I know that I have brought this topic up again and again, but I Feel like I have collected a solid basis and a foundation for this request. To start off with for me at least,I started the game when I was twelve with factions. I have grown up in guild wars and have been here ever since, but the one race who always stood out to me was the Tengu. Talon silver-wing was a freaking bamf, Saved me so many times when I was starting out. And Slowly but surely I fell in love with his race, and the culture of his race. I have never been a big fan of asuran, humans or sylvari and I only liked the norn when they could shape-shift. So that left me with the Charr when guild wars 2 came out and I Was somewhat saddened to see I could not play as a tengu. Mainly because I feel like they are so alien to what is the norm, kind of like the charr. They are a Avian humanoid race which has never been playable in any game, with guild wars trying to be different it sure sounds like it would be a good addition. To top that off they have a rich lore and background which makes them perfect candidates, we know tons about them which makes a solid foundation. With the Tengu accords and the Winds of change being a playable thing in guild wars 1, it sure seemed like they were set up to be a addition to our roster.
Now coming to the most important part, I would pay an absurd amount without much care even if it meant I had to suffer for a while to play this race. I know it sounds stupid, really stupid. But I love them so kitten much and It’s a shame that I cant enjoy the game AS MUCH as I could if I was able to main one, that sounds dumb but its true. To me Cosmetics are part of the whole getting rooted in a MMO, I dont often stay if I cant be something thats not human and looks pretty cool. If the armor looks like crap I wont stay, so guild wars 2 has a good hook in me. But its just not as deep as it would be if I could just be what I wana be, their models are beautiful. Im sure there are many others who would pay a decent price for them, even though this thread is going to be bombarded with hate comments.
With that said though Id like to remind people that those of us who post on the forums are NOT the main voice of the community but a facet of our community. Alot of people dont bother with the forums, they just play the game. I know that people would be inclined to buy a expansion if a new race was in it, probably more so than with mounts or even gliding. A new race adds a new flavor and a new feel even if it is in the animation and cosmetic department alone, those can make huge differences. A prime example is when you compare a Charr warrior to and Asuran warrior. The asuran are like little yoda’s leaping all over the place, while the charr are just bestial with their weapons. Between the twos animations you could easily see why someone would make one of each using the same class.
Another key factor is that people would be inclined to buy Character slots, and make more characters just for many of the reasons listed above. Im sure many would re-roll ults/mains and some would just get enough slots to make one of each class on tengu. (or whatever race it is) And yes I am partial to tengu because from a lore junky standpoint they are the most ready, and well prepared. But I would not be apposed to other races, as long as they got a bit more flushed out than they currently are. This picture below is what got me thinking about this, Id love to be able to make this guy and rock nevermore/any of the legendary’s. They have been here since GW1 and are just as kitten as the other races, they deserve to be here in this light. So Anet if your reading know I would happily buy a whole expansion, regardless of whatever just for this.
https://thalbachin.deviantart.com/art/P-Hou-Swiftshadow-618688581