The Void Elves Discussion thread

[Soon-TM]

Anzu, a dread raven god, hid themselves in a realm of shadow to avoid Rukhmar (a sun goddess). There's great potential parallels here for Void Elves and Blood Elves who each separately use Void and Sun themes respectively. Anzu's descendant Dread Ravens could make a good demi-gods for the Void Elves to worship, especially considering their demigod consort Ka'alu is still alive in AU Draenor. Interestingly, a Dread Raven spirit healer can be found in Skettis in the Spires of Arak, and seeing as Anzu initially hid themselves in a realm of shadow and we are going to the Shadowlands, there may be some opportunity to interact with Anzu especially considering Anzu is a demi-god and would thus exist in Ardenweald and would be in the process of reincarnating.

This is interesting. It also mixes very well with old datamined texts for some planned quests in Farahlon (yes, the same Farahlon that was summarily cut off).

Those quests involved a group of BEs time-stranded in Draenor, who were studying the Void in the hopes of returning home somehow. It had the advantage of tying neatly with High Astromancer Solarian, and a few other BEs found later in Netherstorm who were also dabbling in void stuff.

That seems to have been cut off when they decided that Draenor wasn't going to be just a pre-Dark Portal Outland, but its AU copy.

[matrix123mko]

Agree. The raven aesthetic is just very cool -feathery dark wings? yes please!- besides the connections made to Anzu, the logo for the void elves literally has a void bird. Maybe a design where the feathers look more cristal-like, a merging with the naaru influenced aesthetic of their "wings"

Their ambassador is called Duskraven, if I remember it correctly.

Agreed. A level of void corruption would be great, specially if it worked as a tattoo customization in the sense it could be placed on all skins, with differents degrees of corruption.

Also, more tendrils in the hair in some hairstyles. Some could be more tendril than hair! -I wanna go full kerrigan!-

Yes, a tattoo like customisation. And I too want Kerrigan.

[MyWholeLifeIsThunder]

It is actually not, considering that outside of the Battle for Lordaeron (where the void elf soldiers only wore this outfit partially) no void elf ingame, not even their leader, actually wears the heritage armor. I mean, it isn't just that nice. It looks strange, with the whole bare chest thing going on which is simply not fitting for Void Elves. The metal plates on females are also too small and just look worse than on males, making it more awkward than anything else in combination with the cloth pants and the cloth piece on the belt is too short for my test and the belt placed to highly on the character, making it look awkward if you wear it with the tabard. I liked the original color scheme more than the more bright purpe one, though I also don't like it that much in general because it is really hard to even mix it with other pieces on most classes. I've tried on my warrior. I also would have favored claws on the hands. Generally, I don't know how we can associate the heritage armor with the race in general, outside of the void wings, especially as their iconic heroes are a void ranger and a void mage, with the set fitting neither of this concepts. For the mage aspect of their identity, something more regal with a robe would have been more fitting, for the ranger one something more similar towards Allerias Ranger outfit. Generally, I think the most fitting heritage for Void Elves would have been something inspired by the Locus Walker, who is a core part of their lore, possibly with aspects of Allerias Ranger outfit.

I also dislike the tabard. I mean, there isn't even a crest really, it is just saying nothing. It is too bright, just as bright as the Blood Elf one or even more which isn't fitting and it was a wasted opportunity to give them something more interesting. Like something in a more dark shade of blue, also underlying their alliance identity, with a more toned down gold and their actual symbol, the phoenix of quel'thalas in reverse, on it? Like, check their banners. Their symbol is the thalassian phoenix but on its head. Why has the tabard just random golden tribals on it then? That is lazy.

I mean that's the issue; the Heritage Armor is the only asset developed for them in game; that's literally all we have so far -lol though all my tears- so that's literally the only canonical aesthetic we have of them, so if you don't like it it's really rough.

Cause it's weird to say that the bare chest is not fitting for them since it's literally the only thing that it has been developed for them aesthetically, you know? All we know of them is that they are bare chested kind of people, because, again, it's all the have!

Agree the tabard is lazy, it's just trims without any iconophy, but alas, as it and the heritage armor are the only wearable aesthetics they have, plus the tabard, we can't even say any aesthetic so far is more iconic since there is so little.

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Their ambassador is called Duskraven, if I remember it correctly.

Yes, a tattoo like customisation. And I too want Kerrigan.

Also there's already a connection between the felbloods and feathers/wings. So to a point there's already a link between elves and feathers as a sign of corruption. There's a lot of interesting stuff that could be done, specially if it's opposite -the light- goes into a more solidified cristaline/naaru based iconography. On the least, it would be perfect to give sect flavor to the Void Elves -such as an equivalent to raven priests or their hunter organization-

[Varodoc]

Would the whispers become lesser now that one of the void's biggest monsters on Azeroth (N'zoth) is defeated?

No, they've become worse and new voices have joined the chorus.

[matrix123mko]

Also there's already a connection between the felbloods and feathers/wings. So to a point there's already a link between elves and feathers as a sign of corruption. There's a lot of interesting stuff that could be done, specially if it's opposite -the light- goes into a more solidified cristaline/naaru based iconography. On the least, it would be perfect to give sect flavor to the Void Elves -such as an equivalent to raven priests or their hunter organization-

But of course, Fel is not Void. I do not vote against small wings but I am pointing out that the connection you make is debatable.

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No, they've become worse and new voices have joined the chorus.

Yes? Was it confirmed?

[Shiza]

I mean that's the issue; the Heritage Armor is the only asset developed for them in game; that's literally all we have so far -lol though all my tears- so that's literally the only canonical aesthetic we have of them, so if you don't like it it's really rough.

Cause it's weird to say that the bare chest is not fitting for them since it's literally the only thing that it has been developed for them aesthetically, you know? All we know of them is that they are bare chested kind of people, because, again, it's all the have!

Agree the tabard is lazy, it's just trims without any iconophy, but alas, as it and the heritage armor are the only wearable aesthetics they have, plus the tabard, we can't even say any aesthetic so far is more iconic since there is so little.

I mean, nobody ingame wears it. When it comes to hunters, the closest aesthetics is probably either normal T19 or the pvp version, which resembles Allerias ranger style. Umbric wears I think t17? Some of the void warlocks wear t8. I think even the mythic warlock t19 is a much more fitting set than the actual heritage armor. I mean, it is probably the worst of the bunch for people who are not into slugmogs.

[MyWholeLifeIsThunder]

But of course, Fel is not Void. I do not vote against small wings but I am pointing out that the connection you make is debatable.

Probably, I think I am mostly pointing out how elves have a very intrinsic connection with wings and feathers; Kalorei owls, thalassian sun birds, all the bird icomography, and the fact that felblood sprout wings. It really feels like the avian imagery is deeper than just iconography, I just found that interesting.

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I mean, nobody ingame wears it. When it comes to hunters, the closest aesthetics is probably either normal T19 or the pvp version, which resembles Allerias ranger style. Umbric wears I think t17? Some of the void warlocks wear t8. I think even the mythic warlock t19 is a much more fitting set than the actual heritage armor. I mean, it is probably the worst of the bunch for people who are not into slugmogs.

Again, I'm specifically pointing out how the only aesthetic assets developed FOR Void Elves is their heritage armor. Nightborne have lost of aesthetics that are unwearable by players, but they have a whole zone dedicated to their aesthetics, same goes for HMT and LFD, the later who also have armors of all proficiencies with their aesthetic. Maghar got a lot developed in WoD. Zandalari and Kul Tiran in BfA. The ones that don't have either as much of an exclusively developed aesthetic arev the Dark Iron Dwarves; all they wear is also reused, but they do have exclusive doodads and areas at least.

My point is that Void Elves don't have exclusive aesthetics developed FOR them, all the tiers you point out to were not developed for Void Elves, they merely "fit" them. This is the issue I am talking about here, the lack of development of exclusively Void Elven aesthetics and assets.

[matrix123mko]

Probably, I think I am mostly pointing out how elves have a very intrinsic connection with wings and feathers; Kalorei owls, thalassian sun birds, all the bird icomography, and the fact that felblood sprout wings. It really feels like the avian imagery is deeper than just iconography, I just found that interesting.

That for sure. They have connection to avian creatures.

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Roleplaying a void elf is really dull because they feel like they don't have their own identity. I hope they get their own home eventually, rather than hanging out in a rock in a pocket dimension of Stormwind.

I hope they will develop a nice settlement in Telogrus. I think they should invest more in Void and less in being Alliance. I may be in minority but high elves are boring to me and I would prefer Ren'dorei to not become them.

[Sagenod]

As much as i hate void elves (and i do hate them) the one good thing is they have the potential to become something cool. Make them more like dark elves. Have the void corruption start to fuck with there minds.

But then what's going on with the dark direction the Night Elves are going in, as well as the blatant similarities between Nightborne and D&D's Drow? Not to mention the Blood Elves having classically behaved more similarly to dark elves than the sun elves they appear to be today. This is part of the reason I myself hate the Void Elves, they're another frickin dark elf race, when that trope is already being explored with two other [better] races. The Void Elves are a storytelling abomination that needs to be retconned and replaced with High Elves that follow Alleria. They can still research the Void and reside in Telogrus Rift because of Alleria's connection to the Void. They didn't need to create an entirely different form of elf to expound on the Void and illustrate that it can be used as a weapon against itself, as that's again, already being done by Alleria. I have a similar issue with the Lightforged Draenei but that doesn't belong in this thread.

[MyWholeLifeIsThunder]

That for sure. They have connection to avian creatures.

And we have seen avian creatures have a connection to the void as well; I mean the dark phoenix is a perfect VE mount. What I am saying, is that VE's, as our most cosmically affected elves, could take that iconography to the next level and instead of just using feathers and birds as decorations, they could sprout wings XD.

[Shiza]

Again, I'm specifically pointing out how the only aesthetic assets developed FOR Void Elves is their heritage armor. Nightborne have lost of aesthetics that are unwearable by players, but they have a whole zone dedicated to their aesthetics, same goes for HMT and LFD, the later who also have armors of all proficiencies with their aesthetic. Maghar got a lot developed in WoD. Zandalari and Kul Tiran in BfA. The ones that don't have either as much of an exclusively developed aesthetic arev the Dark Iron Dwarves; all they wear is also reused, but they do have exclusive doodads and areas at least.

My point is that Void Elves don't have exclusive aesthetics developed FOR them, all the tiers you point out to were not developed for Void Elves, they merely "fit" them. This is the issue I am talking about here, the lack of development of exclusively Void Elven aesthetics and assets.

Void Elves aesthetics and assets should be Blood elf aesthetics and assets just in a more dark and void related color scheme where Blood elves relate more to the sun and maybe with some etherial aspects, considering that they nearly became those. They are culturally Blood Elves who just started to dabble into the void instead of the arcane or the light. The only thing differenciating them is that Umbric kind of has a stronger moral compass than Lor'themar and seemingly is into Karl Marx. But then again, he's a brit and we eurotrash where always more fond of socialism than those american plebs.

[Soon-TM]

Imagine if they built a city in Alterac, a city of shadow and snow, with Thalassian architecture of their own flavor?

Idk, Telogrus Rift is a quite appropriate setting for VEs, it needs to be expanded upon. Besides, why would they have to settle precisely in Alterac, instead of some other place with more yummy, promptly available Void juice?

[MyWholeLifeIsThunder]

Void Elves aesthetics and assets should be Blood elf aesthetics and assets just in a more dark and void related color scheme where Blood elves relate more to the sun and maybe with some etherial aspects, considering that they nearly became those. They are culturally Blood Elves who just started to dabble into the void instead of the arcane or the light. The only thing differenciating them is that Umbric kind of has a stronger moral compass than Lor'themar and seemingly is into Karl Marx. But then again, he's a brit and we eurotrash where always more fond of socialism than those american plebs.

Again, I am specifically pointing out the very limited number of assets and aesthetics developed explicitly for Void Elves. This is a quantifiable issue not up for debate or interpretation. The point is that Void Elves have very few aesthetic assets developed exclusively for them.

-The Heritage Armor
-Their Banner
-Their Tabard
-And Unused shield and weapon.

Those are the facts I am pointing out. I am not arguing whether other aesthetics fit them or not, I am literally just pointing out what assets where developed exclusively for them.

[Soon-TM]

They just sort of feel like a ...Cosmetic choice.

They pretty much ARE that. Consider that lorewise, most Thalassian elves still follow Bob - and nothing in the game indicates that there are a lot of Thalassians being banished. Likewise, there is nothing indicating that a lot of alliance-affiliated high elves (who are a tiny minority as it is) are migrating en masse to Telogrus.

[Kyriani]

I mentioned this earlier in the thread, but if we ever have an expansion where we travel to the void to face the void lords, I would really like to see Telogrus evolve into a proper stronghold, mobile and floating in the void, and be the main Alliance hub for such an expansion. Kind of like a Ren'Dorei themed Dalaran (with a Nightborne/Suramar-esque themed equivalent for the Horde hub). I'd also really like to see some really well developed Void Elf characters that aren't Umbric or Alleria.

As to Void Elf potential architecture, I would imagine it to follow similar themes to the heritage armor. Long, slender, sharp points, gold and purple with blue/black void crystals, perhaps glowy/animated elements similar to the heritage wings. I would expect it to have a similar sense of "decadence" much like Silvermoon has, just with a darker void-centric theme.

[Rendark]

But then what's going on with the dark direction the Night Elves are going in, as well as the blatant similarities between Nightborne and D&D's Drow? Not to mention the Blood Elves having classically behaved more similarly to dark elves than the sun elves they appear to be today. This is part of the reason I myself hate the Void Elves, they're another frickin dark elf race, when that trope is already being explored with two other [better] races. The Void Elves are a storytelling abomination that needs to be retconned and replaced with High Elves that follow Alleria. They can still research the Void and reside in Telogrus Rift because of Alleria's connection to the Void. They didn't need to create an entirely different form of elf to expound on the Void and illustrate that it can be used as a weapon against itself, as that's again, already being done by Alleria. I have a similar issue with the Lightforged Draenei but that doesn't belong in this thread.

Ya i agree with everything you just said. I really don't know what people see in void elves.

[matrix123mko]

And we have seen avian creatures have a connection to the void as well; I mean the dark phoenix is a perfect VE mount. What I am saying, is that VE's, as our most cosmically affected elves, could take that iconography to the next level and instead of just using feathers and birds as decorations, they could sprout wings XD.

Yes. That would be awesome.

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Imagine if they built a city in Alterac, a city of shadow and snow, with Thalassian architecture of their own flavor?

Why would they build a city in Alterac, if they have Telogrus?

[Ardenaso]

Why would they build a city in Alterac, if they have Telogrus?

Alterac belongs to the Alteraci and they should (re)join the Horde

[matrix123mko]

Alterac belongs to the Alteraci and they should (re)join the Horde

They could. I won't complain.

[Gaidax]

Alterac belongs to the Alteraci and they should (re)join the Horde

Alterac belongs to the Alliance. We're gonna build a huge parking lot over the graves of these filthy traitor scum.