I recently watched a video that ran through the live and alpha versions of Dalaran and I thought... wow. My mind was blown. What a lovely difference between the old and the new! I was hyped up to see them, but then I was surprisingly invited to alpha. Naturally, I thought nothing more about Dalaran's face lift (even though we start off there), because every reason possible related to hype forced me to forget. There is still a ton of hype, but I think I can focus clearly now because there is a lot in development, so we are not allowed certain areas... Yeah, I have tried about a dozen times, but there is the mean ole buff thing that pops up... eye of the arch mage. The description says you are where you should not be and *poof*... back to Dalaran you go. *shakes fist*
The video was a run through of the alpha Dal on the large screen and had a smaller screen in the bottom corner that mirrored the run through the live version. I wanted to really see everything and compare the two myself, so I went on a screenshot spree! This is very time consuming, but I would like to share it cause I am having fun with this process. If you happen across my blog, you are curious enough to see it as well, so I hope you enjoy this as much as its taking me to make it! ^__^
Please feel free to make requests of anything you want to see, like close up of clutter, a certain nook you hid in, or whatever. I am going to make a number of posts starting with the northern part of the map of "live" Dalaran first, then the southern part of the map, and lastly, the Underbelly. This is time consuming to load all these comparison pics, so bare with me!
Feel free to befriend me as well, Ekingpin#1480.
Also, if you want to see the video, you'll find it here: Dalaran Update | New VS Old made by TradeChat.
Reader be warned!!!
This post may have contents that some view as SPOILERS!!!
Please do not continue if spoilers are not your thing.
ALSO KEEP IN MIND that the game is currently still in ALPHA, so contents may change rather quickly without my noticing.
If you catch anything old, please me know and I can edit it or update in a later post.
NOT SURE HOW BLIZZARD WILL HANDLE THE PORTAL TO DALARAN.
Dalaran has not yet left Crystalsong Forest in the Lich King storyline. I personally have not looked for any details on this either. Will update later if I find whether "Old Dal" will still look the same for Lich King or if the Legion changes will occur to both Dalarans at release.
Let us begin with the current LIVE map of Azeroth as we know it today:
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| Map of Azeroth (LIVE Version March 2016) |
That out of the way... Here is a map of Dalaran in the current LIVE version. Its good to have reference to the rest of the post. We currently do not have a map in Alpha, so yeah...
The Magus Commerce Exchange
The Magus Commerce Exchange is mostly made of shops full of various crafts. The majority of the shops here keep the same names we see in the LIVE version, but there are a few noted changes to some shops. Most of them being minor NPC changes.
***Update: As of March 12, the signs in the ALPHA version have been removed for a possible revamp. Will repost new store fronts once they are live for us if that is the case.
The Agronomical Apothecary
The alchemy building looks relatively the same on the outside. The shop is still being run by Linzy Blackbolt with Patricia Egan selling supplies, but in the Alpha version, we also have a new face; Deucus Valdera. Linzy plans on retiring and letting Deucus take over.
LIVE version:
Cartier & Co. Fine Jewelry
This shop has a nice renovation. The interior in the LIVE version is rather... dull and depressing. In Legion, we can expect it to be much brighter and full of color. Timothy Jones is still our favorite jewelcraft trainer dressed like a pimp. Tiffany Cartier is the supply vendor, but Harold Winston is now replaced by Sminx Glasseye as the new jewelry vendor.
LIVE version:
ALPHA version:
First to Your Aid
This clinic doesn't change too much. We still learn great ways to stay alive with bandages. These come in handy from time to time. Olisarra the Kind happily trains us while Angelique Butler sells the supply. Josie Birch no longer assists them with the wounded in Alpha, and its refreshing to know the old patients aren't milking their injuries and let new patients in.
LIVE version:
ALPHA version:
Talismanic Textiles
The tailor shop has big change in staff, and its for the better. Charles Worth has been replaced by Tanithria as a trainer. Dominique Stefano no longer sells supply either. Ainderu Summerleaf used to specialize in Mooncloth, but now is a trainer. Lalla Brightweave used to work with Spellfire cloth, but was either promoted... or demoted... to a supply vendor. And because there is no need for the special cloth types anymore, Linna Bruder is no longer in shop with her Shadoweave cloth.
LIVE version:
ALPHA version:
Legendary Leathers
This workshop is still shared by both skinning and leatherworking trainers. Diane Cannings has gone from trainer to "Leather Armor Expert" and had the trainer, Namha Moonwater, come down from upstairs. Andellion's and Manfred Staller's training services are no longer needed. Derik Marks is no longer there and Kondal Huntsworn is the new skinning trainer. Ranid Glowergold still sells supply and had his brother, Thanid Glowergold, come in as the "Mail Armor Expert." Just outside the Legendary Leathers shop, there used to be a dwarf named Braeg Stoutbeard, but he no longer seems to be there trading furs and leathers. Instead, he is currently just near the well entrance of the blacksmith building. His goods still require LK furs/leathers, so not quite sure what will happen with him later on.
LIVE version:
ALPHA version:
Like Clockwork
This workshop is where the grease monkeys hang out. Timofey Oshenko still acts as the trainer. Reginald Arcfire, the steam powered auctioneer is no longer present. Bryan Landers has been replaced with Hobart Grapplehammer as a supply vendor. Didi the Wrench still grants us knowledge of goblin engineering, however, Findle Whistlesteam is not currently active with gnomish engineering. Not sure if Findle was moved, or removed... or if gnomish engineering was removed... I haven't done much with crafts, and I may cover them in a later post.
LIVE version:
ALPHA version:
**The NPC, Fonzo the Renowned, used to be just outside Like Clockwork. He was a trader of frozen orbs. There are also Whirt the All-Knowing and Mona Eversping, the city guides, that still loiter in the area.
All That Glitters Prospecting Co.
Things of the Past
This shop harbors a new business within its walls. All That Glitters Prospecting Co. no longer offers training for mining. Jedidiah Handers, the trainer, and Dorian Fines, the supply vendor, have moved on (new miners are next door though). Dariness the Learned used to hang out at the bar in the Legerdmaid Lounge, but she quickly took up the precious opportunity to set up her archeology establishment. Kudos, Dariness!
LIVE version: All That Glitters Prospecting Co.
ALPHA version: Things of the Past
Forge of Fate
The forge was a colorful place where everyone would go to smelt and hammer out various metals. I believe its currently being worked on in ALPHA because its just a little pit now... we'll see in time!
LIVE version:
ALPHA version:
Simply Enchanting
As opposed to other shops becoming more bright, this little place gets a little darker. What better way to view the glowing shards and enchantments. Simply Enchanting has the same staff as before; Enchanter Nalthanis is the trainer, Ildine Sorrowspear is the supplier, and Venessa Sellers was the shard trader, but is now titled with "Wild Enchantments." I haven't touched crafts yet, so not sure if this is something new or not.
LIVE version:
ALPHA version:
The Scribe's Sacellum
This place was a little interesting because in all the years it has been live, there is a detail that I never really noticed or it just wasn't significant enough to keep in memory... but there is a vertical tunnel in the ceiling that is lined with shelves of books. Just have to look up! Professor Pallin is still the trainer, Jessica Sellers is the ink trader, and Theresa Wolf is the loremaster. Supply vendor Larana Drome is replaced by a PANDAREN named Jang Quillpaw. The Lexicon of Power still floats around too.
LIVE version:
ALPHA version:
Herbalism Greenhouse (I can't find a name for it...)
 |
| Dalaran (LIVE) |
 |
| Map of Azeroth (ALPHA March 2016) |
 |
| Dalaran placeholder (ALPHA March 2016) This has changed to a green screen, so there may be an updated map soon. |
The Magus Commerce Exchange
The Magus Commerce Exchange is mostly made of shops full of various crafts. The majority of the shops here keep the same names we see in the LIVE version, but there are a few noted changes to some shops. Most of them being minor NPC changes.
***Update: As of March 12, the signs in the ALPHA version have been removed for a possible revamp. Will repost new store fronts once they are live for us if that is the case.
The Agronomical Apothecary
The alchemy building looks relatively the same on the outside. The shop is still being run by Linzy Blackbolt with Patricia Egan selling supplies, but in the Alpha version, we also have a new face; Deucus Valdera. Linzy plans on retiring and letting Deucus take over.
LIVE version:
ALPHA version:
Cartier & Co. Fine Jewelry
This shop has a nice renovation. The interior in the LIVE version is rather... dull and depressing. In Legion, we can expect it to be much brighter and full of color. Timothy Jones is still our favorite jewelcraft trainer dressed like a pimp. Tiffany Cartier is the supply vendor, but Harold Winston is now replaced by Sminx Glasseye as the new jewelry vendor.
LIVE version:
ALPHA version:
First to Your Aid
This clinic doesn't change too much. We still learn great ways to stay alive with bandages. These come in handy from time to time. Olisarra the Kind happily trains us while Angelique Butler sells the supply. Josie Birch no longer assists them with the wounded in Alpha, and its refreshing to know the old patients aren't milking their injuries and let new patients in.
LIVE version:
ALPHA version:
Talismanic Textiles
The tailor shop has big change in staff, and its for the better. Charles Worth has been replaced by Tanithria as a trainer. Dominique Stefano no longer sells supply either. Ainderu Summerleaf used to specialize in Mooncloth, but now is a trainer. Lalla Brightweave used to work with Spellfire cloth, but was either promoted... or demoted... to a supply vendor. And because there is no need for the special cloth types anymore, Linna Bruder is no longer in shop with her Shadoweave cloth.
LIVE version:
ALPHA version:
Legendary Leathers
This workshop is still shared by both skinning and leatherworking trainers. Diane Cannings has gone from trainer to "Leather Armor Expert" and had the trainer, Namha Moonwater, come down from upstairs. Andellion's and Manfred Staller's training services are no longer needed. Derik Marks is no longer there and Kondal Huntsworn is the new skinning trainer. Ranid Glowergold still sells supply and had his brother, Thanid Glowergold, come in as the "Mail Armor Expert." Just outside the Legendary Leathers shop, there used to be a dwarf named Braeg Stoutbeard, but he no longer seems to be there trading furs and leathers. Instead, he is currently just near the well entrance of the blacksmith building. His goods still require LK furs/leathers, so not quite sure what will happen with him later on.
LIVE version:
ALPHA version:
Like Clockwork
This workshop is where the grease monkeys hang out. Timofey Oshenko still acts as the trainer. Reginald Arcfire, the steam powered auctioneer is no longer present. Bryan Landers has been replaced with Hobart Grapplehammer as a supply vendor. Didi the Wrench still grants us knowledge of goblin engineering, however, Findle Whistlesteam is not currently active with gnomish engineering. Not sure if Findle was moved, or removed... or if gnomish engineering was removed... I haven't done much with crafts, and I may cover them in a later post.
LIVE version:
ALPHA version:
**The NPC, Fonzo the Renowned, used to be just outside Like Clockwork. He was a trader of frozen orbs. There are also Whirt the All-Knowing and Mona Eversping, the city guides, that still loiter in the area.
Things of the Past
This shop harbors a new business within its walls. All That Glitters Prospecting Co. no longer offers training for mining. Jedidiah Handers, the trainer, and Dorian Fines, the supply vendor, have moved on (new miners are next door though). Dariness the Learned used to hang out at the bar in the Legerdmaid Lounge, but she quickly took up the precious opportunity to set up her archeology establishment. Kudos, Dariness!
LIVE version: All That Glitters Prospecting Co.
**Oops... It appears I am missing a photo - - Will update at later time.
ALPHA version: Things of the Past
Forge of Fate
The forge was a colorful place where everyone would go to smelt and hammer out various metals. I believe its currently being worked on in ALPHA because its just a little pit now... we'll see in time!
LIVE version:
ALPHA version:
**Yes, that is a floating hammer... as of March 12, the back chamber door is not there and its just a black abyss that does nothing and goes no where. Looking forward to seeing what is done with the area, if anything at all.
Tanks for Everything
This used to be a hot little spot to buy all sorts plate armor and shields. The blacksmith trainer Orland Schaeffer is gone and replaced by Arcanomancer Vridiel and Alard Schmied remains. Imindril Spearson no longer trains and is instead, the supply vendor, taking place of Palja Amboss. The plate armor vendors, Dubin Clay, Griselda Hunderland, and Horace Hunderland have all been removed from shop as well as the shield vendor, Anthony Durian. And upstairs has been converted into the new quarters for the new miners, Mama Diggs the trainer and Mongar the supplier.
LIVE version:
 |
| Entrance by the well. |
 |
| Entrance by the forge. |
ALPHA version:
 |
| Entrance by the well. |
 |
| Entrance by the forge. |
Simply Enchanting
As opposed to other shops becoming more bright, this little place gets a little darker. What better way to view the glowing shards and enchantments. Simply Enchanting has the same staff as before; Enchanter Nalthanis is the trainer, Ildine Sorrowspear is the supplier, and Venessa Sellers was the shard trader, but is now titled with "Wild Enchantments." I haven't touched crafts yet, so not sure if this is something new or not.
LIVE version:
ALPHA version:
The Scribe's Sacellum
This place was a little interesting because in all the years it has been live, there is a detail that I never really noticed or it just wasn't significant enough to keep in memory... but there is a vertical tunnel in the ceiling that is lined with shelves of books. Just have to look up! Professor Pallin is still the trainer, Jessica Sellers is the ink trader, and Theresa Wolf is the loremaster. Supply vendor Larana Drome is replaced by a PANDAREN named Jang Quillpaw. The Lexicon of Power still floats around too.
LIVE version:
ALPHA version:
This was once just a glassed in little garden that had flowers grow just before our eyes in a huge patch, then fade away, two by two. Dorothy Egan still trains and Edward Egan still supplies. A Tauren now acts as a trainer, Kuhuine Tenderstride.
LIVE version:
ALPHA version:
That covers The Magus Commerce Exchange. Phew!
There are so many details added to the new Dalaran. These changes are quite appealing to the eye and really makes use of space. Just at a quick glimpse of the crafting area already shows much promise. My computer is a custom build, give or take 4 to 5 years old with a pop-up reminder that my graphic card or video driver is out of date, but I have no lag issues or anything with all this added clutter. That may be good news for some of you running on older machines or limited laptops.
Things are being added pretty frequently, so I'll revisit and revise this post with any changes. As for the next post, I'll go around the north bank, through the street shops, and the Horde area. If there are not too many pictures, I'll show Krasus Landing as well.
Thanks for stopping by and let me know if there is anymore details of this area that you'd like to see.
~BRB~AFK~
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