Things my Monk Wears, part 8 (outfits 71 – 80)

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 (*).

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.

Read Full Post »

Things my Monk Wears, part 7 (outfits 61 – 70)

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…

Read Full Post »

Things my Monk Wears, part 6 (outfits 51 – 60)

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.

Read Full Post »

Things my Monk Wears, part 5 (outfits 41 – 50)

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.

Read Full Post »

Things my Monk Wears, part 4 (outfits 31 – 40)

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.

Read Full Post »

Things my Monk Wears, part 3 (outfits 21 – 30)

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.

Read Full Post »

Things my Monk Wears, part 2 (outfits 11 – 20)

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.

Read Full Post »

Artifact acquisition accomplished! (and analysis)

Shaman, Restoration 31 August 2016

Demon Hunter, Havoc 9 September 2016

Shaman, Elemental 23 September 2016

Shaman, Enhancement 23 September 2016

Mage, Fire 8 October 2016

Mage, Arcane 15 October 2016

Mage, Frost 22 October 2016

Priest, Discipline 28 October 2016

Rogue, Outlaw 29 October 2016

Warlock, Destruction 12 November 2016

Monk, Brewmaster 23 November 2016

Death Knight, Frost 26 November 2016

Hunter, Survival 26 November 2016

Warrior, Arms 30 November 2016

Paladin, Protection 1 December 2016

Druid, Balance 2 December 2016

Hunter, Marksmanship 10 December 2016

It didn’t seem quite right to claim Thas’dorah as a Tauren; that bow rightfully belongs to the children of the Sunwell. So I used the Orb of the Sin’dorei before I picked it up. I guess my camera angle was bad right at the moment when I clicked on Thas’dorah, because this is the best screenshot I got of the triumphal moment.

Hunter, Beast Mastery 10 December 2016

Demon Hunter, Vengeance 10 December 2016

Monk, Windwalker 23 December 2016

Monk, Mistweaver 23 December 2016

Death Knight, Blood 29 December 2016

Death Knight, Unholy 29 December 2016

Rogue, Subtlety 30 December 2016

Rogue, Assassination 30 December 2016

Warlock, Affliction 6 January 2017

Warlock, Demonology 6 January 2017

Druid, Guardian 11 January 2017

Druid, Feral 11 January 2017

Druid, Restoration 11 January 2017

I didn’t get a very good screenshot of picking up G’Hanir because the camera swung around to be under the surface of the nearby pond… but I was feeling to lazy to do the whole scenario over again just to get a better screenshot of the triumphal moment.

Priest, Holy 14 January 2017

Priest, Shadow 14 January 2017

Warrior, Fury 15 January 2017

Warrior, Protection 15 January 2017

Paladin, Holy 16 January 2017

Paladin, Retribution 16 January 2017

~*~*~

The Artifact questlines that packed the most emotional punch (for me) were the Ashbringer, the Doomhammer, and Fu Zan.

Three Artifacts are found on Niskara: Holy Priest, Marksmanship Hunter, and Blood Death Knight. I wasn’t able to determine the “canonical” order in which these events occur.

Three Artifacts are found at Tyr’s Fall in Tirisfal Glades. To the best of my understanding the canonical order of events is as follows: Arms Warrior, Shadow Priest, Holy Paladin.

Three Artifacts are found in the Tomb of Old Kings on Shield’s Rest island in Stormheim. To the best of my understanding the canonical order of events is as follows: Protection Warrior, Protection Paladin, Beastmaster Hunter.

Three Artifacts are found in the Karazhan Catacombs. Because all three questlines end with killing the same boss, I’m not sure which order they would canonically go in, but if I had to hazard a guess, I’d say Balance Druid, Unholy Death Knight, Affliction Warlock.

Two Artifacts are recovered from Felsoul Hold in Suramar. I’m not sure which event happened first, the Havoc Demon Hunter or the Demonology Warlock.

Two Artifacts are recovered from Icecrown Citadel. I’m not sure which event happened first, the Frost Death Knight or the Fire Mage.

Two Artifacts are retrieved from the Nexus. I’m not sure which event happened first, the Arcane Mage or the Discipline Priest.

Two Artifacts are retrieved from the Broken Shore. To the best of my understanding the canonical order of events is as follows: Retribution Paladin, Vengeance Demon Hunter.

Two Artifacts are found in the Helmouth Shallows of Stormheim. These two events, Survival Hunter and Fury Warrior, seem to be quite independent of each other and might have occurred in either order.

The locations for the Frost Mage (a Legion place that wasn’t Niskara), Destruction Warlock, and Beast Master Hunter were unique, but the other questlines for those classes went to shared locations.

The Druid Artifact quests go to one shared location (for Balance) and to three places that no other class goes: Grizzly Hills, the Shattered Locus, and Nordrassil.

Only Shamans go to Vashj’ir, the Temple of the White Tiger, or Deepholm.

Only Monks go to the Temple of the Jade Serpent, the Vortex Pinnacle, or the Terrace of Endless Spring.

Only Rogues go to the Temple of a Thousand Lights, Legion Citadel (it’s not on Niskara), and Stormwind.

Read Full Post »

Fists of the Heavens; Sheilun, Staff of the Mists

I went through my level 101 charaters and sorted them by how close they were to level 102 and being able to get the rest of their Artifact weapons. My Monk was the most advanced, at 88%. Doing the Falling Star questline was all she needed to ding 102.

Because I have the Pearl of Pandaria graphic novel in my collection, I loved the references to it as Li Li Stormstout accompanied me for the Windwalker Artifact quests. If I didn’t have it, those bits probably wouldn’t have made quite as much sense — but I don’t think I would have disliked them.

The Elemental Shaman questline kinda-sorta made sense of how the Fist of Ra-den came to be a Shaman Artifact instead of a Monk Artifact.. but the Windwalker Monk questline didn’t really make any sense of how the Fist of the Heavens came to be a Monk Artifact instead of a Shaman Artifact. Having done both questlines, I still think that they’re backwards — the Fists of Ra-den should be the Windwalker Monk Artifact, and the Fist of the Heavens should be the Elemental Shaman Artifact.

It was a fun questline, though, and so was the Mistweaver Artifact questline.

Though I haven’t actively healed with a Monk since I ran LFR with the Pet Battling Monk during Mists and had to completely re-set up my Mistweaver action bars and Clique-binds, I didn’t have any trouble with keeping my party of Shado Pan buddies alive. I’d told them all to go full-out DPS and not worry about their own health, so I was a bit worried that we might wipe and I’d have to tell one or two of them to fight defensively, but nah, it was a piece of cake.

For the time being, though, I’m going to keep leveling as and putting my Artifact Power points into Brewmaster.

Read Full Post »

Fu Zan, the Wanderer’s Companion

I had fun with the Monkey King’s rhyming and riddles in the questline to get Fu Zan. One of these days, I really need to do the Alliance side of the Patch 5.1 questline, and see how Anduin got along with the Monkey King.

I’m not sure how much I like the appearance of this weapon, though. Even though all that bouncing and swinging and joggling may be reasonably realistically animated, from a physics standpoint, it’s too much — it’s enough to be distracting. I like the simpler staff-with-kettle design from the low-level Monk class quests better. Probably my favorite appearance for Fu Zan is the Hidden one — so until I can get that, I might Transmogrify it into one of the low-level staves.

Seeing the locations in Pandaria that come under Legion attack during the opening scenes of the Monk class campaign really hit me in the feels. Somehow it felt like after all we (the Horde & the Alliance) had put the Pandaren through with the Sha and all, having the Legion show up there just adds insult to injury.

Getting to go back to the Wandering Isle for the Monk Order Hall is a treat, though. I’m glad that that wonderful zone is getting to be seen by more than just low-level Pandaren. I explored all over and found that the only place I couldn’t get to was the Wood of Staves. There’s a barrier at the gateway to that area that newbie Pandaren have to pass a trial to get through; that barrier was up and seemed to be supplemented by a fel-tinged layer… I wonder if I’ll have to deal with that at a later stage of the Monk campaign? Or is that barrier down for a Pandaren Monk character who started as a Pandaren at level 1 on the Wandering Isle?

Read Full Post »