Official High Elf Discussion Megathread

[Obelisk Kai]

Which is ridiculous because they already have 2 Elven groups. Should be enough, really. I am a fan of Elven races in pretty much all settings, but the introduction of more and more race variants is totally counterproductive to their representation as a special race.

I agree and I was in fact content with the status quo of one elf race per faction, but at the moment people who like elves have four distinct options and so they are well catered for.

[elbleuet]

A 'high elf' customization for Void Elves is still a Void Elf and any pro High Elfer who accepts that as a result reveals that it was about the aesthetic and not the lore, and proves the Anti High Elfers right.

Are you new to wow ? Never heard of players roleplaying Stromgarde/Alterac/Lordaeron/Dalaran human with their - lorewise- Stormwind human ?

[Shakana]

@Doffen
I agree with you, elves in general are wanted. But blue eyed ones, are the most wanted ones. I think that is just a desire inside you to look to a blue eyed character of yours.

The diversity is better for me too.

[Frenchvince]

A 'high elf' customization for Void Elves is still a Void Elf and any pro High Elfer who accepts that as a result reveals that it was about the aesthetic and not the lore, and proves the Anti High Elfers right.

As for option 2, that's done. We now have so many developer quotes saying the faction divide is important, we have developer quotes saying High Elves harm faction diversity, we have the end of the BFA Allied race cycle and the introduction of Void Elves in their stead...High Elves as their own thing isn't happening.

So I guess the choice is admit defeat on getting High Elves for the Alliance or admit it was all about the skin tones after all and campaign for eggshell skin colour on a Void Elf.

Option 1 is as valid as the new wildhammer or dark / sand troll customization.

Option 2 will still be relevant as long as there are high elves in the alliance, their story is not over yet with the adventures of the sisters Windrunner, maybe at shadowlands.

[Obelisk Kai]

Are you new to wow ? Never heard of players roleplaying Stromgarde/Alterac/Lordaeron/Dalaran human with their - lorewise- Stormwind human ?

A Human who begins the game shows up in Northshire Abbey with a generic set of racials, allowing the player to fill out the backstory however they wish. The Human player has a lot more freedom in game to flesh out their own backstory as a result. In fact, one of the guards in Stormwind now comments that they wish dreamed of going back home to Lordaeron one day, but that Sylvanas's actions make that impossible, canonically proving that Stormwind is now a melting pot of humanity from all across the Eastern Kingdoms.

In contrast, the origin of a Void Elf is far more limited. A Void Elf who begins the game shows up in Tel'rogus, is informed they are a Void Elf, has an entire suite of Void Elf powers and has a racial that procs every few minutes in combat to remind them they are a Void Elf in case they had somehow forgotten. All Void Elves went through the transformation process.

Any Void Elf player who attempts to argue they are a High Elf who never went through the void elf transformation process can be explained away by saying the whispers have finally driven them mad. Anyone who wants to roleplay as an insane Void Elf is welcome to do so, but they are still Void Elves. The only leeway possible with the Void Elf story is that your Void Elf was originally a High Elven exile who chose to go through the transformation to become more powerful. But you cannot pretend your Void Elf is not a Void Elf, unless you are roleplaying a Void Elf who has gone cuckoo.

- - - Updated - - -

Option 1 is as valid as the new wildhammer or dark / sand troll customization.

Option 2 will still be relevant as long as there are high elves in the alliance, their story is not over yet with the adventures of the sisters Windrunner, maybe at shadowlands.

In regards to option 1, you can read my response to elbleuet. TLDR, some races have a lot more latitude for players to be able to roleplay as specific groups of that race. Void Elves, by their origin, are not one of them. You would be as well to argue you can play a Lightforged Draenei who never lightforged, or a Nightborne as a Night Elf who was never trapped within Suramar.

In regards to your second option, no. It's almost certainly not happening and it is certainly not relevant. The dominant windrunner sister is a Void Elf, not a High Elf and whatever stories they have in future won't be laying the groundwork for a high elf allied race, but developing the Void Elf storyline or being about Sylvanas.

Given that expanding existing player customizations is the focus for Shadowlands, the chances of a new allied race are virtually nil. After all, once the original core races are updated in 9..0, the expectation is that the art team will move on to the Allied races and expand the customizations of some of those groups.

They have even implied that while the system is not permanently tied to BFA, they are only going to use it where it makes sense in future. Even were they to add a new Allied race in Shadowlands, there are groups in the Shadowlands that people are already clamouring for who would clearly make more sense. Why give High Elves when Kyrians or Ventyr would be more popular after all.

[Frenchvince]

In regards to option 1, you can read my response to elbleuet. TLDR, some races have a lot more latitude for players to be able to roleplay as specific groups of that race. Void Elves, by their origin, are not one of them. You would be as well to argue you can play a Lightforged Draenei who never lightforged, or a Nightborne as a Night Elf who was never trapped within Suramar.

In regards to your second option, no. It's almost certainly not happening and it is certainly not relevant. The dominant windrunner sister is a Void Elf, not a High Elf and whatever stories they have in future won't be laying the groundwork for a high elf allied race, but developing the Void Elf storyline or being about Sylvanas.

Given that expanding existing player customizations is the focus for Shadowlands, the chances of a new allied race are virtually nil. After all, once the original core races are updated in 9..0, the expectation is that the art team will move on to the Allied races and expand the customizations of some of those groups.

They have even implied that while the system is not permanently tied to BFA, they are only going to use it where it makes sense in future. Even were they to add a new Allied race in Shadowlands, there are groups in the Shadowlands that people are already clamouring for who would clearly make more sense. Why give High Elves when Kyrians or Ventyr would be more popular after all.

Option 1 will definitely have more luck than option 2 at the moment, as it will align with the new developer choice for shadowlands. They will add new "races" in the personalization of basic races, and perhaps later allied races.

I do not see how it would pose a problem for the void elves.

[elbleuet]

A Human who begins the game shows up in Northshire Abbey with a generic set of racials, allowing the player to fill out the backstory however they wish. The Human player has a lot more freedom in game to flesh out their own backstory as a result. In fact, one of the guards in Stormwind now comments that they wish dreamed of going back home to Lordaeron one day, but that Sylvanas's actions make that impossible, canonically proving that Stormwind is now a melting pot of humanity from all across the Eastern Kingdoms.

In contrast, the origin of a Void Elf is far more limited. A Void Elf who begins the game shows up in Tel'rogus, is informed they are a Void Elf, has an entire suite of Void Elf powers and has a racial that procs every few minutes in combat to remind them they are a Void Elf in case they had somehow forgotten. All Void Elves went through the transformation process.

Any Void Elf player who attempts to argue they are a High Elf who never went through the void elf transformation process can be explained away by saying the whispers have finally driven them mad. Anyone who wants to roleplay as an insane Void Elf is welcome to do so, but they are still Void Elves. The only leeway possible with the Void Elf story is that your Void Elf was originally a High Elven exile who chose to go through the transformation to become more powerful. But you cannot pretend your Void Elf is not a Void Elf, unless you are roleplaying a Void Elf who has gone cuckoo.

There are Alliance friendly blood & high elves in Telogrus Rift. You can always play an Alliance blood elf using the void as a tool.

[Doffen]

@Doffen
I agree with you, elves in general are wanted. But blue eyed ones, are the most wanted ones. I think that is just a desire inside you to look to a blue eyed character of yours.

The diversity is better for me too.

My Void Elves got blue eyes, so does my Belf DK...

Nah, I get that. Totally. I do think that Blood Elves with green eyes, and to some extent golden eyes is their thing. Uniqueness is cool, though more options are also cool. More diversity, awesome. If Belf gets blue eyes, my Belf Hunter will get that, rest stay green and yellow. If they don't, that's fine too. 40 more customization for Blood Elves they said, can't wait. More hairstyles is something I really want :P

[Obelisk Kai]

There are Alliance friendly blood & high elves in Telogrus Rift. You can always play an Alliance blood elf using the void as a tool.

No, you can't. A void elf is not defined by the use of the void as a tool. If they were, any elf who used the void who be a void elf. A Blood Elf shadow priest is a Void Elf.

Void Elves are those who specifically went through the transformation process of becoming a void elf. The void forms an innate part of their being, their skin tone shifted, their voice developed the unearthly 'reverb' quality, they acquired unique void powers as the ability to teleport through the void and last but definitely not least, they all hear voices in their head. That is what a Void Elf and anyone who plays a Void Elf implicitly accepts everything that goes with that choice.

The Alliance friendly blood & high elves you mention do have a purpose for roleplaying, in allowing Void Elf players to decide upon an origin for themselves before they go through the transformation process. But each and every single Void Elf has gone through that transformation process and, as I said, any Void Elf who attempts to roleplay that they haven't should just be treated as being crazy.

- - - Updated - - -

Option 1 will definitely have more luck than option 2 at the moment, as it will align with the new developer choice for shadowlands. They will add new "races" in the personalization of basic races, and perhaps later allied races.

I do not see how it would pose a problem for the void elves.

Option 2 is foreclosed. It isn't happening.

Option 1 is possible (if not probable) but it will not give you high elves. It will give you pink Void Elves. That is still a Void Elf, not a High Elf.

[elbleuet]

No, you can't. A void elf is not defined by the use of the void as a tool. If they were, any elf who used the void who be a void elf. A Blood Elf shadow priest is a Void Elf.

It is actually.

For example Alleria is a ranger first. But she's also mastering the void by using it as a tool and a weapon when it is needed.

A blood elf shadow priest using the void, following Alleria's teachings, and rejoining his bretherns in Telogrus Rift can be considered as a void elf.

Being a ren'dorei isn't being a gothic elf at all (see: Alleria). It's more about building a new elven, thalassian, Alliance aligned order where the use of the void is accepted, tolerated and encouraged. See the blood elf pilgrims quote in Telogrus Rift.

Void Elves are those who specifically went through the transformation process of becoming a void elf. The void forms an innate part of their being, their skin tone shifted, their voice developed the unearthly 'reverb' quality, they acquired unique void powers as the ability to teleport through the void and last but definitely not least, they all hear voices in their head. That is what a Void Elf and anyone who plays a Void Elf implicitly accepts everything that goes with that choice.

Wrong. See Alleria. Still a High elf in appearance. Still hearing voices in her head. Again, a void elf a just a Thalassian elf using the void and fighting for an Alliance order. Nothing more.

The Alliance friendly blood & high elves you mention do have a purpose for roleplaying, in allowing Void Elf players to decide upon an origin for themselves before they go through the transformation process. But each and every single Void Elf has gone through that transformation process and, as I said, any Void Elf who attempts to roleplay that they haven't should just be treated as being crazy.
.

Well...that's just your opinion. A blood elf rejoining the void elves just becomes one of them but doesn't transform himself into a gothic elf.

[Varodoc]

It is actually.

For example Alleria is a ranger first. But she's also mastering the void by using it as a tool and a weapon when it is needed.

A blood elf shadow priest using the void, following Alleria's teachings, and rejoining his bretherns in Telogrus Rift can be considered as a void elf.

Being a ren'dorei isn't being a gothic elf at all (see: Alleria). It's more about building a new elven, thalassian, Alliance aligned order where the use of the void is accepted, tolerated and encouraged. See the blood elf pilgrims quote in Telogrus Rift.



Wrong. See Alleria. Still a High elf in appearance. Still hearing voices in her head. Again, a void elf a just a Thalassian elf using the void and fighting for an Alliance order. Nothing more.



Well...that's just your opinion. A blood elf rejoining the void elves just becomes one of them but doesn't transform himself into a gothic elf.

Being a void elf is about being an elf who got blasted by a shit-ton of void energy and changed at a molecular level. That's why blood elf shadow priests are not void elves and that's why people like Alleria or Umbric are not just using the Void as a weapon but are literally infused at a cellular level with it. You can join the "Silvermoon exiles" faction, like those quel'dorei and sin'dorei scholars did, but that doesn't make you a void elf.

[elbleuet]

Being a void elf is about being an elf who got blasted by a shit-ton of void energy and changed at a molecular level. That's why blood elf shadow priests are not void elves and that's why people like Alleria or Umbric are not just using the Void as a weapon but are literally infused at a cellular level with it.

Alleria just has a void transformation button. She hasn't endured the same physical transformation than the other void elves had, but she's still a void elf. So being a void elf isn't based on how you look, but on how is your relationship with the void.

Just like druids can shift in various animal forms. Are they changed at a molecular level ? No. They simply just have the ability to do it.

[Varodoc]

Alleria just has a void transformation button. She hasn't endured the same physical transformation than the other void elves had, but she's still a void elf. So being a void elf isn't based on how you look, but on how is your relationship with the void.

Just like druids can shift in various animal forms. Are they changed at a molecular level ? No. They simply just have the ability to do it.

Because she got changed at a biological level. She can change back into a high elf form, it doesn't change the fact that she is a void elf. Much like Sylvanas is an undead elf like Dar'khan Drathir or the San'layn even though she can go into an incorporeal banshee form. So no, it's not just a casual "void transformation button". And indeed shadow priests don't have shadows within them. The void is external and they are just shrouding themselves in it for a time, while Alleria and the void have the shadows within them.

[Shakana]

My Void Elves got blue eyes, so does my Belf DK...

Nah, I get that. Totally. I do think that Blood Elves with green eyes, and to some extent golden eyes is their thing. Uniqueness is cool, though more options are also cool. More diversity, awesome. If Belf gets blue eyes, my Belf Hunter will get that, rest stay green and yellow. If they don't, that's fine too. 40 more customization for Blood Elves they said, can't wait. More hairstyles is something I really want :P

Ye but if they gave blue eyes to blood elves everything would contradict and people want them for alliance. I can't wait for my blood elf to finally look like more unique. I only enjoy about 3-4 hairs on my female. One of them even feels like some dog has just lick their hair out. lol

It's something i want to. Have even sent that suggestion to blizzard everyday for over a month. Maybe they listened to it. LOL i mean, every single day i typed the same suggestion, in hopes to be heard.

Returning to the blue eye subject tho, don't you see that everyone would be triggered and annoyed seeing belves with blue eyes? Because the blue eyes are suppose to not be part of blood elves story. But tbh, i couldn't stand to see a totally similar elf running around. We are not just talking about skins, and all anymore, it's just eyes.

And tbh,i think it wouldn't be that bad adding the blue eyes on existent blood elves, because, they are high elves, let's see it from the perspective of "bring the race, not the mutations". I even said they should be called High Elves again. Come back to Silvermoon. I would love that but ye. I guess many people would be annoyed with me and that idea.

[elbleuet]

Because she got changed at a biological level. She can change back into a high elf form, it doesn't change the fact that she is a void elf. Much like Sylvanas is an undead elf like Dar'khan Drathir or the San'layn even though she can go into an incorporeal banshee form. So no, it's not just a casual "void transformation button". And indeed shadow priests don't have shadows within them. The void is external and they are just shrouding themselves in it for a time, while Alleria and the void have the shadows within them.

There's litteraly no difference between Alleria, a ranger using the void, and a random blood elf priest npc who also has a void form. Except Alleria has built an order where the void is encouraged, whereas the blood elf lives in a society where it is utterly forbidden.

[Varodoc]

There's litteraly no difference between Alleria, a ranger using the void, and a random blood elf priest npc who also has a void form. Except Alleria has built an order where the void is encouraged, whereas the blood elf lives in a society where it is utterly forbidden.

I just told you what the difference is. Alleria is as much a ranger using the void as Sylvanas is a ranger using death magic. They are biologically infused with these forces, while blood elf shadow priests are not.

And yes, I already told you that you can join the "Void Elf faction" (let's call it Argussian Reach for lack of literally any other name), that still doesn't make you a void elf. Just like that one night elf druid who joined the Stormpikes didn't suddenly race-change into a dwarf.

[Obelisk Kai]

It is actually.

For example Alleria is a ranger first. But she's also mastering the void by using it as a tool and a weapon when it is needed.

A blood elf shadow priest using the void, following Alleria's teachings, and rejoining his bretherns in Telogrus Rift can be considered as a void elf.

Being a ren'dorei isn't being a gothic elf at all (see: Alleria). It's more about building a new elven, thalassian, Alliance aligned order where the use of the void is accepted, tolerated and encouraged. See the blood elf pilgrims quote in Telogrus Rift.



Wrong. See Alleria. Still a High elf in appearance. Still hearing voices in her head. Again, a void elf a just a Thalassian elf using the void and fighting for an Alliance order. Nothing more.

Alleria is a void elf and has a Void Elf form she gained by eating the heart of a Dark Naaru. She is a different kind of Void Elf due to how she came by her powers, but she is still a Void Elf nonetheless and defines herself as a Void Elf. If another elf wishes to be a Void Elf of her type, they are free to hunt down a Naaru in it's void state and to devour it's heart in a similar ritual. Given the rarity of such creatures however, those who wish to acquire void powers will probably go through the ritual that transformed the first Void Elves instead as it seems to be much easier to replicate, given it is just blasting an individual with void energies until a certain threshold has been crossed.

A Blood Elf shadow priest in Telogtus who has not completed the ritual is not a Void Elf. They are a Blood Elf. Were they Void Elves, they would be classified as Void Elves. Void Elves are a distinct racial variant of High Elves, not an ideology everyone can simply ascribe to.

Well...that's just your opinion. A blood elf rejoining the void elves just becomes one of them but doesn't transform himself into a gothic elf.

They are not void elves. They are Blood Elves.

The Void Elves are defined on the character creation screen as thus 'Seeking to harness the corruptive magic of the Void, these outcast elves endured an unexpected transformation. They are determined to master their newfound powers and resist the whispers eager to lure them into madness.'

That is what a Void Elf is. The transformation and everything that goes with it is the point. It's why Void Elves exist in the first place after all, a variant of a High Elf to give to the Alliance without undermining the identity of the Horde. If what you were saying was true it makes you wonder why Blizzard went to the bother of showing us the transformative event to begin with.

I mean, I have seen some incredible attempts to stretch the truth on this topic. Attempting to argue being a Void Elf has nothing to do with being transformed by the power of the void and is more akin to a country club membership than a physical metamorphosis is a new one though.

Attempting to imply that the blatantly obvious is merely an opinion whereas an esoteric theory that makes no sense whatsoever is actually true, that however is a familiar tactic. I mean, you are clearly wrong on this. I am curious if you will continue to dig in on this point or just quietly let it go and move onto other points.

[Shakana]

Alleria is a void elf and has a Void Elf form she gained by eating the heart of a Dark Naaru. She is a different kind of Void Elf due to how she came by her powers, but she is still a Void Elf nonetheless and defines herself as a Void Elf. If another elf wishes to be a Void Elf of her type, they are free to hunt down a Naaru in it's void state and to devour it's heart in a similar ritual. Given the rarity of such creatures however, those who wish to acquire void powers will probably go through the ritual that transformed the first Void Elves instead as it seems to be much easier to replicate, given it is just blasting an individual with void energies until a certain threshold has been crossed.

A Blood Elf shadow priest in Telogtus who has not completed the ritual is not a Void Elf. They are a Blood Elf. Were they Void Elves, they would be classified as Void Elves. Void Elves are a distinct racial variant of High Elves, not an ideology everyone can simply ascribe to.



They are not void elves. They are Blood Elves.

The Void Elves are defined on the character creation screen as thus [I]'Seeking to harness the corruptive magic of the Void, these outcast elves endured an unexpected transformation[/B]. They are determined to master their newfound powers and resist the whispers eager to lure them into madness.'

That is what a Void Elf is. The transformation and everything that goes with it is the point. It's why Void Elves exist in the first place after all, a variant of a High Elf to give to the Alliance without undermining the identity of the Horde. If what you were saying was true it makes you wonder why Blizzard went to the bother of showing us the transformative event to begin with.

I mean, I have seen some incredible attempts to stretch the truth on this topic. Attempting to argue being a Void Elf has nothing to do with being transformed by the power of the void and is more akin to a country club membership than a physical metamorphosis is a new one though.

Attempting to imply that the blatantly obvious is merely an opinion whereas an esoteric theory that makes no sense whatsoever is actually true, that however is a familiar tactic. I mean, you are clearly wrong on this. I am curious if you will continue to dig in on this point or just quietly let it go and move onto other points.

Ye, blood elves that are void elves are supposedly blood elves that themselves tried to studied the void magic until they got exiled themselves.

It was always meant for them to join and be void elves. When you have a certain fascination for something, and try to seek out knowledge about it and it's extremely forbidden, and you knowing that would even get you exiled from your city, but you do it anyway, then you won't have any problem in choosing a path for you, such as joining Alleria. You're basically "homeless" anyway. It's not the same as horde blood elves that still live in Silvermoon.

[Doffen]

Ye but if they gave blue eyes to blood elves everything would contradict and people want them for alliance. I can't wait for my blood elf to finally look like more unique. I only enjoy about 3-4 hairs on my female. One of them even feels like some dog has just lick their hair out. lol

It's something i want to. Have even sent that suggestion to blizzard everyday for over a month. Maybe they listened to it. LOL i mean, every single day i typed the same suggestion, in hopes to be heard.

Returning to the blue eye subject tho, don't you see that everyone would be triggered and annoyed seeing belves with blue eyes? Because the blue eyes are suppose to not be part of blood elves story. But tbh, i couldn't stand to see a totally similar elf running around. We are not just talking about skins, and all anymore, it's just eyes.

And tbh,i think it wouldn't be that bad adding the blue eyes on existent blood elves, because, they are high elves, let's see it from the perspective of "bring the race, not the mutations". I even said they should be called High Elves again. Come back to Silvermoon. I would love that but ye. I guess many people would be annoyed with me and that idea.

No, I agree that the green and now yellow eyes are the eyes that are kinda unique to the Blood Elves because of the lore. Though if they won't ever go with High Elves for Alliance, then putting blue eyes on the Blood Elves is okay imo. I totally understand that people disagree with them getting blue eyes, because it is more of a High Elf trait than for the Blood Elves. Because we can differentiate the elves, High Elves on the Alliance are different than Blood Elves. Void Elves are also different, even though they all are technically High Elves.

A Silvermoon for all the High Elves is a dream. I would like that, but it won't happen because of gameplay restriction. So to differentiate the playable races are also important somewhat. But we'll see what they do with the 40 customization options they said they will add for Blood Elves. I am excited, and hope they do the same for all the other races.

[Shakana]

No, I agree that the green and now yellow eyes are the eyes that are kinda unique to the Blood Elves because of the lore. Though if they won't ever go with High Elves for Alliance, then putting blue eyes on the Blood Elves is okay imo. I totally understand that people disagree with them getting blue eyes, because it is more of a High Elf trait than for the Blood Elves. Because we can differentiate the elves, High Elves on the Alliance are different than Blood Elves. Void Elves are also different, even though they all are technically High Elves.

A Silvermoon for all the High Elves is a dream. I would like that, but it won't happen because of gameplay restriction. So to differentiate the playable races are also important somewhat. But we'll see what they do with the 40 customization options they said they will add for Blood Elves. I am excited, and hope they do the same for all the other races.

I think this thread gets complex the more i talk about it. So ye totally would prefer just mixing high elves and blood elves again on Silvermoon. And the Silver Covenant ones, could just stay where they are. They have too much going on there, to just join Horde again and Silvermoon as their city, they don't belong there anymore.

'but it won't happen because of gameplay restriction', kind of, if there was a way to make them blood elves, and joining a opposite faction, then there's a way for them to come back to it, or even mixing on the opposite faction.

All old races deserve new customizations. The game is here for so long, i think it's about time. Blood elves is what i have the most. I always even think "why do i keep making blood elves?", well i'm a woman. Basically i only enjoy male chars of all races but i feel weird playing them, and only females i can enjoy atm is nightborne and blood elf as female.

And my god, how i'm so sick of seeing all my chars with same hairs. lol