Hey guys! Ever wondered how to explore the Vale of Eternal Blossoms as it was before Garrosh Hellscream messed it all up? Or maybe you're just trying to snag some achievements or transmogs from a bygone era? Well, you've come to the right place! This guide is all about using Zidormi to experience the Vale in its pristine, pre-cataclysm state. We'll cover everything from finding Zidormi to understanding the differences between the past and present versions of the Vale. Buckle up, timewalkers, because we're about to dive in!

Who is Zidormi?

First things first, let’s talk about our temporal tour guide, Zidormi. Zidormi is a bronze dragon who has the cool ability to show you different timelines of certain locations. She's basically the ultimate time-travel concierge. You can find her in various locations throughout Azeroth, primarily in areas that have undergone significant changes due to world events. Her main purpose is to allow players to experience content from previous expansions without being affected by current world changes.

Finding Zidormi in the Vale of Eternal Blossoms

Okay, so where do you find this time-bending dragon in the Vale? After the devastation wrought by Garrosh, Zidormi appears near the entrance to the Vale, specifically near the Golden Stair. Look for her just as you enter from the Jade Forest or Kun-Lai Summit. She’s easily recognizable by the bronze dragon icon on the map and her shimmering, ethereal appearance. When you approach her, she’ll have a dialogue option that allows you to switch between the "destroyed" and "pristine" versions of the Vale.

Important: Make sure you're not in a raid group when you try to talk to her, or else she might not offer you the time travel option. Trust me, it's happened to the best of us. You'll wander around wondering why you can't activate the timeline shift. Save yourself the headache and leave the raid first.

Why Use Zidormi?

"Why bother going back in time?" you might ask. Great question! There are several reasons why you might want to visit the Vale of Eternal Blossoms in its pre-destroyed state:

• Achievements: Some achievements are only obtainable in the past version of the Vale. For example, certain questlines or interactions with NPCs might only be available before the Vale was corrupted.
• Transmogrification: Certain vendors and quest rewards offering unique appearances might only be accessible in the past. If you're a transmog hunter, Zidormi is your best friend.
• Lore and Exploration: Experiencing the Vale as it was before the devastation offers a unique perspective on the lore of Pandaria. It’s a chance to see the beauty and tranquility that once defined the region.
• Questing: Some older quests are phased out in the current version of the Vale. If you're looking to complete specific quest achievements or just want to experience the original storylines, Zidormi is essential.

In short, Zidormi provides a way to engage with content that would otherwise be inaccessible or significantly altered. It's a fantastic feature that allows players to revisit and appreciate the game's evolving world.

Switching Timelines: A Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here’s exactly how to switch between the timelines using Zidormi:

1. Locate Zidormi: Head to the entrance of the Vale of Eternal Blossoms near the Golden Stair, connecting to Jade Forest and Kun-Lai Summit.
2. Talk to Zidormi: Interact with her. She'll have a speech bubble above her head.
3. Choose the Timeline: Select the dialogue option that allows you to see the Vale as it was before the devastation. It will typically say something like, "I want to see the Vale as it once was."
4. Accept the Change: Confirm your choice. There might be a loading screen as the game shifts you to the past version of the Vale.
5. Enjoy the Past: Explore the pristine Vale, complete quests, and soak in the scenery!

Going Back to the Present: If you want to return to the current, destroyed version of the Vale, simply talk to Zidormi again and select the option to see the Vale as it is now. It's that easy!

Key Differences: Past vs. Present Vale

So, what exactly changes when you use Zidormi to travel back in time? Here’s a rundown of the key differences between the past and present versions of the Vale of Eternal Blossoms.

Environment and Scenery

In the past, the Vale is a lush, vibrant paradise. The waters are clear, the vegetation is thriving, and the overall atmosphere is one of peace and tranquility. The temples and shrines are in pristine condition, reflecting the Pandaren’s dedication to harmony and balance. You'll notice an immediate difference in the color palette – everything is brighter and more inviting.

In the present, the Vale is scarred by Garrosh’s actions. The waters are murky and corrupted, the land is blighted, and the atmosphere is heavy with despair. The temples are damaged, and the overall environment reflects the chaos and destruction that have befallen the region. It's a stark contrast, highlighting the devastating impact of Garrosh's decisions.

Quests and NPCs

The quests available in the past version of the Vale are tied to the original Mists of Pandaria storyline. You’ll encounter different NPCs and quest givers who offer unique storylines and rewards. These quests often involve maintaining the Vale’s balance and protecting it from various threats.

In the present, the quests reflect the aftermath of Garrosh’s actions. You’ll be tasked with cleaning up the corruption, helping the remaining inhabitants, and dealing with the consequences of the devastation. Some of the original NPCs might be gone or have moved to different locations.

Enemies and Creatures

In the past, you’ll encounter creatures and enemies that are consistent with the original Mists of Pandaria expansion. These might include Yaungol, Mogu, and other threats that were present before Garrosh’s arrival.

In the present, the enemies are often corrupted versions of the original creatures, reflecting the blight that has spread throughout the Vale. You might also encounter new types of enemies that have emerged as a result of the devastation.

Vendors and Services

Certain vendors and services are only available in the past version of the Vale. This is particularly important for transmog collectors, as some unique items can only be purchased from vendors who existed before the Vale was destroyed. If you're hunting for a specific piece of gear, be sure to check the vendors in the past.

In the present, some vendors might be missing, or their inventories might be altered to reflect the current state of the Vale. Always double-check which timeline you're in when trying to buy something specific.

Tips and Tricks for Timewalking in the Vale

Okay, now that you know the basics, here are some tips and tricks to make your time-traveling experience even smoother:

• Check Your Quest Log: Before switching timelines, review your quest log to see if any quests are specific to one version of the Vale. This will help you avoid confusion and ensure you're completing the right objectives.
• Use TomTom: If you're trying to find a specific NPC or location, use TomTom coordinates to guide you. This is especially helpful in the past, where the landscape might be unfamiliar.
• Talk to Everyone: When in doubt, talk to the NPCs! They often provide valuable information about quests, lore, and the current state of the Vale.
• Be Aware of Phasing: Remember that the Vale is heavily phased, meaning that certain areas and NPCs might only be visible in specific timelines or after completing certain quests. If you can't find something, make sure you're in the right phase.
• Enjoy the Scenery: Don't forget to take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the Vale, whether it's the pristine landscapes of the past or the resilient recovery of the present. It's a stunning zone with a rich history.

Achievements and Collectibles

For all you completionists out there, here are some achievements and collectibles that you might want to pursue while exploring the Vale of Eternal Blossoms:

Achievements

• Explore the Vale of Eternal Blossoms: This achievement is straightforward – simply explore all the marked locations in the Vale.
• Valley of the Four Winds: This is a zone meta-achievement which will require completing a number of different achievements throughout the zone.
• Loremaster of Pandaria: Complete the majority of questlines in Pandaria. Many of these quests require Zidormi to be activated.

Collectibles

• Transmogrification Items: As mentioned earlier, the past version of the Vale offers access to unique transmog items that are no longer available in the present.
• Pets: Certain pets might only be obtainable through quests or vendors in the past.
• Mounts: While there aren't any specific mounts tied directly to the Vale's timeline, completing quests and achievements in the zone can contribute to broader mount-collecting goals.

Conclusion

So, there you have it – a comprehensive guide to using Zidormi to explore the Vale of Eternal Blossoms in its pristine state. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a new player, this time-traveling adventure offers a unique perspective on the lore, quests, and beauty of Pandaria. So go forth, timewalkers, and may your journeys through the past be filled with adventure and discovery!

Happy exploring, and may the winds of Pandaria guide you!