Nightborne character tries to go out into Meredil, however, they can only get about as far as the point in the last picture before Occuleth teleports them back inside with a snarky remark.

Celumbra, the Night’s Dichotomy




Celumbra, Runespeaker’s Robes/Snowblind Vestments, Goliath Wraps of Hridmogir/Hagfeather Handwraps, Snowblind Cord/Electrified Stormwing Cord, Leywalker Pants, Snowblind Footwraps/Runespeaker’s Sandals, Warpcaster’s Staff

Celumbra, Robes of the Nightborne Ambassador, Mana-Cord of Deception, Withered Slippers, Warpcaster’s Staff

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Mag’har Manashaper

Circle of Flame, Red Mageweave Shoulders, Fireworm Robes, Aboriginal Sash, Imperial Red Gloves + Timbermaw Bracers, Oilfoot Slippers, Shadow Wing Focus Staff, Tabard of the Mag’har Clans

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Zandalari Apprentice Arcanital

Robe of the Keeper*, Dawnspire Cord, Tabard of the Zandalari, Soulkeeper

Yazma’s Replacement


Hallowed Pauldrons, Royal Apothecary Drape, Felfume Robes, Felcast Cord, Legacy of Arlokk
Yazma is actually wearing the Alliance versions of the Primal Combatant’s Amice of Prowess and the Primal Combatant’s Cord of Prowess.

Troll Action Battle Princess




Fen Spirit Headdress, Fen Spirit Mantle, Cloak of Everburning Knowledge, any sleeveless tunic, Talanji’s Expedition Tabard, Sash of the Chosen Dead, Soothsayer’s Kilt, Warmongering Combatant’s Battle Staff

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Voldunai Explorer

Resilient Cap, Bright Armor, Juju Belt, Godfrey’s Britches, Treads of the Survivor, Silksand Cape, Tabard of the Vulpera, Umbranse’s Staff
I liked the bottom half of the Vulpera tabard enough that this had to be a trousers outfit.
I’m not particulary fond of hoods, in general, because they cover up or clip my characters’ hair. Vulpera, however, don’t have hair to cover up or clip, so I think I might just use hoods more often with Khariba’s kits.

Windchaser




Fen Spirit Headdress, Fen Spirit Mantle, Windchaser Robes, Zodiac Gloves*, Arachnidian Girdle, Ogre Mage Staff

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shattered vessels

Although I had considered retiring my Draenei Mage, Kaprikka, at the Lamplighter Inn in Embaari Village, at the end of Warlords I ultimately decided to pull her back to the Exodar.

Ever since I played through the Battle for the Exodar scenario at the beginning of the Light’s Heart questline for the first time with Kamalia — knowing that Kaprikka was there when those terrible things happened there — I can’t bear to log in with Kaprikka. It would feel utterly wrong to be in an Exodar that is calm, peaceful, undisturbed, still filled with the soothing chiming of O’ros, still led by a Velen who is suppressing the ancient brokenness of his heart.

A few days ago, Mr Rossi wrote about the trauma experienced by major lore figures and how the in-game and external lore sources deal with it inconsistently. Something the Battle for the Exodar has made me stop and think about is the trauma experienced by the “little guys”, the ordinary folk of Azeroth. Every time I play through that scenario with another character, I can’t help but think, what was Kaprikka’s experience with this event — the experience of an ordinary Draenei citizen?

Some of the things the Terrified Draenei Citizens say when you rescue them — especially the things the children say —

— show that the devs put at least a little bit of thought into how this event would affect the ordinary people of the city. But that’s also another thing that makes it hard to think about logging into an unchanged, unaffected Exodar, with a Velen who is still a pillar of the Light.

When I played through the scenario again last night with my Blood Elf Mage, Kaelinda, it was even more harrowing than it has been for my other characters. I imagined Kaelinda remembering her visit there, in Human disguise, shortly before the Cataclysm, and being even more deeply horrified than my other characters by the fel destruction taking place. I imagined her searching for the face of her friend, Kaprikka, among the crowd when she first arrived at Velen’s bubble in the Vault of Light and becoming increasingly desperate as she didn’t find Kaprikka while looking for Terrified Exodar Citizens to rescue. I imagined that she caught a glimpse of Kaprikka running to safety after she had finished collapsing the Legion portals, but that she couldn’t stay because Velen took off toward the Seat of the Naaru. And even though what I actually did in-game was use Khadgar’s Beacon to teleport back to New Dalaran as soon as the scenario was over, if I were to write this event up as an RP story, Kaelinda would go back to the Vault of Light to talk to Kaprikka before she returned to New Dalaran.

For Draenei who have been around as long as Velen — or who are first- or second-generation children of the exodus — the attack of the Legion on the Exodar on Azeroth is probably just “oh no, not this again…” For Kaprikka, though, who is only 200 – 250 years old — born on Draenor, in Farahlon — this is only the second time that she has experienced this kind of thing… and if she’s honest with herself, in only a decade, she hasn’t completely recovered from the events that turned Draenor into Outland. And because she was in Farahlon, away from the worst of the rampage of the Orcs, the Legion’s attack on the Exodar on Azeroth is a more traumatic experience for her than Kael’thas’ Blood Elves’ attack on the Exodar that led to its flight to Azeroth.

“We were supposed to be safe here!”

“No, child, the Draenei are not ‘safe’ from the Eredar anywhere. The difference with this world is that here is where we stop running. Here is where make our final stand.”

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the Mages’ Council

After a few days, the Underpowered Death Knight reported that she had collected twelve different pamphlets from the Doomsayers. It had taken her that long to be sure that she’d gotten them all, as after she’d gotten a handful, she started to get duplicates, but there didn’t seem to be any more than that. She gave them to Kaelinda to analyze. Flicking through the tattered, stained, crumpled, blackened, worn, damp, scrawled, scribbled, odorous, ominous, demonic, prophetic pile, Kaelinda quickly concluded that advice from other expert opinions would be valuable. She invited her Mage friends to study the pamphlets with her.

“The things that Kael’thas’ followers said about their plan to bring Kil’jaeden through the Sunwell,” Kaelinda said, “sounded a lot like this. There wasn’t actual death in that transformation, but the rest of it is more or less the same.”

“This drivel,” Kaprikka scowled, “is distressingly similar to the propaganda that Socrethar used to seduce the Sargerei.”

“I wasn’t there during the War of the Ancients,” Keriluna mused, “I was born a few decades afterward. My parents didn’t like to talk about that time, but when they thought I was old enough, they told me about it. These words… they are just like my parents’ memories.”

“Oh, I think I know what this one’s talkin’ about!” exclaimed Khrissalys. “Did yeh hear about how King Magni got turned into diamond when he went to commune with the earth just before the Cataclysm? Well, he woke up and I saw him with my own eyes walkin’ out of Ironforge.”

(the other two prophecies reference the second and fourth Legion comics)

Kaoling shook her head sadly. “The evaporation of the mists was enough of a shock, and then Pandaria was devastated by the escape of the great Sha, and especially the destruction of the Vale of Eternal Blossoms. I think there are many Pandaren who feel like their lives were turned upside down who would be susceptible to this message. Those who were severely afflicted by the great Sha might be even more so.”

“There are many who are unhappy with the current state of our governments,” Kymberlea observed, “Those who ask, where is Lorna? Where is Tess? Where is Calia? It is bad enough that these people are… reluctant to fight in the normal conflicts of our nations. It is worse to think that those sympathies could be used to persuade them to turn traitor to our world itself.”

“Why,” Kenosha muttered disgustedly, “why are my people so stupid? After all that we have suffered because of our bloodlust in the past, why would they think that this is the most honorable way to deal with this threat?”

“Most of my family belongs to a sect of the Church of the Holy Light that has as one of its tenets being prepared for future misfortune,” Kaylynda explained, “I bet that’s where this list originally came from.”

“I’m not sure that this is actually related,” Kivrinne said, “This looks to me like a left-over Twilight’s Hammer flyer from before the Cataclysm. That, or poetry by a high level cleric of the Forgotten Shadow. I hear that priests who turn their backs on the Light are going not just into the Shadow, but all the way into the Void now.”

“Dem Darkmoon carnies are pretty clever,” said Kikimaia, “I wouldn’t trust just a suit, though. I’d feel bettah if it had a voodoo charm ta strenthen da illusion, too.”

“What a scam!” hooted Kermione. “We should put out some counter-pamphlets telling people not to trust this at all. Gallywix’ll just take your life savings and enslave you. Been there, done that!… Didn’t get a T-shirt, though… hmm, maybe I oughtta suggest the idea to Boss Mida.”

“Only two air fresheners?” said Kelilla, “They really think a demon invasion would be over that soon? But what’s more worrying is that they aren’t including any Trogg repellent.”

“Still, if there are folks trying to make gold off of this” — the Gnome waved her hands to encompass the pamphlets held by the Goblin and the Troll — “then this kind of stuff must have been going around for awhile already.”

Kaylynda shook her head in astonishment. “Just what has been going on on Azeroth while we were all away on Draenor…?” Her eyes widened and she buried her face in her hands. “Kairoz, you blithering idiot! Whatever you thought you were doing when you brought Garrosh to Draenor, you’ve gotten us into way more trouble than you were planning for!”

“You mean –” began Kaelinda, “Oh! Remember what the Black Prince said? What he showed us?”

All around the table, heads nodded.

“That is what this is all about.”

“You know,” Kaylynda said after a moment, “tomorrow is Tuesday. New and strange things always seem to happen on Tuesdays. Kaelinda, you had better tell your Death Knight friend to continue keeping an eye on these Doomsayers, just in case they change their behavior somehow tomorrow…”

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My Little Talbuk: Sisterhood is Magic!

Every time I go to Draenor’s Shadowmoon Valley and see the talbuk herds galloping in what I’m sure was intended to be majestic splendor, I chuckle at the silliness of their flipping, flapping (not flowing) tails and think to myself that this should be a thing:

(Someone somewhere else on the internet — probably on DeviantArt — has almost certainly already done this with much more skill — but I haven’t gone looking for it.)

I can just imagine Dornaa or Salandria begging their Childrens’ Week patron, Oh please, please will you get one of those for me, please!

When I thought about drawing little girls playing with ponies, though, the two great pairs of sisters that Warlords introduced to us immediately came to mind.

Draka and her more reckless sister, Lokra, make a subtle foil to Durotan and his more reckless brother, Ga’nar, in the Frostfire Ridge storyline. Like Ga’nar, Lokra is headstrong and bloodthirsty, but she is also able to be reasonable and temperate. Where Durotan frowns at his brother, Draka is proud of her sister.

The way Yrel describes her older sister, Samaraa, it sounds to me like Samaraa was much older — perhaps even enough older to have been born on a previous world where the Draenei temporarily sheltered — and that their parents may have perished while Yrel was still a child.
I am a child of the ’80s, and I have fond memories of my mother teaching me to braid hair using the tails of my G1 My Little Ponies.

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Garrison labor dispute

A Frostwall worker and a Lunarfall worker about to come to blows over who has the best claim to the Garrison Resources each was sent to acquire from the same location…

I thought about just leaving this lineart uncolored —

— but her shirt needed to be bright construction zone orange.

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From Draenor With Love coloring pages

I haven’t heard anything about the progress of the Blizzard Watch Patreon coloring book, but in the meantime, From Draenor With Love has been providing its Patreons with occasional coloring pages to enjoy! Thank you, Stacey! ❤

Rather than just coloring the characters as they are in the comic, I decided to do a palette swap. Wrathion turned into a red dragon… perhaps even Rhea’s last egg.

My printer was not printing black correctly when I first tried to print this coloring page. It just printed outlines of all the lines. After cleaning the print heads a few times, I got a better print. I kind of liked the look of the one that was just outlines, though, and I’d been having trouble deciding whether to color in marker or in crayon anyway…

The lineart for these pictures is by Stacey Landry. I just did the colors.

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