Here I am, thinking again, heh.
18 hours.
18 hours away from waiting for a game to install on my system, and with it, the end of the Lich King expansion. I wonder to myself, is there anything I didn't do? Anything I should have done? Anything I'll regret not doing in this expansion while it was here?
In the end, it doesn't matter. Things have changed, there's no turning back now. I have this odd, lonesome, empty feeling inside of me, and I don't know exactly why. I imagine it's mostly because I'm a sentimental fool.
It's been a long two years though. Change isn't so bad.
So let's see... personal most annoying bosses? Thaddius, Auriaya, Faction Champs, and Rotface, with Sindragosa coming in second for Icecrown. Gear I wish I had but won't be getting? Corpse-Impaling Spike, Crushing Coldwraith Belt, and ooooh mah God, the Bloodvenom Blade x2. Fraggin'... augh.
I still say, part of me WILL be sad to leave Northrend behind, but it's all been conquered.
Another thing on my mind tonight is when ti leave ET. I have to do it today. Part of me hates to, but things have changed, just like in Azeroth. So... time to get on with it.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Sunday, December 5, 2010
An Island of Magic
(Written in the mindset of my Mage, and while listening to this, the music of Ferelas while feeling thoughtful, if a bit lonesome.)
2 years ago, we came streaming in from across Azeroth to this little island. The Mages of Dalaran, my brethren, finally decided to come out of hiding, hidden from the world after Arthas rampaged through the Eastern Kingdoms. He came here to retrieve items that would help Kel'thuzad bring Archimonde to our world, and thus the Third War began. While we Sin'Dorei were recovering and doing our best to rebuild and recover without the Sunwell, to recover enough that we would survive, the races of the world came together to save Azeroth.
Now, Arthas is dead, the Sunwell has been restored with the help of M'uru and the Prophet Velen, but the world continues to go through great tragedy. It is said we, Horde, Alliance, and all our allies alike, are going to have to get involved in this rapidly-changing world to save it, and at that, establish who is the more dominant faction. In a few days, most of us will have to uproot ourselves once more and re-establish ourselves in our own homes. Dalaran will stay here in Northrend to help new adventurers learn and grow, and to keep watch over the remnants of the Scourge. This land has much rebuilding and recovering of its own to make. Zul'drak, Icerown.. lush lands like Sholazar Basin to the harsh, barren Borean Tundra... so much has been touched by the withering hands of undeath.
And for those of us strong enough to survive all that, we now face a new task - surviving the elements, hunting down those who would rather see this world destroyed, and at the same time, fight against old foes - the Alliance, pride, ego, greed...
If it were up to me, I would stay in this city and never fight again... but I have a duty to fulfill. My kind have to live in this world, and the last thing I'll do is abandon my race. I may not wish the battle, but I will fight, if for no other reason than to survive and be able to come back and call this island home once more.
So it is not a farewell, fair Dalaran, but only an until I see you again. Ano' belore'alah. May Antonidas always watch you and may he give Rhonin the wisdom to lead, and not let that woman corrupt his mind with her... views on the Horde, or her sister-turn-banshee Sylvanas.
~Spiritwing Leywalker
2 years ago, we came streaming in from across Azeroth to this little island. The Mages of Dalaran, my brethren, finally decided to come out of hiding, hidden from the world after Arthas rampaged through the Eastern Kingdoms. He came here to retrieve items that would help Kel'thuzad bring Archimonde to our world, and thus the Third War began. While we Sin'Dorei were recovering and doing our best to rebuild and recover without the Sunwell, to recover enough that we would survive, the races of the world came together to save Azeroth.
Now, Arthas is dead, the Sunwell has been restored with the help of M'uru and the Prophet Velen, but the world continues to go through great tragedy. It is said we, Horde, Alliance, and all our allies alike, are going to have to get involved in this rapidly-changing world to save it, and at that, establish who is the more dominant faction. In a few days, most of us will have to uproot ourselves once more and re-establish ourselves in our own homes. Dalaran will stay here in Northrend to help new adventurers learn and grow, and to keep watch over the remnants of the Scourge. This land has much rebuilding and recovering of its own to make. Zul'drak, Icerown.. lush lands like Sholazar Basin to the harsh, barren Borean Tundra... so much has been touched by the withering hands of undeath.
And for those of us strong enough to survive all that, we now face a new task - surviving the elements, hunting down those who would rather see this world destroyed, and at the same time, fight against old foes - the Alliance, pride, ego, greed...
If it were up to me, I would stay in this city and never fight again... but I have a duty to fulfill. My kind have to live in this world, and the last thing I'll do is abandon my race. I may not wish the battle, but I will fight, if for no other reason than to survive and be able to come back and call this island home once more.
So it is not a farewell, fair Dalaran, but only an until I see you again. Ano' belore'alah. May Antonidas always watch you and may he give Rhonin the wisdom to lead, and not let that woman corrupt his mind with her... views on the Horde, or her sister-turn-banshee Sylvanas.
~Spiritwing Leywalker
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Music of Cataclysm - Mulgore
A friend shared this earlier today on Twitter, and I had to share it. If you want to know everything about the Tauren's current state of affairs, just listen. This is the one piece that has hit me, every time I hear it. And for the love of God, turn up the quality. 240p doesn't do it justice.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Old vs New
I plan to make a post about my first impressions in a couple of days at some point, about the quests, the layouts of things, and how they feel to me so far, but something popped up in my head tonight that I have to get down in words before I lose it somewhere in my mental toybox.
Ask yourself two questions. First... how long have you played this game? Secondly, how does this new world affect you, as a player and as a person? How has The Shattering, how has this Cataclysm changed your outlook on the World of Warcraft, of Azeroth, of everything you thought you knew?
It's no secret that Blizzard wanted to bring back the old players to a new world and rekindle their care about it.
I got to thinking about the new players... the ones who've been drawn in to this new world without ever experiencing the old one, the first one. I also got to thinking about the casuals, the ones who've never been completely enwrapt in the game because of real life, not ever finding their niche, or what have you. I even thought about the ones who just play for the sake of it, who don't care about the story or anything... who just play and don't give a good crap about things like the lore.
How does someone like me express to them how much my World of Warcraft has changed? Would they understand it?
For all the videos on Youtube, for all the Wiki stories, for all the screenshots posted on a Photobucket account... there'll always be a disconnect, in a way - a missing element. Some people will understand to a degree, some people will not.
A perfect example of all of this came from my Twitter. A friend of mine has played for as long as I remember, though he doesn't play often and plays on different servers. He's said his highest level is a 65. He's never leveled through Northrend, he's never gone on an at-level raid. He plays with his son more times than not, kind of a nice perk I wish I had myself. He plays Tauren mostly, if not completely, as far as I know. He commented on Twitter about my previous post. "You're making me want to start a Tauren from scratch again." In all truth, that makes me feel good. The interest and the fire that's been rekindled in me from all the changes is spreading. I believe each race, with the exception of the Blood Elves and the Draenei(as their worlds were not as affected, personally), owes it to themselves to go through the motions one more time, and reaffirm themselves of their choices, to be truly sure they're resolute in their faction and their nation.
And finally, for tonight's update on the leveling progress... level 45, 5 levels gained, mining is at 275, had been doing smelting while writing this. Time to do some hammer bangin'. Me and the warrior partner went through Thousand Needles. I won't give away any spoilers, but I will say this. There was one point where I finally got annoyed at a line of quests. It was bound to happen, and it did, but they're over and done with now. In truth, this is another crucial zone, and like I said, no spoilers, but the Tauren at heart will feel frustrated, they will feel a twinge of guilt, and they will feel powerless, but when you do what you have to, all you can do is resolve to make up for it later on. I know, at least, this is what I feel to be true.
Ish-ne-alo por-ah, may the Earthmother smile upon you, always.
~RJ
Ask yourself two questions. First... how long have you played this game? Secondly, how does this new world affect you, as a player and as a person? How has The Shattering, how has this Cataclysm changed your outlook on the World of Warcraft, of Azeroth, of everything you thought you knew?
It's no secret that Blizzard wanted to bring back the old players to a new world and rekindle their care about it.
I got to thinking about the new players... the ones who've been drawn in to this new world without ever experiencing the old one, the first one. I also got to thinking about the casuals, the ones who've never been completely enwrapt in the game because of real life, not ever finding their niche, or what have you. I even thought about the ones who just play for the sake of it, who don't care about the story or anything... who just play and don't give a good crap about things like the lore.
How does someone like me express to them how much my World of Warcraft has changed? Would they understand it?
For all the videos on Youtube, for all the Wiki stories, for all the screenshots posted on a Photobucket account... there'll always be a disconnect, in a way - a missing element. Some people will understand to a degree, some people will not.
A perfect example of all of this came from my Twitter. A friend of mine has played for as long as I remember, though he doesn't play often and plays on different servers. He's said his highest level is a 65. He's never leveled through Northrend, he's never gone on an at-level raid. He plays with his son more times than not, kind of a nice perk I wish I had myself. He plays Tauren mostly, if not completely, as far as I know. He commented on Twitter about my previous post. "You're making me want to start a Tauren from scratch again." In all truth, that makes me feel good. The interest and the fire that's been rekindled in me from all the changes is spreading. I believe each race, with the exception of the Blood Elves and the Draenei(as their worlds were not as affected, personally), owes it to themselves to go through the motions one more time, and reaffirm themselves of their choices, to be truly sure they're resolute in their faction and their nation.
And finally, for tonight's update on the leveling progress... level 45, 5 levels gained, mining is at 275, had been doing smelting while writing this. Time to do some hammer bangin'. Me and the warrior partner went through Thousand Needles. I won't give away any spoilers, but I will say this. There was one point where I finally got annoyed at a line of quests. It was bound to happen, and it did, but they're over and done with now. In truth, this is another crucial zone, and like I said, no spoilers, but the Tauren at heart will feel frustrated, they will feel a twinge of guilt, and they will feel powerless, but when you do what you have to, all you can do is resolve to make up for it later on. I know, at least, this is what I feel to be true.
Ish-ne-alo por-ah, may the Earthmother smile upon you, always.
~RJ
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Two Honest Opinions... Okay, Three
Pulling myself back out of my idle and finding myself with a moment to spare, I decided to touch on two things that I've come to realize in the last week and a half of play in this new, angry world that's come about.
First, honestly... I'm going to miss Dalaran. Yes, it was laggy with all the people running around, and yes, it was annoying not being able to use flight mounts in-city, but for all it's worth, it's an awesome city, a great layout, and it's... inspiring. I've shared this with a few folks, but the first day I got to Dalaran, the first thing I checked out was the Blacksmithing area, and a gem caught my eye - The Forge of Fate. Small nook with smelting pools and hammers hanging from the ceiling. Instantly, my mind took off. "I can't wait to see what treasures I'll be able to make in this place," my Paladin said out loud. Unfortunately, I didn't keep playing my Paladin for too long after that, and in the middle of the Ulduar patch, I ended up switching to my Mage to shore up some DPS gaps. That and the fact Bloodhoof isn't an RP server, well... my RP urges would be stifled. I can understand the removal of the portals and the addition of all the trainers, even the Auctioneer-bots(nice to see we got Reginald as ours), but it's a shame because it's such an awesome city. Oh well, it happens.
The second opinion, and this is one I plan to actually write about in the near future, is the Southern Barrens. Without giving too many spoilers, I have to be honest - Taurajo sickened me. Recently I'd fiddled with my Draenei Hunter and had a little fun with him... now I hardly even want to touch him again 'cause of the hatred I have for the Alliance over it. And I'll make a comparison - Silverwind Refuge in Ashenvale could probably be a good counter-argument for the Alliance hating the Horde, but let's face it - Night Elves aren't as easygoing as Tauren, and the fact Night Elves have been staging attacks on the lumber camps and Splintertree Post make them more of a target than a Tauren camp filled with trainers, innocent bystanders, and, of all things, CHILDREN. If you go through the Southern Barrens, you will see Tauren babies for the first time. Taurajo itself has two things - 4 dead NPCs who died protecting the evacuees, and lots of looters who talk of rifling the bodies for stuff to sell and other such things. Out of all the races in the Horde population, why stage an attack on the race least likely to hunt you down unless provoked? And if you're a Tauren, you WILL be provoked. Go ask Gann Stonespire.
Finally, so far, I can honestly say the Tauren's leveling path is the most engaging storyline I've seen in the game, period. The only other one I could see myself being interested in is the Troll stuff, and that's because Vol'jin's awesome. Rolled enough Belfs, won't roll an Orc, certainly won't roll a freaking Forsaken(Sylvanas is another topic for another day), and Goblins don't interest me. Stonetalon is mostly orc stuff, though there's a significant part the Tauren play in it, and though I'm still not a Garrosh fan, he does have a few more rep points with my personal faction. The Southern Barrens is a must if you roll a Tauren, Ferelas and Thousand Needles as well if my stroll-throughs are on the money. Seeing Thousand Needles under water is... sad. Seeing the Great Lift in shambles is frustrating, while the Grimtotem... well, let's just say Hell Hath No Fury Like a Tauren Enraged.
May your ancestors forever guard your path.
~RJ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzelAZbotfU Metal to fuel your killing spree.
First, honestly... I'm going to miss Dalaran. Yes, it was laggy with all the people running around, and yes, it was annoying not being able to use flight mounts in-city, but for all it's worth, it's an awesome city, a great layout, and it's... inspiring. I've shared this with a few folks, but the first day I got to Dalaran, the first thing I checked out was the Blacksmithing area, and a gem caught my eye - The Forge of Fate. Small nook with smelting pools and hammers hanging from the ceiling. Instantly, my mind took off. "I can't wait to see what treasures I'll be able to make in this place," my Paladin said out loud. Unfortunately, I didn't keep playing my Paladin for too long after that, and in the middle of the Ulduar patch, I ended up switching to my Mage to shore up some DPS gaps. That and the fact Bloodhoof isn't an RP server, well... my RP urges would be stifled. I can understand the removal of the portals and the addition of all the trainers, even the Auctioneer-bots(nice to see we got Reginald as ours), but it's a shame because it's such an awesome city. Oh well, it happens.
The second opinion, and this is one I plan to actually write about in the near future, is the Southern Barrens. Without giving too many spoilers, I have to be honest - Taurajo sickened me. Recently I'd fiddled with my Draenei Hunter and had a little fun with him... now I hardly even want to touch him again 'cause of the hatred I have for the Alliance over it. And I'll make a comparison - Silverwind Refuge in Ashenvale could probably be a good counter-argument for the Alliance hating the Horde, but let's face it - Night Elves aren't as easygoing as Tauren, and the fact Night Elves have been staging attacks on the lumber camps and Splintertree Post make them more of a target than a Tauren camp filled with trainers, innocent bystanders, and, of all things, CHILDREN. If you go through the Southern Barrens, you will see Tauren babies for the first time. Taurajo itself has two things - 4 dead NPCs who died protecting the evacuees, and lots of looters who talk of rifling the bodies for stuff to sell and other such things. Out of all the races in the Horde population, why stage an attack on the race least likely to hunt you down unless provoked? And if you're a Tauren, you WILL be provoked. Go ask Gann Stonespire.
Finally, so far, I can honestly say the Tauren's leveling path is the most engaging storyline I've seen in the game, period. The only other one I could see myself being interested in is the Troll stuff, and that's because Vol'jin's awesome. Rolled enough Belfs, won't roll an Orc, certainly won't roll a freaking Forsaken(Sylvanas is another topic for another day), and Goblins don't interest me. Stonetalon is mostly orc stuff, though there's a significant part the Tauren play in it, and though I'm still not a Garrosh fan, he does have a few more rep points with my personal faction. The Southern Barrens is a must if you roll a Tauren, Ferelas and Thousand Needles as well if my stroll-throughs are on the money. Seeing Thousand Needles under water is... sad. Seeing the Great Lift in shambles is frustrating, while the Grimtotem... well, let's just say Hell Hath No Fury Like a Tauren Enraged.
May your ancestors forever guard your path.
~RJ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzelAZbotfU Metal to fuel your killing spree.
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