Official High Elf Discussion Megathread

[FlubberPuddy]

Snip

This post isn't proof of anything. Specifically, the:

in case you need further proof that what I am saying is true

You know, even if everything that was stated in this is 100% true, it disregards (doesn't even comment on at all) what Afrasiabi said during the same Blizzcon 2018. Which in terms of Afrasiabi's answer, was said during an interview, on camera, and not one's own personal account.

Just sounds like someone who likes to hear themselves speak.

[Strippling]

This post isn't proof of anything. Specifically, the:



You know, even if everything that was stated in this is 100% true, it disregards (doesn't even comment on at all) what Afrasiabi said during the same Blizzcon 2018. Which in terms of Afrasiabi's answer, was said during an interview, on camera, and not one's own personal account.

Just sounds like someone who likes to hear themselves speak.

I think you need to settle down on Afrasiabi's comments, you're taking it too serious.

Yes anything is possible, but some things are highly unlikely. It's possible WoW's next expansion could be the last expansion they ever release, and subsequently high elfs never come to be. It's possible that any remaining alliance high elfs are killed off. It's possible that contention arises between alliance high elfs and the alliance, leading the alliance high elfs to join their kin in the Horde.

All of these outcomes are possible (anything is possible), but some are more likely than others. In the case of playable alliance high elfs, I think the possibility is extremely low... and so it should be, high elfs are already playable on both factions (known as blood and void elfs). We don't need more elfs, we don't need the faction lines blurred any further than void elfs/nightborne, we don't need more high elfs when the race is already playable, the Horde doesn't need it's identity further impeded on (the story is doing enough damage as is)

[delus]

A fair enough point regarding Arcane Torrent. I would counter however that all unaltered thalassian elves should be open to learning it, even Alliance High Elves. Other races cannot, any more than a Blood/Alliance High Elf could learn warstomp.

As for after Mechagon, I am sorry to let you know but a pro High Elfer already approached Ion at Blizzcon and asked, and Ion confirmed they weren't coming in BFA but also 'anything is possible in future' (i.e. the blizzard no). Combined with Blizzard confirming last year that ARs are going to get rarer after BFA it's going to be a very long before anyone even considers Alliance High Elves as their own thing again.

- - - Updated - - -



Given the Warfront system seems to have been scrapped, unsurprisingly given the negative reception it has received, if they ever had any ideas for a Silvermoon warfront they almost certainly will not be doing that. It does not mean that future content involving the Blood and Void Elves isn't going to happen of course, just that that particular configuration won't be the means by which it is done.

It's a pity though, I agree the Horde would have won and it would have updated the zones spectacularly. Oh well.

Who said it was scrapped? PVP gearing is tied to it for the expansion. The next warfront should be announced before next season. They pretty much have to.

[Obelisk Kai]

I think you need to settle down on Afrasiabi's comments, you're taking it too serious.

What does the Afrasiabi comment have to do with this discussion?

He was asked about High Elf like customizations on Void Elves, which are not Alliance High Elves as a separate Allied Race. Void Elves with Helf like customizations are still gonna be Void Elves, and High Elf like is not High Elf exact.

Remember also that the Lost Codex guy who brought up the idea of customizations for Void Elves led into his question by saying Void Elves fill the High Elf niche for the Alliance, and that Afrasiabi was nodding along in agreement with that statement.

In other words, Afrasiabi's comments are tangential to this discussion as he was not asked about Alliance High Elves., whereas his body language is a little more telling.

Who said it was scrapped? PVP gearing is tied to it for the expansion. The next warfront should be announced before next season. They pretty much have to.

The presumption with Warfronts was that one would be tied to every major patch and every major season. Arathi to start with, Darkshore with 8.1 with new ones coming in 8.2 and 8.3. Ion confirmed in an interview that there would be no new Warfront in 8.2 and that they would instead focus on Heroic Warfronts, harder versions of already existing content.

https://www.wowhead.com/news=289956/...-azshara-plans

Will there be a new Warfront in Patch 8.2?

None planned for Rise of Azshara, only Heroic Warfronts.

Yes, he didn't say the entire system was scrapped, but as you yourself pointed out you had an expectation of one. The absence of a new Warfront is telling, and unsurprising. The system was a failure, and Heroic Warfronts might be salvage something fun from the wreckage, but why waste development time on something people overwhelmingly dislike? An alternative to the systems warfronts supported will be implemented and we should keep our eyes peeled for that on the PTR.

[FlubberPuddy]

I think you need to settle down on Afrasiabi's comments, you're taking it too serious.

Nah, I think you just may be misunderstanding. That comment by Afrasiabi shows to have some form of playable High Elves isn't as earth-shattering as those who keep touting up the "factions are then meaningless if High Elves become playable" diatribe that keeps getting spouted. If it were so bad to have a form of High Elves through Void Elves then the same people saying High Elves shouldn't become playable should also be as adverse to Void Elves possibly getting some High Elf skins.

If someone's okay with getting some High Elf skins on Void Elves, it doesn't make sense when that same person is against High Elves as a playable race overall.

It follows from what I said before, if Blizzard suddenly changes their tone on something regardless of their previous statements on the matter -> then the community follows suit - even those who would currently bitch about it.

Same thing is showing up here with Afrasiabi's comment, now that he said what he said - that High Elf fantasy could come through Void Elf customization - even naysayers to High Elves are being open to this idea, why? Nothing else changed, besides Blizzard's tone about it, there isn't anything that's actually been implemented yet at all from when the April Q&A response was said.

It's typical though, those who don't want High Elves are going to act like it'll be the end of the world of warcraft if they're playable, until Blizzard makes them playable. Then they'll pack up about it and move to some other topic. As has been demonstrated countless times with numerous additions to WoW that have had those who were for it and against it until it was added.

And just as the opposers are doing it, those who want High Elves to happen are going to continue to ask for High Elves until they're satisfactorily satisfied with them. People can continue to let it be known they want full-on Allied Race High Elves as much as they want, just the same as those who can say having Alliance playable High Elves will cause wow's downfall or break faction integrity.

And whatever form that may happen remains to be seen, as the conversation with Blizzard and players on that topic hasn't closed.

Quick side-note: Depending on the storyline with Derek Proudmoore (if he's not actually mind-controlled), him meeting with Calia could lead toward a new Undead race not part of the Horde, possibly part of the Alliance. At least those are possible pathways Blizzard are teasing. So as much as this "faction integrity" seems to be brought up, Blizzard quite possibly is going in a different direction with it. We'll have to wait and see what the remaining AR are for BFA.

[Senphiroth1134]

High Elves honestly belong in LOTO, er LOTRO, WoW is not my game f or franchise or anything for Elves honestly.

I play WoW not for serious sorta epic fantasy but basically I follow it because it's just a calming serene sorta pe presence with
nice points and honestly all the classes feel so similar really it doesn't matter what you play, same for races basically.

[Val the Moofia Boss]

anything is possible.

That's PR speak for "never, until something so drastic forces our hand".

[Lumineus]

The presumption with Warfronts was that one would be tied to every major patch and every major season. Arathi to start with, Darkshore with 8.1 with new ones coming in 8.2 and 8.3. Ion confirmed in an interview that there would be no new Warfront in 8.2 and that they would instead focus on Heroic Warfronts, harder versions of already existing content.

https://www.wowhead.com/news=289956/...-azshara-plans

Will there be a new Warfront in Patch 8.2?

None planned for Rise of Azshara, only Heroic Warfronts.

Yes, he didn't say the entire system was scrapped, but as you yourself pointed out you had an expectation of one. The absence of a new Warfront is telling, and unsurprising. The system was a failure, and Heroic Warfronts might be salvage something fun from the wreckage, but why waste development time on something people overwhelmingly dislike? An alternative to the systems warfronts supported will be implemented and we should keep our eyes peeled for that on the PTR.

The general rule since the start of Legion is two PvP seasons in a row with the same armor appearance. Since we just got a new PvP set with the BfDA launch, don't expect a new one -- or a corresponding Warfront -- with the Azshara raid.

[Trumpcat]

Blizzard could have settled the debate if they wanted through lore:
Upon her return Alleria teaches her Alliance High Elf followers Void things to give them an advantage and a new weapon for the Alliance in the coming war. Thus the High Elf topic is concluded, they are now Velf, with a handful of NPCs that didn't transition. On top of that have a Belf splinter faction that embraced Alleria on her return and may have been studying Void stuff on their own and needed some saving.

I consider my Velf to be a former Helf, who never joined the Horde and I prefer that over a Helf race. Just wish there was more customization, but I've given up on wanting that from WoW.

[Strippling]

Nah, I think you just may be misunderstanding. That comment by Afrasiabi shows to have some form of playable High Elves isn't as earth-shattering as those who keep touting up the "factions are then meaningless if High Elves become playable" diatribe that keeps getting spouted. If it were so bad to have a form of High Elves through Void Elves then the same people saying High Elves shouldn't become playable should also be as adverse to Void Elves possibly getting some High Elf skins.

If someone's okay with getting some High Elf skins on Void Elves, it doesn't make sense when that same person is against High Elves as a playable race overall.

It follows from what I said before, if Blizzard suddenly changes their tone on something regardless of their previous statements on the matter -> then the community follows suit - even those who would currently bitch about it.

Same thing is showing up here with Afrasiabi's comment, now that he said what he said - that High Elf fantasy could come through Void Elf customization - even naysayers to High Elves are being open to this idea, why? Nothing else changed, besides Blizzard's tone about it, there isn't anything that's actually been implemented yet at all from when the April Q&A response was said.

It's typical though, those who don't want High Elves are going to act like it'll be the end of the world of warcraft if they're playable, until Blizzard makes them playable. Then they'll pack up about it and move to some other topic. As has been demonstrated countless times with numerous additions to WoW that have had those who were for it and against it until it was added.

And just as the opposers are doing it, those who want High Elves to happen are going to continue to ask for High Elves until they're satisfactorily satisfied with them. People can continue to let it be known they want full-on Allied Race High Elves as much as they want, just the same as those who can say having Alliance playable High Elves will cause wow's downfall or break faction integrity.

And whatever form that may happen remains to be seen, as the conversation with Blizzard and players on that topic hasn't closed.

Quick side-note: Depending on the storyline with Derek Proudmoore (if he's not actually mind-controlled), him meeting with Calia could lead toward a new Undead race not part of the Horde, possibly part of the Alliance. At least those are possible pathways Blizzard are teasing. So as much as this "faction integrity" seems to be brought up, Blizzard quite possibly is going in a different direction with it. We'll have to wait and see what the remaining AR are for BFA.

I do have an issue with high elf customization for void elfs. It presents the same problem as actual playable alliance high elfs... the blurring of factions lines. On top of that, pro high elfers love to distinguish void elfs as "purple blood elfs", so changing their skin tones back to "human tones" would literally just be like giving blood elfs (horde high elfs) to the Alliance.. which is a slap to the face to the Horde just like playable alliance high elfs would be, if not a bigger slap to the face.

Additionally, pro high elfers moan so much that they want high elfs cause "they've always been on the alliance, and we want the elfs unaffected by bad magic". So I'm so confused as to why any pro high elfer would want lighter skin options for void elfs (who according to them are not the high elfs). I guess we all know deep down it was never about the lore, it was always about the aesthetics. So if it is purely just about the aesthetics then "the Horde is waiting for you"... sorry pal. Simple.As.That.

And would pro high elfers be satisfied if they had lighter skin options for void elfs but have the tentacle hair? I doubt it. Some would also want paladins (even though lorewise paladins are associated with the horde high elfs... aka blood knights. Not the Alliance high elfs).

For me, I have an issue with alliance high elfs as an AR and also have an issue with high elven customization options for void elfs. Both these options would blur faction lines and impede on a core part of the Horde identity. I don't mind alliance high elfs remaining as NPCs and having a little story beat from time to time, as has been the case in some expansions, but the main focus should be on horde high elfs (blood elfs) and void elfs (other alliance high elfs).

[FlubberPuddy]

I do have an issue with high elf customization for void elfs. It presents the same problem as actual playable alliance high elfs... the blurring of factions lines. On top of that, pro high elfers love to distinguish void elfs as "purple blood elfs", so changing their skin tones back to "human tones" would literally just be like giving blood elfs (horde high elfs) to the Alliance.. which is a slap to the face to the Horde just like playable alliance high elfs would be, if not a bigger slap to the face.

Additionally, pro high elfers moan so much that they want high elfs cause "they've always been on the alliance, and we want the elfs unaffected by bad magic". So I'm so confused as to why any pro high elfer would want lighter skin options for void elfs (who according to them are not the high elfs). I guess we all know deep down it was never about the lore, it was always about the aesthetics. So if it is purely just about the aesthetics then "the Horde is waiting for you"... sorry pal. Simple.As.That.

And would pro high elfers be satisfied if they had lighter skin options for void elfs but have the tentacle hair? I doubt it. Some would also want paladins (even though lorewise paladins are associated with the horde high elfs... aka blood knights. Not the Alliance high elfs).

For me, I have an issue with alliance high elfs as an AR and also have an issue with high elven customization options for void elfs. Both these options would blur faction lines and impede on a core part of the Horde identity. I don't mind alliance high elfs remaining as NPCs and having a little story beat from time to time, as has been the case in some expansions, but the main focus should be on horde high elfs (blood elfs) and void elfs (other alliance high elfs).

Your entire post here is completely nullified by the fact that this exists as a real discussion Blizzard is wanting players to discuss. Countless times i've told you to understand what context means and then maybe you wouldn't be confused on why people are moving towards discussing high elf skins for Void Elves.

You can say "simple as that" or whatever but that's you ignoring the discussion topic has moved past that previous Blizz response to the more recent one about possible High Elf fantasy being delivered through Void Elves.

At the very minimum, you have to understand that everything being discussed here and said by Blizzard are all potential possibilities, literally nothing has been decided for the future, only no playable High Elves for BFA at minimum.

Until you can come to terms with these facts and contexts, of course you're going to keep going in circles and being confused per your own words.

[Strippling]

Your entire post here is completely nullified by the fact that this exists as a real discussion Blizzard is wanting players to discuss. Countless times i've told you to understand what context means and then maybe you wouldn't be confused on why people are moving towards discussing high elf skins for Void Elves.

You can say "simple as that" or whatever but that's you ignoring the discussion topic has moved past that previous Blizz response to the more recent one about possible High Elf fantasy being delivered through Void Elves.

At the very minimum, you have to understand that everything being discussed here and said by Blizzard are all potential possibilities, literally nothing has been decided for the future, only no playable High Elves for BFA at minimum.

Until you can come to terms with these facts and contexts, of course you're going to keep going in circles and being confused per your own words.

I'm confused at the fact that pro high elfers are so fixated on having "the real high elfs on the alliance" becoming playable, and dismissing the fact that blood elfs (who are high elfs) are already playable, yet in the same breath the pro high elfers seem to be okay with void elfs having lighter customization options... which goes against what they've been trying to "claim" this whole time. Most pro high elfers claim void elfs were a fail as an attempt to be a compromise, and commonly state "we want high elfs, nothing less". Wouldn't lighter skinned void elfs still be void elfs in your eyes? I thought you wanted "high elfs"? I thought RP'ing as one wasn't enough and you wanted to actually BE one? Well guess what, you'd still have to RP as an "alliance high elf" if you played a light skinned "void elf". Hence why I am confused. Do you want the lore or do you want the looks?

In the words of typical pro high elfers claiming it's all about the lore, I would have thought the response to possible lighter customization's would have been negative from you folk. But alas, it is not, which verifies the claims many anti's made that the only reason people want high elfs is for the aesthetics.. and that is why I refer to the still valid comments made by Ion... the Horde is waiting for you.

I understand anything is possible. High elfs are possible, but extremely unlikely. Lighter skin options for void elfs is also possibly, though again highly unlikely. I don't need to come to terms with these facts. But I can't help but sit here confused at the pro community who wanted high elfs for the lore but then now want the customization options (which (A) isn't the lore you wanted and attacked anti's for, and (B) would actually detract from what the void elfs ARE). Shallow requests (such as wanting the opposing factions aesthetics) will always receive shallow responses.

One question I do have for you, how do you think Horde and Blood Elf players should feel if the lighter customization options are given to the void elfs? Given that the pro community profusely state that void elfs are purple blood elfs, not purple high elfs. Or do you not care about this? In which case don't act baffled when people dispute your "innocent" requests.

[Monster Hunter]

I'm confused at the fact that pro high elfers are so fixated on having "the real high elfs on the alliance" becoming playable, and dismissing the fact that blood elfs (who are high elfs) are already playable, yet in the same breath the pro high elfers seem to be okay with void elfs having lighter customization options... which goes against what they've been trying to "claim" this whole time. Most pro high elfers claim void elfs were a fail as an attempt to be a compromise, and commonly state "we want high elfs, nothing less". Wouldn't lighter skinned void elfs still be void elfs in your eyes? I thought you wanted "high elfs"? I thought RP'ing as one wasn't enough and you wanted to actually BE one? Well guess what, you'd still have to RP as an "alliance high elf" if you played a light skinned "void elf". Hence why I am confused. Do you want the lore or do you want the looks?

In the words of typical pro high elfers claiming it's all about the lore, I would have thought the response to possible lighter customization's would have been negative from you folk. But alas, it is not, which verifies the claims many anti's made that the only reason people want high elfs is for the aesthetics.. and that is why I refer to the still valid comments made by Ion... the Horde is waiting for you.

I understand anything is possible. High elfs are possible, but extremely unlikely. Lighter skin options for void elfs is also possibly, though again highly unlikely. I don't need to come to terms with these facts. But I can't help but sit here confused at the pro community who wanted high elfs for the lore but then now want the customization options (which (A) isn't the lore you wanted and attacked anti's for, and (B) would actually detract from what the void elfs ARE). Shallow requests (such as wanting the opposing factions aesthetics) will always receive shallow responses.

One question I do have for you, how do you think Horde and Blood Elf players should feel if the lighter customization options are given to the void elfs? Given that the pro community profusely state that void elfs are purple blood elfs, not purple high elfs. Or do you not care about this? In which case don't act baffled when people dispute your "innocent" requests.

never try to rationalize crazy, especially crazy fandoms. these dudes and dudetts will be screaming for high elves till wow dies sometime in the distant future and very likely still wont have them.

there is no rationalizing with them you just sit back nod and laugh as each patch roles by and each straw clutched breaks.

[Darththeo]

I have a feeling that Blizzard is intending to blur faction lines in the expansion after BfA. It is really based on nothing outside they are so focused on the war, introducing more races and stating it is for the last time. The line of "not wanting to blur faction lines" just seems to be thrown out there as a red herring.

Again, it is how I feel based on the facts ... I don't believe it is going to happen, it just makes sense to be and I wouldn't be surprised if it did.

[Ielenia]

I'm confused at the fact that pro high elfers are so fixated on having "the real high elfs on the alliance" becoming playable, and dismissing the fact that blood elfs (who are high elfs) are already playable, yet in the same breath the pro high elfers seem to be okay with void elfs having lighter customization options... which goes against what they've been trying to "claim" this whole time.

It's called "compromise".

"Void elves with light skin option" is not what the pro-high-elf community originally wanted, but's a compromise many are willing to accept.

Most pro high elfers claim void elfs were a fail as an attempt to be a compromise, and commonly state "we want high elfs, nothing less". Wouldn't lighter skinned void elfs still be void elfs in your eyes?

Don't be dishonest and act as if the entire pro-high-elf community is one hive mind where everyone thinks exactly the same just because they agree on one single thing. Some want high elves "as is", others are perfectly fine with some changes done to them. Some want "real" high elves, are ok with a light skin option for void elves.

[Strippling]

It's called "compromise".

"Void elves with light skin option" is not what the pro-high-elf community originally wanted, but's a compromise many are willing to accept.

The compromise was already made with void elfs.

Don't be dishonest and act as if the entire pro-high-elf community is one hive mind where everyone thinks exactly the same just because they agree on one single thing. Some want high elves "as is", others are perfectly fine with some changes done to them. Some want "real" high elves, are ok with a light skin option for void elves.

Most pro high elfers claimed it was always about the lore. The recent discussions about lighter customization's is proof it was never about the lore, it was always the aesthetics. Don't try sugar coat it...

[Ielenia]

The compromise was already made with void elfs.

Then you don't know what a compromise is.

A compromise needs to be reached by both parties. It is not a compromise if one party goes "this is what we'll do regardless if you like it or not" which was the case of void elves: high elf supporters wanted the high elf race with all its lore, yet what they got was... exactly nothing they asked for. This wasn't "middle ground", at all.

Most pro high elfers claimed it was always about the lore. The recent discussions about lighter customization's is proof it was never about the lore, it was always the aesthetics. Don't try sugar coat it...

It is about the lore. But if Blizzard is not budging on that front, a fair-skin customization option for void elves is what can be called a... "compromise". Ever heard about that word? You should look it up, because you've shown that you don't know what its meaning is.

[Strippling]

Then you don't know what a compromise is.

A compromise needs to be reached by both parties. It is not a compromise if one party goes "this is what we'll do regardless if you like it or not" which was the case of void elves: high elf supporters wanted the high elf race with all its lore, yet what they got was... exactly nothing they asked for. This wasn't "middle ground", at all.


It is about the lore. But if Blizzard is not budging on that front, a fair-skin customization option for void elves is what can be called a... "compromise". Ever heard about that word? You should look it up, because you've shown that you don't know what its meaning is.

Yep... totally about the lore.

Claims it's all about the lore, then in same breath says they'll settle for the aesthetic.... just...lol. You don't need to hide your hidden agenda anymore, it's quite clear it was always about the aesthetics.

Oh and like it or not, the compromise was void elfs. Compromises never fully satisfy one party.

[FlubberPuddy]

Yep... totally about the lore.

Claims it's all about the lore, then in same breath says they'll settle for the aesthetic.... just...lol. You don't need to hide your hidden agenda anymore, it's quite clear it was always about the aesthetics.

You continue to show you don't understand what context is, or you're purposely misusing it as you do in your post here, bolding the non-important context in which Ielenia made his post. Let me bold, italicize, and underline for you the actual important context of his last bit:

It is about the lore. But if Blizzard is not budging on that front, a fair-skin customization option for void elves is what can be called a... "compromise". Ever heard about that word? You should look it up, because you've shown that you don't know what its meaning is.

To me, Strippling, it sounds like you need an ELI5 of how the conversation has started moving toward some people discussing and being okay with/liking the compromise that would come from High Elf skins on Void Elves.

It's super fucken late though for me, so I'll do that later.

In the meantime, as said before: the people wanting High Elves are not a hive-mind, even within the pro-Helf group people have different opinions and wishes. This truly shouldn't be that hard at all to understand, but you have kept proving it wrong so...

[Obelisk Kai]

I'm confused at the fact that pro high elfers are so fixated on having "the real high elfs on the alliance" becoming playable, and dismissing the fact that blood elfs (who are high elfs) are already playable, yet in the same breath the pro high elfers seem to be okay with void elfs having lighter customization options... which goes against what they've been trying to "claim" this whole time. Most pro high elfers claim void elfs were a fail as an attempt to be a compromise, and commonly state "we want high elfs, nothing less". Wouldn't lighter skinned void elfs still be void elfs in your eyes? I thought you wanted "high elfs"? I thought RP'ing as one wasn't enough and you wanted to actually BE one? Well guess what, you'd still have to RP as an "alliance high elf" if you played a light skinned "void elf". Hence why I am confused. Do you want the lore or do you want the looks?

In the words of typical pro high elfers claiming it's all about the lore, I would have thought the response to possible lighter customization's would have been negative from you folk. But alas, it is not, which verifies the claims many anti's made that the only reason people want high elfs is for the aesthetics.. and that is why I refer to the still valid comments made by Ion... the Horde is waiting for you.

I understand anything is possible. High elfs are possible, but extremely unlikely. Lighter skin options for void elfs is also possibly, though again highly unlikely. I don't need to come to terms with these facts. But I can't help but sit here confused at the pro community who wanted high elfs for the lore but then now want the customization options (which (A) isn't the lore you wanted and attacked anti's for, and (B) would actually detract from what the void elfs ARE). Shallow requests (such as wanting the opposing factions aesthetics) will always receive shallow responses.

One question I do have for you, how do you think Horde and Blood Elf players should feel if the lighter customization options are given to the void elfs? Given that the pro community profusely state that void elfs are purple blood elfs, not purple high elfs. Or do you not care about this? In which case don't act baffled when people dispute your "innocent" requests.

An excellent summation of the hypocrisy some of the pro High Elfers are demonstrating when it comes to the possibility of 'High Elf like' customization for Void Elves. After all, a high elf like Void Elf is still a Void Elf, and anyone who supports this implicitly admits they are after the Blood Elf aesthetic and the lore is just a lie they tell because trying to get that aesthetic makes you look ridiculously shallow.

Of course, the fact this is regarded as a live topic of discussion at all is mystifying. This was not a promise of anything. Afrasiabi did not suggest this by himself, nor was it a question he was briefed on in advance as Ion was during the April Q and A so that he could have an answer. It was the Lost Codex guys who brought it up. Had they brought up playable Ogres he likely would have provided an almost word for word exact response.

Afrasiabi segued as quickly as he could into a response about forum behaviour, saying not to lose hope (because people without hope rage a lot more and tend to cause more drama) and to keep it respectful (which a lot of commentary hasn't been) which is more indicative of the dev team's opinion of those pushing the pro High Elf agenda on the forums than a promise for Void Elf customization. I mean he's a busy guy, he relies on the community team to summarise forum feedback for him (sending it to the devs) and if that's the impression he has of the pro High Elf community then that isn't promising.

However, whilst high elf like customization for Void Elves is clearly possible in a way actual Alliance High Elves probably aren't, I agree with you it still likely won't happen. Skin tone differences are the most obvious difference between Blood Elves and Void Elves, so it would blur the lines between both which is something Blizzard has been at pains to avoid. Void Elf skin tones are a by-product of their transformation, and a High Elf like customization would likely be utilised by a majority of Void Elf players, undermining what Void Elves are by compromising THEIR unique aesthetic.

And finally, High Elf like is not High Elf exact. It could very easily be another monkey paw result, with the skins genuinely being 'normalish' yet corrupted in some way by the void, which I am sure the pro High Elf crowd open to the idea of ruining Void Elves to get the aesthetic would find unacceptable. So if you just annoy the Horde and can't please the pro High Elf community, why bother doing it?

I have a feeling that Blizzard is intending to blur faction lines in the expansion after BfA. It is really based on nothing outside they are so focused on the war, introducing more races and stating it is for the last time. The line of "not wanting to blur faction lines" just seems to be thrown out there as a red herring.

Again, it is how I feel based on the facts ... I don't believe it is going to happen, it just makes sense to be and I wouldn't be surprised if it did.

Really? Because several years ago they were clear that the reason they felt neutral races don't work is because they blur the divisions between the factions. It's a funny kind of red herring when it represents a consistent design philosophy that has been held for over six years since the failure of their experiment with the Pandaren.

If anything blurs the lines between the factions after BFA, it will be the loosening of the restrictions on who we group with in PVE content.

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Yep... totally about the lore.

Claims it's all about the lore, then in same breath says they'll settle for the aesthetic.... just...lol. You don't need to hide your hidden agenda anymore, it's quite clear it was always about the aesthetics.

Oh and like it or not, the compromise was void elfs. Compromises never fully satisfy one party.

Also true. A compromise does not have to be satisfactory. Void Elves are, for some, an unsatisfactory compromise, but that does not mean they are not a compromise. Unsatisfactory compromises occur all the time. The idea that a compromise has to please everyone is bogus, and the idea that the pro High Elf community is entitled to some kind of judgement role in agreeing if Void Elves cut the mustard is patently absurd.

What Void Elves are is almost the product of arbitration, a third party empowered to resolve the differences between two sides. Blizzard is the third party, and they have the power as they are the owners of the IP. Void Elves are the compromise as the Alliance got the model, got thalassian elves, but divorced from the theme and aesthetics of a Blood/High Elf.

Besides, Void Elves are the most popular Allied race (unless Zandalari have outstripped them since Tuesday), and that is the kind of the metric Blizzard really pays attention to.