Shamans have been waiting 10+ years for new ascendance models, and we get something that looks like a sinister clown with 3 different recolors. It’s quite the disappointment.
I just don’t see why we can’t get options with it, the same way druids get options with their shapeshift forms.
The Bottom Line: Have a customization option for it the barber shop. Add to it overtime. Various glyphs, quests for it, etc.
Here’s just my take on what I was hoping for:
You keep your character in the gear you like to look at, with the race you like to play/look at.
You levitate off the ground.
Based on the spec, you’re surrounded with the corresponding elements:
a. Resto - Globe of flowing waters, looking like a watery Jesus.
b. Elemental - Oozing Lava and Earth, looking like the Roman god Vulcan, the god of fire, particularly in its destructive aspects as volcanoes or conflagrations.
c. Enhancement - Swirling Winds/Storm-clouds with lightning pulsing all around, looking like Thor.
Conclusion: I think what most people would agree on is choice. Some want to transform into actual elementals, some want to remain their character in an “ascended” form surrounded by the elements that fit the Shaman spec. Most of us would like to have a more varied approach to it though.
I think they just have to “open” it up. If they want to keep those models as the default, fine. But have a customization option that gets added to over time, where you can choose to keep your character model with added elemental effects or take the new ascendance model or turn into an actual elemental.
You’re essentially asking for the return of the old minor Glyph of Ascendance, but fancier.
I think Fire Mage’s Combustion is a good example of what we should get, something along those lines where you’re still you.
Ascendance should just be exactly what OP’s take is : You stay you, but you levitate and get a bunch of elemental particles around you. If shamans wanted to be something else a bunch of the time they would have just clicked the druid class at character creation instead.
I’d be perfectly fine with just turning into an actual elemental, not some weird evil humanoid twilight hammer type thing like they keep forcing on us. It looks weird for most of the races to turn into a human-esque figure, a more amorphous elemental wouldn’t have that problem.
Yeah, I like this. It’s more a detailed version of what I wrote more or less. Fit’s into what I wrote in the op as having choice. More choice is good and adds another dimension to the game experience.
Dude, get out of here. There’s no lore around shamans being surrounded with their elements? Surrounded by swirling waters when they heal. Surround by earth. Thrall not being surrounded in lightning? When does thrall turn into a storm cloud or lightning bolt? Remind me again.
Screw your stupid turning into an elemental idea. Not happening little bud.