Class Skins Concept: Paladins

Recently, The Lost Codex and myself began developing ideas on Class customisation. There are many lore examples of different 

This is just one small bit of an ongoing project that I've been working on for a while: Class Skins and new race/class combinations. In this example, I feature specifically Paladins and racial-paladin thematics. 

Part 2 is here!

So what exactly is a "Class Skin"?

For those familiar with the "Warlock Green Fire" questline, this would be much in the same idea. The idea of a Class Skin is a purely cosmetic overlay that would change the icon, name, and spell effects of ones class. Ideally, your class name would also change, but for the sake of PvP and mechanical reasons, there would be a clear indication of what your base class really is. These wouldn't necessarily be locked to a single class either - in particular with paladin, the vast majority (if not all) of the thematics would also extend to priests. The main difference between classes would be of course icons and names. 

The goal with these class skins is to provide specific race-class combos as a way to feel unique to their class while still fitting within the lore. This could also allow for new race-class combos to be playable while expanding some of the older, untouched class lore of others.

Sunwalkers: Tauren & Highmountain Tauren Paladins

Connection and exchange with their shu'halo brethren lead to the discussion of An'she to establish teachings of the Sunwalkers to their united Highmountain Tauren allies.

The Sunwalkers were the first "radical idea" for the Paladin class, expanding the lore beyond a knight wielding holy power (even the Blood Elves gave off evil-vibes of that concept in early Burning Crusade) so Sunwalkers would be one of the top candidates for a custom Class Skin.

The idea here is that the Sunwalker Class Skin could apply to Tauren & Highmountain Tauren Paladins, Priests, and Balance Druids. Their spells would take on a more raw, fiery appearance and their spell icons would slightly alter to reflect something more fitting to a devotee of An'she.

One idea (not shown) was that casting Avenging Wrath (called Blaze of An'she) would, instead of sparking large angelic wings behind the character, instead show a glowing, fiery totemic backpiece that would encompass the Sunwalker in a blaze of holy-fire.

Nightblades & Moonblades: Night Elf Paladins

Night Elves, worshippers of Elune and inspired by the Night Warrior, these champions of the moon herald a new age of justice for the Kaldorei.

Perhaps one of the most highly requested unavailable Paladin races, the idea of a Night Elf Paladin pulling their strength directly from Elune is something we've seen in WoW a few times before (notably, Legion). The idea here is to provide them with a "standard Elune devotee" class skin with a secondary option that leaned more heavily into the Night Warrior aesthetic seen with Tyrande and the "Dark Side of the Moon".

Valewalkers & Craneguards: Pandaren Paladins

Skilled templars of combat, the Valewalkers defend their homeland of Pandaria with their fierce magics to preserve balance and rid the Sha from Pandaria once and for all.

Craneguards, devoted champions of Chi-Ji, seek to bring hope to the war-torn lands of Azeroth.

In the wak of the Vale's regrowth and the expulsion of the Black Empire in Battle for Azeroth, the Golden Lotus have taken up a new mantle within their order to protect and defend their land using the magic of the Vale.

In the south of Pandaria, the Order of the Crane expanded their temples' teachings with "Craneguards," an armoured monk who utilises the teachings and magic of Chi-Ji, the Red Crane.

The idea behind the Valewalker would essentially utilise the same sort of holy-chi mix that Pandaren Priests use to expel the Sha (and by extension, the Void), however the Craneguard would use a modified spell effect kit with more red-orange themed abilities based upon the Red Crane.

These visuals, combined with the martial art style combat animations, would allow for a unique and new-age style of Paladin. This specific spell kit could also be applied to a variety of Pandaren classes, such as priest, mage, and even monk.

Lightblades & Shadow Knights: Forsaken Paladins

The Forsaken, shattered by a lack of leadership, began to discover new paths. An attempted second Council arose, with Calia Menethil and Alonsus Faol to research the Light, while the Cult of Forgotten Shadows tests new concepts delving into the teachings of the Void.

Perhaps the most requested (next to Night Elf Paladin) unavailable Paladin race, the Forsaken Lightblade concept is essentially a new order of Paladins within Lordaeron, perhaps lead by Leonid Bathalomew. 

In contrast to the Lightblade, the Cult of Forgotten Shadows has created a new guard within their order that utilises the Shadow in tandem with the Light.

The idea isn't necessarily to have the Forsaken wielding Void magic as a paladin, but rather fully embracing the old lore of the cult and their beliefs within the Light. Both Lightblade and Shadow Knight would be a unique name for the Forsaken, but the Lightblade would essentially use as-is paladin spell effects while the Shadow Knight utilises a unique spell kit that incorporates both Shadow and Light magic (similar to Moira from Overwatch). The spell kit would also be available to Forsaken Priests.

Lead by Calia Menethil and Alonsus Faol together, these two concepts would open up a highly sought after class concept without fully destroying the ideals of Paladinhood and the Forsaken belief system.

Blood Knights & Sunblades: Blood Elf Paladins

With Liadrin's Blood Knights and Shattered Sunblades, there has always remained a rift in the teachings of the Light. After the Mag'har's tales of Yrel, and what was witnessed in the Vindicaar, some believe the Light is to be controlled, not called upon.

Blood Knights have been in lore forever, even though their story changed at the end of Burning Crusade.

The idea of the Sunblade concept would be to keep the original purpose of the Blood Knights in the wake of the Sunwell's purification, causing a rift to form between them and the Paladins who take back the mantle of Blood Knight. By incorporating some fiery elements to their abilities to give them a "Sunwell flare" without taking too much from the Embersworn / Sunwalkers.

The new concept would be to take the more recent aggressions of the Light - Shadowlands, Xe'ra, Yrel - and bring that concept back. Blood Knights swear up a new oath to keep the Light in check, rather than suffer under it (without going full evil like they were in Burning Crusade), giving contrast to any sort of plot that Turalyon pokes back up in as Regent of Stormwind.

Riftblades: Void Elf Paladins

With some Blood Knights exiled for their research in M'uru, it was realised that so too can other Dark Naaru powers be bent to their will.

With the teachings of old former High Elven paladins of the Silver Hand, some void Elves have begun to attempt to cleanse their void.

Blood Elves can be Paladins - why not Void Elves?

The idea here is one that builds off the old Blood Knight lore. Back in the day, Blood Elves drained magic from the Naaru M'uru to acquire their power which later lead to the collapse and creation of a Dark Naaru. The concept here was to build upon that old idea of using energies from the Naaru to acquire Light-based powers, but flip it upon itself to drain those energies from Void-themed powers. This of course could lead to a rift within the Ren'dorei and lead some to lean more towards the Light side of Naaru while others fully embrace its dark, twisted form.

The concept on the left (above) would essentially grant Void Elves a base-paladin skin (for all those High Elves out there) while still leaning into the Void theme with the idea of a "Void Paladin". The Riftblade spell kit would easily transfer to Void Elf Priests, Mages, and Warlocks to give them a more all a Void theme.

Tideguards & Embersworn: Kul Tiran & Human Paladins

The Order of Embers, looking to completely purge the Drust from Kul Tiras, took inspiration from their Stormwindian cousins. Taking upon the essence of Silver, Liquid Fire, and combat, Azeroth may yet stand a chance against the ongoing Drust Threat.

The Tideguards, heavily armed protectors of the Storm's Wake, utilise the same magics as the Tidesages. Where many others look to the Light for guidance, members of the Awakened find a much deeper connection to the seas.

Kul Tiras introduced two new concepts that would make for the perfect Paladin. The first and most obvious one was the Tidesage (or in this case, Tideguard). With the Kul Tirans putting their faith mostly within the sea itself and the Tidesages seen in nearly every aspect of their island culture, it makes sense to form a "Paladin Order" from it. The spell kit would introduce mostly water and air themed spell effects and could also apply to other classes such as Mages, Shaman, Priests, and Monks.

The second concept builds on the Order of Embers within Drustvar - witchunters! Using Silver, Liquid Fire, and prowess in battle, these ancient templars dedicate their watch to fighting back the evils of the Drust. This would essentially be an expansion upon the tauren Sunwalker kit in similar nature of holy-fire, but without the unique tauren aspects (such as totem pieces etc.)

Lightfangs & Lightguards: Worgen Paladins

Lightguards and Lightfangs, forces old and new to Gilneas, were one of few. Though there has always been some devotion to the Light, very few select Gilnean soldiers of the original Order of the Silver Hand remained. Now they look to renewing the Light's Dawn.

Gilneas worshipped the Light just as Lordaeron did and there have been a few Gilnean Paladins mentioned throughout the years. The idea here is to simply introduce a new class-race combo without much of a themed visual kit. They worship the same Holy Light as their Stormwind/Lordaeron cousins, but we wanted to create a visual concept for "Old Gilnean Templars" and "New Age Worgen Paladin" - hence the variation in names.

Flamekeepers: Wildhammer & Dark Iron Dwaraf Paladins

The Dark Irons wield a devotion to Elemental Fire, serving as an elite form of soldier. Though some are rumoured to worship Ragnaros, most establish their firm belief and devotion to the new firelord, Smolderon.

For Dark Irons, these would pull from a similar fiery spell kit as the Sunwalkers, (with a darker,  fiery tone) and embrace the idea of "worshippers of the Molten Core" as their faith (not too unlike the Kul Tiran Tideguards). With the teasing of action within the Firelands happening in the Allied Race questline, these Dark Irons have taken up an oath to the primal powers of the Firelands while still maintaining their faith int he Light, creating a literal Flame Paladins.

It's possible the Wildhammer have viewed Fire as an enemy for so long - the explosion of Blackrock Mountain hundreds of years ago (and the expulsion from Grim Batol), the Dragons in the Second War with the Horde, and the Cataclysm and Deathwing. However, after seeing their mountain cousins and fiery cousins brandishing their faith as a weapon (with the latter using both faith and fire), the Wildhammers have taken up a new mantle as wielders of the Sacred Flame; a more shamanistic, tribal feel to the Paladin class.

Prelates: Darkspear & Zandalari Troll Paladins

Inspired by the Zandalari and rekindling relations between the tribes lead to an exchange in teachings and culture. Darkspear Prelates of the rebirth Loa, Vol'jin, enact servitude to defend against the darkness.

In Battle for Azeroth, we met the Zandalari Prelates and there stands no reason why tehy can't teach the Darkspear how to wield the Light of the Loa. The Prelate's main themed kit would be using Holy light with a more focused theme on the Loa themselves. The idea here would be that they call upon the powers froma single source - like Prelates of Rezan once did - but rather calling upon the might of multiple Loa. Potentially some specific spell effects could match the Zandalari racial currently chosen. For example, "Fury of the Loa" could turn into a visual representation of a loa, such as a Golden Tiger roaring for Kimbul, or a Deathmask and golden bones for Bwonsamdi.

Vindicators: Lightforged Draenei & Draenei Paladins

The Draenei are no strangers to the Light, and after deep understanding and millennia of teaching, their devotion to the Naaru make them capable of harnessing power befitting their knowledge.

This idea wouldn't stray too far in terms of spell effects (perhaps more glowing gold with crystalline themes) but focus on the idea of the Naaru aligned Paladins and them being the most ancient of the playable Paladin races.

Mechaknights, Titanguards, & Junkblades: Mechagnome, Gnome, & Goblin Paladins

Research and rivalries between the Goblins and Gnomes lead to using new methods to harness the Light in ways only observed by the Titans. The newly established Mechaknights, Titanguards, and Junkblades use newfound technologies to their advantage.

The idea that Gnomes, members of the original Alliance of Lordaeron, can be priests but not Paladins is a little silly. They can also be Warriors and Death Knights, so there's no reason physically they can't be Paladins.

Gnome Paladins would essentially be would essentially be Silver Hand Paladins, while their Mech-cousins introduce a new flair.

With Mechagnomes, we wanted to create something a little different by connecting their Paladin abilities to the Mechagnomes as a creation of the Titans. We incorporated a few themes taken from Mechagon - the Lightning / Shock spells used, added with more references to Mimiron, the Discs of Norgannon, and more.

Titanguard / Junblade were an idea that took the Gnome Paladin concept, the Mechagnome Concept, and combined them - essentially, Goblins / Gnomes would have a similar kit as the Mechagnomes through means of stolen Titan technology. We used a few themes here - the Titanguard uses the default Lightning-blue themes as seen on the Mechagnome as she's wielding the very same tech, while the Junkblade (with no real difference in concept) uses Titan-defense technology. We used the red theme as often in Uldir / Ulduar you see the bright red security lasers and protocols come online, and we wanted to reflect that with "Paladin abilities" that were 100% just tech-based without saying "Oh yeah, Goblins can be Paladins."

Extra & Commentary

I wanted to again give thanks to The Lost Codex (Jesse) for helping me bounce some ideas that I had during the course of the project. There's a lot more I have in mind to come and am hopeful to preview soon. It's been really difficult to not just post these on a whim. During my initial twitter post, some things weren't well explained (and I had posted a bit early without realising that more was written, which was put mostly in the reddit post.)

Many of the ideas are to still maintain a sort of "Paladin" ideal - that is, a warrior devoted to wielding divine magic with faith and a righteous cause. I've often wanted more class/race combos, but putting a night elf in gold and blue armour and wielding a giant Silver Hand logo sword didn't feel right.

I had debated for a long while which class combos to choose, so I essentially made a "tier list" of which ones most likely to happen and less likely but I'd still like to see in some capacity. Essentially:

Pink = "could happen right now"

Yellow = "Needs More Buildup (ie could happen in 2-3 expansions?)

This also doesn't mean I'm opposed to any combo either, such as Orc Paladin or Void Elf Shaman, but rather simply there isn't much story threads to build off of to make it work as easily. Eventually, I'd like to in fact see all classes be available to all races.

Some were kind of difficult decisions to make, others were pretty heavily insinuated in lore. I'd like to feel as if I'm just bridging some gaps in lore to make connections with these. Orcs feel like an extreme opposition to Paladin, with Mag'har also being oppressed by Yrel. However, if the lore were to allow it (for example Eitrigg forming a Paladin group) I wouldn't be against it.

There were other decisions I had instead scrapped because I felt it may steal from the uniqueness of o thers, such as a Tauren Mu'sha "Moonwalker" skin. I didn't want to potentially anger people with featuring such as a "main option," so I stuck with just Sunwalker.

Some, such as the Forsaken, were something I wanted a lot more heavily and had actually disagreements on how to implement such in lore. What I don't want to do is say "Forsaken are under the leadership of Calia" however. I had written some notes here on a "lore backstory":

With the teachings Alonsus Faol has given to Calia Menethil, the Forsaken have begun training priests and paladins into their ranks. Under her guidance, Calia will lead the new Order of the Eclipse, creating the Lightblades. Many fallen Scarlet Crusaders will also be welcomed in their ranks so long as they vow allegiance to the Forsaken and the Horde. Though some may find this new union convenient, many have begun to believe the new rightful ruler of Lordaeron to be Calia Menethil. Though Calia and Faol’s goals are to prove visible efforts to route corruption from the Forsaken and bridge the rift with the Alliance and Horde, it remains to be seen if the Forsaken will truly ever abandon their former Banshee Queen.

The Cult of Forgotten Shadows have begun to experiment with creating an opposition to the Paladin. Recent motivations and concerns in the balance of Light and Shadow influenced the creation of a Shadow Knight, capable of calling upon the power of the Void with surprising efficiency and resistance to its whispers. While many may not see eye-to-eye with the recent addition of the Lightblades, they are both in agreement that both are necessary powers to battle the new evils on horizon.

(Also something something creation of more human-like Forsaken like Derek Proudmoore, Calia Menethil, and Nathanos Blightcaller as a new allied race / customisation option complete with human skeleton and the like.)

The Mechaknight underwent a few different variations. I was trying to test an idea where they utilise a mix of Titan and Mechagon Hologram tech. Ultimately, the more "holy" Titan theme was scrapped in favour of a more Lightning theme seen with Mimiron's creations.

I had previously made mention in other tweets as well regarding Void Paladins, and that was approximately the time where I decided to try testing out a Class Skin overview.

My plans for the original Class/Race combos started much earlier as well, where I had some rough ideas of what I wanted to include and balance out, and what themes each would be based off of. Most of it still holds true.

Some concepts felt like they needed to be really emphasised more than others. For example, I often saw the complaint that Blood Elves felt "tuned down" once Sunwell concluded, and I wanted to figure out a way to rekindle that as well as tie it into Void Elf lore. Void Elves were also the first that I had worked on.

These ideas also didn't technically leave humans out as well, but I didn't want to make it the "main feature" of a human paladin class skin. The idea is more mainly because Kul Tiran humans exist as more than the playable versions, and I felt it may be neat to at least acknowledge that.

There are also other ideas that I scrapped because I wanted to showcase them alongside other races instead, as they felt less racial-specific. One example is the Darkspear & Zandalari Trolls - Originally I was going to just have it be a Sand Troll and Darkspear, but it felt bad not including the Zandalari who brought in the idea of a Prelate. The Sand Troll Paladin design is still planned to be previewed, however it will be featured alongside a more overarching preview of thematics.

Anyway, that's all for now... see you Soon™