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 (*).

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
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 »

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

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

40) Barkskin

Eternal Blossom Shoulderwraps, Robes of Eighty Lights, Thatch Eave Vines, Ranger Gloves
The bark-and-fur look of this armor nicely complements the appearance of the Claws of Ursoc, and the colors perfectly complement the Fangs of Ashamane.
I am quite amused by how the Hood of Stilled Winds that is part of this set looks like a bear mask —

— but I like seeing my characters’ faces too much to actually ever wear it.
Although I did play Kerisa as herself to collect the Guardian Artifact, she’s never been really comfortable with being a bear. So for this Guardian spec kit, I’ve given her the alter-ego appearance of my secondary Druid, Kaiuna, who was created to play with the melee Druid specs.

39) Golden Feathers

Chieftain’s Headdress, Passive Resistor Spaulders (H), Vest of Forceful Fury, Belt of Hidden Keys, Woundseal Leggings, Hydrolance Gloves (H), Kafa Leather Boots, Drape of Icy Intent, Giorgio’s Caduceus of Pure Moods (LFR)
These shoulders with molting golden feathers and this staff with molting golden feathers just needed to be used together.
Using a muted blue cued from the vest and darker brown tones in the bottom half of the kit keeps the focus on those beautiful golden feathers in the top half.

38) Overgrowth Tender

Mantle of Gnarled Overgrowth, Shaladrassil Tunic, Overgrowth Cutter Belt, Giant-Friend Kilt, Master Brewer’s Gloves, Kihrawr’s Scratching Post
I was looking for a chestpiece to wear with this matching kilt & shoulders from Northrend that wasn’t the set chestpiece; I was looking for something to wear with this chestpiece that wasn’t the rest of its set. I noticed the perfect congruence of the colors and voila! I love it when an outfit comes together this neatly.

37) Genesis Wave

Tracker’s Headband, Cenarion Spaulders, Genesis Vest & Boots, Archer’s Belt, Forest Leather Pants, Wasphide Gauntlets, Pink Mageweave Shirt, Staff of the Verdant Circle
I came up with this concept while working on some pink outfit ideas for Navimie and thought that it would be quite appropriate for Noblegarden. Because the chestpiece and boots were already Druid-specfic, I decided to go ahead and use these Druid-specific shoulders, too.

36) Navispam

Guise of the Tidal Lurker, Hateful Gladiator’s Wyrmhide Spaulders, Shroud of Nature’s Harmony, Orgrimmar Belt, Giant-Friend Kilt, Thunderlord Gloves, Stolen Idra’kess Drape, Green Workman’s Shirt, Thunder Eagle Staff
The core concept of this kit — hat, shoulders, chestpiece, kilt — is borrowed from an outfit that Navimie wore for a very long time which I always admired.

35) Deep Earth, Dark Heart

Savage Gladiator’s Wyrmhide Spaulders, Deep Earth Vestment (H), Master Brewer’s Gloves, Rapture
There isn’t much true pink in leather — lots of reds and purples, and some of them are pink-ish, but true pink really only shows up as an accent color. The decorations on this robe hover on the boundary of pink and red.
I didn’t think I’d use the “hide belt” Transmogrification feature introduced in Patch 7.1.5 very often, but this is now the second outfit in a row for Kerisa for which I’ve used it.

34) Songbird

Songbird Blouse, Luminary Kilt, Rope-Grip Gloves, Pillar of Ferocity
The simple, shirt-like appearance of this chestpiece wanted a very simple outfit to go with it. I was glad to be able to find in my collection some bare-hand gloves that also fit under the belled sleeves. If I were making this kit with a race that wears shoes, I’d probably use the Sandals of the Insurgent.

33) Springrain Armor



The Springrain set is the gear that a Druid is shown wearing on the new character selection screen. It is obtained in-game from the Warlords Garrison Salvage Yard.
I am fascinated by this strange Tauren statue that I found in the Karazhan Catacombs while doing the Balance Artifact quest. Where did this come from? From the style of dress, might this be the Earthmother as envisioned by the Yaungol?

32) Frostwolf of Wor’Gol

Battlegear of the Frostwolves with Wolf Hunter’s Guise, Frostwolf tabard and Talon Guard Glaive
Relative to the Alterac Valley Frostwolves, are the Draenor Frostwolves the “old” Frostwolves or the “new” Frostwolves?
I like Yrel a lot, but Draka is my favorite.

31) Frostwolf Envoy

Ghostwalker Pads & Gloves, any sleeveless chestpiece, Moonrage Girdle, T’chali’s Kilt, Frostwolf Battle Tabard, Talon Guard Glaive
This kit mimics the appearance of the Frostwolf Envoy NPCs who used to appear in capital cities when the bonus battleground of the week was Alterac Valley.

Read Full Post »

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

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

30) Bad Juju

Big Voodoo Mask, Ravenwing Pauldrons, Flamestrider Robes, Felshroud Belt, Ironpelt Leggings, Botanist’s Gloves of Growth, Orange Martial Shirt, Kyparitic Staff
This kit is Hallow’s End-ish mostly by virtue of its orange-black-and-green color scheme. A partially similar outfit could be made in cloth with the Silksand Wraps and Bad Mojo Mask.

29) Talon Queen

Conqueror’s Nightsong Cover, Heroes’ Dreamwalker Mantle, Cranefeather Jerkin & Britches, Supple Waistguard (3-670), Runic Leather Gauntlets, Moonstrider Boots, Arakkoa Outcasts Tabard, Etched-Blade Warstaff (3-660)
The decorations on the staff reminded me of arakkoa sigils, so the appropriate tabard went on next. The rest of the kit developed from there.
Cover of the Keepers is a lookalike of the hat. I generally try to shy away from class-specific items in these types of sets, but the Druid T7 shoulders were just too perfect to pass up. Monks (or Rogues, using different weapons) might want to try the Dark Leather Shoulders. The Cranefeather items are the Agility spec conversion of the Timeless Isle leather tokens. The boots have bright blue toes on races that wear shoes, so characters of shoe-wearing races might want to find different boots.
Savage Blood required: 60

28) Fanghunter

Headhunter’s Spaulders Mitts & Slippers, Armor of the Fang, Belt of the Fang, Leggings of the Fang, Golden Iron Destroyer
A simple combination of two classic purple and yellow leather sets, dressed up with an elegant mace.

27) Jungle Chronicler

Shoulders of the Roiling Inferno (LFR), Sunglow Vest, Dragonmaw Emergency Strap (LFR), Breeches of Natural Aggression, Shardtooth Gloves, Zangarra Scepter, Sunsworn Transcription
I love it when items from different raid tiers synergize to make a combo even better than either kit alone. Case in point, the green Sunwell leather set is beautiful as-is, but I love how it looks with these items from Siege of Orgrimmar.
I’m definitely among those who were deeply disappointed that we didn’t get to go to Farahlon in Warlords. Was the original Farahlon biome really a Gorgrond-like jungle, or is that a byproduct of the Ethereal eco-dome technology? Would this pond in the middle of Eco-Dome Midrealm have been a botani grove? What about the fabled Plains of Farahlon — would they have looked like the Draenor version of Shadowmoon Valley, only sunnier? sigh…

26) Sinister Squashling

Keeper’s Mantle, Gypsy Tunic & Trousers, Deviate Scale Belt, Forest Leather Gloves & Boots, Sower’s Cloak*, Staff of the Green Circle
Kaiuna has so much green in her wardrobe that I’ve barely begun to explore all the possible permutations.
Once upon a time, the Hallowed Helm was introduced as a cloth item so that everyone could wear it. Nowadays, I think that it really ought to be upgraded to a Cosmetic item so that everyone can Mog it. Using a Weighted Jack-o’-Lantern gives the same effect, albeit only temporarily.

25) Mystical Mistletoe

Supple Shoulderguards Waistguard & Gloves (all 1-640), Jinxed Hoodoo Skin & Kilt, Garden Sickle/Miniature Winter Veil Tree, Purehearted Cricket Cage (LFR)
Anyone who grew up reading Asterix the Gaul knows that the proper weapon of a Druid is a sickle — for collecting mistletoe, of course!
While I was collecting enough Draenic Seeds to buy the Garden Sickle, I used the Miniature Winter Veil Tree with this kit. Using the sickle seems like a small change, but it makes a big difference — at least to me — in how “druidy” the overall effect of the kit appears.
The combination of the recolored Druid T1 antlers with the Jinxed Hoodoo items has always been popular, for obvious reasons. I feel like I’ve seen the combination of the stage 1 Warlords crafted leather items with the Jinxed Hoodoo items somewhere before, but I can’t remember where or when.
Savage Blood required: 0

24) Har’koa’s Kitten

Shrug of Disappointment, Vest of Restraint, Aquarius Belt*/Clefthoof Belt, Rugged Leather Pants, Ghostwalker gloves & boots, Goblin Smasher
I originally designed this kit a little over two years ago for the first round of JD Kenada’s “Transmogrification Survivor” contest, for which the prompt was “Disciples of Har’koa”.
It took awhile for me to figure out the best way to get my level 54 Feral Druid up to Zul’Drak, a zone 20 levels too high for her health & safety, to take the screenshots. Many many many thanks to Plaid for flying me out there on her Touring Rocket, and to Matty for her offer to help, too!

23) Hoodoo Cricket

Self-Reflecting Mask, Runetotem’s Mantle of Conquest, Jinxed Hoodoo Skin & Kilt, Hurricane Belt, Cenarion Gloves, Miniature Winter Veil Tree, Purehearted Cricket Cage
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 outfit is based on Zazzy’s grand-prize-winning final round entry for JD Kenada’s Amazing Transmog Survivor competition. Kerisa already had the shoulders, chestpiece, and kilt of Zazzy’s kit — though as a Druid, she of course could not use the same belt.

22) Roiling Gardens

Shoulders of the Roiling Inferno, Blessed Elunite Coverings, Dragonmaw Emergency Strap, Giant-Friend Kilt, Marshseeker Gloves, Staff of the Verdant Circle
The inspiration for this outfit began with the “Garden of Eden” kits I designed to use the T16-LFR Druid shoulders & belt. Instead of farming for any of the chestpiece & leggings combinations I suggested in that post, however, I elected to use a kilt that I already had and a JP-purchase tunic that I’d been looking for an excuse to buy anyway.

21) Tainted Forest

Mushan Hide Helm, Mantle of the Eternal Sentinel, Robes of Treacherous Ground (LFR), Firescar Sash, Gilt-Edged Leather Gauntlets, Druidic Channeler’s Mace, Telestra’s Journal
A “Dark Druid” outfit that would probably look better on a Worgen than on any of the other Druidic races.
The T12 Obsidian Arborweave set was not at all to my taste, but I thought the belt looked kind of cool, so I hung onto it for possible use in some other sort of “Dark Druid” kit. I’m glad I did, because it works perfectly with the T15-LFR robe.
The T15 shoulders, however, are entirely too creepy for me. If that nest on the right shoulder housed a mouse or a bat or a little bitty owl or a crow or even a snake, I’d be okay with it, but a spider?

*shudder*

Read Full Post »

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

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

20) Sun, Moon, and Stars II

Valorous Nightsong Cover, Hide of Chromaggus, Starry Robes of the Crescent, Belt of Never-Ending Agony, Stormrider’s Gloves (T11 Normal), Starshard Edge, Shomi’s Fan
An iteration of a previous outfit, now that I’ve finally got the helm and shoulders I wanted to use, but didn’t yet have, when I made the first version.

19) Rain Poppy

Valorous Nightsong Cover, Contender’s Leather shoulders & belt, Robes of Summer Flame, Marshseeker Gloves, Rain Poppy Staff
I borrowed this lovely kit from Erinys’ Worgen Druid, Mentzelia, who I hope will indeed succeed in getting to level 90 and wearing this outfit herself before Warlords launches.

18) Crossroads Guard

Sentinel set with Chieftain’s shoulders
This outfit is worn by Horde Guards throughout the Northern Barrens. Swapping out the ochre Chieftain’s shoulders for the red Cutthroat shoulders changes this outfit to match the Orgrimmar guards.
Although the Grinning Axe is the closest match to the NPC weapon, no leather-wearing classes can use 2H axes. Rogues might want to dual-wield simple 1H axes, Druids might want to use the Icier Barbed Spear, and Monks could do either.

17) Evergreen

Preened Tribal War Feathers/Cenarion Helm, Darkbrand shoulders, Ymirjar Physician’s Robe, Feral Cord/Sentinel Girdle, Bark-Gloves of Ancient Wisdom, Conifer Cone Staff/Miniature Winter Veil Tree + Blossom of the Earthen Ring
I love the pinecone-like look of these Cataclysm-era leather shoulders — they are just perfect for a Druid!

16) Shado-Pan Wildshaper

Replica Shado-Pan Helmet, Thunderheart Shoulder Pads/Darkbrand shoulders, Robes of Summer Flame, Vicious Leather Belt, Gilt-Edged Leather Gauntlets, Tian Monastic Staff
I decided pretty much immediately that I wanted to use this robe for my Druid’s Shado-Pan kit. Figuring out all the rest of the pieces, though, took quite a bit of iteration.
I don’t remember if I was offered the +Agi staff as a reward option from that Tian Monastery quest or if I had to switch my loot spec to see it. Whatever happened, I thought that the +Agi staff would have better Transmogrification potential with the rest of my Druid’s wardrobe than any of the +Int options — and I’d surely get a better weapon from some other quest later. So I took it, and now I am quite glad that I did.

15) Starshard

Crown of the Forest Lord, Hide of Chromaggus, Starsight Tunic, Thatch Eave Vines, Gylphed leggings, Stormrider’s Gloves, Moonstrider Boots, Starshard Edge, Shomi’s Fan, August Celestials Tabard
For a character I logged onto at least semi-regularly, Kerisa wore this outfit for an exceptionally long time. I created it when she was fortunate enough to win the dagger during Cymre’s Val’anyr completion runs — and I didn’t want to let her change her Transmogrification kit until I’d made the fashion post about it.

14) Bluebird of Happiness

Raven-Heart Headdress, Hide of Chromaggus, Polar Vest & Boots, Clefthoof belt, Stormrider’s leggings & gloves (N), Cloak of Cheerful Flowers
Kerisa longed for the Druid T11 shoulders from the first moment she saw them in early Cataclysm. I was too slow in getting her leveled and geared to raid, however, and she only saw the T11 shoulder token drop once before Firelands debuted. At that time, she passed on the token in deference to the Resto Druid leader of my guild’s alt run, saying that the raid leader deserved it more. Later, I selfishly wished I’d rolled on it normally. During Cataclysm, the BoE lookalike shoulders occasionally showed up on the AH, but I never felt like I could afford them. After Mists began, it was several months before I saw the BoE shoulders on the AH again — at which point I snapped them up just as fast as I could. Now, Kerisa is jumping for joy to finally, finally have these gorgeous shoulders.

13) Bluffwatcher

Feral set with Ranger Shoulders and Scaled Leather Bracers
The outfit of the Thunder Bluff guards is one of the easiest to replicate. The NPC belt is unavailable, and the Wolf Rider belt is a bit closer style match than the Feral belt. No leather-wearing classes can use 2H axes; Rogues might want to dual-wield simple 1H axes, Druids might want to use the Icier Barbed Spear, and Monks could do either.

12) Woodland Blossom

Preened Ironfeather Shoulders, Dervish chestpiece & leggings, Headhunter’s belt gloves & boots, Willow Cape, Bright Yellow Shirt
The pale pink stripe down the center of the shirtfront is the perfect finishing touch for this spring outfit.

11) Mistspray

Pauldrons of Malorne (T4), Jinxed Hoodoo Skin, Imposing Belt, Mistspray Kilt*, Cenarion Gloves (T1), Misthide Drape, Rapture
The Spring Gatherer says, “I’m not certain what form of magic was used in the creation of the eggs, and the druids aren’t keen on explaining it to me.”
This unique two-toned look is created using a kilt that vanished in the Shattering. If you don’t have one, use the Jinxed Hoodoo Kilt that matches the tunic.
I chose these gloves because they match Kerisa’s tan fur color so well that she almost looks like she’s not wearing gloves at all. Another character might want different gloves.

Read Full Post »