Do it right.

Read it. Read it good.

Please don't bail on me. You all know what's happening now. There are so many wonderful things to do in Azeroth, it's head-spinning. I have my list, I still think of things, I have things to write and say. Yes, I "failed" at NaNo. Yes, I failed at getting on entry done for Neri Approve's November Transmog contest (it was going to be a half-naked Night Elf, prancing through the springtime woods with centaurs and such*), but the Winter Solstice is on its way, and as we in the Northern Hemisphere careen toward darkness and our miserable but stalwart human attempts to stave the black nights with light and hope, keep a light on for me, too.

*Momokawa was completely behind the whole photoshoot. Druids hate clothes.

Mother Nature's Daughter, all the same...

Well, Luperci did not bring home the trophy for September's Neri Approves transmog contest.

The Blood Elf did.

/shrug

Moving on - still really like what Luperci put together. But more importantly, I like to bring awareness to the Born That Way Foundation.  Though I had heard about it, I was prompted to donate by a tweet of Lodur's: http://wayofthetotem.com/2012/09/20/a-call-to-arms-with-incentive/

I am telling you truth: I know teenagers and adults who have been affected, and died, as a direct result of bullying and harrassment over who they fundamentally are. I am waiting for the day when it's a nonissue. We have other things to worry about than who someone chooses to love.

And Jill - for whatever reasons you chose almost thirty years ago, I wish you had stuck around to see how much things have changed, and how you could have helped. Maybe somehow you are.

Theme Song: Born This Way/Lady Gaga

Neri Approves: Mother Nature's Daughter

This month's Neri Approves is a theme of natural beauty.  Please vote for your favorite paladin, Luperci.


There is something Neri wrote that is not quite accurate, at least for Luperci. I do have a Druid, a very beautiful one, Momokawa, but in choosing who would best represent the true call of nature, Luperci was the clear choice. (No offense, Druids, but that's kind of low-hanging fruit from your own treant form....) No, I joke--really.

But Luperci--Luperci's story:

Luperci is a Paladin, a Protection Paladin. She has been increasingly dissatisfied with her work in the cities and harsh, choking dangers in dungeons. She never felt so worthy, so valued, as she did when she was working with Tauren, Night Elves, and her ancestors, in Zangermarsh. She earned her exalted reputation with the Cenarion Expedition in order to earn the blacksmithing skills to make her own Wildguard legguards and chest, which she wears proudly. The Guardians are grateful for her strength and kindness, and know she is truly meant to be a protector of the earth, water, and air, and will walk with the Earth Mother till the end of her days. She is seen speaking with her comrade and dear friend, a Cenarion Warden. 

Helm: N/A

Mace: Gurubashi Punisher

Shield: Her pride and joy, a gift from a beloved friend in Darnassus, who fell during the cataclysm: Emerald Shield

Gloves: Fel Iron Gloves

Waist: Rickety Belt

Leg: Wildguard Legguards

Chest: Wildguard Chest

Feet: Emerald Sabatons

And, in Luperci's narrative, she is a bisexual, and her character is modeled after a very dear friend of mine, who is one of the most honest, brave, and 'champions of the underdogs" I have been honored to know. I am planning on some sort of donation for this, but am only saying that NOT to get your votes - I truly want Luperci to win on her own merits. Besides, I have probably insulted all of Elune's children with my tiny jab up there, so -- like a politician on a bad, unintended YouTube video, I am sorry. Regardless, I saw this on Twitter, and this is a cause that is very important to me: (click image for link)

So, please go vote. Vote for Luperci. And do something good today.

Postcript: Since I seem to be on a roll for offending elves, consider the beauty found in a few curves.

Theme song: Mother Nature's Son/The Beatles

Neri Approved, and so did you!

Guarf was not an early riser, unlike the majority of his brethren. He much preferred the night owls and more interesting creatures who lurk and prowl between the witching hour and intrusion of dawn. But this morning, he knew Matty would need some cheering up, and gave her the good news:

She had successfully represented her pride in her adopted clan--and won the Neri Approve's Faction Pride for August!

She is happily sharing the podium with Voros, Neri's choice for this month, who is a formidable Death Knight indeed.

Please! Vote for Pedro! Oops...Mataoka!

Please go cast your vote for your favorite shaman! If not your favorite, at least Matty!

http://neriapproves.com/2012/08/24/faction-pride-transmog-tournament-voting-booth/