Midnight 12.X Patches & World Soul Saga Speculation Thread

[Darkarath]

Excited to see what we get in today's announcement. My bets:

- 10.1.5 megadungeon is related to time and the Bronzes. As many are saying, we need to move the Tyr's plot forward, and the Discs of Uldaman are lost in time. We have to find them.

- The "World Events" point that we can see in the roadmap could refer to many things. Hopefully it is a expanded Timewalking reference. They seriously need to expand this system.

- Finally, probably we will get a new race / class combo, new UI improvements, and either the heavily hinted Archeology revamp (really interested in this) or the Brawler's Guild return as a permanente system (confirmed by Ion in an interview).

[Scyth]

New Shaman races and updated Ascendance model please. Also wouldn't mind new elemental skins via glyphs.

Very unlikely I get any of my wishes though lol

[Darkarath]

New Shaman races and updated Ascendance model please. Also wouldn't mind new elemental skins via glyphs.

Very unlikely I get any of my wishes though lol

Now that you mention glyphs, a new cosmetic glyph system is definitively something that they should do. The past system in which you just had to learn them once and you could change them at any given time was ok, really do not understand why they dropped it.

[Sondrelk]

Now that you mention glyphs, a new cosmetic glyph system is definitively something that they should do. The past system in which you just had to learn them once and you could change them at any given time was ok, really do not understand why they dropped it.

I imagine they changed it because it required a steady influx of new glyphs to make inscription worthwhile. If you just learned any glyph and knew it forever then you could just buy the limited selection of dirt cheap glyphs, and new inscription players would never really be able to sell anything.

[Scyth]

Now that you mention glyphs, a new cosmetic glyph system is definitively something that they should do. The past system in which you just had to learn them once and you could change them at any given time was ok, really do not understand why they dropped it.

I'd love to have the old system back or even something new but unfortunately it's probably too much work for current Blizzard.

[Darkarath]

I imagine they changed it because it required a steady influx of new glyphs to make inscription worthwhile. If you just learned any glyph and knew it forever then you could just buy the limited selection of dirt cheap glyphs, and new inscription players would never really be able to sell anything.

I disagree with that argument. They have added new cosmetic glyphs (not many) every expansion, I think. I do not believe that inscription players are selling lots of glyphs these days. But if a cosmetic system like the old one was still running, at least they would always sell a few to new characters / alts.

But I agree that they might have dropped It because they would not keep expanding It. Now that customization is everything, though, could be the right time to reintroduce It. They can even add cosmetic glyphs to the Trading Post.

[Santandame]

Predictions:

10.1.5

Time based mega dungeon featuring Ancient Kalimdor, the human kingdoms of EK, Gnoll Wars, a parallel universe, evil Chromie and Galakrond as final boss. Iridikron devours and absorbs Galakrond’s essence in a post dungeon cinematic which will lead us into the next major patch.

Blue Dragonflight storyline which could possibly result in a mage tower styled solo scenario in which we fight Chromatus atop/inside Vakthros. Rewards cosmetic appearances.

New class combos for Dracthyr. Warrior, rogue, hunter and possibly mage.

Some new race/class combos. Nelf and Undead Paladin? Gnome and Orc Druid? Human Shaman?

Brawler’s Guild.

[Lady Atia]

Now that you mention glyphs, a new cosmetic glyph system is definitively something that they should do. The past system in which you just had to learn them once and you could change them at any given time was ok, really do not understand why they dropped it.

If they bring (back) a propper cosmetic glyph system it will be 100% an expansion feature, or last patch preview feature at best.

[Nymrohd]

Now that you mention glyphs, a new cosmetic glyph system is definitively something that they should do. The past system in which you just had to learn them once and you could change them at any given time was ok, really do not understand why they dropped it.

I still wish they would consider class skins. I get reserving some concepts that are very good candidates for making a class out of them (e.g. Tinker) but there are more limited concepts that are too race specific or otherwise limited to be made into classes. Shadow Hunter or Priestess of the Moon are just not going to become classes; Sunwalkers are in lore so different to Paladins. And if that would ever happen, it should be under a UI together with cosmetic glyphs imo that just deals with class cosmetic customization. They could even add things for hunter pets/warlock and DK minions there.

[Darkarath]

I still wish they would consider class skins. I get reserving some concepts that are very good candidates for making a class out of them (e.g. Tinker) but there are more limited concepts that are too race specific or otherwise limited to be made into classes. Shadow Hunter or Priestess of the Moon are just not going to become classes; Sunwalkers are in lore so different to Paladins. And if that would ever happen, it should be under a UI together with cosmetic glyphs imo that just deals with class cosmetic customization. They could even add things for hunter pets/warlock and DK minions there.

I like the concept of class skins but it should be more ambitious. I would transfer specs of a class and give it to another / other classes, the difference being completely cosmetic. For example:

- Demonology Warlock = Necromancer DK spec.
- MM Hunter = Fel Hunter DH spec.
- Fire Mage = Fel Destroyer Warlock spec.
- Beastmaster Hunter = Shadowmaster Priest spec.
- Protection Warrior = Earthwarden Shaman spec.

I think that this system would be awesome if well done, and it potentially reduces the problem of just being tied to one class in your character. Would not be FFXIV job system, but hopefully something in-between and way cooler.

[Nymrohd]

I like the concept of class skins but it should be more ambitious. I would transfer specs of a class and give it to another / other classes, the difference being completely cosmetic. For example:

- Demonology Warlock = Necromancer DK spec.
- MM Hunter = Fel Hunter DH spec.
- Fire Mage = Fel Destroyer Warlock spec.
- Beastmaster Hunter = Shadowmaster Priest spec.
- Protection Warrior = Earthwarden Shaman spec.

I think that this system would be awesome if well done, and it potentially reduces the problem of just being tied to one class in your character. Would not be FFXIV job system, but hopefully something in-between and way cooler.

Yeah I cannot agree with that. You are completely removing any chance that an expansion like Legion that is centered on class fantasy can happen. Imo if class skins ever were to happen they should be extremely conservative with the class skin being a different interpretation of the same class fantasy. I could see Necromancers as a warlock class fantasy because both classes are about dark magic use (and the original necromancers of WoW were warlocks); plus Demonology imo is closer archetypically to the Necromancer fantasy (with the demon summoner archetype usually being about summoning a small number of individually powerful demons instead of hordes of imps). I could see a Huntress of the Moon class skin for Markmanship because it would effectively be a Night Elf huntress who also has strong faith in Elune and thus explains some of her abilities through that faith. Could ofc also work for e.g. Disc. I could even see some small deviations like expanding weapon choices to make a shaman to Shadow Hunter work.
But moving specs to other classes? Adding class skins to specs that have no theme in common but could work for gameplay (druid to tinker)? Effectively it means you can never really have strong thematic content for that class again.

[Darkarath]

Yeah I cannot agree with that. You are completely removing any chance that an expansion like Legion that is centered on class fantasy can happen. Imo if class skins ever were to happen they should be extremely conservative with the class skin being a different interpretation of the same class fantasy. I could see Necromancers as a warlock class fantasy because both classes are about dark magic use (and the original necromancers of WoW were warlocks); plus Demonology imo is closer archetypically to the Necromancer fantasy (with the demon summoner archetype usually being about summoning a small number of individually powerful demons instead of hordes of imps). I could see a Huntress of the Moon class skin for Markmanship because it would effectively be a Night Elf huntress who also has strong faith in Elune and thus explains some of her abilities through that faith. Could ofc also work for e.g. Disc. I could even see some small deviations like expanding weapon choices to make a shaman to Shadow Hunter work.
But moving specs to other classes? Adding class skins to specs that have no theme in common but could work for gameplay (druid to tinker)? Effectively it means you can never really have strong thematic content for that class again.

I guess that a system like the one I am proposing would have a lot of problems. Some that I am aware of and some that I cannot fathom. Still, I believe that if well done, you could adapt practically any class to any spec in original and amazing ways. I am not saying that they should adapt every spec to every class. But as an evergreen system, I think that people would always be VERY excited for what is coming next, although it would require a LOT of work from the art team. For example, lets go with Druid, which would be difficult to adapt to spec of other classes. Here are some ideas:

- Fire Mage: we have the Druids of the Flame from Cataclysm for inspiration.
- Demonology Warlock: same but with beasts and animals.
- Affliction Warlock: same but with vines, leafs, poisons...
- Beastmaster Hunter: instead of arrows throw arcane bolts and as a Druid, you should be able to call any animal at your side for help.
- Windwalker Monk: give the Druid a monkey form similar to that of the upcoming game Black Myth: Wu Kong. The kicks and punchs could be the same.
- Vengeance DH: give the Druid the Saberon form (again). Instead of Sigil of Flame have ''Flame Trap''; instead of Fel Devastation have channeled hits that recover health.

Anyway, you get the idea, I am pretty sure that there are amazing ideas out there that could be applied.

I disagree that this system would kill class fantasy. IMO it would enhance it if they find the right theme to the different specs.

[Nymrohd]

I guess that a system like the one I am proposing would have a lot of problems. Some that I am aware of and some that I cannot fathom. Still, I believe that if well done, you could adapt practically any class to any spec in original and amazing ways. I am not saying that they should adapt every spec to every class. But as an evergreen system, I think that people would always be VERY excited for what is coming next, although it would require a LOT of work from the art team. For example, lets go with Druid, which would be difficult to adapt to spec of other classes. Here are some ideas:

- Fire Mage: we have the Druids of the Flame from Cataclysm for inspiration.
- Demonology Warlock: same but with beasts and animals.
- Affliction Warlock: same but with vines, leafs, poisons...
- Beastmaster Hunter: instead of arrows throw arcane bolts and as a Druid, you should be able to call any animal at your side for help.
- Windwalker Monk: give the Druid a monkey form similar to that of the upcoming game Black Myth: Wu Kong. The kicks and punchs could be the same.
- Vengeance DH: give the Druid the Saberon form (again). Instead of Sigil of Flame have ''Flame Trap''; instead of Fel Devastation have channeled hits that recover health.

Anyway, you get the idea, I am pretty sure that there are amazing ideas out there that could be applied.

I disagree that this system would kill class fantasy. IMO it would enhance it if they find the right theme to the different specs.

See you can do this in an RPG that does NOT use the class system but rather a skill system. There it would work just fine to move things around.

[Kiivar86]

I'm more surprised that they actually gave it a support-style ability. Quite an interesting development since it backs up the datamined Neltharion voice lines.

That is a bit surprising too though I suppose its a decent way to make it usable for both specs.

Anyway throwing my hat in for the megadungeon being decay focused. That's gotta come up somewhere after the hook left by Brackenhide Hollow and its not overly related to the main plot (at least, not yet. Maybe the megadungeon can tie it in).

[Aucald]

Ebyssian is so annoying this patch.

Really? It's odd how perspective can be so different. I find Wrathion and Sabellian to be super-annoying in this patch, what with Wrathion's teenage tantrums and Sabellian's appalling lack of ability to either read a room or not act like an entitled jackass. Ebyssian is the only one of the showcased black dragons not actively being their own worst enemy.

[Khaza-R]

Predictions:

10.1.5

New class combos for Dracthyr. Warrior, rogue, hunter and possibly mage.

Some new race/class combos. Nelf and Undead Paladin? Gnome and Orc Druid? Human Shaman?

I doubt you'll see any of this until 11.0

They only new race / class spec they are adding are ones where they need to flip on a switch and add some NPCs for flavor.

Unrelated, but I wonder when BfA TW will pop up. Its not on the roadmap so I am guessing 10.2.5.

[huth]

Really? It's odd how perspective can be so different. I find Wrathion and Sabellian to be super-annoying in this patch, what with Wrathion's teenage tantrums and Sabellian's appalling lack of ability to either read a room or not act like an entitled jackass. Ebyssian is the only one of the showcased black dragons not actively being their own worst enemy.

At least that fits with their general characterisation. Even his own people have that complaint about Sabellian and Wrathion is a teenager. One that keeps forgetting that without my character, he wouldn't have been born.

[Aucald]

At least that fits with their general characterisation. Even his own people have that complaint about Sabellian and Wrathion is a teenager. One that keeps forgetting that without my character, he wouldn't have been born.

Sure, I'm not saying anyone is out of character - merely that the characters of Wrathion and Sabellian are annoying. Ebyssian, too, is pretty in-character for who he's always been since his intro in Legion: mediator, wise elder, and generally down-to-earth as befits his choice of visage.

[Cheezits]

Predictions:

10.1.5
Blue Dragonflight storyline which could possibly result in a mage tower styled solo scenario in which we fight Chromatus atop/inside Vakthros. Rewards cosmetic appearances.

I actually feel like a dumbass for not realizing this, but Vakthros is LITERALLY a "mage tower" (at least with the Arcane connection) and it would explain the "class weapons" that have been datamined this patch. Vakthros would make perfect sense as the Mage Tower 2.0 location and the class themed weapons are likely the reward.

- - - Updated - - -

Unrelated to Vakthros but Blizzard really nailed it with the breaking up of characters for flights and patch focus. People won't shut the hell up about the Black Dragon group and it's smart to focus on them specifically this patch while the other patches will probably all deal with a specific flight: it means the same characters won't be spammed every chapter like BFA and Shadowlands.

Though it seems likely the Red will be shafted and the Blue won't get a specific patch. But I would love to be proven wrong and 10.3 is Red vs Decay.

[Alanar]

Really? It's odd how perspective can be so different. I find Wrathion and Sabellian to be super-annoying in this patch, what with Wrathion's teenage tantrums and Sabellian's appalling lack of ability to either read a room or not act like an entitled jackass. Ebyssian is the only one of the showcased black dragons not actively being their own worst enemy.

Altho true, Ebyssian feels like a true tauren rather then a dragon. He also gives me Baine vibes.

Its kinda weird wrathion acts like this the whole time, with all the things he did in the past stories you would think, he would act a little different, but hes back with hes teenage attitude.