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Archive for the ‘Forsaken/Undead’ Category

A collection of outfits I have made for my Forsaken (Undead) Mage. Items that are no longer obtainable are marked with an asterisk (*).

8) 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

7) 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.

6) 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.

5) Gaudy Pleats

Gaudy Winter Veil Sweater, Apothecary’s Waistband, Red Silk Trousers/Native Pants/Greenweave Leggings, Greenweave Gloves, Cryo-Core Attendant’s Boots, Agamaggan’s Quill
These gathered, pleated pants seem to me like a style that would be loose and flowing, rather than form-fitting, in real life.

4) 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.

3) 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.

2) 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.

1) 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.

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When the questline to clean up the mess Sylvanas made of Undercity at the beginning of the Fourth War first became available in late Shadowlands, I did it with Kamalia because I’d been missing having her be my Main. I only needed to do it once to get the customization unlock, so I didn’t bother doing it again with anyone else.

With Patch 10.2.5 bringing a questline to reclaim Gilneas, I’ve been dithering about which alt I should do it with. Kamalia, because I did the Lordaeron questline with her and having her do Gilneas, too, would be a pleasing symmetry? Kaelinda, because she’s really my Main now? Kaelyla, because she’s Alliance and reclaiming Gilneas is an Alliance story? Well, even though experiencing it once has been enough for a lot of WoW lore lately, maybe I want to do this thing with all three of them for exactly those reasons.

So last night, in preparation for doing the reclaiming Gilneas questline next week, I ran both Kaelinda and Kaelyla through the reclaiming Lordaeron questline. It was just as silly as I remembered it having been… actually, even more silly. I don’t expect the reclaiming Gilneas questline to be any less silly.

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By the time I was able to log in yesterday night, I’d decided to save doing the new Blood Elf-exclusive questline until after I’ve finished the Kyrian Campaign, so that Kaelinda can be herself and so that my screenshots won’t be all cluttered up with other players. Instead, Kamalia went to see what was up with Calia Menethil and Lordaeron. It felt good to have Kamalia take the lead on a world-story-advancing questline again. The questline was consistent with current WoW storytelling, with a fairly shallow story and a rather silly big showpiece moment leading to “yay we won!”.

Lillian Voss is probably my favorite Forsaken character. I was pleased to see, when we went to find Lillian Voss in Brill, that she had Amalia Stone and Derek Proudmoore with her. I appreciated that continuity with the BfA story, even though those two characters didn’t do anything in the remainder of the questline. With Calia and Derek we see a Menethil-Proudmoore alliance… just not the one those families originally imagined. But what, then, of Calia’s secretly-wedded husband and infant daughter who were killed by the Scourge — a part of her backstory described in the Before the Storm novel, but never referenced in-game? **sigh**

The part in Maldraxxus seemed like it was made with the expectation that everyone doing it would already have flying (which I don’t). I managed not to die while kodo-charging through perilous terrain to get to the NPCs we needed to consult, but I was sure glad that as a Shaman, I’d be able to Reincarnate if I did. It also helped that I use the Comfortable Rider’s Barding as my standard mount equipment. Protection against daze-and-dismount while riding through hostile territory is much more valuable to me than water walking!

The surprise of the new “Dark Ranger” customization for Blood, Void, and Night Elves (Delaryn Summermoon is also present at Brill) is a fun little thing, good on the devs for sneaking that past the PTR. I was somewhat disappointed to find that the new skin tone and the red eyes are linked, rather than separate options — if you choose the skin tone, you also get the red eyes; if you choose the red eyes, you also get the skin tone; you can’t have purple skin and red eyes or the new skin tone and silver eyes.

As a Mage, I see the “Dark Ranger” customization as a way to finally make the perfect San’layn cosplay with the 25H ICC Mage Tier set:

(though upon checking, the Darkfallen NPCs in the Blood wing of ICC have blue DK/Domination-magic eyes, not blood red eyes)

Or, with the shortest ear length option, the perfect Venthyr cosplay:
All My Sins II


Sinful Inquisitor’s Vestments with Sinfall Venthyr Hood & Slippers, Soulbreaker’s Ebony Mantle, Silver-Thread Sash, Kael’s Dark Sinstone Chain, and Damnation
A variation on an outfit I originally made for my Warlock (#78).

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Wowhead’s April Fool’s stuff is the best. It’s always stuff that would be really cool if it really were something that was going to be added to the game, and it’s never snide the way the Blizzard mock patch notes generally are.

This weekend, I completed the 8.0 War Campaign through the deep sea diving quest. Apart from the silliness of deep sea diving with only a helmet, I thought the headlight mechanic was rather fun. It was also silly that all the other drowned corpses were skeletonized, but somehow the two most interesting ones were still quite intact. Then I hit a gear wall: I’ve only just barely reached the ilevel required to queue for Normals at level 120, and I have five ilevels to go before I can queue for Siege of Boralus (praise the Earthmother that it’s available on Heroic now!). I also did the first stage of the Vol’jin questline — I think it finally popped up when I reached Revered with the Zandalari? — up until the point where I have to go run Atal’Dazar. I guess I’d better get my tail in gear and go run all the dungeons on Normal in Elemental at least once, with my loot spec set to Resto in hopes of getting a decent 1H/Shield combo for running as a Healer (I have a Sharas’dal kit in mind that I’d like to make soon-ish).

As mentioned above, I’ve managed to hit Revered with the Zandalari. I’ll get Revered with Talanji’s Expedition and with the Voldunai the next time those factions pop up as the Emissary. I’m the furthest behind with Champions of Azeroth, of course, but I am at least Honored with them. All the others are in between.

I wasn’t expecting to be too fond of being Sylvanas’s minion for the main plot of the War Campaign, and I haven’t been. The Lilian Voss side story, however, has been unexpectedly moving. It provides a needed counterbalance to the callousness of the Blightcaller, and it gives some welcome in-game depth of characterization to the Forsaken, too. It’s almost making me want to roll a new Forsaken alt just to re-play the beginnings of Lilian’s story in Tirisfal Glades (and then promptly delete said alt when I was done with it). I played through the then-new version of Tirisfal Glades shortly after Cataclysm launched, so I have dim memories of Lilian’s story, and it seems to me that if a player doesn’t know that part of the story, they’d be missing out on some of the weight of her actions in her current arc.

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For the Alliance!


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

~*~*~

For the Horde!


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

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During the first year of this blog, I wrote a story about my Forsaken Mage, Kivrinne, defining for myself how I could play a Forsaken character that I was comfortable with when I was so generally un-comfortable with Forsaken culture as presented in the quests and zones centered on that race. Kivrinne is a bit of an eccentric, a bit of a rebel. She is an alchemist and an Apothecary, but unlike her colleagues, her main goal in (un)life is to find a true cure for the effects of the Plague.

When Cataclysm launched, I started playing through the updated Forsaken zones with Kivrinne, intending to write a story about her reactions to them as a follow-up to the previous story. By the time I finished Hillsbrad Foothills, however, I was so thorougly sickened by the New Forsaken that I couldn’t go on. I started the story, but didn’t get any farther than a few opening paragraphs that are now part of “Two Sisters, Two Curses”.

So I don’t really know much about what the Forsaken are up to in Arathi Highlands or the Hinterlands. I did play through Western and Eastern Plaguelands, however — with my Paladin, who wanted to do the Argent Crusade storylines there. Along the way, Karaelia encountered Argent Apothecary Judkins at the Plaguewood Tower. She knew right away that Kivrinne and Judkins needed to meet…

Although I only recently rediscovered these screenshots while looking through my screenshot library for other pictures in the process of updating image links, I think we may safely assume that for the past several years, Kivrinne has divided her time between her Undercity laboratory and Apothecary Judkins’ camp at Plaguewood Tower.

Even with a common life goal, there are many other aspects to a successful marriage, and so Kivrinne found her desired Relationship with Apothecary Judkins to be more challenging than she had initially naievely thought it would be.

Kivrinne’s apparent age has been a major obstacle. Although Kivrinne’s mind may now be reasonably mature, her body is stuck at the age she was when she Died to the Plague. When I originally wrote Kivrinne’s story, she was fifteen when she Died. Later, when I was trying to work out the timeline for her to be one of the youngest in a very large family whose eldest sibling had gone into Gilneas just before the closing of the Greymane Wall, I realized that she would have to be somewhat older. Starting an apprenticeship is an important part of Kivrinne’s story, however, so Kivrinne still needs to be quite young. I think that now I might retcon Kivrinne’s age at the beginning of her story to be eighteen or nineteen. Eighteen or nineteen is not quite as immature as fifteen, but it still would have given an ethical sort like Judkins — whose bodily age at time of Death is unknown, but probably well into adulthood — a pause to have this apparently very young girl pursuing him. He would have spent a certain amount of time rather strenuously trying to discourage her on the basis of the disparity in their bodily ages.

After that initial burst of infatuation wore off, Kivrinne was a bit surprised to realize that she had to figure out if she wanted to be friends with this fellow, let alone more. Fortunately, as she got to know him better, she did. Still, there have been quarrels, not infrequently about how best to approach that common life goal.

I’m not quite sure yet if Kivrinne’s relationship with Judkins would have actually progressed as far as marriage, though. Partly this is because I’m not quite sure what the general attitude of Forsaken culture is toward establishing new marriages (as opposed to maintaining old pre-Plague marriages). Partly this is because even though Judkins is a very minor NPC, I still hestitate to officially declare that my PC is RP-married to an actual in-game questgiver NPC.

Now, when am I going to find the time to level Kivrinne up into Northrend and get her to Friendly with the Argent Crusade so that I can make her an “Argent Apothecary Kivrinne” outfit…?

~*~*~

Five Years Later, after several adjustments to the restrictions on Transmogrification…

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

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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.

Tale as Old as Time

Eternal Yellow Rose, Gossamer Desert Gown, Shuurt’s Precious, Sand-Swept Soiree Gloves, Trader’s Carrot Sarong, Sandswept Sandals, Zealot’s Prayer Staff
I considered adding the Golden Mobile Timepiece to this outfit; while it would be perfectly appropriate for a Gnome or a Bronze Dragon (or both), it would spoil the pop culture reference.

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.

Elune’s Bard



Moonpriest’s Vestments with Elune’s Wrath and Winterborn Harp
This is a perfect outfit for Keriluna’s backstory!

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?

Eredar Sorcerer


Vileweave Amice, Forward Observer’s Camouflage Cloak, Vileweave Robes, Cord of Cacophonous Cawing (LFR), Fractured Soulgem Staff
Warlocks as a playable Class for Draenei and the Man’ari Eredar customizations seem like two changes for the Draenei race that were made to go together. I’ve seen at least one red Draenei Warlock bouncing around Valdrakken.
Here are some other staffs I liked with this outfit:

Ancient Soulpriest’s Staff

Inferna Rod, Edict of Argus (M)

Ebonchill (hidden, tint 3), Darktide Summoner Staff, Scar-Shell’s Scintillating Staff
To be completely honest, the Ancient Soulpriest’s Staff was what I really wanted out of doing “Seeing Red” 😛

Watch the Worlds Burn

Crown of Power, Soulbreaker’s Ebony Mantle, Wanderer’s Carrot Cloak, Lovely Black Dress, Cuffs of Devastation, Mountainsage Leggings, Gorridar, Ledger of Revolting Rituals (N)
Before I let my sweet Draenei go back to being her normal blue-and-white self, I wanted to use this combo of Eredar skin color and eyes (which are rather like the Night Elf Night Warrior eyes, hmmm); this also seemed like the appropriate character visage with which to do a Cloth outfit with the Sargeras-like sword from the November 2023 Trading Post capstone reward.

Frost Arcana

Lost Crown of the Arcane, Frostwind Mantle, Recruit’s Robe, Sprite Darter’s Sash, Sol’s Magestaff
With a great sigh of relief, Kaprikka is back to her usual self. This robe was the original Level 1 Draenei Mage robe, which she’s delighted to be able to use in a proper Mog at last.

~*~*~

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.

de Vil

Battered Jungle Hat, Wanderer’s Crimson Cloak, Lovely Black Dress, Ember Court Soiree Gloves, Lava-Starched Britches, Diamond-Tipped Cane
If she doesn’t scare you…
Wearing this outfit, I wish that female Worgen had a snout customization option to choose between the newer face and the original side-growl face.

~*~*~

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

Treasure Goblin

Enmity Hood, Treasure Nabbin’ Bag, Gray Woolen Robe, Moonsole Slippers, Garden Pitchfork

Time is Money



Sky-Captain’s Masquerade Attire with High Society Top Hat, Golden Mobile Timepiece, and Bling Cane/Heavily Stitched Wallet

Shabby Swabbie

Warm Woolen Cap, Skulker’s Cloak, Spun Cotton Shirt, Swabbie’s Gloves, Quilted Breeches, Surefooted Boots, Deadly Dagger, Gnomish Liquid Transfer Apparatus
This outfit was rewarded from Keg Leg’s Crew (Plunderstorm) Renown levels 2 – 9.

Storm Captain

Storm Captain’s Hat, Weatherproven Drape, Fine Crimson Doublet, Swindler’s Cutouts, Handwoven Trousers, Silent Leathers, Blacksteel Saber, Mistyreed Torch
This outfit was rewarded from Keg Leg’s Crew (Plunderstorm) Renown levels 12 – 21.

Plunderlord



Plunderlord’s Tricorne of Admiralty/Plunderlord’s Monocle, Plunderlord’s Tassled Spaulders, Plunderlord’s Drapery, Plunderlord’s Waistcoat, Fine Crimson Doublet, Plunderlord’s Pilferers, Plunderlord’s Golden Cinch, Plunderlord’s Fancy Trousers, Plunderlord’s Muckscrapers, Plunderlord’s Fine Rapier + Anima-Infused Muck/Plunderlord’s Gilded Sigil
This outfit was rewarded from Keg Leg’s Crew (Plunderstorm) Renown levels 23 – 38.

~*~*~

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

Rustbolt Returner

Square Holders, Dueler’s Aquatic Shoulder Cape, Wanderer’s Midnight Cloak, Inmate’s Straight Robe (H), Rustbolt Resistance Tabard, Belt of Arcane Storms (N), Neural Synapse Enhancer

~*~*~

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

Foxflower

Eternal Orange Rose, Conjurer’s Vest, Conjurer’s Bracers, Trader’s Carrot Sarong, Branch of Nordrassil

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All around the table, heads nodded.

That is what this is all about.”

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

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Because of the association of some of the drawings with stories, this idea to clean out my backlog of unposted art is turning into cleaning out some of my backlog of unposted stories, too.

Way back when, I wrote a story about the experience of my Forsaken Mage. With Cataclysm and the Worgen and Goblins already announced at the time I wrote the story, the story ended with my Forsaken looking at the Greymane Wall and remembering that she had an older sister who lived in Gilneas. After Cataclysm launched and I’d played through the Worgen starting zone, I started writing a story about my Worgen Mage and how she was separated from her family, then unexpectedly reunited with her now-Forsaken sister. I wrote fragments of significant events in the story, but never quite managed to get them all completed, transitioned, and tied together. I also began a story intended to explore my Forsaken character’s reactions to the new storyline for Silverpine introduced in Cataclysm, culminating with her perspective of the meeting with her sister. After I’d got it started, though, it turned out that I wasn’t really all that interested in writing it, and so I never continued it.

I was working from a personal headcanon timeline that assigned to each expansion an amount of calendar time corresponding to the real-world calendar time that we actually spent playing it — roughly two years per expansion, rather than the one year per expansion in the official chronology. When the Ultimate Visual Guide came out, I realized that I had my timeline entirely wrong because I’d underestimated the amount of time between the end of the Second War and the beginning of the Third War. Now my story didn’t work at all. I suppose I could still make it work if I retcon my original story about my Forsaken and let the sisters be a decade or so older instead of relatively young women…

If I’d ever properly finished these stories, I would have posted them in multiple parts, so all the unfinished bits and pieces make a rather long post. I’ve put them behind a cut and you can read them or not as you please. (more…)

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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.

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