Hi all,
Sorry for the delay between posts but its been, as usual, a heck of a week. Work, the guild and life in general, always seem to find a way to change my plans.
This installment is from the Blizzcon Class Items & Professions Panel discussion. The biggest piece of news to come from this panel was the change in item statistics. In game items will no longer have the following stats on them:
MP5
Spell Power (SP)
Attack Power (AP)
Defense
Armor Penetration in the same form
Block in the same form
It looks like we are harkening back to the days when items (gear and weapons) contained the core stats such as Intel, Spirit, Stam etc and those stats modified the secondary stats listed above. Here's the lowdown.
MP5 (mana per 5 seconds) will be controlled through Spirit. Spell Power as well as mana regen will be modified by Intel. Attack Power will be based on Agility. Defense and Armor Pen will come thru the talent tree and the new mastery system. Block, while I dont claim to understand it, will become a mitigation for incoming damage, and was described as being similar to Dodge. In the same vein, Stamina will no longer have anything to do with Spell Power, Attack Power or Defense. In essence Stam = health and its possible for plate wearers and clothies alike to have similar it not the same HP.
Haste, which essentially caused casters to push buttons faster, will work the same for melee. It was also stated that it may possibly increase regen of rage, energy, focus and/or runic power. It very much sounded like it was still up for discussion as to how exactly it will work.
Very short and to the point which was nice. This panel was very quick, leaving a lot of time for Q & A.
I think this is awesome. I always wondered what prompted the Blizz think-tank to come up with more math for one stat than the average CalSci classroom. It has always seemed like an annoyance. Hit, Crit, AP, Def all seem this convoluted mess that only a dedicated math wiz would tackle. In the end, for me the average Joe, I just stacked whatever seemed best or whatever the latest trends told me was the right way to go. I did do some research on my own, but I was rarely ever able to scratch the surface. I don't know if converting back to the "old days" will make any difference to me as far as the math goes. I can say with certainty though, I seemed to be able to understand it better when 1 stat like Spirit, modified 1 or 2 other stats like health or mana regen. I could measure those effects myself by simply taking off and putting on gear and looking at the numbers. After some simple calculations, if I recall correctly, 1 Stam = 20 hp, or something along those lines. I could look at it and understand what the gear was modifying. I may not have understood all the mathematical ramifications but I could get from A to B and look at C and say, "Oh ok I can see how it works", even if abstractly. Now it seems like every time I change a piece of gear it becomes an equation and balancing act if I want to maintain the stats I think "might" be the right ones for me. I have regemmed more gear just from changing one piece of armor than ever before. I am hoping this will make my personal math hell a little easier. So all I can say at this point is /cross fingers. ;)
Monday, August 31, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Cataclysm - races/classes
Hi,
I'm tired today so I'm going to do the next bits in installments. Here are the new race/class combos. I am not going to go over the new racials, but the plan is all current racials are being looked at to make sure they are all at the same level of cool.
The biggest changes will be to Hunters and Warlocks as far as class changes.
Hunters will no longer be on a mana system but will be utilizing Energy/Focus instead.
Warlocks shard system is being revamped and shards will no longer take up inventory space. The system is not yet completely fleshed out for either class so to speculate would be a little premature.
I'm tired today so I'm going to do the next bits in installments. Here are the new race/class combos. I am not going to go over the new racials, but the plan is all current racials are being looked at to make sure they are all at the same level of cool.
The biggest changes will be to Hunters and Warlocks as far as class changes.
Hunters will no longer be on a mana system but will be utilizing Energy/Focus instead.
Warlocks shard system is being revamped and shards will no longer take up inventory space. The system is not yet completely fleshed out for either class so to speculate would be a little premature.
| DK | Drui | Hunt | Mage | Pal | Pri | Rog | Sham | Wlk | Warr | |
| Alliance | ||||||||||
| Human | X | NEW | X | X | X | X | X | X | ||
| Night Elf | X | X | X | NEW | X | X | X | |||
| Dwarf | X | X | NEW | X | X | X | NEW | X | ||
| Gnome | X | X | NEW | X | X | X | ||||
| Draenei | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | |||
| Worgen | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | ||
| Horde | ||||||||||
| Orc | X | X | NEW | X | X | X | X | |||
| Tauren | X | X | X | NEW | X | X | ||||
| Troll | X | NEW | X | X | X | X | X | X | ||
| Undead | X | NEW | X | X | X | X | X | |||
| Blood Elf | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | NEW | ||
| Goblin | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Crazy Weekend - Blizzcon & my thoughts
This is my intermittent post. It has been a crazy Blizzcon weekend. Even though I was not able to attend I did totally geek out via DirecTV, Twitter and Ustream.
I am currently sitting on Ustream waiting for the wowinsider show to start with their wrapup for the day, after listening to the instance ustream just about all day while the PPV covered SC2 and D3. As well as starting up this blog.
So this is my chance to put my own thoughts down. Cataclysm is gonna be freaky wild shit. I am so excited to be revisiting old world content though I am terribly sorry to see some of it change. When they said that Southshore is gone and Auberdine is a wreck my jaw dropped. The changes will be so beyond different from what I leveled up in 4 years ago, and have lived in just about every day since. Its like an old friend and it feels kinda lost to me at the moment.
I am excited about the worgen but unsure about goblins. Goblins never struck me as allying with any particular faction but I can see the logic. At least it wont mess with Booty Bay, Gadgetzan or Everlook. I truly can't wait to explore it all and FLY! Have been dying for that since flying came out in BC.
I do have to add that these announcements, for me, really convince me of how much Blizzard seems to care about their product. While we all bitch and moan about this thing or that thing they seem to show an unending patience to weed through all of it and to try and make it right. Even if that means nerfing DK's to create more balance.
I am excited to see how the patches before the expansion will play out. I really had tons of fun with the zombie invasion, even when I had to hide in the back of the IF vault to DE items from the mail to keep from getting the plague. It was still great fun and I spent a lot of time hanging with friends and guildies in game just stomping around killing zombified people. It is truly the small moments in WoW that make it the most enjoyable for me. Laughing with people I like to hang with. Ok enough sobby stuff.
I am not sure how I feel about the new warlock shard system but really there's not much to say until I play it. The new talent trees look much easier and much more fun. The ancient glyph system seems pretty accessible and I'm really interested in what the paths are and mean to everyone. Each path must have a theme of sorts right?
I am most happy about the guild management, guild achievement, guild currency stuff. As a guild leader I'm excited to bring my guildmates into guild decisions such as talents etc and possibly solidify the group more as a whole. I can envision guild-wide meetings. I also really like the idea of being able to invite other guilds to your events. It will make coordinating with our sister guild much easier.
Speaking of...I'm gonna pop on and play some for the first time in several days :) while I listen to WoWInsider do their wrap up. Which hasnt started yet by the way. lol
I am currently sitting on Ustream waiting for the wowinsider show to start with their wrapup for the day, after listening to the instance ustream just about all day while the PPV covered SC2 and D3. As well as starting up this blog.
So this is my chance to put my own thoughts down. Cataclysm is gonna be freaky wild shit. I am so excited to be revisiting old world content though I am terribly sorry to see some of it change. When they said that Southshore is gone and Auberdine is a wreck my jaw dropped. The changes will be so beyond different from what I leveled up in 4 years ago, and have lived in just about every day since. Its like an old friend and it feels kinda lost to me at the moment.
I am excited about the worgen but unsure about goblins. Goblins never struck me as allying with any particular faction but I can see the logic. At least it wont mess with Booty Bay, Gadgetzan or Everlook. I truly can't wait to explore it all and FLY! Have been dying for that since flying came out in BC.
I do have to add that these announcements, for me, really convince me of how much Blizzard seems to care about their product. While we all bitch and moan about this thing or that thing they seem to show an unending patience to weed through all of it and to try and make it right. Even if that means nerfing DK's to create more balance.
I am excited to see how the patches before the expansion will play out. I really had tons of fun with the zombie invasion, even when I had to hide in the back of the IF vault to DE items from the mail to keep from getting the plague. It was still great fun and I spent a lot of time hanging with friends and guildies in game just stomping around killing zombified people. It is truly the small moments in WoW that make it the most enjoyable for me. Laughing with people I like to hang with. Ok enough sobby stuff.
I am not sure how I feel about the new warlock shard system but really there's not much to say until I play it. The new talent trees look much easier and much more fun. The ancient glyph system seems pretty accessible and I'm really interested in what the paths are and mean to everyone. Each path must have a theme of sorts right?
I am most happy about the guild management, guild achievement, guild currency stuff. As a guild leader I'm excited to bring my guildmates into guild decisions such as talents etc and possibly solidify the group more as a whole. I can envision guild-wide meetings. I also really like the idea of being able to invite other guilds to your events. It will make coordinating with our sister guild much easier.
Speaking of...I'm gonna pop on and play some for the first time in several days :) while I listen to WoWInsider do their wrap up. Which hasnt started yet by the way. lol
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Cataclysm - WoW land, map and quest changes
Hi guys,
I'm not quite sure the best way to break up this info but I'm going to give it a go. I am not going to cover specific stats. I am more of a lore person myself so the story lines and ideas are what I tend to focus on. For all my sources please also take a gander at my first post to see where you can find more in depth information.
Cataclysm is the next WoW expansion set. While there is no hard release date it sounds like we can expect to have it in hand some time next year before the next Blizzcon.
There are several story lines taking place, as with all WoW xpac's there is not just one focus. This expansion will be revamping the entire original game. The main event takes a little lore explaining. There are a series of WoW related books surrounding these events. Warcraft "War of the Ancients" Trilogy can best explain events leading up to Neltharion's (aka Deathwing) growing madness as well as Queen Azshara, the Burning Legion and the original sundering episode which also leads up to Burning Crusade. They also explain Ronin and Vareesa, who are now NPC's in Dalaran. It was very cool to see them there by the way.
Neltharion is the black dragonflight leader and the aspect of earth. He is driven mad by whisperings of the old gods in his head and tries to detroy the other dragonflights or aspects. We have met them all now, Red, Gold, Blue and Green in Northrend. Neltharion is eventually imprisoned by his peers. Cataclysm picks up where Neltharion bursts from his prison under the earth and causes great upheaval throughout the lands of Azeroth. Great volcanoes, floods and sundering of the land is expected to take place. In keeping with Blizzard's past earth changing and expansion events I'm hoping we will see some of this as it enfolds across the land just prior to the expansion coming out. Please know that whether you purchase the expansion or not the world of Azeroth as we know it will change. You do not have to have the expansion to see all these changes. Some of the artwork can be seen here:WoW artwork
Here are the maps of what to expect.
I'm not quite sure the best way to break up this info but I'm going to give it a go. I am not going to cover specific stats. I am more of a lore person myself so the story lines and ideas are what I tend to focus on. For all my sources please also take a gander at my first post to see where you can find more in depth information.
Cataclysm is the next WoW expansion set. While there is no hard release date it sounds like we can expect to have it in hand some time next year before the next Blizzcon.
There are several story lines taking place, as with all WoW xpac's there is not just one focus. This expansion will be revamping the entire original game. The main event takes a little lore explaining. There are a series of WoW related books surrounding these events. Warcraft "War of the Ancients" Trilogy can best explain events leading up to Neltharion's (aka Deathwing) growing madness as well as Queen Azshara, the Burning Legion and the original sundering episode which also leads up to Burning Crusade. They also explain Ronin and Vareesa, who are now NPC's in Dalaran. It was very cool to see them there by the way.
Neltharion is the black dragonflight leader and the aspect of earth. He is driven mad by whisperings of the old gods in his head and tries to detroy the other dragonflights or aspects. We have met them all now, Red, Gold, Blue and Green in Northrend. Neltharion is eventually imprisoned by his peers. Cataclysm picks up where Neltharion bursts from his prison under the earth and causes great upheaval throughout the lands of Azeroth. Great volcanoes, floods and sundering of the land is expected to take place. In keeping with Blizzard's past earth changing and expansion events I'm hoping we will see some of this as it enfolds across the land just prior to the expansion coming out. Please know that whether you purchase the expansion or not the world of Azeroth as we know it will change. You do not have to have the expansion to see all these changes. Some of the artwork can be seen here:WoW artwork
Here are the maps of what to expect.
(screenshot of current map)
Map with new ares for Cataclysm- not to scale (Wow.com)
There will be 7 new zones.
Gilneas Worgen starting area, levels 1-15. Neltharion bursts thru and the great destruction creates a break in the Graymane wall. The citizens emerge and join with the Alliance.
The Lost Isles
Goblin starting area, levels 1-15. The flooding of the great cataclysm has left survivors out on forgotten islands. The Horde befriends these lost souls and they join with the Horde.
Mount Hyjal
One of the 2 new starting zones, level 78-82. Malfurion Stormrage has emerged from the Emerald Dream and has again joined forces with the Children of Cenarius to help protect the World Tree from Ragnaros.
Sunken City of Vashj'ir
One of the 2 new starting zones, level 78-82. Azshara has been ruling under the waves in this underwater city. This area will contain two 5-man dungeons called the Abyssal Maw. Underwater flying mounts were mentioned in conjunction with this area.
Twilight Highlands All leaders must have followers. Here lies Deathwings new lair along with his devoted Cult of the Twilights Hammer. This area will contain two 5 man dungeons and Grim Batol (raid).
Uldum
The great wall has come down during the destuction of Azeroth exposing a city of the ancients, and a new race, the Tol'vir. Two 5-man dungeons and a raid will be here. There is purportedly a great weapon of destruction buried here that all factions want to get their hands on.
Deepholm
The original location from which Neltharion sprang. It will have an entire underground area which will be tied to a new instance/or instances located in Blackrock Spire, Deathwings Decent.
All together there are several new dungeons planned and 4 10/25 raids. This area will also be a hub of sorts for all the new zones. It will contain portals to all the other new areas.
Level Progression by Area
There will be 2 "starter zones" to choose from
Mount Hyjal and Vashj'ir --> Deepholm --> Uldum --> Twilight Highlands
All other zones throughout the Old World will be affected to some degree or another. Many will receive almost complete new looks. Here are some area changes that were mentioned.
Barrens will be torn in half and become northern and southern. Lush tropical areas instead of desert.
Desolace will also be transformed into a more lush area.
Darkshore will be wrecked as the Night Elves are forced to move North and the Horde become more entrenched in that area.
Stonetalon, the Charred Vale becomes "the more charred vale". The Talondeep Path is no more. Torn out by the Goblins in the area it is now a valley between the two areas.
Azshara will be changed to a level 10-20 Goblin area and new Goblin camps move in.
Dark Whisper Gorge will become part of Mount Hyjal and become a gateway to that area.
All major cities will be getting revamps to allow for flying.
Along with area visual changes there will be reconfiguring of all the quests and quest areas to provide for a better flowing experience. Most areas will be reduced to about a 5 level gain, and will offer good progression through the zones. In other words, you will not be stuck in STV for 15 levels.
Along with the new zones there will be one PVP area similar to Wintergrasp named Tol Barad. The battle will begin at intervals and the winning faction will have access to a dungeon and more daily quests and rewards. This Island has not been completely fleshed out as to its location, but was reputed to be off Southshore & Wetlands inside that bay. In addition to this PVP zone there will be a new battleground, Battle for Gilneas, and new arena(s).
Level Progression by Area
There will be 2 "starter zones" to choose from
Mount Hyjal and Vashj'ir --> Deepholm --> Uldum --> Twilight Highlands
All other zones throughout the Old World will be affected to some degree or another. Many will receive almost complete new looks. Here are some area changes that were mentioned.
Barrens will be torn in half and become northern and southern. Lush tropical areas instead of desert.
Desolace will also be transformed into a more lush area.
Darkshore will be wrecked as the Night Elves are forced to move North and the Horde become more entrenched in that area.
Stonetalon, the Charred Vale becomes "the more charred vale". The Talondeep Path is no more. Torn out by the Goblins in the area it is now a valley between the two areas.
Azshara will be changed to a level 10-20 Goblin area and new Goblin camps move in.
Dark Whisper Gorge will become part of Mount Hyjal and become a gateway to that area.
All major cities will be getting revamps to allow for flying.
Along with area visual changes there will be reconfiguring of all the quests and quest areas to provide for a better flowing experience. Most areas will be reduced to about a 5 level gain, and will offer good progression through the zones. In other words, you will not be stuck in STV for 15 levels.
Along with the new zones there will be one PVP area similar to Wintergrasp named Tol Barad. The battle will begin at intervals and the winning faction will have access to a dungeon and more daily quests and rewards. This Island has not been completely fleshed out as to its location, but was reputed to be off Southshore & Wetlands inside that bay. In addition to this PVP zone there will be a new battleground, Battle for Gilneas, and new arena(s).
Upcoming patch info
Hi again,
Here is some basic upcoming info just given up in the raids and dungeons discussion panel which includes some releases prior to Cataclysm. I wanted to cover these for guildies in case they were looking for the info.
Patch 3.3 Release scheduled for November some time
Onyxia returns in an updated raid
Onyxia herself will be updated with a few new spells and abilities but for the most part sounds to be very similar to what she used to be at level 60. Deep Breath and whelps will still be part of the fun. I dont recall if this will be available for both 10 & 25 groups.
Her loot has been updated to fall in line with current boss loot drops but what is great is it is her old loot but given new stats. All the tier 2 helms and weapons will be available with upgraded stats. They have also rounded out her loot table to include some items that were previously found in MC (Molten Core)
The following information will be released before Wrath is finally complete and we move into Cataclysm. Though with what patches and when was not completely divulged.
Cross Realm LFG. That's right. If you have an alt and you're trying to run Stocks and can't find a group you can look across realms and play with others. This system will only be implemented for 5 mans to begin with and will start with realms within your battlegroup. There will be rewards for using the system. One example; leading a group you will receive an additional reward. What that is was not disclosed.
Ice Crown
3 new 5 man dungeons will open up in Ice Crown all heavily related to the Lich King. You're first time through you will be following a quest chain and the dungeons will have to be done sequentially. Once the quest chain in completed you can go into any dungeon at any time.
Ice Crown Citadel and the final raid. Yes you will finally be able to kill the Lich King. No he will not drop Frostmourne but will drop a legendary Axe named Shadowmourne. There are currenty no stats avail on this drop. This raid will consist of 12 bosses in a wing type instance.
Thats the new news. Please share and enjoy.
Here is some basic upcoming info just given up in the raids and dungeons discussion panel which includes some releases prior to Cataclysm. I wanted to cover these for guildies in case they were looking for the info.
Patch 3.3 Release scheduled for November some time
Onyxia returns in an updated raid
Onyxia herself will be updated with a few new spells and abilities but for the most part sounds to be very similar to what she used to be at level 60. Deep Breath and whelps will still be part of the fun. I dont recall if this will be available for both 10 & 25 groups.
Her loot has been updated to fall in line with current boss loot drops but what is great is it is her old loot but given new stats. All the tier 2 helms and weapons will be available with upgraded stats. They have also rounded out her loot table to include some items that were previously found in MC (Molten Core)
The following information will be released before Wrath is finally complete and we move into Cataclysm. Though with what patches and when was not completely divulged.
Cross Realm LFG. That's right. If you have an alt and you're trying to run Stocks and can't find a group you can look across realms and play with others. This system will only be implemented for 5 mans to begin with and will start with realms within your battlegroup. There will be rewards for using the system. One example; leading a group you will receive an additional reward. What that is was not disclosed.
Ice Crown
3 new 5 man dungeons will open up in Ice Crown all heavily related to the Lich King. You're first time through you will be following a quest chain and the dungeons will have to be done sequentially. Once the quest chain in completed you can go into any dungeon at any time.
Ice Crown Citadel and the final raid. Yes you will finally be able to kill the Lich King. No he will not drop Frostmourne but will drop a legendary Axe named Shadowmourne. There are currenty no stats avail on this drop. This raid will consist of 12 bosses in a wing type instance.
Thats the new news. Please share and enjoy.
Hello
Good morning and welcome. I am moving my current blog to this location. Currently it is located on our guild's guildportal site. This is the old blog site http://kg.guildportal.com/Blog.aspx?Blog=373802 if you want to see any of my older posts.
There are not many, maybe a dozen. I think over time I will be moving that info here anyway. It covers leveling for the most part as well as my thoughts on raiding, keeping your wow account safe from hackers and my introduction.
My plan for this is to post in the next few days all the info on the new WoW expansion that has been announced at Blizzcon.
All the info I have is from the PPV, live feed and a number of people that are also posting and blogging on this. I am planning on getting all the info here in one spot if possible. My sources include:
wow.com (wow insider and their on-scene bloggers)
rawrcast.com (stompalina and their crew)
info from the WorldofWarcraft.com website
howiwow.com (Shaun Coons and Patrick Beja)
all of them are on twitter and can be found as people I am following on my twitter at Twitter.com/Zabbylocks
I think I've covered my sources and will give them credit as I go. Right now I am getting ready to watch the next live broadcast on Directv, where you can also watch a live feed on Blizzcon.com that is also a PPV. If you buy one you don't have to pay for the other.
That's it for now. In the next few days I hope to have all the info ready to post.
Thanks for joining me. :)
There are not many, maybe a dozen. I think over time I will be moving that info here anyway. It covers leveling for the most part as well as my thoughts on raiding, keeping your wow account safe from hackers and my introduction.
My plan for this is to post in the next few days all the info on the new WoW expansion that has been announced at Blizzcon.
All the info I have is from the PPV, live feed and a number of people that are also posting and blogging on this. I am planning on getting all the info here in one spot if possible. My sources include:
wow.com (wow insider and their on-scene bloggers)
rawrcast.com (stompalina and their crew)
info from the WorldofWarcraft.com website
howiwow.com (Shaun Coons and Patrick Beja)
all of them are on twitter and can be found as people I am following on my twitter at Twitter.com/Zabbylocks
I think I've covered my sources and will give them credit as I go. Right now I am getting ready to watch the next live broadcast on Directv, where you can also watch a live feed on Blizzcon.com that is also a PPV. If you buy one you don't have to pay for the other.
That's it for now. In the next few days I hope to have all the info ready to post.
Thanks for joining me. :)
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