Twin Eredar, TTR Arena Battle, Warlocks in WotLK

[Boubouille]

Twin Eredars loot table final update
The Twin Eredars have been killed a decent amount of time now, and we can assume that we heard about all the items dropping from them by now, the latest additions are the 3 Shoulders drop (That's 6 new items because they're all exchangeable). They're not new items, just an addition to the loot table to make it complete. Reminder : Items tagged with a (*) in the list are available from the vendor on the Sunwell Isle if you can provide the loot above it on the list along with a Sunmote.

Twin Eredars loot table (Latest additions at the bottom right)

<table><tr><td&#91;url="http://static.mmo-champion.com/mmoc/images/news/2008/february/goldenbowofquelthalas.jpg"&#93;<font color=#A335EE>[b]Golden Bow of Quel'thalas[/b]</font>[/url] (Bow)

[url="http://static.mmo-champion.com/mmoc/images/news/2008/february/shivofexsanguination.jpg"]<font color=#A335EE>[b]Shiv of Exsanguination[/b]</font>[/url] (Dagger - One-Hand)  

[url="http://static.mmo-champion.com/mmoc/images/news/2008/february/gripofmannoroth.jpg"]<font color=#A335EE>[b]Grip of Mannoroth[/b]</font>[/url] (Off-Hand Fist Weapon)

[url="http://static.mmo-champion.com/mmoc/images/news/2008/february/stanchionofprimalinstinct.jpg"]<font color=#A335EE>[b]Stanchion of Primal Instinct[/b]</font>[/url] (Staff)

[url="http://static.mmo-champion.com/mmoc/images/news/2008/february/archonsgavel.jpg"]<font color=#A335EE>[b]Archon's Gavel[/b]</font>[/url] (Mace - Healer)

[url="http://static.mmo-champion.com/mmoc/images/news/2008/february/mantleofthegoldenforest.jpg"]<font color=#A335EE>[b]Mantle of the Golden Forest[/b]</font>[/url] (Mail)

[url="http://static.mmo-champion.com/mmoc/images/news/2008/february/amiceoftheconvoker.jpg"]<font color=#A335EE>[b]Amice of the Convoker[/b]</font>[/url] (Cloth)

[url="http://static.mmo-champion.com/mmoc/images/news/2008/february/shroudofredeemedsouls.jpg"]<font color=#A335EE>[b]Shroud of Redeemed Souls[/b]</font>[/url] (Cloak)

[url="http://static.mmo-champion.com/mmoc/images/news/2008/february/crimsonparagonscover.jpg"]<font color=#A335EE>[b]Crimson Paragon's Cover[/b]</font>[/url] (Cloak)

[url="http://static.mmo-champion.com/mmoc/images/news/2008/february/sindoreipendantofconquest.jpg"]<font color=#A335EE>[b]Sin'dorei Pendant of Conquest[/b]</font>[/url] (Neck)

[url="http://static.mmo-champion.com/mmoc/images/news/2008/february/sindoreipendantofsalvation.jpg"]<font color=#A335EE>[b]Sin'dorei Pendant of Salvation[/b]</font>[/url] (Neck)
</td><td>
[url="http://static.mmo-champion.com/mmoc/images/news/2008/february/sindoreipendantoftriumph.jpg"]<font color=#A335EE>[b]Sin'dorei Pendant of Triumph[/b]</font>[/url] (Neck)

[url="http://static.mmo-champion.com/mmoc/images/news/2008/february/bandofruinousdelight.jpg"]<font color=#A335EE>[b]Band of Ruinous Delight[/b]</font>[/url] (Ring)

[url="http://static.mmo-champion.com/mmoc/images/news/2008/february/essence_large.jpg"]<font color=#A335EE>[b]Essence of the Immortals[/b]</font>[/url] (Quest item)

[url="http://static.mmo-champion.com/mmoc/images/news/2008/february/bookofhighbornehymns.jpg"]<font color=#A335EE>[b]Book of Highborne Hymns[/b]</font>[/url] (Off-Hand - Caster) 

[url="http://static.mmo-champion.com/mmoc/images/news/2008/february/amuletofunfetteredmagics.jpg"]<font color=#A335EE>[b]Amulet of Unfettered Magics[/b]</font>[/url] (Neck) 

[url="http://static.mmo-champion.com/mmoc/images/news/2008/february/shoulderpadsofvehemence.jpg"]<font color=#A335EE>[b]Shoulderpads of Vehemence[/b]</font>[/url] (Leather)

[url="http://static.mmo-champion.com/mmoc/images/news/2008/february/demontoothshoulderpads.jpg"]<font color=#A335EE>[b]Demontooth Shoulderpads (*)[/b]</font>[/url] (Leather)

[url="http://static.mmo-champion.com/mmoc/images/news/2008/february/equilibriumepaulets.jpg"]<font color=#A335EE>[b]Equilibrium Epaulets[/b]</font>[/url] (Mail)

[url="http://static.mmo-champion.com/mmoc/images/news/2008/february/eruptingspaulders.jpg"]<font color=#A335EE>[b]Erupting Spaulders (*)[/b]</font>[/url] (Mail)

[url="http://static.mmo-champion.com/mmoc/images/news/2008/february/pauldronsofperseverance.jpg"]<font color=#A335EE>[b]Pauldrons of Perseverance[/b]</font>[/url] (Plate)

[url="http://static.mmo-champion.com/mmoc/images/news/2008/february/pauldronsofberserking.jpg"]<font color=#A335EE>[b]Pauldrons of Berserking (*)[/b]</font>[/url] (Plate)

[url="http://static.mmo-champion.com/mmoc/images/news/2008/february/shawlofwonderment.jpg"]<font color=#A335EE>[b]Shawl of Wonderment[/b]</font>[/url] (Cloth)

[url="http://static.mmo-champion.com/mmoc/images/news/2008/february/shoulderpadsofknowledgespur.jpg"]<font color=#A335EE>[b]Shoulderpads of Knowledge's Pursuit (*)[/b]</font>[/url] (Cloth)
</td></tr></table>

Worldwide Arena Battle on TTR
A Worldwide Arena Battle will be held on Tournament Test Realm on Sunday between 12PM and 3PM PST.

Are you ready to take on the world in the arenas? The World of Warcraft team will be testing the WoW Arena Tournament on the Tournament Test Realm, and you are invited to be a part of the action. Players in all regions will access the same realm, so the call is going out to all PvPers in North America, Europe, and Korea to log into the Arena Tournament Test Realm and participate in all-out PvP action!

The Worldwide Arena Battle will take place this Sunday between 12PM to 3PM PST, and members of the Community and Development teams will join in the fray, including a head to head match between community managers from around the world for world dominance. The results will also be posted on the Tournament forum!

No character copies will be needed for this unique event as you will get access to the character and gear of your choice just by logging in. The 2.4 PTR patch will provide access to the Tournament realm so download it soon and we’ll see you on the battlefield!

If you didn't install your PTR client yet, you can download it through the Blizzard download (from the Test Realm page on the official site) or just use the following temporary mirrors.

PTR Client mirrors
This is the original file to install the PTR client, then run the WoW.exe in your WoWTest folder to get all the PTR updates (there are a few of them, probably 6 or 7, and you'll have to install them one by one)

• WoW-2.3.3.7799-to-0.4.0.7897-enUS-patch.exe [Download]
• WoW-2.3.3.7799-to-0.4.0.7897-enGB-patch.exe [Download]
• WoW-0.4.0.7897-to-0.4.0.7923-deDE-patch.exe [Download]
• WoW-0.4.0.7897-to-0.4.0.7923-frFR-patch.exe [Download]
• WoW-0.4.0.7897-to-0.4.0.7923-esES-patch.exe [Download]
  

Latest PTR update mirrors
The latest update was fairly big, I mirrored the enGB and enUS for people who really need them but I don't plan to do it for all the languages, sorry.

• WoW-0.4.0.7994-to-0.4.0.8016-enUS-patch.exe [Download]
• WoW-0.4.0.7994-to-0.4.0.8016-enGB-patch.exe [Download]
  
  

Warlocks and mages changes in the expansion
Warlocks will get a few new abilities in the expansion, Kalgan posted about one of them on the forums. Keep in mind that it's just an idea and it could perfectly not be included in the final version of the expansion.

We definitely feel the need for warlocks to gain some sort of active defense so we don't have to try to balance them around the assumption that they're "tanking" melee classes. For example, an idea we're running with internally is the concept of a warlock being able to cast a spell that places a circle of demonic power on the ground. The warlock would be able to teleport to this location from within a relatively short range (ie: 40 yards), and would also be able to summon demons more quickly if they're standing within the circle.

Note: this idea is intended as a sneak peek, it's not something that we're planning for 2.4, it would be more likely as an expansion ability, and may change entirely before said time.

Mages will also get a few nice things, especially when it comes to warlocks/mages balancing in PvP.
[blizzquote="Kalgan;http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=5103794948&postId=51031978732&sid=1#6]Mages will get new abilities in the expansion too, believe it or not. In fact, we intend to tone down how strong of a counter warlocks are to mages through the wotlk spells/talents.[/blizzquote"]


WotLK - Lake Wintergrasp popularity
If you've been asking yourself if Lake Wintergrasp (the expansion outdoor PvP zone) will be popular or not, it seems that Blizzard is fairly confident about its future success.
[blizzquote="Bornakk;http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=5103944672&postId=51032074991&sid=1#20]Based on the information we already know, I think it will be more active than Halaa because one of the things that hurt Halaa was the Diminishing Returns on honor points. With this removed in patch 2.4 people will be able to continue piling up honor points until they've had enough. I know rewards play a huge factor, so with the knowledge that people have now of items we've made available through honor points, I think it will continue to be a busy place for a long time.[/blizzquote"]


US Realms - Central US Internet issues
If you've been high latency and unusual things on US realms, you might want to watch updates on this thread.
[blizzquote="Drysc;http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=5103824862&postId=51032473021&sid=1#0]A network degradation outside of the Blizzard network is currently impacting several World of Warcraft realms. Players attempting to access the impacted realms may be experiencing high network latency, packet loss, disconnections or inability to connect. We are actively receiving updates from the parties involved and have been assured that the issue is actively being worked on; however, we have not yet received any estimates for when a resolution may occur. We will continue to provide updates as we receive further information.[/blizzquote"]

[lgtcount]

We definitely feel the need for warlocks to gain some sort of active defense so we don't have to try to balance them around the assumption that they're "tanking" melee classes. For example, an idea we're running with internally is the concept of a warlock being able to cast a spell that places a circle of demonic power on the ground. The warlock would be able to teleport to this location from within a relatively short range (ie: 40 yards), and would also be able to summon demons more quickly if they're standing within the circle.


Not to jump the gun since it's planned for wotlk but..

is it just me or does that sound like an unneeded buff to warlocks?

[Wildhorn]

We definitely feel the need for warlocks to gain some sort of active defense so we don't have to try to balance them around the assumption that they're "tanking" melee classes. For example, an idea we're running with internally is the concept of a warlock being able to cast a spell that places a circle of demonic power on the ground. The warlock would be able to teleport to this location from within a relatively short range (ie: 40 yards), and would also be able to summon demons more quickly if they're standing within the circle.


Not to jump the gun since it's planned for wotlk but..

is it just me or does that sound like an unneeded buff to warlocks?

It is normal, Kalgan play a warlock, so he gonna buff his own class

[Deadrest]

Unneeded? Have you tried playing warlock in PvP versus melee classes?^^ Not like warlock is my main... Im playing shadow priest... and I feel that warlock DO need some deffense VS. meele.

[El_Vaughn]

haha WAR isnt even released and theyre already using their ideas

[Xaria]

We definitely feel the need for warlocks to gain some sort of active defense so we don't have to try to balance them around the assumption that they're "tanking" melee classes. For example, an idea we're running with internally is the concept of a warlock being able to cast a spell that places a circle of demonic power on the ground. The warlock would be able to teleport to this location from within a relatively short range (ie: 40 yards), and would also be able to summon demons more quickly if they're standing within the circle.


Not to jump the gun since it's planned for wotlk but..

is it just me or does that sound like an unneeded buff to warlocks?

Unneeded.. meh. With a buff like that its prolly gonna mean warlocks will be nerfed in stamina or something like that. Atm we have the most stamina of all classes in pvp. This is like Kalgan said warlocks are sorta the melee tank caster, since warlocks can't really do much vs melee. Now I am not so sure how this new spell would help warlocks that much tho, with crippeling or hamstring you are still majorly screwed. Intercept, sprint and they are back on you. And I doubt its gonna be on a short cooldown like blink, or they might just make it cost a shard.. :-\

[Decapitation]

Unneeded? Have you tried playing warlock in PvP versus melee classes?^^ Not like warlock is my main... Im playing shadow priest... and I feel that warlock DO need some deffense VS. meele.

Have you ever tryed warrior vs warlock? He will dot and drainlife you until you die and there is nothing you can do with it

[Caeruleas]

or they might just make it cost a shard.. :-\

Ugh, don't mention shards. The concept of soul shards as a reagent is stupid. It's not a purchasable reagent, which would be fine if it was stackable, but it isn't, and sure, 'locks can use up a bag slot to hold a bunch of them, but the soul bags don't give a quiver-like buff, and it's it's still really easy to run out of shards, especially in PvP.

Nice Yumemi avatar, btw.

[Moinsen]

u have no idea how the all the other new abilities/talents of all the other classes are going to be, but u start whining about any new potential warlock ability anyway

[Pyrostemplar]

Warlocks and mages changes in the expansion

Mages will also get a few nice things, especially when it comes to warlocks/mages balancing in PvP.

[blizzquote="Kalgan;http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=5103794948&postId=51031978732&sid=1#6]Mages will get new abilities in the expansion too, believe it or [b]not[/b]. In fact, we intend to tone down how strong of a counter warlocks are to mages through the wotlk spells/talents.[/blizzquote"]

My bold(ness). I wonder if it fells in the same category "our jaws are dropping at the ..."

[lgtcount]

u have no idea how the all the other new abilities/talents of all the other classes are going to be, but u start whining about any new potential warlock ability anyway

I don't really recall me whining but ok >.>

[overneathe]

Oh I see how our talant trees are starting to get more and more pvp oriented.
Call me a whiner but man I hate all of you 'hardcore pvp' lamers.
>.>

[Dessimus]

Woot - lock teleport FTW!

[enno]

Woot - lock teleport FTW!

And the circle has closed... rogues get shs for mobility , then the other classes get the same mobility and rogues will be needing more again in order to be able to get to their target.

[Googolplex]

We definitely feel the need for warlocks to gain some sort of active defense so we don't have to try to balance them around the assumption that they're "tanking" melee classes. For example, an idea we're running with internally is the concept of a warlock being able to cast a spell that places a circle of demonic power on the ground. The warlock would be able to teleport to this location from within a relatively short range (ie: 40 yards), and would also be able to summon demons more quickly if they're standing within the circle.


Not to jump the gun since it's planned for wotlk but..

is it just me or does that sound like an unneeded buff to warlocks?

It is just you... I am not a Warlock, but even I can see they need some more melee defense these days.

[Nero Duskwind]

and I feel that warlock DO need some deffense VS. meele.

You mean the abundance of fears they have to DoT kite us to oblivion isn't enough?

[calixstus]

lets take the class with the strongest CC and highest stam and give them more survivability!
BRILLIANT!

[iindigo]

lets take the class with the strongest CC and highest stam and give them more survivability!
BRILLIANT!

Read again, goober... Kalgan said that they were thinking about giving them this spell so that the developers no longer have to rely on Warlocks having a ton of stamina for survivability.

So in other words, the lock's tradeoff for this spell will be less stamina.

[Dash]

Maybe I can't read properly, but this Tournament Test Realm will only be online from 12pm to 3pm PST? Does this mean 13 hours long or just 3 hours?

[Balbaroy]

Maybe I can't read properly, but this Tournament Test Realm will only be online from 12pm to 3pm PST? Does this mean 13 hours long or just 3 hours?

you cant read properly.