Desolace

After the Cataclysm wreaked its havoc across the lands, the green patch that sprouted in the middle of Desolace has made the zone better. Anou likes to go there now again, her horse's hooves clopping loudly on the cracked, parched earth until she reaches Cenarion Wildlands, where the air carries with it a freshness borne of lush greenery and the promise of shade.

Lyv's Place of Worship

In honor of a random throwback Thursday...

Anou and Darger cleared up the chapel for Lyv's sermon. They waited, and waited... Guess you can't trust Undead to arrive on time. While Anou waits impatiently on the stoop of the chapel, Darg tries his hand at a eulogy in honor of the humans they have killed this day (while cleaning the chapel for Lyv's arrival).

Waiting for Lyv.

Tidy workspace, minus corpses.

Darger's eulogy.

Little Summer stands guard over the sacrificed.

Why on Azeroth is there a sink on the altar?

The Mines of Moria

One day, while Anou was out on a mission, her adventuresome spirit and avid curiosity lead her to this cave. As she descended into its darkness, the bright light of her staff lighting each footstep, she felt like she was on the set of Lord of the Rings, discovering the Mines of Moria.

This is currently my desktop wallpaper. ;)

WoD Scenery

This expansion has been my favorite so far since my beginnings during the Burning Crusade! The landscapes are by far the most beautiful I've seen! I like how smoothly the story and questing unfolds, bringing me logically from one place to the next. Having decided to level Anou first, I don't feel the usual pressure of a level grind (because DPS are a dime a dozen for end content), so I randomly go off exploring, I click on anything that can be clicked, hunt all the silver portraits that appear on my mini map. I really like the Bonus Objectives, giving me a break from the norm if and when I so choose. At first the Garrison bothered me, because they plunked it down right at the beginning when I wasn't remotely bored yet, and I felt there was too much to do there, preventing me from moving forward. But now, it's there, I can return whenever I want (smart move to add a Garrison hearthstone), but I'm not obliged to do anything there anymore. It is nice to have somewhere where I get rested XP, yet can fish, cook, mosey around, and be alone. Good work, Blizz! <3

Here are some breath-taking vistas from the new zones...

Just outside my Garrison

Lamplight on the Cobbled Path

Anoukisse was out exploring again, something she gets distracted with while doing other things such as prospecting. (Lyv has begged and begged her for that staff from the Dwarven archaeology fragments for a tmog outfit of purple epicness—Staff of Sorcerer-Thane Thaurissan.) On her way to a digsite, the glow from lamp posts along the semi-cobbled path through the mountains from Strahnbrad made her pause. Click click click went my "camera" as Anou posed for screenshots in her Beautiful outfit.

Click!

Click!!

CLICK!!!

The Foothills

Dearest Hillsbrad,

How I loathed thee whilst leveling. Seriously. Bloody farmers. Farkin' alliance scum tearing up the NPCs at Tarren Mill. Ceaseless PvP bloodshed. Lions and spiders and bears, oh my! Need I say more?

Then, upon discovering Old Hillsbrad, I was so delighted to see how Tarren Mill had been during the age of humans. Comparing it to the present-time decrepit buildings run by corpses, the Hillsbrad I knew, was poignant to say the least!

Yet now, how I miss thee since the tragic Cataclysm. The ironic undead modernization; abandoned alliance territory falling into decay. Yes, you brought along Johnny Awesome and his "friends", an absorbing mini-game for amateur gardeners, and your new quests were the most entertaining in-game ever, but still...

It just isn't the same. I mourn the loss of you.

Sincerely yours, Anoukisse

"It's good to be.." /gasp

"This is not how I remembered it."

A look at what was once the village of Southshore.

For those interested, featured above: Embroidered Armor, Patchwork Belt, Simple Kilt, Knitted Sandals, Beautiful Wildflowers. Photo bombers: Little Fawn and Orange Tabby (mount: Regal Riding Crane).

View from the Hobbit Hole

On location from New Zealand.

Tribute to Vikings

Back when WotLK came out, my first 'toon leveling through those zones was Anoukisse. At the time, my husband and I leveled our mains together, so she was always trekking along behind Hapis, a very wide-shouldered and sexy Tauren. Yummeh. Errr.. anyway... Since he was the leader, and I think because it was most convenient from the departure point we were at, we leveled from the Eastern side of the new continent.

My first impression of Howling Fjord was actually AMAZING! I loved the music in that zone, the graphics, the Northern Lights, I loved the giant viking-type NPCs (even if I had to kill them with fire) and their neat little villages. Dragons flying in the sky were just a bonus.

Recently, I went back there for my try at the mount in UP, and I saw the massive castle-like structure from a different angle, and I just had to take a snap of it for posterity.

One day, Ragnar will be king, and he will hold this castle as his own. And Anou will visit him. >:) But I will not be writing about that interlude. /cackle

Ragnar Lothbrok

Can't Get Enough of Krasarang Wilds

I've mentioned it before: Of all Pandaria, Krasarang Wilds is my favorite zone. Not so much for the mobs or quest lines, but for the splendor of the vista. In my opinion, Blizzard designers went above and beyond as far as graphic textures and details, making the view from whichever angle quite breathtaking.

As Anou flew over the cool forests of Krasarang, hunting for silver portraits, she couldn't help capture some shots of the panorama.

As the sun sets over Krasarang Wilds...

The majestic tower of The Temple of the Red Crane.

The last fading rays of sun pierce through leaves.

Down in the Deep

That transition cinematic after Immerseus in SoO... This image is so evocative of the damp and drafty underbelly of really creepy places. You can almost feel it—when no one is talking in vent and you're not in a rush to hit the next boss, that is.

Shrine of the Jade Forest

Aerial view of the Shrine of Fellowship

Anou waves at me. Aww. :)

A mother and her children go by, in this zen-like retreat.

You can actually see the wind...

How peaceful it is up here.

Everyone is welcome at the Shrine of Fellowship.

Walk Through Silverpine Forest

Again, the urge to travel back to her early beginnings as a Warlock overcame her. It had been quite some time since Anou had strolled through the dark, cool forests of Silverpine. It was possibly so long ago, that the Sons of Arugal still wandered the shadowy woods in search of the unsuspecting drifter.

As of late though, Anou had noticed one strange thing: Each time she flew over the area, a cymbal clash could be heard, followed by something like a spark. Three undead men then appeared out of thin air, accompanying her across the zone. This evening was no exception. However, this evening, Anou was waiting for their appearance down on the ground, atop her noble stallion, Sinister. It was clear these gentlemen sought her for a purpose, something she was curious to find out.

The heavy hooves of her horse clopped against the packed earth as she made the cross into Silverpine Forest from Tirisfal Glades. Anou immediately noted the now-familiar clash and sizzle, and low and behold there stood three distinguished fellows: Lord Godfrey, Lord Walden, and Baron Ashbury. She brought her war-horse to a halt and turned to regard the three men. Not one to mince words, she looked down at them and stated, "you wanted to see me, gentlemen?"

Baron Ashbury: "Keep the conversations curt. I am in no mood for whining or rambling."
Lord Godfrey: "For pity's sake, Ashbury, cover yourself. Your leg bones are popping out."
Baron Ashbury: "I did not bring this wretched affliction upon myself, Godfrey. It was a "gift", remember? Now kindly enjoy the "gift" and shut up."

Anou cleared her throat, looking down at their pasty faces and crumbling limbs, waiting patiently for someone to say something useful...

Lord Walden, catching the drift, raised his voice and spoke: "Southwest of here, near the Greymane Wall, lies the 7th Legion Base Camp. We must search the base camp for battle plans. With the 7th Legion battle plans we will be able to pinpoint all Alliance troop advancement in Silverpine Forest."

This seemed promising. And all tasked directly by Sylvanas. "Walk with me, I want to hear everything."

"Let's get out of this rain, my cloak is drenched."

Once inside, after the traditional "paying of respects", they adjourned to a quiet room above stairs and continued their conversation. Secret missions, hostage taking, liberation of soldiers, all plans worthy of a great Warlock. A great Warlock like her.

She would agree of course, but it was nice having men of such stature practically on their knees, needing her help. Maybe she would let the needy whimpering continue for just a little bit longer.

[Camera two, zoom in, to portrait view of Anou in chair.]
[Anou: /delicate arching of brow and maniacal glint sparkling devilishly in eyes]
[Fade out.]

Untitled

Words would just mar the eloquence of this photo. Shh!

The Prison Dog

Following up on my The Captain's Booty (Pirates of the Caribbean) and WoW: Disney Edition posts, here's another scene you'll find in game that you will most likely recognize:

Charlie, Northern Barrens

Pirates of the Caribbean ride, Walt Disney World

Bride of the Embalmer

Upon her many travels, Anoukisse discovered a crooked old shed somewhere in the back country of Duskwood. The lit lanterns indicated someone was there. Eliza, Bride of the Embalmer stood in the entrance of her damp home, hollow eyes watching Anou's approach suspiciously.

Oddly though, I thought of this:

"Eliza, you are to stay here for the next six months learning to speak beautifully, like a lady in a florist's shop. If you work hard and do as you're told, you shall sleep in a proper bedroom, have lots to eat, and money to buy chocolates and go for rides in taxis. But if you are naughty and idle, you shall sleep in the back kitchen amongst the black beetles, and be wolloped by Mrs. Pearce with a broomstick." ~ Prof. Higgins

 Guess we know which one she chose.. ;)

Not sure if this NPC is still in game or not. Comments are varied. I may have to take a treck out there again!

Don't Diss the 'Stache

The Mogu 'stache, to be precise.

Hillsbrad Horses

Flower Pots

Because we are now traveling in the opposite direction from the Isle of Thunder, I am finding new 'pretty stuff' to screen shot on my way to the Timeless Isle.
 

This new stuff, along with the treasure chests placed here and there in challenging locations, are what make the Timeless Isle worth it to me. The new zone/daily hub isn't really all that thrilling, and one major complaint is that it's so easy to gear a 'toon with the BoA drops in that zone, that LFR is becoming one ginormous headache.

Pretty Orange Flowers

Now, as most of you know, I pay attention to details in this game. Flowers, table settings, precipitation... Tome made me realize I should also pay attention to decorative frames, thank you Tome.

The following screenshots, if I recall correctly, had Pallyblood /facepalming me in Vent. Yes, out loud--he actually smacked his forehead over the mic.

Anyway. So, you know that spot between Shrine of Two Moons and Halfhill? That mountain range you fly over when on a straight trajectory from these two points? I stop there each time (unless I have someone following me) to admire the pretty orange flowers. I 'lub' those flowers. They are my favorite!