Official High Elf Discussion Megathread

[Garfurion]

More likely is that Blizzard might feel...wrongly IMO...that High Elfs are still too close to the Blood Elfs and that the reason the Alliance didn't get High Elfs is simply because Blizzard didn't want Blood Elfs on the Alliance. They may also genuinely feel that Alliance players simply wanted the model and thus gave them Void Elves. That way, there was no Blood Elf baggage, and the Alliance got the model

I can understand if Blizzard feels the Silver Covenant Elves are too close to Blood Elves, especially after the restoration of the Sunwell but if they think all the playerbase has been asking for was the 3D mesh of the Blood Elves then they are seriously out of touch with their customers. One of the most prominent reasons why people want High Elves on the Alliance is so they can make an Blue Eyes Elf Paladin, not the 3D mesh.

The Void Elves are badly developed and their looks and emo-theme don't appeal to a lot of players. Blizzard gave the players the thing they least cared about when requesting playable High Elves. Since Alleria still has her High Elven form it must have been clear for the design artists that the Void Elf skin-colors don't make appealing characters. It makes you wonder if Void Elves are a PR-mistake or deliberate malicious design decision aimed at a part of the player-base.

Class selection also need to change. Paladins and Priests and Mages are iconic Blood elf classes. Which is why I kicked them. Thankfully, the existing High Elf story allows for that. Indeed, one can even say it requires that. Get rid of Warlockism and Death Knights as well (unless you pick up the Darkfallen idea...and you could give the High Elfs Koltira as a potential named character) and you end up with just six classes or so...depending on if you want Monks or not....and the Druid and Shaman classes fit in nicely with the idea of a retreat from magic. That doesn't mean such classes cannot be added later - just that now would be the wrong time.

I think High Elves without Paladins as a playable option would be a mistake. Although a half-elf, Arator the Redeemer has been one of the poster-boys of Alliance High Elves since TBC. Similarly, having the Silver Covenant without mages wouldn't be believable given their appearance in the game so far and the relationship between the Kirin Tor and the Silver Covenant.

I think some of the designs shown in this thread look really nice but I'm not sure if war-paint is the solution to Silver Covenant playable elves, since it would fit some classes but not all and it would also require an option without war-paint (which would look too much like a Blood Elf).

Lightforged Elves led by Arator as an evolution of the Silver Covenant would be a better idea since it would give more options to differentiate Blood- and Light-Elves and strengthen their ideological differences (pragmatic aristocratic Blood-Elves vs idealistic humble Light Elves). It would also give the possibility for some nice discussions between Arator and his mother

[KyrtF]

I think High Elves without Paladins as a playable option would be a mistake.

Maybe...but I would argue that "now" would be the wrong time to add them

My concept had High Elf Paladins but shunted them off to the Silver Covenant grouping. Doing so created a thematic and aesthetic difference between High and Blood Elfs. Paladins could be added later once the High Elfs had firmly established their own identity.

Same for Mages and Priests. High Elf lore...right now...is that a good segment of them is moving away from the arcane. Embracing that storyline creates the space Blizzard might need to establish the race as a player faction.

In short...players would be the Hinterlands High Elf and not the Silver Covenant or Outland factions and would be limited as a result.

[Traycor]

Same for Mages and Priests. High Elf lore...right now...is that a good segment of them is moving away from the arcane.

What's the source on that? Not questioning you, I just haven't seen that so I'm curious.

As for the model, I personally would not be satisfied with the Night Elf model or aesthetic. We already have Night Elves and that doesn't do the trick. It's about more than skin color or name. Especially since Alliance has the model now anyway.

I would argue that the warpaint, hairstyles, and eye color would be as big a change as what we got for the Lightforged Draenei and the Highmountain Tauren. It would be enough.



- - - Updated - - -

The last thing I was thinking of adding was the option for some faces to have Battle Scars! High Elves have been constantly on the move with no city of their own, fighting for every scrap of ground and constantly struggling to survive. These are subtle enough to not be distracting and give a slight variation from the oh-so-pretty Blood Elves.

[Deleted]

While I like most of the art you've suggested I still think it's too close to belves and velves. Drop the retarded naked chest thing, if it's based upon the Silver Covenant and Ranger Corps then their style should be more practical and down-to-earth. Belves and velves already cover the decadent and vain, let the high elves be practical and conservative.

Practical and functional but light should be their motto.

[EbaumsTipster]

. Since Alleria still has her High Elven form it must have been clear for the design artists that the Void Elf skin-colors don't make appealing characters. It makes you wonder if Void Elves are a PR-mistake or deliberate malicious design decision aimed at a part of the player-base.

Or maybe it's because Umbric is their leader, and two purple Windrunner sisters would be the dumbest design move on the planet.

[KyrtF]

What's the source on that? Not questioning you, I just haven't seen that so I'm curious.

IIRC, there's a questline involving High Elfs in the Hinterlands which mentions it. I only remember it because at the time I thought it was a neat twist. Don't ask me which quest or NPC says it.

It is also mentioned in one of the Legends books. That info might be easier to find.

The "withdraw from the Light" twist was an extension of this concept, tying in that High Elfs traditionally did not have Paladins and the fact that the Draenei are essentially acting as missionaries of the Light. It serves to create differentiation which, at this stage, is good if you want High Elfs.

As for the model, I personally would not be satisfied with the Night Elf model or aesthetic. We already have Night Elves and that doesn't do the trick. It's about more than skin color or name. Especially since Alliance has the model now anyway.

Which is one problem....the Alliance just got the Void Elfs. You want High Elfs? I don't see Blizzard handing out the same skeleton to the same faction twice this soon. More, if the similarity to Blood Elfs is still an issue for them - I don't believe it is, but it's what Blizzard feels that is important - then having the same skeleton is a MAJOR issue and the Alliance will have to accept it isn't going to get the High Elf model with the Blood Elf skeleton.

More - if it is the faction identity you are interested in more than the model, then it shouldn't matter about the skeleton so long as it looks appropriate. Looking at Nozdormu, he is recognisable as a High Elf so the skeleton itself works for the High Elf concept, especially if the idea that these are the "outdoors" High Elfs and so more muscular, is pushed.

Warpaint and hairstyles and the like may be enough for you, but it is Blizzard who needs convincing. Maybe they'd be OK with the Blood Elf model being on two Alliance races but I can almost guarantee that a section of Horde players would also be very vocal about it, about the Alliance having more races using the Blood Elf model than the Horde. I'm trying to avoid any problems or objections by ensuring the two are as different as possible.

The simplest solution, all round, is to accept that High Elfs are unlikely to get the Blood Elf skeleton and to accept the likelihood that they will need a new rig. We can see an example of a High Elf with a Night Elf skeleton with Nozdormu so we know that works. And if that route is chosen, there is no need for warpaints. New hairstyles would be the norm anyway, and eye colour would be hidden by the eye glow....which would interfere with the concept of warpaint anyway.

Better - IMO - to base High Elfs around the Night Elf skeleton and use the High Elf eye glow be a factional identity thing. Red = DarkFallen (Warlock and Death Knight). Yellow = Silver Covenant (Paladin and Priest). Blue = Everyone else.

I would argue that the warpaint, hairstyles, and eye color would be as big a change as what we got for the Lightforged Draenei and the Highmountain Tauren. It would be enough.

Problem being that those aren't exactly equivalent because the relevant models belong with the same faction.

No - whether we agree or not, the possibility that Blizzard still sees High Elfs as encroaching upon the Blood Elf identity is the only (acceptable) reason why Blizzard chose not to give High Elfs to the Alliance. The only counter is to ensure that High Elfs do NOT encroach upon Blood Elf identity.

That means a new model must be selected. I suggested the Night Elf model because we can already see that it works.
That means iconic Blood Elf classes must be denied - at the start. No Paladins, no Priests, no Mages. The story element for such a ban is already in lore, it need not be permanent, and I suggested the High Elfs get Druids and Shamans instead. Maybe even Demon Hunters and Monks. I suggested the eye glow thingy for a special twist and I suggested the DarkFallen join the High Elfs because a: it gets rids of them as a loose end b:loathe as I to say it, they wouldn't have anywhere near the impact on the Blood Elfs because we already have warlocks and Death Knights and the Darkfallen wouldn't really fit in to the established story in game. Well, it could but it'd be more difficult with less impact. Not to say DarkFallen can't join the Horde/Blood Elfs but they shouldn't be shown in game or available as a player element. It's much simpler to add them in as a High Elf element right from the start.

To end, the Allied Race I am suggesting would still be High Elfs, would still have their factional identity, would still be following their story but would also have an ingame and in lore identity very different from Blood Elfs.

Blue and Silver vs Red and Gold
Ice vs Fire
Magic shunning rather than Magic obsessed
Paranoid and defensive rather than angry and lashing out
Distrustful of the Light rather than users.
Isolationists (at the start) rather than part of a group
Embraces the Nature magic of their ancestors rather than avoid it.

And lest I forget again

Druid forms:
Bear - Polar Bear
Cat - Siberian/Amur Tiger
Balance - Botani
Tree - Crystalline Keeper
Travel - GyrFalcon or Snowy Owl; Snow leopard

[Traycor]

That means a new model must be selected. SNIP

Druid forms:
Bear - Polar Bear
Cat - Siberian/Amur Tiger
Balance - Botani
Tree - Crystalline Keeper
Travel - GyrFalcon or Snowy Owl; Snow leopard

I get your point on the model, and it is carefully thought out. However, I think it's very far from a foregone conclusion. Even with Nozdormu, he just looks like a pale Night Elf to me. The look is quite distinct. We have Night Elves for the Alliance already, and they even have a skin tone that is reasonably close to skin color. If we make High Elves look like Night Elves and give them only Night Elf classes... why do we have High Elves? And if that would satisfy the players, they wouldn't want High Elves in the first place.

For me, it's the full package. The lore is the biggest part, but I want a High Elf to look like a High Elf. The only "new" model that would be acceptable imo would be a new one built off the Blood Elf skeleton. They could change proportions or whatever making them sleeker maybe. Their lifestyle has been very different so it makes sense. Maybe the females could have a bit more muscle. If Horde cares about the number of models, give them Void Elves as well. I'm sure Blizz could come up with a justification that is as well thought out as their initial implementation.
Or Horde could have the undead elf models mentioned several times in this thread. Dark Rangers and whatnot.

I like where you are going with the Druid forms. That one is getting posted up in the OP. Might try to think of some others as well.

[KyrtF]

I get your point on the model, and it is carefully thought out. However, I think it's very far from a foregone conclusion.

Of course it is. If Blizzard is OK with the current model, then the entire debate is pointless. But the possibility that it isn' t, that it still sees the High Elfs as too similar to Blood Elfs...same language, same culture, mostly same beliefs, same race, same architecture, etc...is not one that can be ignored.

And even if they were, I can just about guarantee a vocal segment of Horde and Blood Elf players would indeed object. And Blizzard would most likely listen to them

If Alliance players want High Elfs, they have to be prepared to accept a different skeleton.

Even with Nozdormu, he just looks like a pale Night Elf to me

You are the first person I know of who has compared Nozdormu with a Night Elf. Everyone else I know sees a High Elf. A Night Elf skeleton, true but the skin tone is High Elf, not Night Elf. The blue eye glow is a dead giveaway.

For me, it's the full package.

Then give up. I really don't believe the Alliance will get what you are arguing for. Even if Blizzard had no objections, certain Horde players will. Either accept the likelihood that the Alliance will never get High Elfs on a Blood Elf skeleton, or stop agitating for High Elfs.

Either works for me...I'm simply sick of this debate. I'm certain this will die down as it always does...but also that it'll flare up again, as it always does.

The lore is the biggest part, but I want a High Elf to look like a High Elf. The only "new" model that would be acceptable imo would be a new one built off the Blood Elf skeleton. They could change proportions or whatever making them sleeker maybe.

I doubt that will happen. Nozdormu looks like a High Elf. He has the skin tone. He has the blue eye glow. He has the upright ears. And the skeleton can no doubt be tweaked a bit.

But you have, I feel, a choice. Which is better - no High Elfs, or High Elfs on a Night Elf skeleton? If you had to pick one, which one would it be?

If Horde cares about the number of models, give them Void Elves as well.

I'm ticked you are getting the model at all. If I had my way, then giving you the Blood Elf model would NEVER have happened. I don't care how many Elf races each side has.

Or Horde could have the undead elf models mentioned several times in this thread. Dark Rangers and whatnot.

Sure. That's one possibility. The big reason I suggested adding them to the High Elfs was because they don't really add much to the Horde. We already have undead Elfs. We already have Warlocks. We already have Death Knights. The entire point was to create thematic and aesthetic differences between High Elfs and Blood Elfs so that there can be no **reasonable** objection from anyone. You could add those aspects to the High Elf faction anyway but this way, you'd get a little flair.

Horde players can't object to the High Elfs using a Night Elf skeleton.
Blizzard can't object to a faction which embraces their own storyline to create a faction identity which is very different from the established Blood Elfs.

Maybe Blizzard doesn't really care about faction identity. Maybe it would ignore the Horde players who object.

But there is something that is stopping Blizzard from adding High Elfs, and a decade of proposing Blood Elf spin offs that use the same classes, that use the same model, that use the same stereotypes has resulted in the Alliance getting Void Elfs.

I think it's time to accept that Blizzard has absolutely no intention of giving the Alliance High Elfs with a Blood Elf model and that it is time to think WAAAAYYYYY outside the box on this issue. If you don't want the Night Elf skeleton...pick one you do like. Alliance High Elfs need to be different from Blood Elfs, at least at the start. Paladins and so on can arrive later. But for the start...the High Elf faction cannot be a near identical copy of the Blood Elf. Major differences are needed and my suggestion, I feel, delivers those major differences - and does so cheaply without the need for major investment on Blizzards part.

I like where you are going with the Druid forms. That one is getting posted up in the OP. Might try to think of some others as well.

Most druid forms have some form of theme. If you go with High Elf "Ice" versus Blood Elf "Fire" then arctic creatures would seem to be suited for a High Elf druid.

Shaman totems? Got me.. Going with the ice theme, perhaps a crystalline shard shaped as an icicle? Or would that be too Christmassy?

[Traycor]

If Alliance players want High Elfs, they have to be prepared to accept a different skeleton.

If the skeleton was the problem, they wouldn't have given us Void Elves. Theme is the issue (I believe). They felt the two groups had the same theme. Clearly, it doesn't take too much to create a theme split for Allied Races. Highmountain are only slightly divergent. The main difference is the horns. Lightforged are almost identical, since all the Draenei could arguably be lightforged Draenei if you follow their history and what they are about.

So give High Elves a more paramilitary/Ranger culture, and use the visual design from Warcraft 2 (as shown in the thread). War-like hair (instead of super model hair), war paint, some scars, new eye color, and give them druids. I'd even be open to restricting arcane classes. It's a LOT more changes than the Lightforged. I believe Blizzard has shown us that this would be enough. I also think they never went this route because they feared it would be too close to Night Elves (essentially wood elves).

Up until now... I just don't think Blizzard has put any design work into making them different. They've been using the High Elves for several expansions and never tried to give them a theme. We've got one right here in this thread, and I think we've shown that it doesn't step on the toes of Night Elves, which is likely the biggest roadblock of all behind the scenes.

But if they want to remodel them using the same Blood Elf skeleton? I'm fine with that, as long as they don't look like something other than High Elves. In BC the Blood Elves were sleeker anyways, so a modest redesign could be done. A different face shape would be awesome. I'd also like a different standing stance.

Side Note:
Primary Blood Elf Themes: Arrogance, Power, Loss, A Return to Greatness
Primary High Elf Themes: Endurance, Unwillingness to Compromise Their Integrity, Rugged Survivalists, Fiercely Loyal

[KyrtF]

If the skeleton was the problem, they wouldn't have given us Void Elves.

It's the whole package and it has to change.

More, as the Alliance has Void Elfs, the reuse of the skeleton, especially this soon, is very unlikely to happen

More...you keep overlooking that Blizzard also has to deal with Horde players.

Blizzard is not likely to push a High Elf faction that is thematically and aesthetically similar to Blood Elfs, not least because of the reaction of Blood Elf players but also because the Alliance just got the model.

Alliance players have been forever rubbishing Horde claims that you just wanted the pretty model. Yet...here you are. Insisting that High Elfs should keep the Blood Elf model.

Which is it? Is it the lore or the model?

No....if Alliance does get High Elfs then they MUST be added in a manner which addresses Blizzards concerns

Not yours...not mine...but Blizzards. If the feeling that High Elfs would remain too similar to Blood Elfs is true, then for the Alliance to get High Elfs, you HAVE to sacrifice the model. You MUST look for a faction that is VERY different from Blood Elfs in looks...in culture...in values. You CANNOT suggest 'this aspect has to stay the same'.

You have to choose. Which is more important? The model or the lore/identity. With Allied Races, Blizzard has shown that the same race can have multiple models.

If High Elfs using an alternate skeleton are unacceptable to you...then you want the model. Play a Void Elf.

If you want to play a High Elf because of High Elf "identity", then even if you'd prefer the existing model you should be prepared to sacrifice it to get High Elfs. Choose one....Night Elf or Human.

But if this issue is as important to Blizzard as some suggest, then you will not get High Elfs with the Blood Elf skeleton. Accept that and accept that in this situation you have a choice...either no High Elfs, or a different model, amongst other changes.

And no....the biggest roadblock has never been Night Elfs. Its been Blood Elfs.

[Chemical Ellis]

The simplest solution, all round, is to accept that High Elfs are unlikely to get the Blood Elf skeleton and to accept the likelihood that they will need a new rig. We can see an example of a High Elf with a Night Elf skeleton with Nozdormu so we know that works. And if that route is chosen, there is no need for warpaints. New hairstyles would be the norm anyway, and eye colour would be hidden by the eye glow....which would interfere with the concept of warpaint anyway.

Oh man, I would LOVE if playable Quel'dorei were based on the Nozdormu model. It's worth noting that there are already five different Quel'Thalas elf models in game that aren't based on Belves. While I'm a fan of Warcraft High Elves conceptually, I much prefer Nozdormu and the Silvermoon Guard over standard Belves and their douchey slouch.

Ideally, I would see Helfs with slimmer males, more filled-out females, symmetrical postures, and faces that weren't stuck in sneers. I'm still a big fan of the warpaints, though.

I don't know how feasible something like that would be in terms of animation, but the game already supports many options for High Elves that look nothing like Blood Elves (if that is, indeed, the reason they haven't implemented them yet).

[Traycor]

Alliance players have been forever rubbishing Horde claims that you just wanted the pretty model. Yet...here you are. Insisting that High Elfs should keep the Blood Elf model.

Been playing since Alpha, but never really been on the forums except on the very rare occasion. Too toxic. So I have no idea what other people have or haven't been asking for. I want the model and the lore. Do I want it because it's "pretty"? Nope, I want it because it looks like a High Elf. If we just wanted a pretty model, we'd be demanding new human variations that look pretty, which Blizz most certainly could do.

The Night Elves look great for their race (a halfway monstrous creature that haunts the forest) but it doesn't fit High Elves at all. They look halfway like Trolls, which makes sense because of lore. And the humans are WAY too bulky for High Elves. Those skeletons just don't fit High Elves. I remember back in Vanilla, seeing those "High Elves" that were built off the Night Elf skeleton... and they looked hideous. It was like they got beat every morning for breakfast. No thank you.

But if this issue is as important to Blizzard as some suggest, then you will not get High Elfs with the Blood Elf skeleton.

I don't think the skeleton is the issue at all, or we wouldn't have Void Elves. All Allied Races are duplicated skeletons anyway. If that was the issue, Blizzard wouldn't be making Allied Races. The issue is theme, and up to now, the High Elves haven't had one.

[Cyero]

UPDATE: Wonderful heritage armor design by @Jokubas! This is what a Quel'dorei should look like!



UPDATE: These are "Bird Style" hairdos that fit the one Blood Elf hairstyle of this type we have in game. These are less "out there" than the 80's hair and might fit better with the style of the game.



Post YOUR design ideas! So far, the biggest roadblock to adding High Elves as an allied race seems to be their lack of distinction from Blood elves. This is a thread for brainstorming design options that could set them apart. I looked back at the Warcraft II concepts and in game characters, and here is what I came up with.


The last thing I was thinking of adding was the option for some faces to have Battle Scars! High Elves have been constantly on the move with no city of their own, fighting for every scrap of ground and constantly struggling to survive. These are subtle enough to not be distracting and give a slight variation from the oh-so-pretty Blood Elves.


High Elves are, by their nature, fundamentalists/traditionalists. These older designs highlight the survivalist, nomadic lifestyle the Silver Covenant has been forced to adopt. Blood Elves are pampered, high society types that rely heavily on magic. By contrast, the High Elves would seem more "primitive" or back to basics. Plus, all these design changes fit right in with established lore, as seen in the examples.

Heritage Armor: They could have something with a Ranger feel, as all elves back in the WC2 era were designed to look like rangers no matter what their class was (all franchises were this way). Play up their paramilitary feel. Use a head piece that does not obstruct the hair/war paint such as a headband, tiara, or thrown-back hood.

Should Quel'Dorei use the pale blue hypogryphs, or should they use dragonhawks like those they raise at Quel'danil Lodge? Or something entirely different? Ground mount idea:



What are your ideas? What unique design elements could be added to Silver Covenant High Elves to make them stand out?

Thread Suggestions So Far:
New standing animation
Different facial expression
New eye colors (purple, gold, yellow, white)
Wild, unkempt or messy hair
Jungle/forest hair
Tabard with Unicorn Design
Ear Variation (maybe with scars?)

Racial Ability Ideas:
Perfect Shot: Increase attack range by 3-5 yards.
On The Move: Increases flight path speed by 10%.
Perception: Increases your stealth detection.
Nimble Feet: Increases your Agility by X (scales with level).
Troll Bane: Experience gains from killing trolls increased by 20%.
You're A Natural: Herbalisim skill increased by 15.
- An ability similar to Hunter Disengage?
Runestone: Create a field that lowers aggro within. (Based on the elven runestones that dampened the trace their magic left so they were harder for dark forces to detect.)
Battle Magic: Attacks have a chance to do bonus Arcane damage. (Inspired by the war mage artwork.)
Covenant Beacon: Party members can use the beacon to return to their Hearthstone location. (Just based on the Kirin Tor Beacon from the Isle of Thunder.)
Arcane Guidance: Increases resource regeneration for the party. (Inspired by the high elves having taught the humans magic.)
Territorial: Gain increased experience from Alliance-exclusive quests. (Inspired by the Troll Wars).
Exile's Meditation: Channel this ability to quickly regenerate hp, mana/energy/rage, and remove debuffs (can only be used if out of combat for X seconds). In their years cut off from the Sunwell, Quel'dorei learned to quell their magical needs with rigid mental discipline. They can still employ such meditation.
Self-Preservation: Escape to hearthstone-bound location when under 10% health (channeled cast). As the remnants of an endangered race, every High Elf learns when to retreat to battle another day. (This is probably sorta useless, but I like the idea of Helfs making tactical retreats)
Arcane Exploits: Chance for extra materials from milling and disenchanting. The Quel'dorei have always been gifted in the arcane. This knowledge gives them a natural, practical advantage when pursuing mystic disciplines. (As a sort of counterpart to Belf Enchanting bonus)
Vengeful: Chance to do extra damage against trolls, orcs, undead, and blood elves. A High Elf never forgets a grudge. They see these races as responsible for the betrayal/loss of their kingdom, which can stoke them to a rage.

UPDATE: Wild new armor set


Druid forms:
Bear - Polar Bear
Cat - Siberian/Amur Tiger
Balance - Botani
Tree - Crystalline Keeper
Travel - GyrFalcon or Snowy Owl; Snow leopard

To be honest I wouldn't even mind! I'd play the heck out of this race

[Insouciant Concept]

Much respect for the work.

The concept alone looks quite a bit more different than what they did with Nightborne and Night Elves. Much better thought out than the Void Elves in my opinion.

The game is seriously missing that fantasy High Elf Ranger feel that fights next to humans against orcs.

[Magister of Quelthalas]

You are not giving those peasants druids without giving the Blood Elves first!
That s some good work tho.

[Traycor]

Nice work, they look like a candidate for ally side druids.

I think so too. It fits them well.

Much respect for the work.

The concept alone looks quite a bit more different than what they did with Nightborne and Night Elves. Much better thought out than the Void Elves in my opinion.

The game is seriously missing that fantasy High Elf Ranger feel that fights next to humans against orcs.

Appreciate the vote of confidence. There's been a lot of positive feedback in the thread and a lot of good constructive criticism.

I was thinking about @KyrtF 's suggestions for classes and thought of a wild idea that might make players mad, but it's worth thinking about. Only give the High Elves 3 classes: Hunter, Rogue, & Druid. Hunter and Rogue would be Rangers, and the Druid would be a Ranger Druid. Let them do some opening quest line to earn the title so it could be Ranger Name as they ran around, or Ranger Druid Name. Include a racial or two that gives them an extra ranger-feel or ranger ability and you're good to go. I've always wanted to main a High Elf Mage, so I know some people would not be on board with that idea, but it is a way to give them a focus and a scope. Just throwing it out there.

[Lumineus]

Here's a more subtle design to go along with it.

NAILED it. I know this style is going to have a lot of detractors, but I'm blown away by the creativity. This is the sort of armor set that, by itself, can define a race's ability to roll certain classes. I can believe an elf can be a Shaman. I couldn't really do that before.

Granted, I don't know if i would want this as the Heritage armor, but I think something like this definitely has a place as a Warfront set or something to that effect.

[rogueMatthias]

Great post OP, some great ideas!

The concept alone looks quite a bit more different than what they did with Nightborne and Night Elves. Much better thought out than the Void Elves in my opinion.

The game is seriously missing that fantasy High Elf Ranger feel that fights next to humans against orcs.

Definitely. I've talked about this in other threads before. The down-to-eath ranger Elves from WC2 disapeared and were replaced by the more pompous and regal Elves in game. Granted from a game perspective, NE now filled that niche somewhat, but it does mean the old WC2 Elves disapered and could make a comeback. All the post here seems based on WC2 art.

(Speaking of WC2, I wish Troll hunters could equip axes instead of a bow and throw them at the enemey instead of shooting/firing)

Also, I feel Silver Covenant has too many ties to the game already with a specific look. I'd call the playable faction "Rangers of Northeron" or something, and they can start in that unused Northern Lordaeron zone.

[Chemical Ellis]

So, there's been a lot of discussion about the visual palette, but I'm curious - how would y'all see Quel'dorei actually introduced as an allied race?

In my mind, the story would cover the unification of the separate High Elf organizations into a unified front. You've got Highvale, you've got the Silver Covenant, you've got the Allerians, you've got Jaina's Angels (Theramore survivors?), and all the other elves living independently - and really only the Silver Covenant participates regularly in Alliance maneuvers. I could see Vereesa setting out to bring all these other groups back into the fold, possibly facing resistance from those who value independence or are disgusted at the presence of Ren'dorei in the Alliance.

An interesting catalyst could be, given the Horde's 'total war' approach to the conflict (at least, that seems implied in datamined text), if Silvermoon cuts off the disloyal from the Sunwell. Rommath takes a more overtly villainous role (maybe he tries to use some Nightborne WMD against Quel'Danil), and the collective Quel'dorei rally in response, vowing to retake Silvermoon and liberate its citizens from its corrupt, Sunstrider-installed rulers.

..that's maybe a bit boring. I'm sure y'all have much better ideas than this dumb thing.

[KyrtF]

Been playing since Alpha, but never really been on the forums except on the very rare occasion. Too toxic. So I have no idea what other people have or haven't been asking for. I want the model and the lore. Do I want it because it's "pretty"? Nope, I want it because it looks like a High Elf.

And if High Elfs use the Night Elf model, then they will look like High Elfs. Because that is what High Elfs would look like.

Just as Zandalari are still Trolls.
Just as straightback Orcs are Orcs
Just as KulTirans are still human

The model is disposable. The question is....suppose I am right. Forget about whether you agree or disagree that Blizzard has a problem with effectively recreating Blood Elfs on the Alliance side.

Whether or not you think such a position is reasonable or fair, just suppose that is the case.

Are you prepared to surrender the Blood Elf skeleton, prepared to see High Elfs use a modified Night Elf rig in order to see High Elfs on the Alliance side?

I believe plenty of Alliance players are willing to make that sacrifice.

But are you?

If we just wanted a pretty model, we'd be demanding new human variations that look pretty, which Blizz most certainly could do.

It's what you are doing now, by insisting on the Blood Elf model. Nozdormu is very recognisable as a High Elf..he has the skin tone of a High Elf, he has the ear structure of a High Elf, he has the eye glow of a High Elf. The skeleton itself will come with different animations, different customizations (which may include tattoos and face paint) and may even receive small tweaks.

Nozdormu looks like a High Elf just like a Mogu looks like a Mogu despite using the Draenei rig, just like a Zandalari looks like a Zandalari despite using the Night Elf rig and so on.

Are you prepared to lose the Blood Elf skeleton to bring High Elfs to the Alliance?

Because I can see the excuse that Blizzard doesn't want to recreate the Blood Elfs on the Alliance side, doesn't want to turn the Blood Elfs into a neutral race a la Pandarens as the only possible excuse left for denying High Elfs.

Because even Void Elfs look different, especially in combat with their proposed Void Form.

I remember back in Vanilla, seeing those "High Elves" that were built off the Night Elf skeleton... and they looked hideous. It was like they got beat every morning for breakfast. No thank you.

You also seem to be confusing skeleton and rig with skin, and you think that because Blizzard made a low res High Elf skin for an NPC race in Vanilla that a player race would receive the same lack of care today.

How can I put it?

If Blizzard gave us the High Elfs as you suggest, then Blood Elfs will effectively become a Neutral Race a la the Pandaren. There'll be differences just like those that exist between the Tushui and Houjin but they'll also be minor.

I don't see Blizzard turning Blood Elfs into a de facto neutral race, especially since Void Elfs are supposedly going to gain differences. Their story and existing set up already create a different factional identity and that will only increase.

High Elfs need the same consideration...not only because of Blood Elf sensibilities but also because they too need their own in game identity. They cannot be seen as Blue Eyed Blood Elfs just as Blood Elfs cannot be seen as Green Eyed High Elfs.

Pandaren were created as a neutral race...Blood Elfs were not.

So it comes down to the question...would you sacrifice the Blood Elf model to gain Alliance High Elfs?

Because whether or not you or I think such an objection is reasonable or fair is irrelevant. Only whether Blizzard does. Changing the model in a very visible manner changes that. Is one step of changing that.

A model need only be recognisable as a High Elf to be acceptable. With skin tones, ear placement, a blue eye glow, suitable tweaks to the skeleton including the possibility of resizing it...recognisable as a High Elf it would be.


https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/3343...87465581988782

Think of this on a High Elf, with a Gladius and suitable leggings and boots.

I don't think the skeleton is the issue at all, or we wouldn't have Void Elves.

By itself? No. As you said yourself....its the entire package. Blizzard aren't even going to let Void Elfs remain untweaked. I can't see High Elfs being any different.

Let's try yet another tack.

If Blizzard really don't care, they aren't likely to change the model.
I they do care, the model is one of the easiest aspects they can change, and one that would provide an immediate difference and one that would provide an big difference for minimal cost.

If this issue is important, then the model will need to change.