Dress For Romance

When we think about outfits for Valentine's Day, the usual items and sets come to mind. Here is a bulleted list of what the unimaginative will be looking for this season.

• Lovely (insert color here) Dress
• Elegant or Easter Dress
• White Wedding Dress
• Haliscan Set
• Tuxedo Set 
• Black Tuxedo Set

We have imagination, we have vision!   Throw aside these boring examples of Azerothian date wear and open yourself to the possibilities!  First, I have for you Buttercup and her Farm Boy.

Pretty much any farm in the early areas of the Human and Undead zones will do to roleplay this fantastic set. Buttercup is wearing a Simple Dress.  Farm Boy is wearing Blue Overalls paired with your basic axe.  Sorry, the log is a prop only available to non player monsters.

How about something straight out of the Arabian Nights? These outfits, perhaps paired with a flying carpet ride, would be great for a desert or oasis meetup.

Her dress, the Robes of Insight, look like the Vestments of the Shifting Sands, Robes of the Battleguard, Robes of the Guardian Saint and Robes of the Triumvirate.  You might have to have a little luck finding them, but they are well worth saving when found!  His outfit consists of Verdigris Leggings, Abjurer's Cloak, Crimson Silk Vest, and a Spellweaver's Turban.  The leggings are a reward from a low level Alliance quest, so you Horde out there may have to find something different(any plain pair will do).  As for the turban, only the models above level 59 have the feather.  Here is a list of alternatives, with and without feathers.

How about Explorer meets Native?

Our troll princess is wearing the Tribal Worg Helm with an Aboriginal Robe and carrying an Aboriginal Rod.  The explorer, begging to keep his head, is wearing a White Swashbuckler's Shirt with a Moonglow Vest, Twill Belt and Twill Pants and Simple Linen Boots.  You could do this in about any tropical setting, but it's especially fun in troll ruins and active troll areas.

How about a damsel and a swash buckling pirate?

 

Our damsel in distress is wearing a White Woolen Dress and Cross Stitched Sandals. Our villainous pirate is wearing a Swashbuckler's Eyepatch, White Swashbuckler's Shirt, Slavehandler Jerkin, Swashbuckler Sash,  Coven Britches, Crimson Silk Cloak, and wielding a Cruel Barb.  Sadly, if you want that sash, you have to have had it before The Shattering.

These are just a few ideas for outfits that can lead to wonderful romantic roleplay, or just some fun while sitting in your favorite spot, doing whatever you and your Azerothian lover enjoy doing together.  If you have any other suggestions on outifts I might be able to dig up, please leave a comment below!  

Next up, places to go now that you are all dressed up!  Exciting, breathtaking, fun filled vacation spots sure to please even the most picky of partners.  Stay tuned...

Brewfest!

Fill 'er Up!

 

Delgada is perpetually thirsty.  I'm sure it is just a trick of the mind, as the undead require little food and drink past the remains of their kills to live a long undeath.  Still, Delgada enjoys Brewfest, for this is the time when that trick is doused quite regularly and cheaply with brews from around Kalimdor.  The trolls make a flirtatious medium weight ale that is perfectly suited to their tropical home.  Just heavy enough to satisfy, but light enough that, when chilled and garnished with one of the citrusy fruits grown on the isles, will bring down your temperature considerably.  The orcs make a pretty heavy, spicy brew, which is totally unsuited to their established home in Azeroth, but comes in pretty handy where the recipe was born.  Autumn in Nagrand can get pretty crisp, and this brew goes down quite well with a hefty plate of roast talbuk and some tubers.  The Blood Elves have tried to join in, but they haven't learned the fine art of the brew, instead coming laden with casks of light, fruity wines and bubbling champagnes. Delgada will stop by there a time or two during the festivities, just to make them feel welcome. 

 

The Ogres come with their brew, which is pretty much only enjoyed by the very drunk and the ogres themselves.  It's commonly thought that they use their loincloths to filter out the frothy sludge resulting from the heating of the various grains and other additions to their concoction.  I'm pretty sure they even bathe their young in the early part of the brewing process.  The resulting brew smells much like a bilge pump operator 10 minutes before his shower crossed with the aroma left by a terrified skunk.  The flavor is much like what I think tea made from jock straps and sweat socks would taste like. Even when hammered, Delgada stays far away from their booth.  Even if she cannot taste much due to deteriorating taste buds, or smell much for want of a working olfactory system, she is still conscious of how she must smell to others, and there is no sense in adding to that.

 

All the flavors of these brews would be tainted quite sadly by the dry, dusty, hot weather that Orgrimmar is famous for, if it weren't for some goblin ingenuity.  With the help of the goblin engineers, the prominent breweries have refridgerated kegs and their booths are stocked with insulated steins, with small freezers below the bar to stow them when not in use.  The elves were even given a small cooler for their wines to chill in, though I wonder where they stashed it, for by some magic their wines are already chilled, and the chest is nowhere to be seen!

 

As for food, The dwarves will tell you that sausage and pretzels were a gift from the Titans to the dwarves before they were soundly ejected from the underworld to live out their puny mortal lives on the surface.  This is only partly true. If it weren't for the help of some troll voo doo, they would not have known how to package the spiced meats into a sausage form.  Only a troll would know how to use every part of a living thing to it's fullest.  The dwarves will forever be trying all sorts of different recipes in order to try and attain sausage perfection, but the true secret is in the parts.  And the trolls, dey ain't tellin'.  The dwarves can have their cheese, pretzels, and mustard.  Their sausage will never be anything but a cheap imitation, poor fools.

 

I'd like to thank Windpaw for the inspiration for this post.  Someone had to tell the Horde side of things!

 

Pamper Me More!

Michelle from the Warcraft Outsiders Podcast wrote about this in a post on their blog today, and instead of visiting the forums for my response, I decided to post it here. I know she has been pimping their forums, because, let's face it, they're a great place to get together for the guild and for the community surrounding their casts. Don't worry, Michelle, I promise to post a link to my response there, and to go lurk a little, and find a way to comment on some of the topics there, right after I say my piece.

Anyhow, back to my response. Are we too pampered in WoW? Personally, I think we could use some more pampering. A closet for all my designer robes when I get a new one would be nice. They already have a laundry service in Dalaran, why not an armor storage? The storage is really only there as an additional bag to your bank. Each outfit would take up a slot, with room for ten outfits. The shirt slot would become a costume slot, changing the look of your gear from what you chose from your armor storage.

How about a hot tub for after that long night fighting the Scourge in Icecrown Citadel? They could make it exclusive, say maybe up in that private get away Archmage Vargoth keeps at the tippy top of Dalaran. He has room up there for a half dozen hot tubbers. If they made it instanced, they would only really need to build one. Maybe we could even petition for an olympic sized pool with diving board (driven by the newest blizzard vehicle technology). There's room in the Underbelly, just move the arena out and the pool in. Leave this non instanced, for that public pool feel. You could remake Segacedi into a blow up floaty shark toy, or leave him toothy and in the deep end for some excitement.

Strangelethorn Vale is full of sandy beaches that are infested with nasty pirates. Why not transform a length of beach into a resort area, complete with tiki bars and firepits? It could be a short hop from Booty Bay, accessible by a short goblin powered rickshaw ride. A few lounges, beach chairs, and umbrellas could be permanently placed, but with room left for those still hooked on their romantic picnic baskets to set up a cozy day at the beach for two.

Blood elves have such pretty pedicured feet. Could Blizzard expand on the idea for our hooved and three toed friends? Shawndra would love to coat her troll toenails with some ghoulish purple paint. Niranjani would love some feminine hearts or some leafy green healing symbols on her hooves. Maybe Delgada couldn't get her toenails done (she can't find more than half of them anyway), but a nice clear coat on her toe bones would sure keep them from chipping so badly. As for the Alliance races, the treatments the blood elves receive would work fine on all but the Draenei, and they would probably enjoy the same treatment the Tauren do.

I'm sure I could dream up a jillion more things I'd like to do in game with my characters, but there is only one that I place at the top of my list. I would love them to have a home. Maybe one for each faction, decorated with little trophies of my character's achievements. It need not reside on Blizzards servers, but as a side area on my own. I should be able to invite people over if I wanted, limited only by my own systems capacity. Just a little place to hang their hat when their day is done, with no other functionality than chat and displayed storage, and maybe a place or two to sit, like the houses SWG still hosts for their players.

That's all I have for this edition of "Blizzard, Pamper Me More!" If there comes another edition, be ready to explore the seedier side of pampering. Hubby has some wild ideas of his own. Comments? Leave them below, or better yet, add to the thread that was started here.

Breathtaking Outlands - A Photo Journal.

Delgada dusts off her camera and tours the Outlands, looking for ideal spots to snuggle up to your one and only. She got some great ideas for places to photograph from Arrens, Anna, Syrana, and Indigored. Thanks for the help, and I hope you all find something in here that sparks your romantic imagination!


What is the most incredible sight you have ever seen in game? For me, it was the sky seen through the massive columns after stepping through the Dark Portal. The Hellfire Peninsula itself is really void of beauty, save for the skies above. For a great picnic place, all you have to do is pick your favorite bit of floating debris and spread a blanket.

Zangarmarsh is gloomy, but can still provide a lovely backdrop for a romantic get together. Sit together atop a giant mushroom overlooking one of the lakes...

or find a secluded pond for some skinny dipping. Watch out for Naga. They don't take kindly to other people using their swimming pools.


The Lower City Tavern in Shattrath is decorated for the season. If you stop by at the right time, you can enjoy the company of your lovely date and the Level 80 Elite Tauren Chieftains.


Ruuan Weald in the Blade's Edge mountains seems to be welcoming lovers as well. When the curators are all asleep, take a dip with your sweet in the moonwell.


The innkeeper has set aside a room in the inn with satin sheets and mood lighting. Most couples will find this part of Blade's Edge very quiet and far away from the bustle of Northrend scourge fighting. The perfect get away!


Nagrand is lush and vibrant. If you and your Valentine enjoy hunting and fishing, this place is ideal.


If you don't, there are areas for rock climbing, swimming, free falling (bring along a priest or mage for best results), even a super trampoline!


Leaving the cheer and brightness of Nagrand and following the Lower Path into Terokkar, the mood changes to melancholy. Don't let the mood of the area get to you. This is one of the great places to lay down and look up at the sky.


The light from the sun and stars filters through the leaves and crystalline pine cones turn each beam into sparkling, tiny rainbows, beauty in the midst of sorrow. If your date is in a pensive mood, this could be a good place to end up.


What can anyone say about Shadowmoon Valley? It's dark, evil mood is punctuated by angry bursts and trails of fire in the sky. This is not the ideal place to take your intended, unless they have an unhealthy obsession with Illidan and the Black Temple.


Now, if you were looking for a heated spring to soothe war weary aches and ease tensions, you might well shoo away the naga and elementals from this place. I believe they may be the only hot springs in Outland.

Netherstorm, though in bits and pieces, still has some areas that any pair of lovers could enjoy together. The Eco Domes, marvels of science and magic, preserve some of the most beautiful tropical wildlife in both worlds.


Swimming, hunting, fishing, or just walking along enjoying the heady scents of hibiscus and other tropical flora, your partner will enjoy every minute spent inside.


Just mind the crocodiles.


Is your date interested in gemology, or a jewel crafter? Perhaps a stop on the Celestial Ridge for some "rock" climbing is in order.


Stage a ceremony at this secluded little chapel on Wizard's Row. Just make sure you clear the area of its ghostly and demonic denizens first.


Say your fella seems to have missed the boat? Take him out to captain this one in the Twisting Nether just south of Wizard's Row.

Outland is full of surprising and breath taking sights. What I have been able to photograph are just a small sampling of what Outland has to offer. Take your favorite person and pick a zone to explore together as part of your date. Take your own pictures, and put them into a scrapbook to make this date one to remember for years to come!

THIS Is Why I Love This Game!

A gondola for undead lovers in Undercity. This is fabulous!

Sweets For Your In Game Sweetie.

What do you get that epic someone in your life for Valentine’s Day? Delgada continues her search of the known world for unusual and thoughtful gifts that any Azerothian would love to receive. You can also go back in time and read last year's selections.

Battered Hilt - This may seem trashy, but there are people out there that, for a little hard work, will turn it into something worth wielding.

Motorcycle - Hit up a friendly engineer to help cut the cost, and get together the materials. Maybe when you're done handing over the keys, he'll take you for a spin!

Clothes - A new wardrobe piece makes a great gift. Crafted items are usually easier to get, but occasionally a loot drop makes its way to the auction house. Click on the categories below for a list of bind on equip epic level items sure to please your Valentine.

Cloth

Leather

Mail

Plate

Cloaks

60 and Under Epic

61-79 Epic

Ammunition - Arrows are more Cupid’s style, but that hunter in your life might well be carrying a gun. A few thousand epic rounds in his ammo pouch will have him thinking of you with every shot.

Picnic - Wise people have said before that the way to a lover's heart is through their stomach. Cook up some buff foods that complement their play style, and invite them to a meal on your romantic picnic blanket. Pick up a cake for dessert!

Love Potions - Potions, elixirs, and flasks may not be a traditional gift, but he’ll love that you gave them, and that is why they are love potions!

Bling - Find a nice ring or necklace to set off your sweet's already great smile and gorgeous eyes.

Flowers - Or any off hand item to go with that scrumptious backless dress. Here are some you can buy.

I hope this helps you find the perfect gift for your in game flame. Stay tuned, as Delgada tours Outland and Northrend looking for the best of the best spots for romantic roleplay. While you wait, check out last year's articles covering the Eastern Kingdoms and Kalimdor.

Rest and Relaxation

Tamarind over at Righteous Orbs gave me the most wonderful present of a topic to write about for Christmas, and I thought I would unwrap it and write about it early. If you haven't been following, pop on over and start reading. Tam and Chas' posts are always good for a grin and some "yeah, that's me" moments. So, here is my gift from Tam:

"...if your characters (or you can just do Shawndra if you prefer, since she seems to be occupying your time and attention at the moment) were going to retire from the adventuring life, where would they settle down, and what would they be doing instead?"

Shawndra fell in love with Nagrand the minute she set foot in it. The fishing is plentiful. The grasslands are lush and green, and the herds of clefthoof and talbuk offer a good living, giving up their skins and meats. Living in Nagrand, after the toughening Shawndra experienced fighting the minions of the Lich King, would be the easy life. If the orcs of Garadar wouldn't put her up, there were one or two abandoned camps or outposts she remembered that would do fine. Just give her a pole, a fire with a kettle, a rude shelter, and she'd bring her knife and live well and happily.


Delgada would not retire easily. If she came to the point when that was all that was left to do, I imagine she would bank all but the necessities, find a corner of the world she hadn't explored thoroughly and continue working. If forced to retire, she would probably find a shallow grave and hand the one responsible the shovel. Sitting idly fishing or twiddling is just not her style. She did enough of that after a lovely piece of scourged toast with honey.


Halinka is rather young and the idea of retiring really hadn't been thought about until now. Halinka loves to read and would happily watch the world go by from the window of any number of places, so long as there was a room with a view. I'm sure Minya would like to see her retire. At least she is no longer hanging out in the Exodar waiting for Halinka's findings. Stormwind is much healthier!

I don't see Dinnaeh (formerly Esoterique) retiring. I do, however, imagine her being the tragic victim of casting fire spells in her sleep. She should probably see someone about that...


That's all I have right now. I looked back at some of my roleplay posts to see who had back stories, and it turns out I have many, but the main characters are listed above.

Now, for the second part of this gift. This is the part I give to you! Comment below if you would like a present of a topic to write about for your blog. I will respond with your very own topic, chosen with your blog's personality in mind. As stated in Tam's post, this is a gift, with no strings. Use it, don't use it, regift it, use it to paper your parakeet's cage, it is your choice!

You're Doing It.

The game does not matter. So long as you play any game that is part of the massively multi-player online role play genre, you're doing it. Sure, you can make your characters on a Player versus Player server, or even a Player versus Environment server, and think that you are not doing it. But you are. You are role playing. You don't have to make your characters on a server that is designated for role play. You don't have to have an elaborate back story, or even an idea of a back story. Your character's name doesn't even have to be a real name (yes, lolbbqurmom, I'm talking to you). Just the fact that you twiddled with what class to play, what race it would be, what color hair it had, and how many piercings it had made you a role player. Yeah, and you guys out there, playing bouncy little female toons because you'd rather watch a girl's rear while you quest, give me a break. The minute you pretend to be a real girl to gain an advantage in loot drops, or any other matter, you role played.

That was just the beginning for you. Character creation can seem harmless enough, but you had to go out and interact with the non player characters with your new avatar. Now, everything that avatar does is related to it, good or bad, right or wrong, purple or green. You have begun to build a history for it. Did you know that once you got tired of killing boars, so did your avatar? That quest reward that you never got rid of because it matched your avatars eyes? That is history sitting in your bank, or you can call it what it is, role play gear. Did you sit your avatar down in an inn while you went away from your keyboard for a nature call? Your character enjoyed a nice frosty brew while you were gone, and flirted with a barmaid. Or how about all those quests you did to gain favorable reputation with the Skyguard? Your character could be called a flyboy, or a genocidal maniac only interested in wiping arrakoa from the face of Azeroth.

Did you know that denying group invitations pegged your character as a loner? Those snide comments you put up in general chat while you were dutifully having your character pick up quest items made your character add to it's personality, making it a sarcastic, handle with care kind of being. That nasty chat session you had when you got home from school, in trade chat for every bank alt and poor unsuspecting player to see pegged your character as cool in the eyes of every other foul mouthed yutz, and added your character to the ignore lists of more mature players. No player associates these things to you, the person sitting behind the screen, unless they know you in the real world. These things are attributed to a name in the chat channel, a bunch of pixels you threw together, thinking it was just a video game. Boy, were you wrong. You bought a part in the play called World of Warcraft, on the server you made the character on, and now you are stuck with it.

Of course, you could delete your character if, for some reason, it has given you a bad reputation. You could server transfer, or even faction transfer. Name, sex and faction changes leave that character on ignore lists, so if you were looking to wipe the slate clean, it just rearranges things a bit. Whatever you choose, you have learned one valuable lesson. Role play is a very basic part of this game, and you're doing it. Keep your nose clean, and your chat, and for goodness sake, have some fun with it!

Bloodthistle Addiction

Yeah, I use the stuff, but what blood elf magic user doesn't. I keep a leaf or three in my pouch all the time. I don't use a lot. I'm a priest, I have principles. My friend, Aesirla, ordered a salad of the petals with a splash of vinaigrette the other day. It might not have been so bad, but it was a meal sized salad, not just an appetizer. When we left the restaurant, it was all she could do to keep from turning her hawkstrider into turkey dinner. I only use it when I need a boost. You know how it is. You're in the field, you feel drained, like you can't heal another rogue, or you can't smite another plague infested lynx. So you take a nip. Noone hides it out here. Remember when we disciplined those two apprentices for drowning Antheol's musty old tome? That pouch he gave as a "reward" was his old herb bag. Magister's Pouch, hah! More like dime bag. Seriously. We all do it here.

We didn't always lean on herbs for a boost. When the Sunwell was still around, we just drank the power in from the air. The "smell" was heavenly, and the feeling, well it sure didn't send me int0 withdrawals. We had it pretty good for a while, when those "blood knights" had that Naaru in captivity. Stealing the power to heal sounds horrible, I know. Those paladin were the bad guys, I was just taking a little here and there. All I did was grab the radiant beams when the Naaru had a hot flash. They sat around and channeled the power out of him. Nibbling a little bud doesn't seem so bad, considering the alternative means sucking the last bit of power from a dying source. Now all we have to work with are stale leftovers and rogue leylines.

So, yeah, I am addicted to bloodthistle. At least I'm not passed out drunk like that guy outside the inn. Go pick on someone else.

What Holiday Would You Design?

On the forums today, Crygil asked, "If you were a developer for just one World of Warcraft in-game holiday/world event, what would it be?" I read through maybe 2 pages of what looks to be a very popular thread, with ideas that range from a gnome appreciation day/week, to a faction un-appreciation day (kill your own allies!), to a twist on St Patty's Day. Some had some ideas for a day to honor our past heroes (though I thought we already had that in the harvest festival, going to Ashenvale to visit a monument to Grom Hellscream), and some had some really outlandish ideas. Gnome costumes for Tauren? Thulgasta of the Malfurion server had a neat idea for a Leif Erickson day, complete with a cloth helm with horns anyone could wear. Idoka of the Scarlet Crusade server had another idea that is close to my heart, Troll Week. It's about 2/3 of the way down page four. the details are better in the hands of the person who thought them up! Elindi of Altar of Storms server had a great idea to have a beach party themed holiday, about 2/3 of the way down page 9. Goatvomit of the Uther server did a bit of research and came up with a Tauren-centric holiday and quests on page 10 near the top. Near the bottom of page 10, though short and sweet, a Teddy Bear picnic day told in the words of Diesalven of the Burning Legion realm has some appeal. Exphryl of Tichondrius has some neat thoughts on a Pirate vs Ninja event (who doesn't want a hook to complete their pirate costume?) on page 11 three posts down. The whole of the previous pages are sprinkled with people wanting more zombie invasions and a Mardi-Gras type event, though how it is implemented varies wildly.

I get to page 13, and Kisirani, a world designer, comments,"This is a curious read. Do keep it up. ;)"


It would seem that they did. Brandston of the Ghostlands server, just a few posts down the page, thinks there should be a county fair, and I agree! I'd love to see Farmer Torp's famous pig! Oogle of the Misha server has a good idea for a flea market, centering on the professions, toward the bottom of page 14. Directly below that post, Vaca of the Bladefist server has some ideas of a Carnaval type event, or, if that didn't work, a murloc invasion. There were many other ideas, all of them showing some thought, even if I didn't take to them myself.


What kind of holiday would I want to see in game? I would first have to think, would it be something that all races and both faction could participate in? A race specific holiday doesn't sound like such a good idea when I start to think that way. I really am enjoying the idea of the county faire type event. It doesn't have to cross faction lines, as the original person thought that the best places to host the event would be Westfall or the Barrens. One on each side of the conflict would do. The areas chosen are also some that have been pretty empty as of late, and would bring new life to old zones. What kind of quests would be there to keep our allies busy? A pie eating contest, definitely. A greased pig wrestling contest, perhaps? Perhaps our friends would be charged to vote for the "best of show" among all the livestock entries. Maybe the sheep pen is plagued by a nasty wolf that needs taking out. Are some of the cooking judges being bribed (or can they be bribed) to choose an unworthy product as winner? Choosing a side could open up a whole new set of quests, siding with the sleazy judges or the angry contestants. Vendors could serve faire food, like they do in the Darkmoon Faire. Maybe there could be some cooking quests, to help supply the food vendors. For the roleplay crowd, maybe a circus tent with some rare animals and acts could be arranged. There is so much someone can do at a faire.

As much as I love the country faire idea, here is my idea for an in game event. I posted this on the thread. Seems I am the only one that came up with this, at least in the thread.

My original idea had been to return to Nagrand, and have an armistice of sorts, where the Draenei and the Orc would come together in a sort of good will meeting, remembering back to before the Orc were tainted with the fel blood. There could be quests of discovery for both sides, seeing how they once lived in a tenuous peace, trading their wares, their children playing at the foot of the bargaining table.

The orc and draenei, both learned in the shamanistic way, could have a spirit guide to lead us to important areas, and have an ancestor meet us there with a story of what happened at that place. Before that there would have to be some material gathering, much like the quest in Garadar that Greatmother Geya gives. There could be a special quest for shaman only that would give them a totem that would be on par with something already in game, but with an added perk like a spirit raven that follows the owner when it is equipped. Perhaps this would be a follow up quest to the spirit guide quest, where the shaman is asked to bring an item to a great shaman of their faction. Once there, the shaman leader of their faction would have them run a certain instance (perhaps one in Auchindoun) and summon a special boss to retrieve a corrupted totem, that would have to be purified (perhaps a solo follow up quest that has them kill evil spirits corrupting the totem) to make the quest reward.

There would be a great feast set out, talbuk and clefthoof roasting over huge pits, bluefish and mudfish set out on rough plank tables with drinks and platters of vegetables and fruits. There might be a sparring area to one side where we could go hand to hand or use staves to duel npcs. A fishing tournament is a must, with all the great fishing to be had out there. Maybe a prize for the person who catches the most fish in a given time, run once every hour? The winner could get some silly fishing frill like a sparkly bobber or a special fishing outfit (chest piece that works as a full outfit).

Cough Medicine

Minya uncurled herself carefully from around the sleeping form of her companion and set her hooves carefully so as not to disturb her cat. They had been hunting the elusive bargains at the auction house for weeks, setting traps carefully to lure people in to buy odds and ends Halinka had collected in her travels. It was boring. Minya's normally robust earthy tone had lost a few shades. The crystal dust still in the ventilation systems of the Exodar caused both of them to have a nagging cough that most remedies barely touched. Noone was meant to stay at the Exodar this long. It was a place to visit, understand, and get out of as quickly as possible.

She reached the small table she was using as kitchenette and pharmacy, and started to heat a pot of water. From one of the packages sent from Halinka, Minya pulled a few Silverleaf and a Peacebloom. She took her mortar and pestle and ground them into dust, which she put into the water, adding a bit of some dwarven stout and some honey. It was an awful concoction, but it helped somewhat. She poured a bit into a flask, took a swig, and tucked it into her hip pack for later, then quietly made her way to the mail box to see what treasures awaited her trading that day. A cough escaped as she emptied a couple large crates into her carisak, ducking her head into her shoulder to keep from offending anyone.

At the auction house, she put her wares up for sale, and collected sales made while she had been away. Bundling up the coin with a small exotic pet, she sent them on their way to Halinka, with the unspoken, "Get me out of here!" that always accompanied these payments. Halinka knew she was doing poorly, but didn't have much choice. Her travels kept her far from the Exodar, as they should, meeting all the peoples of the Alliance with hopes they would accept her self appointed status as ambassador of the Draenei. The humans and the night elves had been easy, but the gnomes were proving difficult. The dwarves would be alright, so long as Halinka conditioned herself to the ale they drank. Minya knew that was a problem, as that small bit of stout in her syrup was enough to make her happy, even in this dying spaceship.

Minya bundled up her carisak and shoved it into her hip pack, taking out the flask in the same move. Another tot of the sauce, and she was walking, if not as steadily, a little more spritely than before. She vowed to poke her head outside with her cat for a little hunting later that day. Maybe she'd even start fishing....

Sorry I haven't been posting lately. Spring break was not as fun as I remember it being! I have had the worst cold, followed by my husband changing laundry soaps on me while I wasn't shopping, left me miserable for my return to work. So miserable, in fact, that I missed the first half of the week, went back on Thursday, tried to go back Friday, and went home an hour later in fits of coughing with a fever. Hopefully, the fact that I am sitting here writing is a sign that I'm getting out of this, though my chest is heavy still, I am at least almost rested and not running a temperature.

Wearin' O' The Green: In Color!

The Captain's Set.

The Forest Set, with the Green Brewfest Hat.

The Green Iron Set, sans helm. It would muss her hair!

Batter up, it's the Shimmering Set! Sorry, there weren't any ball caps. Blizzard, we must have one!

Wearin' O' The Green

Thought I would dredge through the many items available to wear and pick some green colored, though not necessarily uncommon in nature, items to wear today as you down a few ales in Ironforge or wish you had a good ale elsewhere.

These items almost everyone should be able to find. The stats are non-existant, but the colors are fabulous! During the Elder Festival, did you pick up the Festive Green Dress? If you didn't, don't cry into your beer, because chances are it's already been watered down. Instead, pick up Green Wedding Hanbok or Dark Green Wedding Hanbok. They're not green all over, but they will keep them from pinching you, unless they are too short to see that high. Speaking of beer, if you were clever with your coin at Brewfest, you bought a Green Brewfest Hat. Now, it doesn't necessarily match the last three items, but as I noticed in the lunch line today, when it comes to wearing the green, the more outlandish and mismatched, the better! Another fun option, for you engineers out there, are the level nineteen twink item, Green Tinted Goggles. If you have a tailor friend, the Green Holiday Shirt can be made after a short trip into Scarlet Monastery. Well, make that about 5 of those, the silk drops in there like leaves in the fall! If you have some Frostweave and you don't care, Green Lumberjack Shirt could be yours. Make sure you get a Lumberjack Axe to heft over your shoulder, to complete the look.

Now for some gear that you can use! For you plate wearers out there, I bring you the Emerald Set. Looted from mobs in the 55-60 zones of old Azeroth, these items are randomly enchanted. You might be lucky to find a whole set, who knows? For lower level plate wearers, the Jade Set is looted from level 42-51 zones. For you leather wearers, the Jadefire Set is very fashionable, and available in the 46-55 areas of old Azeroth. This set even has a cloak, which might go nicely with the plate set as well. A lower level leather set, the Forest Set, would be great for the 24 and under crowd.

Cloth wearers, to start, I give you the Beaded Set. The shirt is alright, but that robe is the eye-catcher. Another nice robe with green on it is the Spider Web Robe. The Beastwalker Robe is a lucky drop off Nefaru, a rare worgen in Duskwood. The Conjurer's Set is a lovely dark green, my favorite color, and gives the option of a shirt or a robe. The Greenweave Set is very rustic and raggedy, for that slept-in-my-clothes-after-a-bar-brawl look. The Ivycloth Set is a great leprechaun-like set, except for the robe. I'd stay with the tunic. The Pressed Felt Robe is also a great looking choice. The Shimmering Set, without using the robe, looks like you are ready to play ball! The Willow Set is also a great looking set.

For mail wearers, the Brackwater Set is the earliest green set. Set up your warrior or paladin bank alt with this set for some holiday fun! The Soldier's Set has some nice green accents, for those who don't want an all green outfit. If you have a friend that is a blacksmith and you are at least 34, the Green Iron Set is a real eye catcher! For enough gold to make a leprechaun drool, and enough green to keep you from pinches, try the Captain's Set. This set is a crowd-stopper, especially on the female toon of your choice.

I'm sure there are more options out there, as I didn't touch Outland or Northrend, much. Remember to gather some friends, drink some ale, and put the dwarves to shame this holiday!

This would have kept me from getting pinched so much at school today! Some real world green for Saint Patty's Day! Have fun out there tonight, whether it's in Azeroth or in the real world. Designate a blimp operator, cyclist, or driver. You know the one to pick...the one standing in the corner with the obviously non-alcoholic beverage. Stay safe, and I hope you visit my corner of the internet again soon!

Romancing the Eastern Kingdoms: A Photo Journal

Delgada once again puts on her traveling attire and readies her camera to find lovely getaways in the eastern kingdoms.









The home of magic abusing elves, Quel'thalas is also one of the prettiest parts of the Eastern Kingdoms. Usually deserted, Silvermoon City can be yours to use as you please. Go riding out past the Dead Scar to Fairbreeze Village and buy a Dragonhawk hatchling to match your date's outfit!
Home to the Scarlet Monastery, Tirisfal Glades is beautiful, in a misty, mournful way. Have you known your sweet forever? Plan ahead, clear out the Cathedral, and stage a wedding! Don't forget the tuxedo and wedding dress, or the ring. After the wedding, head out to Shadowfang Keep in nearby Silverpine Forest, clear out the dining room, and set out some feasts and cakes for a reception she's not likely to forget soon!

Indiana Jones will have nothing on you should you take your gal along on an excursion through Jintha'alor in the Hinterlands. Bone up on your troll lore, and hope Mith'rethis the Enchanter is there and drops those sexy spider robes!

Is she the rugged, outdoors type? Perhaps she would enjoy some rock climbing. Head out to Hillsbrad Foothills and climb the crater left behind after Dalaran moved to Northrend. Not challenging enough? Make sure the both of you have finished your prequesting and find the man behind the Love Plague near Manor Ravenholdt. Hike the hidden trails to get back there, and when you are done questing, explore the manor.

Your party girl will love the Grim Guzzler! Located deep within Blackrock Depths, this bar serves up ale and entertainment. For those looking for a good fight, all you have to do is take a beer mug off the table. Make sure it is alright with your date first, though! The Level 80 Elite Tauren Chieftains play there nightly at 8:00 server time. If you are fortunate enough to have Direbrew's remote, just talk to the roadie for a private showing anytime you like!









Maybe a ride into the countryside followed by a picnic is more your style. Ellwyn Forest has many places suited to picnicking, and several unoccupied barns offer themselves up for an impromptu roll in the hay. If you are of the Alliance faction, a stop by the Crazy Cat Lady should be included, if only to save one of those cats she sells from her stewpot!

Does your lady long for the sea? Menethil Harbor has boats to many destinations. Is she perhaps just content to sit and ponder the waves? A quaint lighthouse off the coast of Westfall is a great place to watch the waves, and your ghostly host is friendly to both factions. Does she just like to watch the fish? The best aquarium ever is said to have been made was quite accidentally done by the gnomes when they made the tram between Ironforge and Stormwind.

Stranglethorn Vale is the place, if a safari is in your sights! Head over to Nesingwary's original camp and, if you haven't already, partake in his savage desire to rid the Vale of all wildlife. If this is small game to you, grab a mudskunk lure and head for Zul'Gurub. Head for the fishing camp, cast your line, and prepare for excitement! You may want to do this as a double date, or a group outing...Does your gal fancy herself a dragon slayer? There are many areas infested with dragonkin and drakes, such as the Burning Steppes, the Badlands, the Searing Gorge, the Blasted Lands, and a few places in Kalimdor. Grab a good sized group and visit Twilight Grove in Duskwood. Pay a visit to Emeriss, or Lethon, or Ysondre. A challenging date, for your dragon killer!

Nothing says I love you to your gothic gal quite like a free ticket to dinner in Moroes' dining hall. While you're there, grab another couple or four and make your way to the opera hall. I do so love their rendition of Romulo and Julianne. If there is time, clear the library for some achievement reading.
No romantic getaway is possible without some means of transportation. In Dun Morogh, there is a fabulous airstrip that takes a little work to get to. Follow this tutorial to get there. Save your date the hassle of the trip, and bring a friend and a warlock friend with you to summon her up! There is a nice area up there large enough for a whole guild party, but I'm willing to bet it's also deserted enough for a snuggle by the fire. Oh, I said there was transportation here? Fat chance. None of these planes are leaving anytime soon!

I hope you found this journal helpful in finding ideas for that special someone. Come back soon for my journals on Outland, and time permitting, Northrend!