Changing graphics

[shieldman]

I was wondering how do you change your avatar's appearance (for example from gnome to undead) as I've seen some people do it in movies and I'd like to do it myself. Only instructions please.

[Valas Azuviir]

I was wondering how do you change your avatar's appearance (for example from gnome to undead) as I've seen some people do it in movies and I'd like to do it myself. Only instructions please.

That would be certain items, which allow you to do that. IIRC, an orb of deception is one. No way, afaik, to do it on the legal servers, and if you're asking about the illegal ones, then I'm afraid you're going to have a slight talk with the Mods as they don't like those types of questions on these boards.

[shieldman]

That would be certain items, which allow you to do that. IIRC, an orb of deception is one. No way, afaik, to do it on the legal servers, and if you're asking about the illegal ones, then I'm afraid you're going to have a slight talk with the Mods as they don't like those types of questions on these boards.

No, I mean edit the files in your wow folder so you may appear as another race (for example, from silly night elf to bad-ass undead). It is ilegal, I understand but undetectable by GM's nonetheless (not using a third side program) so there is no reason not to do it. also, playing a night elf makes me want to shoot myself in the head.

[Valas Azuviir]

No, I mean edit the files in your wow folder so you may appear as another race (for example, from silly night elf to bad-ass undead). It is ilegal, I understand but undetectable by GM's nonetheless (not using a third side program) so there is no reason not to do it. also, playing a night elf makes me want to shoot myself in the head.

No clue then, there was a thread about this topic a while back, but it and other threads got mauled by the dweebazoid who got into a Mod account. So, I can't redirect you to the relevant info either.

[Cthonctic]

You may see no reason not to do it but I see reason enough in it being forbidden by the ToU of the game that it is not allowed by the forum rules here either.

As an aside, if you replace a model with another, EVERY instance of that model in the game will be replaced. Which to my mind is a stupid idea but your mileage may vary.

Cheers.

[shieldman]

You may see no reason not to do it but I see reason enough in it being forbidden by the ToU of the game that it is not allowed by the forum rules here either.

As an aside, if you replace a model with another, EVERY instance of that model in the game will be replaced. Which to my mind is a stupid idea but your mileage may vary.

Cheers.

Wait, so I can get rid of ALL the night elves in one fel swoop? Hurray! Google time!

[Kalos]

The Blizzard Warden program checks the MPQs for tampering. Any actions to change the model changes at least one of the MPQs. They won't care what you've modified, but the moment that the Warden picks up that someone has been modifying the game files, your days are numbered. It's a surefire way to get banned, even if your intentions were not illegal they won't appritiate someone having the programs, and using them, to modify the core program. It's near impossible to check exactly what was done in the MPQ, as this would make loadup times too slow due to every file having to be uncompressed, scanned and checked as to how it should be, and then recompressed, for about six gig of data, they see any tampering, the worst case scenario will be assumed.

[Thetani]

How can the Warden check to see if you've been editing files? You can edit them just by renaming some. Unless the Warden opens up the files and physically looks and says "Oh, well, this file is called WildheartVest, but it is the design of a STormrage chest!" there's no way to tell.

If you're going to edit models or textures (.blp or .m2 files), then you don't have to save them into the .mpq files. There are other ways to do it.

[Jojin]

for example from gnome to undead

Thats with Nogginfrogger potion.

How can the Warden check to see if you've been editing files?

CRC Check

[Kalos]

Various ways. It'll either see that the MPQ file is now a slightly different size, or it could even simply check the dates of when it was edited. Both are fairly quick and uncomplicated ways of checking for unusual tampering with the MPQ. I would imagine that as the compression ratio is different for adding files to the MPQ than for simply reading them on the fly inside the game, it would be an incredibly easy distinction to make. Any anomolies or discrepences with what should be there, Warden should see it. And while you can extract from the MPQ and edit certain files without upsetting the warden; reinserting them in the MPQ, which would have to be done for the newly edited files to have any effect in the game, would set the Warden off.

[construct]

For...the...billionth....time.

IT IS NOT AGAINST THE ToU!!! Those folder are put there FOR A REASON. It in no way, shape or form alters *ANY* file, mpq, database or ANYTHING. It simply checks these folders FIRST, and loads THOSE models instead. IT IS ONLY A CLIENT SIDE CHANGE. You will not magically LOOK ANY DIFFERENT to ANYONE but yourself.

BLIZZARD DOES NOT CARE. YOU ARE NOT "HACKING" ANYTHING.

[shieldman]

If you'd have bothered reading, I said I dont mind its ilegal. This is the one thing I dislike on these forums, they tend to be hijacked too quickly. How do I change the graphics? Please tell me

[amgyn]

For...the...billionth....time.

IT IS NOT AGAINST THE ToU!!! Those folder are put there FOR A REASON. It in no way, shape or form alters *ANY* file, mpq, database or ANYTHING. It simply checks these folders FIRST, and loads THOSE models instead. IT IS ONLY A CLIENT SIDE CHANGE. You will not magically LOOK ANY DIFFERENT to ANYONE but yourself.

BLIZZARD DOES NOT CARE. YOU ARE NOT "HACKING" ANYTHING.


they -do- care because you could just as easily change the models for say.. a certain herb and make it a huge bright red arrow, which would give you an unfair advantage over somebody else..

well maybe not a herb as thats whats the skill find herbs is for.. but say a chest, or a certain npc.

[xXmarkXx]

ever thought of what it could do if you made the opposing WSG flag to look like the beam of light from the sky you could make fa while back?

Thats what they mean by abusing it.

[shieldman]

Ok people we all agreed this is ilegal. Now can you tell me how to do it?

[Kalos]

If it is is illegal, we are bound to not provide information that will allow such actions to partake. This community has a reputation to uphold and a responsibility to avoid getting the site admins in the crapper. This is a troubleshooting board not a "mod your game" forum, and this doesn't look like a problem.

[Zardif]

official response from blizz

"Thank you for contacting the World of Warcraft Game Master Department.

Petition: Am i allowed to use outside models in the data directory to say, recolor all the plants to a bright pink?

Answer: Doing things to your interface that do not circumvent in-game mechanics are permissible, especially if these changes to the interface are cosmetic. A tool to cast multiple spells or select multiple targets would be violating the ToS and could result in disciplinary action, up to and including account closure for repeated offenses; something to change the appearance of characters or "creep" in-game would not.

Should you require further assistance, please submit another help request the next time you are online. We hope you continue to enjoy your experience in World of Warcraft!

For any game play questions, please refer to our site at http://www.blizzard.com/support/wowgm/

*** Please do not respond to this email as all conversations on this matter would be best handled online. ***"