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Archive for the ‘Monk’ Category

The idea of Timerunning as a rapid alt leveling mechanism is certainly intriguing — but if I could port my existing under-level-70 alts into Timerunning at their current levels, instead of creating new alts specifically for that game mode, it would be even better!

One idea I’ve been entertaining for making new alts is using Timerunning to create and level male Blood Elf and Void Elf characters to be the SOs of Kaelinda and Kaelyla. They’d probably both be Mages because I’ve already illustrated them that way — though I have facetiously contemplated making Kaelinda’s SO into a Warlock because he works in Silvermoon’s finance bureau and finance is Teh Evel, amirite?

Something important to consider, though, is which of the Timerunning cosmetic rewards that have been previewed so far I am most interested in acquiring.
The Halfhill Famer’s Backpack is amusing enough for me to want to pick it up even if I only use it in a Sunday Mog Show outfit once. That’ll require completing the Valley of the Four Winds Timerunning meta Achievement.
The Class Armor sets and Class Arsenal sets that unlock by completing the Landfall (Patch 5.1) and Isle of Thunder (Patch 5.2) Timerunning meta achievements, respectively, are recolors of the Trading Post sets that were available during the last third of 2023. I acquired the Mage Armor & Arsenal, the Hunter Armor, the Druid Arsenal, and the Monk Arsenal from the Trading Post. The new color scheme for the Mage Armor is called “Sin’dorei Magister’s” so of course I gotta have it. I find myself about as interested in the other Class Armor sets as I was before. Of the Arsenals, I am most interested in the new color scheme for the Druid weapons. The new color scheme for the Mage weapons is also quite nice — but I haven’t managed to use any of the Battle Magister’s weapons from the Trading Post in a Sunday Mog Show outfit yet. The new color scheme for the Monk weapons is lovely, too, but not quite to the level of “oooh must have!”

If I did Timerunning with a Vulpera Monk and a Kul Tiran Druid, in addition to the Eversong Elf fellas, I could pick up the other Class Armor & Arsenal sets I’m most interested in, and when those toons get ported back into the regular game after Timerunning ends, I ought to be able to get the Heritage Armor for those races.

Timerunning will be competing, however, with the War Within lead-in storyline and its associated cosmetics collection activities. So if I only have time & attention this summer for one Timerunning toon, it’ll most likely be Kaelinda’s SO.

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A collection of Transmogrification Kits actually worn in-game by my Tauren Monks. Outfits are listed from most recent to least recent. Items that are no longer obtainable are marked with an asterisk (*).

83) Midnight Brew

Wanderer’s Violet Scarf, Mantle of the Dusk-Dweller, Nether Shadow Tunic, Rich Purple Silk Shirt, Gloves of the Blind Stalker, Pennyroyal Belt, Cinderweb Leggings (H), Goblin Thug’s Boots, Black Ice
Kate felt like she’d gotten the worse side of the Fireplume x Love Witch’s piece swap, and she wanted to get out of that silly getup in a hurry. Awhile back, she used the jade recolor of this polearm, so she started with the original purple version. Some jade snuck back in anyway when she decided to use this belt, and then these gloves just looked smashing with it.
About half a day after I first posted this outfit, I thought to myself, “Haven’t I already made a Black Ice outfit with Kate? And did it have some teal in it, too?” Sure enough, I did: it’s Monk #56, and it also uses the Pennyroyal Belt. All the other pieces are different — though I did consider the same shoulders again while designing this kit.

82) Love Burns

Love Witch’s Hat, Love Witch’s Blouse, Fireplume Flarewraps, Fireplume Insignia, Love Witch’s Skirt, Fireplume Talons, Possessed Watcher Bloom

Fireplume Crest, Fireplume Halter, Love Witch’s Gloves, Love Witch’s Sash, Fireplume Tailwinds, Love Witch’s Boots, Aldrachi Warblades (upgraded, tint 4)
My Demon Hunter and Monk almost came to blows over who would get to wear the Love Witch x Fireplume mashup set, until they realized that they could each wear oppositely swapped pieces. Then they mutually agreed that the Demon Hunter would get to wear the version with the Fireplume hat and the Monk would get to wear the version with the Love Witch’s hat.

81) Shaohao’s Majordomo




Swashbuckler’s Eyepatch, Sky-Captain’s Masquerade Cape, Sky-Captain’s Masquerade Coat, Darkmoon Harlequin’s Gloves, Sky-Captain’s Masquerade Pants, Sky-Captain’s Masquerade Boots, Possessed Watcher Keg/Possessed Watcher Fan
The elegant white, black, and gold color scheme of the Sky-Captain’s Masquerade set is a perfect match for the gorgeous Monk Trading Post Class set weapons. I especially love how the “Brewmaster” staff has both a keg and a teapot!
This combination of colors reminded me of Emperor Shaohao’s robes, hence the name for the ensemble.

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Coming this fall to the Trading Post: Class-specific armor and weapon sets!

The catch, though, is that the armor sets are 450 Tender each, and the weapon sets are 500 Tender each, and one can only gain 1000 Tender each month. So, one armor set and one weapon set with 50 to bank for the next month, two armor sets with 100 to bank for the next month, or two weapon sets with nothing left over to bank for the next month.

Let’s take a look at the offerings. What do I want to get NAO, what do I want to hope comes around again next fall, and what’s a no-thanks?

Overall, stylistically a lot of the armor sets have resonances with previous favorite armor sets, and a lot of the weapon sets have resonances with Artifact weapon designs.

September
Paladin: armor set coloration is definitely chosen to coordinate with the Classic Judgment set, while the weapon set coloration is very Draenei (or the Burning Crusade recolor of the Judgment set); I’d go for both if my Paladin were a higher priority character in my roster, but since I want to save Tender for other stuff in later months, they will have to be a pass for now.
Priest: armor set is a definite NOPE since I don’t lean Shadow/Void aesthetic at all, from the weapon set the mace and book are nice but the staff is a nope; armor set is a hard pass, weapon set is a maybe later.
Rogue: armor set is a maybe later, cuz those shoulders would definitely look cool on my Pirate Ninja Tauren Outlaw; weapon set is a nope cuz my Rogues go for sleek instead of spikes on their blades.

October
Death Knight: nope, nope; the shoulders on the armor set are maybe okay but the rest is still outside how far I’m willing to go even when I do lean into the DK aesthetic for a DK Mog.
Demon Hunter: nope, nope; just not my aesthetic at all
Druid: armor set is a maybe later; weapon set is a YES PLEASE. Well, actually, I think the dagger looks kinda silly with the vines and leaves wrapped around it, but the two staves look awesome.

November
Warlock: nope, nope; just not my thing even when I do lean into the Warlock aesthetic for a Warlock Mog.
Monk: armor set is a maybe later; weapon set is a YES PLEASE. So pretty that I must have even though my Monk is a lower priority character on my roster right now. I love that the Brewmaster staff has both a teapot and a keg!
Warrior: like the Paladin armor set, the Warrior armor set is a maybe later; from the weapon set, I like the shield and the 1H sword but the 2H sword is not my jam, and it is also a maybe later.

December
Evoker: actually, I rather like both of these sets, but since I am not grooving with my Evoker — I do like to get each new class to the max level for the expansion in which it is introduced during that expansion, but that will probably not happen for my Evoker until the end-of-expansion lull — I would rather spend my Tenders on the other sets available this month.
Hunter: like the Evoker, these are both decent sets but I have to tag them as maybe later due to them sharing the month with two of my Big Three classes.
Mage: YES, YES; I think I might even have to wear the hat of this set to get the full three floating orbs look (a la Kael’thas), I’m not actually all that keen on the sword from the weapon set but the staff and off-hand are great.
Shaman: YES, YES; I can totally see Kamalia wearing that armor, and I really just want the shield from the weapon set because it has a great Shu’halo sort of look.

So, I’ll need to have 500 Tender to spend in October and 500 Tender to spend in November and somehow still have 1900 Tender available to spend by the end of December. Oh, and let’s not forget about the Medivh-inspired Guardian items that will be coming to the Trading Post in the autumn months, as well! That whole set will cost 975 Tender. I’ve been spending most of my Tender each month and putting an item on Freeze to purchase the next month — and there’s at least one purchase that I wouldn’t have made if these class sets had been officially announced earlier. I am going to have to be more picky with my spending for the rest of the year.

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A collection of Transmogrification Kits actually worn in-game by my Tauren Monks. Outfits are listed from most recent to least recent. Items that are no longer obtainable are marked with an asterisk (*).

80) Peacebloom

Crown of Boundless Courage, White Traditional Hanbok, Possessed Watcher Bloom
This staff from the November 2023 Trading Post Monk class set is so beautiful that I just had to have it.

79) Jade Arcus


Waveborne Diplomat’s Cavalier Hat, Demonic Gladiator’s Ironskin Spaulders, Waveborne Diplomat’s Cape, Grandmaster’s Tunic, Serene Yellow Belt, Grandmaster’s Legguards, Staccato Boots, Jade Arcus
Kate wanted a new outfit, and she wanted to go Brewmaster again so she could use this Trial of Style weapon which is such a lovely shade of the Monk class colour. Then of course these shoulders had to go with it, and she just couldn’t resist this hat with its gorgeous sweeping feathers in such a perfectly coordinating colour…

78) Phoenix Punch


Preened Tribal War Feathers, Fireplume Plumage, Ragged Azsharan Sail Fragment, Master Dinomancer’s Tunic, Corpsehide Gloves, Fireplume Insignia, Soulstalker Breeches/Fireplume Coverts, Corpsehide Boots, Claw of the Phoenix
The Fireplume set seems like it was made to go with this fist weapon.
An outfit idea I passed through on the way to Kate’s previous kit; it didn’t quite work with the Iridescent Warcloak, but I definitely wanted to come back to it.

77) Fireblossom

Crown of Woe, Fireplume Plumage, Iridescent Warcloak, Master Dinomancer’s Tunic, Gloves of the Fang, Fireplume Insignia, Lookout’s Pants, Footpads of the Fang, Claw of the Phoenix
Looking for purple items to go with the cloak, of course I thought of the Druids of the Fang items from Wailing Caverns. I’m happy, too, that these lovely purple pants from the Blood Elf starting area are now Moggable.

76) Tushui/Huojin Tiger





Fundamental Observation/Fathomstalker Headcover, Warmongering Gladiator’s Ironskin Spaulders/Wild Gladiator’s Ironskin Spaulders, Fen-Yu/Tigerfang Wrap, Sun Pearl Vest/Vest of Compassion, Gloves of Splashing Water/Gloves of Verity, Unmarred Waistband/Ropes of Grieving, Soft Britches/Ceremonial Leggings, Summer Shoes/Boots of Courage, Fists of the Heavens (default, tint 1/tint 4)
This core pieces of this outfit are the second (blue)/third (orange) set of gear obtained by a new Pandaren Monk (or Rogue) as they level through the Wandering Isle. The blue version is worn by the Tushui NPCs who choose to join the Alliance; the orange version is worn by the Huojin NPCs who choose to join the Horde.

75) Timewalker

Rugwood Mantle*, Bronze Wings of Awakening, Wild Draenish Vest, Aged Core Leather Gloves, Waistclasp of Unethical Power, Adventurer’s Legguards, Paws of Sin’Dall, Jin’ya (N)
Thinking about making a leather kit with this color of the Dragonflight Epic edition cosmetic dragon wings, I immediately knew that I wanted to use this chestpiece.
This particular coloration of Jin’ya is nice for a Bronze Dragonflight kit because its base color is like the natural color of the flight and the Sha corruption is like the coloration of the Infinite Dragonflight.

74) Serene Glow

Demonic Gladiator’s Ironskin Spaulders, Pamela’s Muuscat Wrap, Thick Qirajihide Belt, Grips of Slicing Electricity (LFR), Torch of Dawn
After my Druid acquired this robe from a lucky uncontested bid on the Black Market Auction House, of course my Monk had to wear it!

73) Kul Tiran Swashbuckler

Blue Tricorne Hat, Extravagant Epaulettes, Vest of the Azerothian Champion, Fairweather Belt, Flame-Seared Leggings, Antiquity Handler’s Gloves, Ooey-Gooey Galoshes, Gol Osigr Handblade
This is mostly one of the variations of the leather Kul Tiras dungeon set, with a few substitutions.

72) Russet Dragon

Orgrimmar Spaulders, Sunsoaked Vest, Cruel Gladiator’s Ironskin Belt Gloves & Slippers, Hemet’s Leather Legguards, Improvisational Historian’s Cloak, Fu Zan (PvP, default tint)
I thought that these Mists leveling items would coordinate nicely with these Legion PvP items; the Orgrimmar shoulders were a pleasant surprise.

71) Mist Globes

Warmongering Gladiator’s Ironskin Helm, Fierce Gladiator’s Ironskin Spaulders, Sunset Leather Tunic, Brown Belt of Humbling Gravity, Leggings of the Chosen Dead (N), Loamflake Bracers*, Grandmaster’s Footwraps, Staff of Ox-Hoof Thunder
This kit is all about these fabulous shoulders from the PvP recolor of the Antorus Monk set. While I was putting it together, I’d originally chosen a fancier chestpiece. After I’d assembled the other items, I reviewed chestpiece options again and this one jumped out at me as being the right shade of brown to coordinate with the other items I’d chosen, and its plain, practical style was perfect for allowing the shoulders to really stand out.

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A collection of Transmogrification Kits actually worn in-game by my Tauren Monks. Outfits are listed from most recent to least recent. Items that are no longer obtainable are marked with an asterisk (*).

70) Chi-Ji’s Fervor

Fierce Gladiator’s Ironskin Armor with Terokk’s Mask and Staff of Ox-Hoof Thunder
This is the PvP recolor of the Antorus Monk set.
The Sin’dorei filigree designs on the mask coordinate with the crane design on the chestpiece and cloak quite nicely, I think.

69) Xuen’s Gladiator

Cruel Gladiator’s Ironskin Armor with Fen-Yu, Fury of Xuen, and Fu Zan (Honor appearance, default tint)
This is the PvP recolor of the Tomb of Sargeras Monk set.
Once upon a time, Navimie asked me to design a kit using the normal mode color of this hat. I was busy with RL things and never got around to doing it, which I now regret.

68) Ancestral Brawler

Ancestral Chieftain’s Armor with Feral Harness, Prospector’s Woolies, and Teroclaw Talon
The Prospector’s Woolies aren’t much more covering than the Ancestral Chieftain’s Loincloth, but it’s enough to look better to me.

67) Firewater

Wild Gladiator’s Ironskin Helm, Shoulderpads of the Chosen Dead (LFR), Dokebi Chestguard, Supple Waistguard (Stage 2), Duskwatcher’s Leggings, Murkblood Gloves, Drogstitch Boots, Fu Zan (Hidden, first tint)
The helm, shoulders, and staff of this kit are an orange/red variation on my earlier Romulan Ale kit (#64).

66) Nightstorm

Boughs of Archdruid Van-Yali, Breastplate of the Incendiary Soul (H), Shifting Sash of Midnight, Cinderweb Leggings (H), Earthguard Grips, Sandals of the Insurgent, Shocking Claws, Nightfallen Tabard
Having set Katewatha to (very slowly) gathering Nightfallen Paragon chests, I decided she should dress the part. The “of the Nightfall” title completes the look for this Nightfallen Tabard outfit.
I chose these shoulders because they seem the closest visual approximation to the shoulders of the Nightborne Heritage Armor. The rest of the kit is not completely satisfactory, mainly on account of the tabard. The lower half of the tabard is extremely bland and boring, but I didn’t have any belts in my collection that would cut off the lower half of the tabard that I liked with the rest of the ensemble. Of the belts I have on hand, this is the one I liked best. The shoes also only really work for the shoe-less races (Tauren, Trolls, Draenei, Worgen — maybe, in the future, Vulpera?); on other races, the foot part of the shoe is decorated with red accents that are somewhat distracting.

65) Grandmaster


Grandmaster’s Finery with Fundamental Observation and Sheilun (upgraded, second tint)
I’ve heard that some people don’t like the hat of this set, but it’s one of my favorite pieces from the set. The difference between the Grandmaster’s set hat and Fundamental Observation is the plume decorating the latter item.

64) Romulan Ale

Warmongering Gladiator’s Ironskin Helm, Shoulderpads of the Chosen Dead (N), Spell Fencer’s Jacket, Brown Belt of Humbling Gravity, Ambervale Britches, Starlight Gauntlets, Leyman’s Boots, Fu Zan (default, Pillar of Creation tint; upgraded, second tint; hidden, 200 WQ tint)
I made this outfit for Kate right after the 2018 Midsummer Fire Festival ended because I figured I’d better follow up on the idea of using this helm and shoulders combo in a more “everyday” sort of outfit before I forgot about it. Then she wore it for the next several months before I managed to get 200 World Quests done to get the blue tint for the Hidden appearance of Fu Zan.
Although I’d finally acquired the weapon appearance I most wanted to use this outfit, Kate was tired of wearing it and wanted to change her clothes. So now Kaobeka is wearing it, instead.

If you’re not familiar with Star Trek lore, one of the distinguishing characteristics of Romulan ale is its bright electric blue color.

63) Shado-Pan Legacy

Replica Shado-Pan Helmet, Supple Shoulderguards (stage 2), Chestguard of Insidious Desire, Vindictive Gladiator’s Ironskin Belt, Charskin Legguards, Ironpelt Mitts & Boots, Fists of the Heavens (PvP, default tint)
The Shado-Pan-themed name of the PvP appearance for the Windwalker Monk Artifact demanded a Shado-Pan-themed kit to go with it.
How many Shado-Pan Monk kits have I made now? Perhaps it is time to split out all of the specifically Monk outfits from “Things My Characters are Wearing with the Shado-Pan Helmet” into their own separate “Things my Monks are Wearing with the Shado-Pan Helmet” post…

62) Brewery Apprentice

Brown Brewfest Hat, Murkblood Chestpiece & Belt, Shard-Covered Leggings, Barrel-Aged Gloves, Stolen Talrendis Boots, White Linen Shirt, Fu Zan (upgraded, This Side Up tint)
This outfit is a cross between the outfits worn by the competing brewery apprentices — the Thunderbrew/T’chali’s version has the brown chestpiece and belt (the Barleybrew/Drohn’s version is golden) and the Barleybrew/Drohn’s version has the green shorts (the Thunderbrew/T’chali’s version is brown).
I also like how this looks with the Misthide Shoulders

— and the Netherstorm Eyepatch combined with the Antiseptic Soaked Dressing would bring to mind the beleagured Battered Brewmaster who recruits adventurers for the Coren Direbrew encounter.

61) Endless Summer

Warmongering Gladiator’s Ironskin Helm, Shoulderpads of the Chosen Dead (N), Bladed Chaos Tunic, Supple Waistguard (stage 2), Primal Combatant’s Legguards, Supple Gloves (stage 3), Mud Encrusted Boots, Tabard of Summer Flames, Staff of Endless Winter
This outfit didn’t have quite the right balance of orange and blue until I added the hat. Yowzah, this hat and these shoulders make a fantastic combo! I should remember to use them together again in a non-silly-holiday outfit…

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A collection of Transmogrification Kits actually worn in-game by my Tauren Monks. Outfits are listed from most recent to least recent. Items that are no longer obtainable are marked with an asterisk (*).

60) Airspark

Meowl’s Mane, Felstalking Shoulders, Broodmother Armor, Waistclasp of Unethical Power (LFR), Warmongering Gladiator’s Ironskin Legguards, Windslayer Wraps, Llothien Boots
I have already made a handful of similar white leather kits using these PvP pants and pieces from one coloration or another of the Legion leather quest set — but I hadn’t made this exact combination yet!
The yellow tint of the Fists of the Heavens reminded me of the icon for one of the reagents that Spiritwalker Ebonhorn requests to facilitate the vision of Huln in the War of the Ancients; hence, the name I gave this kit.

59) Denizen of the Steppes

Defiant Spire Shoulderguard, Warhide Jerkin, Shadow-Gorged Belt, Ironpelt Leggings, Gloves of Swift Death, Duskbat Exterminator’s Treads, Apprentice’s Shirt, Sturdy Yaungol Spear
Without attempting to directly imitate any of their garb, this kit aspires to evoke the Yaungol.

58) Shado-Pan Ironpaw

Replica Shado-Pan Helmet, Ironpelt Pauldrons, Wildblood Vest, Red Belt of Gentle Persuasion, Tough Mushanhide Leggings, Master Brewer’s Gloves, Landfall Leather Boots, Shado-Pan Tabard, Starrgo’s Walking Stick
I’ve been making kits for Katewatha with the tabards of all the specifically Pandaren factions of Pandaria, so even though I’ve already made several Shado-Pan outfits for her, I needed to make one more that used the tabard.

57) Eternal Blossoms

Crown of Prosperity, Mantle of Autumn, Festival Dress, Rope-Grip Gloves, Blood-Tempered Ranseur*
The golden leaves on these shoulders remind me of how the Vale of Eternal Blossoms used to be…
The Blood-Tempered Ranseur was awarded from a low-level Blood Elf Paladin questline that disappeared in the Cataclysm; if I didn’t have it, I would have used the Rod of the Blazing Light.

56) Nighthawk

Shoulderpads of the Forgotten Gate (H), Darkmoon Vest, Pennyroyal Belt, Warpscale Leggings, Cindersilk Gloves (H), Phoenix-Down Treads (H), Black Ice
I wanted to make an outfit with this polearm. Once I’d chosen the Pennyroyal Belt because of its purple buckle medallion, these pants that brought in more of the teal were a great way to make this outfit more colorful and interesting than it would have been if I’d just made it all dark purple.

55) Gaudy Baubles

Finely-Tailored Green Holiday Hat, Tyrannical Gladiator’s Copperskin Spaulders, Gaudy Winter Veil Sweater, Mistdancer Cord, Leggings of the Empty Throne, Shardtooth Gloves, Tyrannical Gladiator’s Boots of Alacrity, Pillar of Fortitude
I didn’t think I liked anything about the Monk PvP set that these shoulders and boots come from until it occurred to me that they might be good accessories for this outfit.

54) The Four-Fold Way

Red Crane Mantle (LFR), Vest of the Dragon Slayer, Brown Belt of Humbling Gravity, Leggings of Loss, Smuggler’s Mitts, Moonstrider Boots, August Celestials Tabard
Although most Monks focus on achieving perfection in the philosophy and fighting style of just one of the August Celestials, all Monks respect and endeavor to follow the virtues embodied by each of Pandaria’s four deities.
I chose these boots because they have fun blue toes on races that wear shoes — so I used the the Orb of the Sin’dorei and the Orb of Deception to show them off.

53) Mojache Keeper

Indomitable Epaulets, Keeper’s Armor & Woolies, Eighty Silver Links/Supreme Sash, Wicked Leather Gauntlets/Keeper’s Gloves, Studded Green Anklewraps, Sturdy Yaungol Spear
The Camp Mojache Braves are wearing the leather Keeper’s set with the mail Ancient belt and gloves that are similar to the Ancient gloves in color and decorative pattern, though not in shape. I’ve attempted to replicate the effect with this warm grey-toned belt and gloves. They are also carrying 2H axes, which no leather-wearing class can wield. I like the look of this polearm as an alternate weapon, though.
For running around elsewhere in the world, where the Feralas inspiration will not be immediately obvious, the full Keeper’s set makes a nicer overall appearance.

52) Storm Light

Warmongering Gladiator’s Ironskin Helm & Legguards, Poison Protocol Pauldrons (N), Spell Fencer’s Jacket, Brown Belt of Humbling Gravity, Frostwolf Mitts, Warmongering Gladiator’s Boots of Victory, Sonic Spear
I got this new chestpiece and thought it would look great with these white pants. It looks rather different on my Monk than it does on my Demon Hunter, who was the one who actually acquired it, though. If I tried the same combo of chestpiece, pants, and hat with my Demon Hunter, the rest of the items in the ensemble would probably end up being entirely different.

51) The Good Earth

Straw Hat, Reporter’s Shoulderguards, Shaladrassil Tunic, Belt of Cheapened Lives, Overgrowth Cutter Breeches, Gloves of the Afterlife, Boots of the Flowering Earth, Garden Pitchfork, Yellow Lumberjack Shirt, Tillers Tabard
This is at least the third “farmer” kit I’ve made for Kate, but I hadn’t made one that used the Tillers tabard yet.

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A collection of Transmogrification Kits actually worn in-game by my Tauren Monks. Outfits are listed from most recent to least recent. Items that are no longer obtainable are marked with an asterisk (*).

50) The White Master

Warmongering Gladiator’s Ironskin with Meowl’s Mane, Vault Watcher’s Cloak, and Icecore Staff
This PvP recolor is my favorite version of the Hellfire Citadel Monk tier set. I love the whiteness of it, and how that whiteness is gently accentuated by the light blue and beige.

49) Cloud Rider

Grievous Gladiator’s Ironskin Spaulders, Jinxed Hoodoo Skin, Pennyroyal Belt, Clefthoof Britches & Wanderboots, Grips of Slicing Electricity (LFR), Order of the Cloud Serpent Tabard, Staff of Trembling Will
Everyone else in the Lotus Garden collection had gotten a new outfit, so I decided to give Kate a new outfit, too. This is another of my favorite tabards from Pandaria. I love its soft, pastel colors.
Here is an alternate version of the outfit using the Belt of the Silent Path, which has very similar colors to the tabard, and the Mantle of Wicked Revenge.

48) Zen Lotus

Whisper Jerkin, Vine Waistband, Bluegill Breeches*, Runesworn Grips, Griftah’s Authentic Troll Shoes, Cloak of Tranquil Clouds, Golden Saronite Dragon, Golden Lotus tabard
The Golden Lotus Tabard is one of my favorites not just from Pandaria, but from all the available tabards.
It took a couple of weeks of planting Enigma Seeds and harvesting & replanting anything that wasn’t a Golden Lotus to get a garden completely full of them.

47) Shado-Pan Mistdancer

Replica Shado-Pan Helmet, Spaulders of Determined Resolve, Mistdancer Vest Cord & Legguards, Bandit gloves & boots, Crimson Steel
The sigil and colors of this handsome fist weapon suggested the Shado-Pan to me — at least for a kit for my Monk. With other classes that use fist weapons, I’d go in different directions.

46) Al’ar & Rukhmar’s Lovechild

Passive Resistor Spaulders (H), Whisper Jerkin, Thatch Eave Vines, Bonechewer Ripleggings, Rope-Grip Gloves, Enchanted Leather Sandals, Claw of the Phoenix
Although I thought initially that this would be an “Al’ar” kit, the shoulders remind me of Rukhmar. It seemed appropriate somehow to use the “Talon Queen” title while wearing this outfit.

45) Dangerous Liason

Shadow Heart Spaulders, Tunic of the Nightwatcher, Brown Belt of Humbling Gravity, Kilt of the Night Strider, Heth’Jatari Battlegloves, Wu-Lai, Bladed Fan of the Consorts
During Mists, I made the effort to obtain this fabulous fist weapon with both mini-Kam and the Pet Battling Monk. I made a Shaman kit with it almost immediately, but I never got around to making a Monk kit with it. So Kate is going to be a Windwalker for awhile so that she can use her fist weapons.
I loved the idea of pairing these dagger-stuffed shoulders with the Bladed Fan — this woman is armed to the teeth!

44) Blue Crane

Red Crane (LFR) Helm Mantle Vest & Legwraps with Snow Lily Belt, Heth’jatari Battlegloves, and Griftah’s Authentic Troll Shoes
I was getting tired of what Kate had been wearing but didn’t have any inspiration for a new kit. That’s usually when I pull out a “recipe set” — in this case, the T14 LFR set that I’d collected, but not yet used. Serendipitously, it looks amazing with all of the Monk Artifact weapons.

43) Mistdancer




The Mistdancer set is the gear that a Monk is shown wearing on the new character selection screen. It is obtained in-game from the Warlords Garrison Salvage Yard.
The gloves of the Mistdancer set are invisble and cannot be used for Transmogrification, but gloves are not (yet?) a slot that can be hidden. Thus, Kate is also wearing the Fuzzy Gloves.

42) Lorewalker

Bonechewer shoulders gloves & boots, Silvermoon Tunic, Red Belt of Gentle Persuasion, X-52 Pilot’s Leggings, Lorewalkers Tabard, Staff of the Hidden Master
This kit is modeled after an outfit that I saw Kirina wearing during Mists. She was using the Burning Blade Devotee’s Cinch instead of the Monk class quest belt, of course.

41) Pumpkin Slicer

Jewel of the Firelord, Forest Wind Shoulderpads, Pridelord Armor, Imposing Belt, Warchief Kilt*, Pirate Sinker’s Gloves + Bracer of Portals, Malik’s Stalwart Spear
Hallow’s End is a perfect occasion to put to use those bright orange amber-bladed weapons from the Klaxxi.

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A collection of Transmogrification Kits actually worn in-game by my Tauren Monks. Outfits are listed from most recent to least recent. Items that are no longer obtainable are marked with an asterisk (*).

40) Burning Blade

Supple Shoulderguards & Waistguard (2-655), Grizzly Jerkin, Primal Combatant’s Legguards (Horde), Loramus’ Gloves, Ogre-Hunter Boots, Hellreaver
I have made this kit almost exactly as Silverblade of World of MogCraft originally designed it for the Savage Blood Fashion Parade, except for the weapon. The weapon I’d really like to use with this kit is Lantresor’s Warblade, but I was an idiot and didn’t choose that reward when this character did the Outland Burning Blade questline. Perhaps I’ll change the weapon and update this entry with new pictures after the account-wide Wardrobe goes live in Patch 7.0…
Savage Blood required: 30

39) Journeying Gardener


Straw Hat, Examiner’s Monnions, Journeying Robes, Serene Yellow Belt, Frostwolf Scout’s Gloves, Garden Shovel
This kit just wanted to be simple, dark, and earthy.
When I first met Farmer Fung and Gardener Fran, I thought maybe Fran was Fung’s wife. Later, when I found out that Tina Mudclaw can’t decide whether she likes Farmer Yoon or Farmer Fung better, I decided that Fran must be Fung’s sister.
Only chestpiece, leggings, and helm pieces exist for this coloration of the Draenor-crafted armor. The primary use of the patterns for these items, which are not upgradable, is leveling the crafting skill itself.

38) Captain Azeroth

Fleet Commander’s Hat, After Hours Pauldrons, Protectorate Assassin’s Tunic, Burning Blade Devotee’s Cinch, X-52 Pilot’s Leggings, Bandit gloves & boots, Zorbin’s Mega-Chopper
Given the origins of most of these items, however, perhaps this kit should be called “Captain Outland“.

37) Crystalfire Meditation

Bonechewer Skincloak, Murkblood Shoulders, Flamestrider Robes, Supple Waistguard (2-655), Barrel-Aged Gloves, Dragonhawk Pants, Crystalfire Spellstaff (3-660)
The orange crystals on this staff immediately suggested to me a monk in orange robes. Plain black or black-brown boots would be appropriate for a character who wears shoes.
Savage Blood required: 45

36) Orgrimmar Blood Guard

Cabalist Spaulders, Wolf Rider’s Padded Armor, Red Belt of Gentle Persuasion, Prospector’s Woolies, Loramus’ Gloves, Firemoss Boots, Nimble Hexweave Cloak (1-640), Orgrimmar Tabard, Replica Blood Guard’s Cleaver
This kit was made to go with the movie tie-in weapon. It also uses the version of the Orgrimmar Tabard obtained from the Garrison War Mill.
I hesitated about using the Monk-specific belt in this kit, but it really was what looked best to me. The Mists-crafted Snow Lily Belt is a suitable alternative for non-Monks, though.

35) Flickering Forest

Guise of the Tidal Lurker, Flickering Shoulderpads, Supple Vest (2-655), Green Belt of Hushed Wisdom, Blazewing’s Furious Kilt, Poorly Styled Gloves, Smoot’s Shredded Smock, Halberd of Desolation
I owe quite a bit of the design of this kit to Navimie. She suggested the chestpiece and kilt combination (plus a different set of Cataclysm raid shoulders) in her entry to my Savage Blood Fashion Parade. She also wore this hat for so long that I can’t help but associate it with her.
Savage Blood required: 15

34) Savage Dancer

Contender’s Wyrmhide Shoulders, Raging Spirit Harness, Red Belt of Unspoken Warning, Mountainscaler Leather Legguards & Gloves, Frostwolf Scout’s Boots, Blade of Savagery
Although the purple in this kit is subdued to the point of being purplish-black, overall it feels more purple-and-gold than black-and-gold to me. At any rate, I have always thought of this chestpiece as very dark purple rather than as black, and these are the items that wanted to go with it.

33) Safari Expedition


Cloth: Elementalist or Archmage sets; Leather: Expedition or Dragonhawk sets; Mail: Talhide or Netherstorm sets; Rustic Workman’s Shirt, Monk’s Staff, Tabard of the Explorer
For a dedicated Pet Battling character looking for something to coordinate with the Safari Hat, this style of gear is just about “one size fits all” — it’s available in every armor type except plate. Your character will have to be at least moderately leveled to wear this kit, however, as these sets are Outland drops. Furthermore, each of these sets has an odd piece or two that doesn’t match all the rest, so a complete set will probably have to be assembled using items from both set names.

32) Nimble Serpent

Bladefang Spaulders, Nimbletoe Chestguard, Green Belt of Hushed Wisdom, Kilt of Immortal Nature, Throat-Ripper Gauntlets, Drape of Smoldering Dreams, Gouging Staff
Having dinged 100 meant that Kate could finally convert all the Munificent, Tumultuous, Grandiose, and Baleful armor tokens that had been piling up from her Garrison and Kamalia’s Shipyard. And that meant that she needed a new Transmogrification kit.
I’m glad that the armor designers like this hue of green well enough to have used it in multiple expansions — it sure made putting together a new Transmogrification kit out of stuff I already had in the bank easier.

31) Sha Stalker

Cursed Vision of Sargeras, Supple Shoulderguards (1-640), Raiment of Silent Stars, Cord of Sha Savagery, Blazewing’s Furious Kilt, Gloves of the Blind Stalker, Fist of the Deity
The outward resemblance to a Demon Hunter may be a product of convergent evolution.

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A collection of Transmogrification Kits actually worn in-game by my Tauren Monks. Outfits are listed from most recent to least recent. Items that are no longer obtainable are marked with an asterisk (*).

30) Blind Sage

Cursed Vision of Sargeras, Examiner’s Monnions, Warpwood Bark Vest, Red Belt of Unspoken Warning, Kilt of the Night Strider, Pirate Sinker’s Gloves + Fire-Chanter Bindings, Cranedancer’s Staff
In a grand stroke of luck, Kate got Illidan’s blindfold on her very first run of Black Temple. My goal with this kit was to make a non-Demon Hunter-type outfit using the blindfold. I imagined the tribal elder gone blind with age or the young oracle born blind.
These gloves fit quite low around the wrists, so I chose the smallest pair of bracers I had so they would be completely covered. They aren’t the only option, though — there are several relatively small bracers that, while not completely covered, coordinate well with the gloves.

29) Samaramon’s Black-and-Yellow


Contender’s Wyrmhide Shoulders, Pozzik’s Vest, Serene Yellow Belt, Nature-Stitched Kilt, Frostwolf Scout’s Gloves, Gouging Staff
I borrowed the core concept of this kit — the shoulders + tunic + kilt combination — from an outfit originally posted by Samaramon on her now-defunct blog.

28) Fire-Charm Cricket

Fire-Charm Mantle, Jinxed Hoodoo Skin & Kilt, Serene Yellow Belt, Grips of Slicing Electricity, Ethereum Phase Blade, Purehearted Cricket Cage, Veridian Cloak
One of my goals during Mists of Pandaria was to heal in LFR with a character of every healing class. I achieved that goal, with a healer of each class who completed at least Terrace of Endless Spring from T14, all of Throne of Thunder, and Siege of Orgrimmar through the Sha of Pride. The very charming Purehearted Cricket Cage drops from the second boss in the Vale of Eternal Sorrows opening wing of the Siege of Orgrimmar.
This kit is a variation on Zazzy’s grand-prize-winning final round entry for JD Kenada’s Amazing Transmog Survivor competition. As a Monk, Koralyra could get the chestpiece, belt, and kilt easily — but she’d have had to farm for the lookalike T9 Druid shoulders, as Zazzy had. Fortunately, the glow of the T15-LFR Monk shoulders matches the Jinxed Hoodoo items just as nicely as the crystals on the T9-Horde Druid shoulders do!

27) Shado-Pan Brewmaster

Replica Shado-Pan Helmet, Dark Warder’s Pauldrons, Vest of Welcome, Red Belt of Gentle Persuasion, Sunroc Pants, Swashbuckler’s Gloves & Boots, Tremendous Tankard O’ Terror, Ced’s Crusher
Most of my characters are tee-totalers because, well, I am. Way back when acheivements were the new hotness, Kamalia picked up several of the Brewfest acheivements, but she hadn’t bothered to get Brew of the Month — and thus the “Brewmaster” title — because she knew she wouldn’t actually be interested tasting the brews of the month themselves.
That was before I had a Brewmaster Monk, however. This year, Koralyra wanted the “Brewmaster” title, and so it fell to Kamalia, who was only one achievement short, to get the meta for the whole family.
The keg-shaped maces are probably my favorite Mists 1H-Mace design.

26) Xuen’s Strength


Red Crane Crown (LFR), Mantle of the White Tiger, Polar Vest, Brown Belt of Humbling Gravity, Righteous Leggings, Ghostwalker Gloves, Replica Darkmantle Boots, Inscribed Tiger Staff
Of course I had to use the Mantle of the White Tiger in a set for Xuen. Then the Polar Vest was the only really good choice for the chestpiece — nothing else looks quite right with those shoulders. From there, the outfit could very easily have become all blue. I chose these pants and gloves to keep the overall appearance lighter and more evocative of Xuen’s coloration.

25) Chi-Ji’s Hope


Moonkin Headdress, Barbaric Shoulders, Plainshawk Vest, Red Belt of Gentle Persuasion, Cabalist Leggings, Fingers of the Loneliest Monk, Mosshide Boots/Griftah’s Authentic Troll Shoes, Inscribed Crane Staff
Cranes are celebrated for the elegance of their long legs, whether standing or in flight. This outfit celebrates the elegance of a Monk’s legs during a Spinning Crane Kick by leaving them beautifully bare. If you don’t have invisiboots, the tall black Prospector’s Boots are the next best option.

24) Yu’lon’s Wisdom


Serpentskin Helm, Contender’s Leather Shoulders, Jinxed Hoodoo Skin, Green Belt of Hushed Wisdom, Ferine Leggings, Jangdor’s Handcrafted Gloves, Swampwalker Boots, Liuyang’s Lovely Longstaff
These brilliantly-colored leather leggings are a common sight on low-level Rogues, Druids, and Monks because they drop from a dungeon and have great stats. Making a decent Transmogrification kit with them, however, requires much higher character levels. The matching boots can be worn at low levels, but are a rare drop. There are no matching gloves. The reddish tones in these crafted shoulders harmonize perfectly with the reddish tones of the leather straps on the pants.
The Inscribed Serpent Staff would also be a good weapon to use with this set.

23) Niuzao’s Fortitude


Netherstorm Eyepatch, Riplash Pauldrons, Wicked Leather Armor & Gauntlets, Supreme Sash, Bandit Pants, Coal Miner Boots, Beakless Polearm
I wanted to use only Pandarian staves and each of the four Monk class quest reward belts in this Transmogrification project, but the Niuzao outfit didn’t cooperate very well. None of the staves from Pandaria seemed quite right for the Black Ox, whereas Abracadaver from ICC was perfect. I ended up using the Beakless Polearm instead, though, because I didn’t feel like farming ICC and this polearm not only looks awesomely badass, it also matches the one carried by my favorite Shado-Pan companion, Chao the Voice. Once I’d chosen a weapon, none of the Monk class quest belts looked as good with the overall design of the kit as this old-world green belt.
This would be a great Biker kit to use with a choppa!

22) Monastic Wisdom

Feathermoon Headdress, Reporter’s Shoulderguards, Nimbletoe Chestguard, Green Belt of Hushed Wisdom, Leggings of the Vanquished Usurper, Craggy Handgrips, Colossal Treads, Monastic Cloak of Wisdom, Green Workman’s Shirt, Scar-Shell’s Scintillating Staff
This beautiful, unique cloak is sold only to Monks by the catch-up gear vendors in Mount Hyjal and Vashj’ir.

21) Torch of Summer Flames


Jewel of the Firelord, Spaulders of the Ring, Lo’ap’s Tunic of Muck Diving, Serene Yellow Belt, Warchief Kilt*, Barrel-Aged Gloves, Cloak of the Frigid Winds, Torch of Noon
It took Katewatha almost the entire Fire Festival last year to get this cloak to drop, so naturally she had to wear it again this year.
A similar look could be obtained by using the Flamestrider Robes with a Stylish Blue Shirt. For non-Monks, I suggest Ogron’s Sash, Belt of Never-Ending Agony, or the Mighty Girdle.

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A collection of Transmogrification Kits actually worn in-game by my Tauren Monks. Outfits are listed from most recent to least recent. Items that are no longer obtainable are marked with an asterisk (*).

20) Shado-Pan Domain Keeper

Replica Shado-Pan Helmet, Shizzle’s Muzzle Cover, Leather Tunic of Eminent Domain, Red Belt of Gentle Persuasion, Honorary Combat Engineer’s Leather Trousers, Loramus’ Gloves, Prospector’s Boots, Spear of Xuen
The brick red and black colors of these Rogue T9-lookalike items awarded early in the Jade Forest questline just begged to be part of a Shado-Pan set. Due to the factional dimorphism of the T9 sets, this outfit is Horde-only. The Prospector’s chestpiece and leggings or the chestpiece and leggings from the same set as the shoulders & gloves could be used for a similar look.
Other leather-wearers might want to use the Burning Blade Devotee’s Cinch.

19) Seliza’s Spear

Phantasmal Headdress, Superior shoulders, Jinxed Hoodoo Skin, Mighty Girdle, Windscale Sarong, Adventurer’s Gloves, Seliza’s Spear
This beautiful weapon from Lost City of the Tol’vir is one of my all-time favorite polearms. Koralyra chain-queued for that dungeon almost all the way from level 85 to level 86 before it finally dropped — and she was very glad, when it did, that there were no other Monks or Druids in the party so that she could “Need” uncontested!

18) Blue Suede

Phantasmal Headdress, Shoulderguards of Caridean Might, Warpwood Bark Vest, Brown Belt of Humbling Gravity, Shipwrecked Leggings, Wormthorn Gloves, Monastic Footpads, Orsis Polearm
The texture of the blue areas of this chestpiece and its matching gloves looks very soft and suede-like to me.
Koralyra does not have the same self-imposed restriction of always wearing one of the Monk class quest belts that Katewatha does, so I tried this outfit first with the Blade-Dodging Girdle — which is what I’d recommend for other leather-wearers. Because she is a Monk, however, the kit didn’t look quite right until I used the Monk belt.

17) Tiller with Pitchfork

Straw Hat, Murkblood shoulders & chest, Brown Belt of Humbling Gravity, Expedition Pants, Silentleaf Gloves, Swift Cenarion Footwear, Blue Lumberjack Shirt, Nether Trident
At its core, this outfit is the same as my “Newsie” set. I’ve just switched out a few of the accessories.
Kate always wears one of her Monk class quest belts. Other characters should look for a relatively plain brown belt, such as the Belt of the Raptor.
One of the reasons why I picked this trident for Kate’s earlier Fisherman set is that it also makes a halfway-decent pitchfork for a Farmer set. The War Scythe or Grim Scythe would also be suitable weapons for a polearm-wielding class to use in a Farmer outfit.

16) Preened Feathers

Preened Tribal War Feathers, Sacred Feather Vest, Preened Ironfeather Shoulders, Mighty Girdle, Preened Wildfeather Leggings, Clefthoof Gloves (green)/Serpentis’ Gloves (blue), Cenarion Expedition Boots (green)/Sandals of Sacrifice (blue), Aspirant’s Staff of Harmony/Monk’s Staff
While she was leveling, Koralyra’s gearing was a bit… interesting. She only had the one spec, Mistweaver, so she was using the Intellect heirlooms. When she was doing open-world questing, however, she stayed in the Agility-using Stance of the Fierce Tiger unless she needed to heal a lot, quickly. Thus, I made two sets for her — one that had Intellect pieces in all the non-heirloom slots for healing LFD, and one that had Agility pieces in all the non-heirloom slots for open-world questing. The sets are color-coded: green for the Jade Serpent healing stance, and blue for the White Tiger DPS stance — I associate Xuen with the color blue as much or more strongly than the color white. I Transmogrified the black Sacred Feather Vest over the brown Preened Ironfeather Breastplate because I couldn’t resist the notion of using all three colors of the feathered gear in the same outfit (there is a fourth color of feathered gear, but all the items that use it are mail).

15) Newsie

Hood of the Scorpion, Murkblood Shoulderguards & Chestpiece, Red Belt of Gentle Persuasion, Expedition Pants, Barrel-Aged Gloves, Darkbrand Boots, Tuxedo Shirt
This outfit is based on one I originally designed for a Transmogrification contest a little over two years ago. I liked this vaguely military-style Cataclysm quest reward hat and wanted to design a set around it. After a bit of experimentation, I decided that it also sort of resembled a newsboy’s flat cap, resulting in this outfit concept.

14) Gone Fishin’

Zorbin’s Water Resistant Hat, Robust Shoulders, Kranal’s Vest, Serene Yellow Belt, Duskwatcher’s Leggings, Barrel-Aged Gloves, Faithful Treads, Anglers Tabard, Pandaren Fishing Pole/Nether Trident
The third Batinna’s Dress Up theme immediately suggested an outfit to me: a simple modification of the very first Transmogrification kit I created for my Monk when she was a wee little thing.

13) Shado-Pan Ninja



Replica Shado-Pan Helmet, Puncture-Binding Spaulder, Pozzik’s Vest, Red Belt of Gentle Persuasion, Nice Shorts, Bard’s gloves & boots, Stylish Black Shirt, Monk’s Staff
This outfit is adapted from Draynee’s Black Ninja Monk kit.

12) Copperskin

Phantasmal Headdress, Crafted Dreadful Gladiator’s Copperskin shoulders chest & pants, Brown Belt of Humbling Gravity, Smuggler’s Mitts/Caustic Feelers, Mud Encrusted Boots, Spear of Xuen
The stripe pattern detail on the sides of this tunic is the closest match I’ve found to the stripe pattern detail on the sides of the Shado-Pan NPC uniforms, though the colors are quite different. The Shado-Pan uniforms come in two color variations — navy blue with brick red and burnished gold trim (Hawkmaster Nurong, in the foreground), and soft black with maroon and silver trim (Provisioner Bamfu, in the background).

11) Tradition of Cooking/Shado-Pan Smoke Knight



Headband of the Coiled Serpent/Imposing Bandana or Replica Shado-Pan Helmet, Righteous shoulders pants & gloves, Scouting tunic & boots, Red Belt of Gentle Persuasion; Chef’s Hat, Apron, Frying Pan, Rolling Pin, Spider Splatter Mace, Cookie’s Tenderizer
Chef Katewatha, Master of the Ways, holder of my Portable Refrigerator, needed an outfit specifically to wear with the cooking accessories. Of course, it needed to look good without them, too. Other leather-wearing classes should use the Burning Blade Devotee’s Cinch for the belt. I chose the alternate headpiece for PvE activites to coordinate with the belt. I was surprised and delighted to see how awesome the set looked with the Blue Shado-Pan Riding Tiger when it came up from Kate’s random mount macro.

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