Wanderer Of The Mist #4

Greetings fellow explorers! So far in our adventure we have looked for secret locations within Azeroths darkest and most remote corners. We have found memories and huge amounts of history, rituals forgotten in the past and the rather strange things blizzard has implemented over the years. In this episode we start too look at the vast climate change around the continents of Azeroth, the places that are hidden by weather. From the Icy peaks of Kun lai, to the searing heat of Tanaris, To the humidity within Stranglethorn,  we will venture forth and explore these extremely different locations. So grab your finest brew and compass folks! 

And so the warm breeze has past, the days grow shorter, the nights fall to freezing temperatures. However during these cold times, it is often the case that some of the most beautiful locations in Azeroth are dwelling in some of the most coldest and unforgiving terrains. We venture too some of the coldest regions and have a look at some of the details hiding there. I love exploring these types of places just to see how blizzard work around different weather systems, But you have to admit, they sure do look amazing! 

Summit Of Ironforge
There is very little to this location, usually when you find something like this, it's generally related to something, but with not much information given about this summit, we're still left to speculate what exactly this little Easter egg was intended for. Above the grand halls of this mountain there is home to a little secret. Before flying mounts were finally allowed to be used in Azeroth, the only way you could find this place is by foot, or mount if you could afford one. After spending hours looking for a way up, myself and a group of friends thought it would be interesting to see if there was any way to reach the top of Ironforge, not knowing what to expect!

During our quest, we came across what looked like old watch towers hiding within the mountain, again, not much is known about these buildings, why are they here? why so high up? Maybe a defense system put in place during the way? not much is known about them, but what I do know is that they make awesome screenshots! You can still access this Summit on foot if you wish, but it can take some time looking for the correct path to follow.

I have always had a soft spot for this place, My first real adventure outside of questing, I was astounded by how much detail the game had, this was when I was new and I just want to re create that feeling for new adventurers and Veterans alike! So grab your hiking boots, thermal flask and gloves, as we are about to look for more chilly wonders around Azeroth!

Neverest Pinnacle
From the cold breeze off the northern winds sweeping across Eastern kingdoms, to the mighty chill that rests upon one of the tallest mountains in Pandaria. The Neverest Pinnacle rests just north of the Kota Basecamp is one of the most beautiful creations from blizzard. One can't help but think this is their version of Mount Everest... Similar name, huge peak and an incredible thing to see for yourself, this mountain is a Screenshot dream!

The temperature here is one of the coldest regions in Azeroth, explorers must be advised to take caution when climbing the path that leads to its summit, the poor fella here had no chance! However, once you reach the top, You will be greeted by one of three Legends of the Brewfathers, Ren Yun. Once you click on the statue, the passage reads as the following:

Father of the individual sensory beers and the Four Senses Brew.
- Ren Yun, his other senses heightened by his blindness, suffered for years with what he considered to be the harsh taste of normal Pandaren brews.  After years of wandering and experimentation he developed separate brews that delighted each of his four senses but, though he had perfected these individual beers, the combination of the separate elements into one perfect unifying brew eluded him. For a lifetime more he wandered on until he found at last the secret to bind all of his sensory beers into one master recipe, the Four Senses Brew.

A blind Pandaren, brewing what he brews best, I loved reading this and I really enjoyed looking up some more information on this location, so please feel free to head up to its peak, enjoy its beauty as I did! The Neverest Pinnacle is one of blizzards many captivating locations, I hope WoD brings in many more of these in the some what near future. 

Icecrown
This location was one of many I was torn between adding, I was stuck between this one and Storm peaks, but due how much I loved the Rise Of The Lich King book I just had to feature this location. Icecrown, home to the Lich, a land destroyed by the scourge. So much death, so much agony in one location, it still holds some of the most amazing lore I have read to date. I guess not everyone is in the same boat as me, But the story of Arthas and his quest for Frostmourne is just too gripping and so incredible, this location just had to be added! going back to my last Wanderer episode, I mentioned the history and story of Arthas as we discovered history in the making still dwelling in the halls of what is now known as Undercity. It sets a really strong feel for this place... and to me really builds up that corrupted feel to the story.

Home to many other races, Icecrown is a zone of dark history and yet some beauty to go with it, it's like the doubled edged blade, it has its glories side, yet it holds some of the darkest secrets in Warcraft Lore. In this very location Kil'Jaeden cast out Ner'zhul back in to the mortal world, his prison slamming in to the glacier now known as the frozen throne. It's power as it crashed in to Northrend's land shook, the impac t could be heard from Grizzly hills and back!

But as history unfolds, the citadel is now home to a far more corrupt being, Arthas. His uncontrollable feelings towards protecting his people at all costs lead him to this location. Ner'zhul speaking to him, calling for him. He lusted for power. after finding the fabled weapon Frostmourne, he went back to his homeland and killed the entire city including his father. He came back looking for more power until he had control over the scourge. The creatures that dwell in this forsaken place will always need a leader so the scourge don't cause utter chaos, so there must always be.. a Lich King. So are you ready for an adventure? Looking to discover the secrets to this uncontrollable force? Grab your gear folks, you will need it!

Tip: A fellow Blogger, Darklady mentioned about a small island North off the coast, I wont go in to much detail about it, I will leave that surprise for you! Thanks for showing me dark!

Winterspring
 The beautiful , rolling hills of the Springs, I loved this place the moment I got out of that hell hole that's known as Felwood. The questing here was amazing, and with the long grinds to level back in Vanilla, I used to farm the undead that patrol the Lake Kel 'Theril ruins for Icy weapon enchantments. This place had everything, Yetis, Tigers, Bears and the odd Orc and Troll to hunt down, this place really did feel like an endgame zone... Ahh the good ol' days! Lets move away from some of the less cheerful locations and end this episode with a place we're all aware of and a place that holds a ton of beauty.

There is not many locations/zones in Kalimdor that share the same weather patterns as winterspring and that to me makes it so special and unique. When you look at the geographical structure and the amount of rich lush/barren zones that fill up this continent, a snowy area like this just sticks out like a sore thumb! Its surrounding zones are nothing like it... Strange..

So the only zone in the northern part of Kalimdor to of had seen snow, but legend has it, that during the events of reign of chaos, the valley was in a rare period of springtime, when no snow was covering the ground.. and the animals that we see roaming now had vanished? Could we see anything like this happening again? I hope so! If you have not already, I recommend exploring this location. If you're in to your night elves history/lore there is so much to find here! Grab your compass and best snow shoes when coming out here, and be warned... YETI!

So that's this episode covered folks! in the next episode I will cover some of the more warmer locations in and around Azeroth.. We venture in to the scorching desert sands of Uldum and Tanaris. Know of any other locations? Feel free to leave a comment below or on my twitter: @VaylenEU and I will be sure to check them out! Also, I will be holding a competition once I reach 30k blog views, so stay tuned for that! - Vaylen.

Guide to level 85 - 90

Hello ladies and gentleman! As you may or may not have noticed I have not done my usual follow up with a play through. As I said in my last one I was going to show you something slightly special and different that does not have any lore involved and such. I did a bit of research in to trying out the fastest way to level from 85 to 90 without having to quest in the zones that I have seen to much of and also not do dungeons, was there a way to level fast enough to beat all my other times, and were? Monkey runes were a well known one but recently receiving nerfs on the spawn rate and experience gained, Its not really that good anymore. But I have found a solution. A new zone to level ridiculously fast, I tried it myself after all the rumors I saw and its fantastic. This guide will be simple and easy to follow and hopefully help you out a little.

So were Can I find this place and how do I get there at 85? 
- It's located on the Timeless Isle, you will have to swim or get someone to take you over or if you have any water walking abilities, they work also. NOTE: You may die if you swim but you resurrect right on the Isle and seconds away from the farming location.

Timeless Isle.. What I'f I am on a PvP server, Surely I would be a prime target to kill?
- In short, yes. I had this problem some times during my leveling. The thing is Ragnaros EU is rather crowded so if you are on a high populated server, don't expect it to be that easy to get your spawn points perfect without some players taking you as a free kill, because they will. There are of course quiet moments on severs after midnight and early mornings, make use off this time if you're struggling. Maybe do some dungeons in the mean time.

Is there a way around this is you're on a busy PvP server? 
- There is indeed and this is how you can solve it. I was lucky enough to have a friend who was on a PvE server and had a level 90 able to get to the Isle. Using the cross realm feature, Once I was invited to the party, I phased to their server. Lucky enough it was a dead one also so the spawns were mostly mine. They then logged off and jumped back on their main and I was able to stay on their realm without them even being logged in, Perfect. NOTE: I did try other people inviting me to their server who was not level 90 or in the zone and it did not work.

What amount of experience are we looking at here? 
- Simple, The exp you gain from these creatures will increase every time you level up. However the time in which it takes to level up wont really differ. The amount you gain per kill is as follows:

Level 85 = 12.5k experience gained per kill.
Level 86 = 14k experience gained per kill.
Level 87 = 16k experience gained per kill.
Level 88 = 19k experience gained per kill.
Level 89 = 22k experience gained per kill.

There are 5 packs of mobs you will be killing around the infested little village of Old Piju in the southern most part of the isle. Each pack will give you around 2 - 4 % experience. Sometimes the packs seem to have more mobs there, so it can vary.

What sort of mobs am I looking for? 
- They are grub's, They move rather slowly and have very little health. NOTE: Once you are within 4 yards of them they will cast a poison bolt that hits real hard and will stack so its important that you can kite them. This does of course get easier as you level. They do always spawn in the same location and can easily be spotted by the sheer amount of them huddled together around the trees. They are not hostile either.

What route do I take once I'm there and I know my targets?
- Just follow this map bellow and watch out for yourself when they spawn, try and avoid any cranes, aggressive yaks and the fallen pandas in the middle of the town, they can be killed but it can be tricky.

What are the best classes for this spot?
- Any class that can AOE from a distance and move quickly when needed to effectively will do well here. Any class that can self heal will also shine. As I said previously, You will take a ton of damage soon as you're inside that 4 yard zone so if you are a melee, you may have a hard time, Tanks however can manage. The great thing about these mobs is that  they move slow and if you're not in that range of their poison bolt they wont fire, they will just chase you till you're within range, that's why kiting here is so good. They can also be stunned, snared and trapped.

Here is a video of the route you can take, some ideas of the kiting places and such..

What are the other benefits of leveling here? 
- You can level here while waiting for dungeon ques or repeating quests you have done before.
- You gain a ton of experience and was the fastest way to level for me. (I have leveled 5 level 90's and this was the quickest of an average time of 6 hours and 30 minutes , that's just under a level an hour)
- You gain a bunch of timeless coins, I finished with around 10k
- Killing some rares with people will get you some gear for 90 if you're lucky.
- Its something different and challenging but very rewarding.

Restoration Shaman | Playthrough | 50 - 60

Hello everyone, hope you're all having a awesome weekend! A quick little IRL update.. I went out last night to see Turbo with the girlfriend which by the way was totally not my idea... :3 I'm going on 23 and I still want to watch dreamworks films? I refuse to grow up just yet! Anyway, I have to say it was one of my favorite animated films, Was so awesome. It's that time again! Lets see where our little Shaman went in this bracket and get to know a little bit more about the dungeons and why I enjoyed them.

So we finally reach the classic vanilla end game bracket and as you would expect, we was faced with some pretty huge instances to grind through. Some of the most loved and noticeable instances are within this bracket and for me on of the most diverse. The zones are huge, with so many different routes to take, shortcuts to be found etc, I really did enjoy this bracket in terms of healing. The huge pulls, interesting fights and not to mention the locations, It makes this post really exciting for me to write. 

Black rock depths/Spire - This to me is one of the greatest ideas and such a large scale of an area to hold some of the most game changing experiences in my World Of Warcraft playtime to date. Blackrock holds home to some of the most memorable encounters and incredible game development. For new players and people who were not too fond of dungeons per say, This location has been dramatically changed in terms of difficulty and ease of access. With the introduction to Looking For Dungeon, with a click of a button and depending your wait time you will be transported to this location and have quests to guide you through as well as Dungeon maps and can easily get through this in a decent amount of time and not to mention, heirlooms making everything that tad easier.

However, for seasonal players many will either hate this place or love it just like myself. This was the real turning point for me with my gaming Experience. First of all, Black Rock Depths (BRD) Looking for players to run through this place in trade chat was hard enough! But to finally get a team to delve into the depths of this dwarven mountain, each player knew they had 3 to 5 hours worth of challenges to tackle and overcome. With no real clear route to take, with tasks to complete to open gateways, huge dwarven doors and such, this really turned new Players to Veterans. With most people entering with Green/blue gear, backpacks full of potions and back up gear they did not need to repair, the night was set to defeat the mountain. There was also Black rock spire to attack once you reached level 60. This twisting maze of orcs, Dragonkin and trolls made this place even more epic. You heard rumors of this place, but nothing beats that feeling as a new player stepping in to this incredible Dungeon knowing this was the first stepping stone to the legendary Molten Core (MC)

Sunken Temple - The Temple of Atal' Hakkar, also known as Sunken Temple (ST) was a real challenge and used to take a decent amount of time. As mentioned above, with the new changes this instance has been made a tad easier than it used to be and a lot less time consuming. A skinning heaven this place was which made me see my first 500g back in the day, this was considered a lot! with so many twists and turns this maze full of Dragonkin and trolls was one of my favorite experiences. What this place also held was my first Epic item, Dragons call. which at the time was a huge thing, not many people were lucky enough to see one till raiding back then and when we did finally get that rare, mystical Item, We felt good! Even though I was a hunter and every melee weapon available we went for!

Blizzard seem to have put so much effort into the old content, not all of it was accessible to everyone like it is now days, so again looking in trade for a ST run was never easy, it was more of a guild thing, which back pre TBC days, being in a guild was more a privilege than a perk boost like it is becoming today, which I think is a shame. *Sad face* but nether the less, this place held so many good moments. I will never forget the Snakehead puzzle to summon the twin dragons as well as the summonable secret boss.

Now moving on to the shaman stuff! here I will mention each new spell/talent I gained

Tremor Totem - This beauty is great for moments such as boss/mob fears. If yourself or a player gets Feared, drop this and it removes the effect. Simple and yet, so very effective.

Mana Tide Totem - Another water totem to our disposal! This awesome thing gives your raid/party members 200% of your spirit for 16 seconds! It does have a 3 minute cooldown but this is great for low mana situations and no doubt will be used when needed within raiding, One thing about shamans is that you can always rely on there utility. This is just another gem to the bag.

Earth Elemental Totem - Use this and a huge earth like Golem is called forth to punch the things for a minute. This can be used with Fire elemental and I'm pretty sure gives you a buff once you pick a specific level 90 talent. We will have to wait and see.

Greater Healing Wave - Our last real main healing spell we have unlocked, this spell does have a longer cast time than others and is rather mana intensive but it does pack a huge healing punch so I tend to use this only when needed, and mostly used with the next Talent I shall mention.

Ancestral Swiftness (Talent) - Your next nature spell with a base cast time of less than 10 seconds becomes instant cast, Great when used with Greater Healing Wave, a real oh crap button when a player takes serious damage. It also gives you a passive 5% spell haste and 10% melee haste. Of course the Melee haste is ignored here but the spell haste is great, It helps with the lower end Haste break points so I hear and helps for lower gear levels.

Healing Rain - I LOVE THIS SPELL! It's received some love recently This is a blanket heal on a specific area and anyone who stands within the rain will be healed every 2 seconds for 10 seconds.  Great for stacked aoe damage and I also found great with healing tide totems and chain heals. Some great Aoe healing right there. ( This can also be instant cast when used after Ancestral Swiftness)

On to the glyphs! 

Glyph of Healing stream - This applies a 10% reduction to fire, frost and nature damage for 6 seconds to the player healed by the totem, It works great in dungeons and will be great within the raiding when moving out of fire and such becomes more frequent.

Glyph of deluge - This gives our chain heal and new cosmetic effect, Instead of a bright light (much like the mass resurrection effect around the caster) it turns it in to a torrent of water around our hands, Looks awesome!

So there you have it, some more detailed information on the dungeons and why I enjoyed them, as well as more information of the new spells I have acquired! It all helps towards the aim of becoming a decent heroic raider and hopefully a frequent blogger on them too. But don't worry my brew drinking monk friends, I have some information I will share soon with you all! 

I would just like to thank Nyxrinne for my new awesome blog layout, I was so pleased with the outcome I couldn't believe how great it was and exactly to my liking. To find out more information on her, she also has a great blog so please feel free to check it out at:

http://touch-of-death.blogspot.co.uk/

Hearthstone Beta | Priest gameplay and more Rogue heroes!

A more successful game this time around, But I swear all I seem to come across is bloody rogues!