Pandaren Homespun

As a new Pandaren Mage or Priest adventures through the Wandering Isle, they obtain three sets of beautiful, thematic, and sadly non-Moggable gear:

set 1 (white): Initiate’s Robes, Initiate’s Rope Belt
set 2 (blue): Robes of the Water Spirit, Unmarred Cord
set 3 (green): Protector’s Robes, Cord of Grieving

But wait — in Pandaria itself, the belts and pants of the white and blue sets become available as Tailoring patterns!

set 1 (white): Initiate’s Rope Belt/White Cloud Belt, Initiate’s Leggings/White Cloud Leggings
set 2 (blue): Unmarred Cord/Belt of the Night Sky, Homespun Leggings/Leggings of the Night Sky
set 3 (green): Cord of Grieving, Survival Leggings

~*~*~

Conjuror’s Sky

Sorcerer Drape, Sorcerer Bracelets, Belt of the Night Sky, Leggings of the Night Sky, Conjuror’s Slippers

White and Purple Clouds

Cat Lover’s Vest, White Cloud Belt, White Cloud Leggings, Patroller’s Footwear

Pandaren Homespun

Cyno’s Mantle of Sin, Cat Lover’s Vest, Belt of the Night Sky, Leggings of the Night Sky, Shadowmoon Grips, Footfalls of Memories, Epoch-Mender

Read Full Post »

a scattering of idle musings on alt leveling in Shadowlands

One thing I’ve really appreciated about the “banding” paradigm for content from previous expansions that was introduced in Patch 7.3.5 is that it extended to Transmogrification — that one can now wear anything, including “endgame” items, from the highest level band that one has reached. That has made Mogging with the Minor Mages so much more enjoyable, even though most of them are still limited to Vanilla items.

I wonder how Transmogrification will be affected by the new leveling paradigm? Will characters in the 1-50 range now be able to wear anything from Vanilla through BfA? If so, then I might not need to do any leveling with the Minor Mages at all! Or will one only be able to wear stuff from expansions that one has actually visited? That would be okay, too — though it would become tedious, by the third or fourth alt, to have to cycle through all the expansions with Chromie just to unlock all the folios of the Wardrobe.

~*~*~

One of the first things I thought of in connection with the description of the new leveling paradigm for content from previous expansions in Shadowlands was “Now I can level my Pandaren just in Pandaria!”

What other race-expansion combinations might be good thematic fits?
Night Elf or Nightborne in Legion? Yes, but if I’d ever really do it is perhaps, perhaps, perhaps.
Orc or Draenei in Warlords? Well, I’ve already got a Draenei stalled out at level 92 in Draenor, and I actually think it might be better to try to finish getting her through that content before the level squish.
Dwarf in Howling Fjord, Grizzly Hills, Storm Peaks, and Twilight Highlands? Hmm, hmm…
Troll in Stranglethorn Vale, Hinterlands, Zul Drak, and Kun Lai Summit? Yeah, yeah, I rather like that idea.
Undead in Lordaeron & Northrend? Well, yes, thematically it fits, but my Undead is not a supporter of Sylvanas’ agenda.
Worgen, Gnome, Goblin? *shrug*

So maybe in the end-of-Shadowlands lull — after I’ve completed the four Covenant Campaigns — I’ll level Kaoling. And maybe I’ll level Kikimaia, too — though a current feeling of interest in leveling a Troll could just be the influence of having been surrounded by Trolls for all of BfA, or it could be the influence of Classic because I’d rather be Troll than Undead to play a Horde Mage in Classic.

~*~*~

Night Elves have such an elegance to them. Does having a high-level Night Elf Balance Druid — who uses Glyph of Stars — fulfil the desire to have a caster Night Elf, so I don’t need to level a Night Elf Mage?

Nightborne have the elegance of movement of Night Elves, and they have such a pretty tabard and I rather like their Heritage Armor… but I just don’t like their resting stance. It bugs me enough that I’m not sure that I could get into playing my Nightborne alt. The stance of Zandalari Trolls has the same relationship to the stance of Darkspear Trolls as the stance of Nightborne does to that of Night Elves, but the Zandalari Troll stance doesn’t bug me quite as much as the Nightborne stance. Somehow the placement of the feet of the Nightborne seems a little too awkwardly, uncomfortably wide to me. I had the oddest thought the other day — the stance of Nightborne men doesn’t bug me the way the stance of Nightborne women does, so what if I were to reroll my Nightborne Mage as a man — likely an Occuleth clone, ha! — to level for the Heritage Armor? (There isn’t any other race I’d preferentially play as a man rather than a woman…)

Read Full Post »

Signature Outfits of the Minor Mages

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

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

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

~*~*~

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

~*~*~

Bronzebeard Firebrand

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

Country Girl

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

Brewfest Dirndl

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

~*~*~

Gnomeregan Artificer

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

S.A.F.E. Operative


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

Gnomeregan Runner

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

Father Winter’s Helper

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

Darkmoon Magician



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

Darkmoon Sleight-of-Hand

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

Keeper of the Fens

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

Whitemane’s Power


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

~*~*~

Daughter of the Stars


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

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

Druid of the Ley

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

Stillpine Interpreter

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

Deep Purple Dreams

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

Purple Moonlight

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

Miss Lorrayne

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

~*~*~

Child of the Exodus



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

Void-touched


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

Space Opera Jumpsuit

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

Aldor Covenant

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

Soulmate Searching


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

Soulspark

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

Soulwind

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

White Wizard

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

Hand of Destiny



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

Sagefish

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

~*~*~

Gilneas Vogue

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

Role Model


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

Gilnean Bride


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

~*~*~

Tushui Wanderer

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

~*~*~

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

~*~*~

Lordaeron, Lost




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

Royal Apothecary

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

Bride of Arugal

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

Argent Apothecary


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

Emerald Enchantress

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

Nostalgia-Tinted

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

Forgotten Potpourri

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

~*~*~

Darkspear Arcanital

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

Wild Magic

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

Red Blood, Blue Blood

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

Big Voodoo Ma’da

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

Troll Action Battle Princess




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

~*~*~

Orgrimmar Flamecaster

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

Orgrimmar Fireweaver

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

Mama Frostwolf


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

Great-Mother Winter

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

Wise Woman

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

~*~*~

Bilgewater BOOM!

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

Sepia Dreams

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

Portal Supervisor


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

~*~*~

Huojin Wanderer


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

Huojin Apothecary

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

Lucky Red Envelope

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

~*~*~

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

~*~*~

Homesick Warmage

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

~*~*~

Moira’s Defense Mage

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

~*~*~

Mechagon Spark

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

~*~*~

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

~*~*~

Student of the Dusk Lily


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

Celumbra, the Night’s Dichotomy




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

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

~*~*~

Mag’har Manashaper

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

~*~*~

Zandalari Apprentice Arcanital

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

Yazma’s Replacement


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

Troll Action Battle Princess




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

~*~*~

Voldunai Explorer

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

Windchaser




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

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 »

Pandaren portraits

Yeah, I ship it.
Oops, looks like I forgot to color the handle of Nomi’s knife. Maybe it’s ivory or bone or antler instead of wood 😛

A lady at church was wearing a pretty netted shawl that I wanted to draw, and it seemed like the sort of thing that a Pandaren might like.

This finishes up Spring Break Art Week and all the art I had in my backlog, so the next time I want to post art, I’ll have to have drawn something new.

Read Full Post »

red ringlets reverie

As we look forward to another year, here is one small and silly little thing that I wish would happen, one of these Patches, that would make me very very happy indeed:

I want more ringlets!

I love the ringlets of the Draenei “Jeweled Band” hairstyle.

I love the ringlets of the Goblin “Elegant” hairstyle.

I would love, love to see the Barbershop make these hairstyles available to more races.

Wouldn’t those long Dranei ringlets look just lovely on a Blood Elf, Human, or Night Elf?

And wouldn’t those fat Goblin curls look simply adorable on a Gnome, Dwarf, or Pandaren?

I’d love to see curly coat Tauren, too —

— but I realize that that’s far, far less likely to happen than getting ringlets for the more Human-like races.

Read Full Post »

Exploring with Tweets

Tweets Lightsprocket patrols the road between Halfhill and Zhu’s Watch.









“Tina” is probably Tina Wang, not Tina Mudclaw, for two reasons: 1) Tina Mudclaw loves jewelry (Gina is the one who loves flowers), and 2) Tina Wang seems to know Tweets:

How did Tweets become acquainted with Tina Wang and Uncle Gus? These two pandaren reside in the Horde’s Shrine of Two Moons. Were they originally intended to reside in the Alliance’s Shrine of Seven Stars, instead, and got mixed up somehow?

Read Full Post »

beach babes of Azeroth

click on the images to see the full-size versions of these pictures

I began this project last summer, as a follow-up to my rather crudely-assembled racial height and build comparison.

At the time, however, the sexism-in-WoW discussion was going around again, and I felt that it would be rather gauche to post what is undeniably an objectified image: I have reduced my models to shapes to be studied.

I’d been meaning to complete it anyway, but somehow BTH always seemed to already be using the tablet to work on his comic whenever I wanted to work on it 😛

With all the wonderful new model previews being released, I figured I’d better finish this up quick, even though some of the subtleties of the stances and the shapes will soon be out-of-date.

I had been thinking I’d do a further follow-up of close-up studies of the front and profile shapes of the faces, because I feel like I still don’t have a really good grasp on how to make some of the races different from my standard way of drawing human people. I’d like to do a companion set of “beach bums of Azeroth”, too, because I feel that I understand the male shapes even less than the female shapes. Maybe I should wait on that until all the new models come out in 6.0, though.

Speaking of the new models, I’ve liked all the ones we’ve seen glimpses of so far, and I look forward to seeing the Night Elf, the Troll, and especially the Tauren. The new female Orc makes me wish I hadn’t deleted my level 35 Orc Enhancement Shaman. I do hope the shaved head texturing makes it into the final model.

Read Full Post »

leveling ADD

Well, now that I don’t have the Legendary Cloak haunting me as unfinished business anymore, it feels like the leveling floodgates have opened. In the past few days, five alts — including a brand-new one — have gotten some serious playtime.

Kaelinda the Blood Elf Mage, who’d been sitting at about halfway through level 88 since she accomplished her goal on the Molten Front, pushed through a bit of the Townlong Steppes, some of the Dread Wastes, and a few dungeons to become my tenth level 90 character.

Kilauea the Troll Shaman went from level 22 to level 25, putting her right at-level to do Arathi Highlands and then the Hinterlands, two zones which I have not yet quested through since Cataclysm.

Kalaneia the Blood Elf Warlock went from level 55 to level 58. She might have gotten to level 60, but then I got distracted….

Tome and I took our wee Dwarf lassies, Flaminga the Warlock and Kjerstin the Shaman, to the Wetlands and played through most of the first major hub there before Tome had to sign off. Kjerstin is already overleveled for the zone, so she didn’t quite get a level out of it, but I really want to see the storyline.

When BTH and I began leveling our Monks, I joined BTH’s guild with my Monk so that we’d have the same guild XP bonuses — my personal guild wasn’t yet leveled enough to have all of those perks. That meant, however, that my little all-Tauren guild has been missing Monk from the “Classy Tauren” achievement. My guild is now leveled enough to have all the XP perks, so I moved my Monk over to it… but that did not give me the ‘chieve. It seems that I have to actually ding 85 with the class-race combo in-guild to get the ‘chieve credit. So I rolled a new Monk. I started her as a Pandaren, so that she could have the cool Wandering Isle leather gear for RP wear, then race-changed her after she got to Kalimdor. She is going to level primarily through LFD, Archaeology, and Pet Battles.

And though I haven’t managed to give her any playtime yet, Kelisanna the Blood Elf Rogue wants to level, too. BTH gave me Mistborn for my birthday, and Keli is still too low-level even to acquire the Survivor’s Bag of Coins, let alone use it.

Read Full Post »

Super Akabeko Adventures (FFW gift for Akabeko)

My Dear Akabeko,

I was so delighted when I saw that I’d drawn you! At first, I thought I’d make you a post of animated gifs. But I chickened out of trawling the internets for suitable images, and I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted the “storyline” of the post to be, anyway. So I decided to make you an animated “front cover” picture for your stories about Akabeko and Weipon. I’m sure you know this already, but be sure to open the file with a web browser to see it run. I hope that you will hear a certain little electronic tune in your head as you watch the gif play. I’ve also included some still shots of the eight poses used in the animation.

Happy Winter Veil and Merry Christmas!
😀 Kamalia

~*~*~

Akabeko posted this here; I later added it to my own blog as a backdated post just in case Red Cow Rise eventually went down.

Read Full Post »