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Darth Decisive

@darthdecisive.bsky.social
434 followers 545 following 4.9K posts

35, He/Him, Creative Writer, D&D, WoW, & FFXIV Enthusiast, Grell Truther, and Freelance Writer (formerly GameRant) Custom fiction, nonfiction, and TTRPG writing commissions available at ko-fi.com/darthdecisive!

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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
The Nor'dorei Skyborne Elves of Quel'Danil are a hardy and bold people who do not shy away from a challenge, and are unafraid to pick fights with their enemies – be they troll, orc, or even Sin'dorei. They are intense, passionate, and free, and make for dependable allies and deadly enemies.
The OG High Elf Ranger vs. Troll Berserker art from Warcraft 2 by Metzen
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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Culturally, Skyborn elves are unkind to outsiders, but are otherwise community-minded. They often adorn themselves with feathers, swirling blue and white tattoos and body paint and garb that would stand out in Silvermoon In many ways, they're the perfect middlepoint between Kal'dorei and Quel'dorei
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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Elves who live in the High Vale are affected by the elemental corruption there. Over the generations, more elves have developed unique hair colors, greater lung capacities and a fervant wanderlust Some newer generations have even been born with unique skin colors, feathers, or other physical quirks
A close-up of the WoW Forever cinematic skyborne elf.
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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Additionally, their proximity to native green dragons and Auraiads, in addition to Farstrider techniques and old Druidic teachings, the Skyborne have their own druidic practices in which they control Spirit, Wind, and Storm energy to shape the High Vale to their specifications.
Skyborne druid forms in Wow Forever
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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Culturally, the Skyborne have developed parallel-yet-perpendicularly to the elves of Quel'thalas. Quel'Danil has its own arcane traditions, but it pales in comparison to Dalaran or the Magisterium. That said, their understanding of the elements vastly surpasses their Thalassian cousins.
A Skyborne elf and their playable races in WoW
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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
The Skyborne took this opportunity to join the Alliance proper alongside their Wildhammer allies, using the "betrayal" of their kin as leverage to get influence. They used this to put further pressure on the High Elves – Thalassians who refused to follow Silvermoon – in exchange for their support.
Vereesa Windrunner, a High Elf who did not follow Silvermoon when they left the Alliance.
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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
After the destruction of Quel'thalas, the formation of the Sin'dorei, and their subsequent departure from the Alliance, the Skyborne took their opportunity to fully emancipate themselves from their northern bretheren. They became a sovereign nation ruled by the leader of each Isle-State.
Zephras Isle from WoW Forever
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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Wildhammer Dwarves in the High Vale (or their lodges down in the Hinterlands) or Skyborne in Wildhammer lands. Politically, the Skyborne were a part of the kingdom of Quel'thalas for generations. However, the longer things went, the less happy the Nor'dorei became with the arrangement.
Quel'danil Lodge from WoW
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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Once they awoke, the hill dwarf clans showed a fast affinity with the gryphons native to the Hinterlands and High Vale, as well as with the elements. They became close neighbors, engaging in trade, and joining forces against neighboring trolls whom they both warred against. It is not rare to see -
Falstad, an iconic wildhammer dwarf on gryphon back.
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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
The High Vale is not a mystery; anyone can look up and see the isles on a clear day. However, it isn't exactly easy to reach these places, and the Nor'dorei are even more unwelcoming to outsiders than the Quel'dorei were. The Wildhammer dwarf clans, however, are an exception to this rule.
A body type 2 Skyborne elf
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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Though the details are unknown, the arcanists of the High Vale eventually came to believe that the earthmotes were once part of the mountains below, but that had been rent asunder and sent skyward during an ancient calamity – perhaps predating the Ordering! The truth shall ever remain a mystery.
Part of a map (drawn by Lost Eventide) showing the general area of the High Vale islands.

Floating earthmotes can be found anywhere where the blue outline is present.

The locations of Zephras, Siroccas, and Anvilas are all shown (the latter two are very rough ideas lol)

The implication of Siroccas is that Seradane was later grown in the basin left behind by the mountains!
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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
In time, these elves would call themselves the Nor'dorei – Children of the Heavens. In the common tongue of their human allies, they would become known as the Skyborne. As they colonized the High Vale, the Nor'dorei would learn much about these new lands they called home.
Three Skyborne Elves in WoW Forever
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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
In time, these elves would establish settlements across all of these islands. Each of the largest three islands would become home to at least one large settlement: Valanaar as the capital of Zephras Isle Shen'dramar as the capital of Anvilas New Eldre'naar as the capital of Siroccas
A body type 2 Skyborne from WoW Forever
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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
It is also home to flocks of gryphons, and even the occasional stormrook or cloudrook from Skywall directly. Pods of primal dragons, flights of Storm Dragons, roosts of Harpies, and groves of Auraiads (sky nymphs with the lower bodies of hippogryphs) can also be found in the High Vale's many isles.
A storm rook from Hearthstone
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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
The floating chain of islands were home to air elementals, belkers, and and other dangers from Skywall, as the border between it and the Material Plane was thin Many of the wild creatures had also been influenced by elemental air, from the noble Galestriders to the predatory Vuldren and Wolfhawks
A Belker, a weird air elemental creature from D&D who was mentioned in the old WoW TTRPG books, so that's good enough for me. I imagine these guys to be the air elemental equivalent of flamewakers & sirens!
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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
But, Quel'Danil was a marvel that the High Elves would not turn away from. Even as Quel'Thalas, Silvermoon, and the Sunwell were being built, the first settlers made their way to Quel'Danil to explore the floating islands for themselves. They discovered a land of danger and wonder in equal measure.
Zephras Isle in WoW
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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
When these elves reported back their findings, reception was positive, but not promising. Quel'Danil was vast, but not vast enough for the nation Dath'remar had envisioned. What's more, the logistical problems of building an entire nation in the sky were too numerous for it to be their main base.
The Sea of Clouds from FFXIV, again
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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
But just when all hope seemed lost, the elves looked skyward There, above the clouds, they found what they thought would become their answer: a series of islands, floating above hundreds of feet above the mountains, full of resources and magic aplenty They would call it Quel'Danil – The High Vale
The Sea of Clouds from FFXIV, a big inspiration behind this idea.
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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
While most of the Quel'dorei turned their gaze north, others instead began looking to the south, into the high mountains of what we now know as the Hinterlands. The evergreen forest was rich in game and materials, but full of dangerous beasts like Gryphons, and was occupied by the Amani as well.
The Hinterlands in WoW
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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Promising locations were few and far between. Much of the land was claimed by human, troll, gnoll, kobold, harpy, and more All know that the Quel'dorei would later settle in Quel'Thalas after a long, bitter war against the Amani Empire. But there was another place the exiles would discover.
Quel'Thalas from WoW
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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Thus, I present the following: The Nor'dorei, or Skyborne Elves of High Vale! When Dath'remar Sunstrider and his Highborne exiles arrived on Lyrindor (more commonly known as the Eastern Kingdoms), they were desperate to find a home. Scouts spread out, seeking a place to lay down roots.
Dath'remar Sunstrider, as drawn by MoonDarner!
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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
This lore is fine! But I'm not 100% satisfied with it for three main reasons: - I don't like tying every group of Highborne to Eldre'thalas. - Having another group of secret hidden elves is repetitive - There is no reason they should look more like High Elves than Night Elves given the circumstances
A bodytype 1 (masc) blue Skyborne elf.
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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
In canon, the Skyborne are a group of Highborne Kaldorei who fled Eldre'thalas after a failed coup against Prince Tortheldrin. Circumstances led them to find a group of elementals who brought them to Skywall. Generations later, those spirits would vanish, leading them back to Azeroth.
Eldre'thalas (AKA Dire Maul) from WoW
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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
It's time for a Forever-themed Warcraft #WorldbuildingWednesday! Entry 52: The Skyborne! Everyone's talking about WoW Forever and the new Skyborne elves. Honestly, their lore is shockingly air-tight! But I'm going to offer an alternative origin for them that I'll be using in our AU. Skyward, ho!
A Skyborne elf from the WoW Forever cinematic trailer
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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
omg you did the thing
The "What a week, huh" "Captain, it's Wednesday" meme
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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
They are! They released them during the WoW collab for the Lord of Hatred release! I have no idea where or how you can get them anymore lol but I'm sure they'll come back eventually.
The Diablo 4 Tier 2 set crossover pic
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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
There is, at least, the Tier 2 sets they put out! But not as exciting as the character skins sadly
The Diablo 4 Tier 2 sets for the Necromancer, Rogue, Warlock, and Paladin
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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
A list of monsters coming in the World of Warcraft x D&D book has appeared online! This is allegedly NOT the full list, as there are reportedly some found in the Dungeon entries for bosses and the like!
A list of many of the WoW D&D monsters coming in the new sourcebook!

CR 1: Fel Imp, Murloc Forager, Voidwalker
CR 2: Shadowstalker Satyr
CR 3: Murloc Oracle, Voidcaller
CR 4: Felguard, Felsworn Satyr, Furbolg Totemic
CR 5: Felhound, Furbolg Ursa, Naga Myrmidon
CR 6: Green Dragonflight Whelp
CR 7: Blue Dragonflight Whelp, Naga Sea Witch, Quilboar Thornweaver
CR 8: Red Dragonflight Whelp
CR 9: Black Dragonflight Whelp, Naga Siren
CR 10: Bronze Dragonflight Whelp
CR 11: Doomguard, Moonkin, Nerubian Warrior
CR 12: Abomination, Green Dragonflight Drake, Infernal
CR 13: Blue Dragonflight Drake, Nerubian Crypt Fiend
CR 14: Ancient of War, Nerubian Venomancer
CR 15: N'raqi Faceless One, Red Dragonflight Drake
CR 16: Black Dragonflight Drake, Shivarra
CR 17: Bronze Dragonflight Drake
CR 19: Green Dragonflight Dragon
CR 20: Anduin Wrynn, Blue Dragonflight Dragon, Pit Lord
CR 21: Alleria Windrunner, N'raqi Faceless General, Red Dragonflight Dragon
CR 22: Black Dragonflight Dragon, Jaina Proudmoore, Thrall
CR 23: Bronze Dragonflight Dragon, Ragnaros, Sylvanas Windrunner
CR 24: Illidan Stormrage
CR 25: Lich King Arthas
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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
- save that their proximity to air elemental energies have caused some mutations. Affinity for wind and lightning, feathers, great lung capacity, wanderlust, affinity for open skies, and even blue and white skin in recent generations. In time, this corruption may manifest in even more extreme ways
A Skyborne elf from the WoW Forever trailer.
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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
That said, they have been allies of the hill dwarves of the Wildhammer Clans for as long as they have existed, with the two trading, sharing magical secrets, and providing military support against the nearby trolls who they both hate. They are biologically the same as High Elves and Blood Elves –
Aerie Peak from WoW
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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Zephras and the other isles floating above the Hinterlands are not hidden or secret, but they are hazardous (many gryphons, harpies, air elementals, sky dryads) and hard to reach, and the Nor'dorei (Children of the Heavens) do not welcome outsiders often.
The Sea of Clouds from FFXIV, which is a great inspiration for the Skyborne Elves
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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
The colony was established long ago, and swore fealty to Quel'thalas, though they grew increasingly displeased over the years as their needs were neglected for those in the homeland. When Quel'thalas fell, they finally became independent and stayed with the Alliance.
Skyborne Elves
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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Warcraft #WorldbuildingWednesday Friday Edition musings that I will probably extrapolate on later: What if, instead of the Skyborne being Highborne from Skywall... they are just literally the Highvale Elves? Place Zephras and the other cities on floating islands in the clouds above the Hinterlands
Zephras Isle from the WoW Forever trailer
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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
I am reminded of these guys from the MoP art book (I think)
A heron person from an old Mists of Pandaria art bookA winged heron person from the old WoW MoP art book
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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Wake up WoW communitiy, new bird person just dropped
Steward of the Vale, a new Hearthstone card of a bird person that sorta looks like a D&D Aarakkoa?
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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
THE BAG MAN
THE BAG MAN
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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Big congrats, though you deserve MANY more follower with how incredible your art is! I offer my punk goth felblood to your success!
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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Here's the 9 skin tones from the game:
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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
The four new BT2/Femme Skyborne Elf hairstyles
BT2 Skyborn Elf from Forever with the new Tress hair styleBT1 Skyborn Elf from Forever with the new Tailwind hair styleBT1 Skyborn Elf from Forever with the new Swoop hair styleBT1 Skyborn Elf from Forever with the new Windswept hair style
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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
The four new BT1/Masc Skyborne Elf hairstyles (the feathers are togglable and have multiple color options)
BT1 Skyborn Elf from Forever with the new Noble hair styleBT1 Skyborn Elf from Forever with the new Aerie hair styleBT1 Skyborn Elf from Forever with the new Crested hair styleBT1 Skyborn Elf from Forever with the new Wayward hair style
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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
SKYBORNE HAIRSTYLE COMPARISONS! Here's the list of retail hairstyles for blood elves vs. Forever hairstyles. Bodytype 1 and then 2, alt text has specifics. It looks like each body type lost 4 hairstyles from retail and gained 4 brand-new ones.
Retail BT1/masc Blood Elf hairstylesForever BT1/masc Skyborne Elf hairstylesRetail BT2/Femme Blood Elf hairstylesForever BT2/Femme Skyborne Elf hairstyles
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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
@aramisx.bsky.social IS THAT YOU
The Undead Paladin trainer named Aramis Hammerhand in WoW: Forever
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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Same tho
I am a furry apparently
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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Okay yeah this looks fun
1 like = 1 pokemon I love
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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
IM JUST SAYIN
Morgl the Oracle from Hearthstone
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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
One month to the day is my 20th anniversary with Blizzard apparently
My Blizzard stats!
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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
AGREED
https://www.reddit.com/r/DnD/comments/fqvyd6/artocaerdrie_faenya_goddess_of_avariel/
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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Confession: I'm actually fine with the Skyborne. I think their lore seems really solid at baseline. I understand why they made them. It's a little silly you have to pay to play them, but at least the rest of Forever is free. I mostly want to know if they're canon in retail and what they're doing.
A Skyborne elf with the WoW forever logo
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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
I GOT GOOD NEWS
NELF FORSAKEN TROLL PALLYS
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Darth Decisive @darthdecisive.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Okay, I'm very curious about these guys, and I need to know what their deal is. Do they not exist in canon? Also the file name is called WoW_Camelot lol, that was def the working title for a minute
The Skyborne Elves of WoW: Forever
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