Encounter Journal Preview
The Encounter Journal is finally on the test realms and even if it isn't finished we finally know how much information we will get from it: a lot. The Firelands raid encounters are already there and it looks like Blizzard really wants you to know where you're going before you enter a raid, see the screenshots below.

I also added a small video preview from OMFGCata because every time I forget to post a video from Jesse, a puppy gets sad.






If you're still wondering how much info you can get for a single fight, check the preview of the Ragnaros encounter below. Everything in the preview (except for the picture, I guess) is from the Encounter Journal and not a single bit of it is from extra datamining.


Ragnaros - Encounter Journal Preview (Heroic Version)
Ragnaros, lord of the Firelands, embodies the fury and destruction of the promordial infernos that forged Azeroth itself. Promised the chance to set Azeroth aflame without interference from Neptulon and Therazane, Ragnaros seeks to appease the Old Gods by incinerating the World Tree of Nordrassil.

He has legs now. Who knew?


Stage 1: By Fire be Purged!
IconNameDescription
Sulfuras SmashRagnaros faces a random player and prepares to smash Sulfuras on the platform. The impact creates several Lava Waves which move out in several directions from the point of impact.
Lava WaveA Lava Wave inflicts 70000 Fire damage and knocks back all players it passes through. Targets who are knocked back suffer an additional 20000 Fire damage every 1 sec for 5 sec.
Wrath of RagnarosRagnaros targets a player, inflicting 60000 Fire damage to all players within 6 yards and knocking them back.

In 25 players raids, Ragnaros targets three players.
Hand of RagnarosRagnaros inflicts 30000 Fire damage to all enemies within 50 yards, knocking them back.
Magma TrapRagnaros periodically forms a Magma Trap at a random player's location. The Magma Trap persists for the duration of the battle and will trigger when stepped on, causing a Magma Trap Eruption.
Magma Trap EruptionWhen triggered, a Magma Trap erupts for 60000 Fire damage to all enemies within the Firelands and violently knocks the player who stripped the Magma Trap into the air.

An enemy that triggers a Magma Trap will take 50 additional damage from the Magma Trap Eruption for 30 sec. Stacks.



Intermission: Minions of Fire!
At 70% health, Ragnaros will cast Splitting Blow, wedging Sulfuras into the platform and creating Sons of Flame across the platform. Ragnaros will stay submerged for 45 seconds or until all of the Sons of Flame are destroyed.
IconNameDescription
Splitting BlowRagnaros buries Sulfuras within the platform, creating Sons of Flame that attempt to reach the mighty hammer.
Sons of Flame
Sons of Flame will cross the platform and attempt to re-form with Sulfuras, causing a Supernova if they are able to reach the mighty hammer.
IconNameDescription
Burning SpeedSons of Flame move faster as their blaze burns hotter. Their movement speed is increased by an amount equal to every 1% health they have above 50% health.
SupernovaIf a Son of Flame reaches Sulfuras, the elemental will explode in a Supernova, inflicting 90000 Fire damage to all players within the Firelands.



Stage 2: Sulfuras will be Your End!
IconNameDescription
Sulfuras SmashRagnaros faces a random player and prepares to smash Sulfuras on the platform. The impact creates several Lava Waves which move out in several directions from the point of impact.
Lava WaveA Lava Wave inflicts 70000 Fire damage and knocks back all players it passes through. Targets who are knocked back suffer an additional 20000 Fire damage every 1 sec for 5 sec.
World In FlamesRagnaros periodically engulfs one third of the platform in flame every 2.6 sec for 13 sec. Inflicting 70000 Fire damage to players caught in the conflagration.
Molten SeedRagnaros forms a Molten Seed at the location of 10 random players, inflicting 55000 Fire damage to all players within 6 yards. After 10 sec the Molten Seed will burst in a Molten Inferno.

In 25 player raids, Ragnaros targets 20 players.
Molten InfernoWhen Molten Seeds burst, they cause a Molten Inferno that inflicts 100000 Fire damage to all players who are near the Molten Seed. The damage decreases the farther away the target is.

Following the Molten Inferno, a Molten Elemental is created at the location of the Seed.
Molten ElementalThe Molten Elemental is spawned from a Molten Inferno. It will attack and fixate on a random player.
Molten PowerThe Molten Elemental is empowered by nearby Molten Elementals, increasing its damage done by 25% and causing it to be immune to Snare effects.



Intermission: Denizens of Flame!
At 40% health, Ragnaros will cast Splitting Blow, wedging Sulfuras into the platform and creating Sons of Flame. Ragnaros will stay submerged for 45 seconds or until all of the Sons of Flame are destroyed.
IconNameDescription
Splitting BlowRagnaros buries Sulfuras within the platform, creating Sons of Flame that attempt to reach the mighty hammer.
Sons of Flame
Sons of Flame will cross the platform and attempt to re-form with Sulfuras, causing a Supernova if they are able to reach the mighty hammer.
IconNameDescription
Burning SpeedSons of Flame move faster as their blaze burns hotter. Their movement speed is increased by an amount equal to every 1% health they have above 50% health.
SupernovaIf a Son of Flame reaches Sulfuras, the elemental will explode in a Supernova, inflicting 90000 Fire damage to all players within the Firelands.
Lava Scion
One Lava Scion will form on each side of the platform.
IconNameDescription
Blazing HeatThe Lava Scion inflicts a random target with Blazing Heat, causing them to create a trail of Blazing Heat in their wake. Blazing Heat inflicts 50000 Fire damage every 1 sec and heals Sons of Flame and Lava Scions for 10% every 1 sec.



Stage 3: Begone From my Realm!
IconNameDescription
Sulfuras SmashRagnaros faces a random player and prepares to smash Sulfuras on the platform. The impact creates several Lava Waves which move out in several directions from the point of impact.
Lava WaveA Lava Wave inflicts 70000 Fire damage and knocks back all players it passes through. Targets who are knocked back suffer an additional 20000 Fire damage every 1 sec for 5 sec.
World In FlamesRagnaros periodically engulfs one third of the platform in flame every 2.6 sec for 13 sec. Inflicting 70000 Fire damage to players caught in the conflagration.
Summon Living MeteorRagnaros calls down an increasing number of Living Meteors over time, inflicting 65000 Fire damage to players within 5 yards of the location.
Living MeteorThe Living Meteor will fixate on a random target and chase them. A player that gets within 4 yards of the Living Meteor will trigger a Meteor Impact, inflicting 500000 Fire damage to enemies within 8 yards.
Meteor ImpactA player that gets within 4 yards of the Living Meteor will trigger a Meteor Impact, inflicting 500000 Fire damage to enemies within 8 yards.
CombustibleThe Living Meteor is highly Combustible. When attacked, it will cause Combustion, knocking it back several yards away from the enemy that hit it. Combustible is removed for several seconds after Combustion is triggered.
CombustionWhen Combustible is active, the Living Meteor is knocked back several yards from the enemy that hit it.



Stage 4: The True Power of the Fire Lord
The Fire Lord unleashes his full power and is able to move freely around the platform. Players have the aid of powerful heroes of Azeroth to support them.
IconNameDescription
SuperheatedRagnaros is at his full power and is now Superheated, inflicting 2000 Fire damage every 1 sec, increasing damage taken from Superheated by 10%. Stacks.
Empower SulfurasRagnaros begins to Empower Sulfuras. After 5 sec, Sulfuras becomes Empowered and attacks made by Ragnaros cause Flames of Sulfuras, influcting 500000 Fire damage to all enemies within the Firelands.
Flames of SulfurasWhen Sulfuras is Empowered, attacks made by Ragnaros cause Flames of Sulfuras, inflicting 500000 Fire damage to all enemies within the Firelands.
DreadflameSulfuras creates a Dreadflame at two nearby Locations. The Dreadflame multiplies rapidly and spreads across the platform. Dreadflame inflicts 35000 Fire damage and an additional 3500 Fire damage every 1 sec for 30 sec.

In 25 players raids, Dreadflame will strike five locations at once.
Magma GeyserRagnaros will target a Magma Geyser whenever he notices four players in a cluster together. The Magma Geyser inflicts 55000 Fire damage every 1 sec and destroys any nearby Breadth of Frost.
Cenarius
Cenarius is a demigod, the son of Malorne and Elune, and the patron of all of Azeroth's druids. Cenarius will support the raid by freezing Living Meteors and reducing the damage caused by Superheated.
IconNameDescription
Breadth of FrostCenarius forms a Breadth of Frost at a nearby location. Any Living Meteors that enter the Breadth of Frost are frozen and take 15000% additional damage. Additionally, players who stand within the Breadth of Frost are immune to Superheated damage and have the Superheated debuff removed from them.
Hamuul Runetotem
Hamuul Runetotem is a tauren druid and leads the druids of Thunder Bluff. In Mount Hyjal, he assists Ysera in protecting Nordrassil from Ragnaros. The arch druid will support the raid by entrapping Ragnaros.
IconNameDescription
Entrapping RootsArch Druid Hamuul Runetotem forms Entrapping Roots at a nearby location. If Ragnaros enters the area of the Entrapping Roots, he will become stunned for 10 sec and take 50% additional damage while stunned.
Malfurion Stormrage
Malfurion Stormrage is an ancient and powerful night elf druid. He leads the army of Cenarius in the Defense of Mount Hyjal against the forces of Ragnaros.

Malfurion will support the raid by protecting players from Dreadflame.
IconNameDescription
CloudburstMalfurion forms a Cloudburst. The players who interacts with the Cloudburst will be surrounded with a Deluge. Deluge makes the player immune to Dreadflame damage, and also allows the player to extinguish any nearby Dreadflame.

In 25 player raids, up to three player can use a single Cloudburst.
DelugeMakes the player immune to Dreadflame damage, and also allows the player to extinguish any nearby Dreadflame.
This article was originally published in forum thread: Encounter Journal Preview started by Boubouille View original post
Comments 179 Comments
  1. Llamapwnzors's Avatar
    People really cam't stop whining about every damn thing, this forum is nothing but whining anymore, jeez..
  1. Pogoball's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by prZ View Post
    Encounter Journal... funny they implement it now, after the Codex was announced in SW: TOR.
    They talked about it at Blizzcon back in October, not sure if SW:TOR had announced the Codex then, but it's not a new idea.

    From the way they were talking in the Game Systems panel, Blizzard wants to add the functionality of many of the "must have" addons into the default UI over time. The Encounter Journal, paired with the dungeon maps, is essentially Atlas w/ Atlas Loot. We already got Power Auras, a Grid-like raid frame, etc... If those features are from other games as well, oh well, now they're in WoW too.
  1. runeb1980@hotmail.com's Avatar
    Excellent feature this, the encounter journal... not a SINGLE excuse left for standing in fire
  1. steamrice's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by Primernova View Post
    This game is going in an insane direction. Blizzard seems so worried they will lose the 1% of top 100 raid guilds that they will just let the 99% of the playerbase dwindle away.

    Does anyone think, in a six year old game that people are willing to go back to the only 1% of guilds killing an end boss thing (heroic is end boss apparently now)?

    Maybe we should just all app top 3 server guilds, right?

    Seems very risky, time consuming and annoying to me. I want to stay loyal to this game after all these years and the friends I have met in it but damn... this is geting hard to do.
    It was exactly like this in vanilla / TBC. Only 2-3 guilds a server were even able to clear a raid instance or get pass halfway.
  1. Fojos's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by steamrice View Post
    It was exactly like this in vanilla / TBC. Only 2-3 guilds a server were even able to clear a raid instance or get pass halfway.
    I'd like to know what kind of realm you played on.
  1. sabrelime's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by TobiasX View Post
    Prediction: Achievement for not talking to Cenarius / Hamuul / Malfurion and killing Rag on heroic difficulty.
    Looking at the abilities and how superheated works, some of those npcs are 100% necessary to beat the fight. It looks like they all automatically join anyway and it's only for the last phase on HM.
  1. steamrice's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by Fojos View Post
    I'd like to know what kind of realm you played on.
    Illidan. You got blood legion and team ice on horde side and Saga and Warpath I think on Alliance side who were on top of their game. Then the rest are struggling to keep up.
  1. awake283's Avatar
    seriously, the journal is just an awesome idea and is going to make things better, not easier, better
  1. Cairm's Avatar
    Is it just me or does the heroic Rag encounter sounds easier then other encouters previously created by Blizz as hard-mode content...?
  1. Begpo's Avatar
    This Journal looks AWESOME

    And Journal video is cool too.
  1. Kolz's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by Alieta View Post
    This sucks.

    No more fun on new encounters where you do not know the spells. I would have nothing against the loottable or the story. But this is nearly a guide for everybody and it destroys the hardmode race....
    Speaking as a player that is 12/13 hardmodes, knowing what all the abilities do does not remover how difficult an encounter is. We knew exactly how every ability worked on LK hardmode and we still wiped on it for 2 months.
  1. Keristrasza's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by Primernova View Post
    This game is going in an insane direction. Blizzard seems so worried they will lose the 1% of top 100 raid guilds that they will just let the 99% of the playerbase dwindle away.
    I agree its like the 1% of super special "elitist" show offs pay more to play this game than the other 99%? It's why they must cater to the smaller side of the player base, because they can OBVIOUSLY run the entire game off that "enormous" income. They need to change this games name while they are at it ... either to World of Catercraft, or World of Elitistpigcraft.
  1. leviathonlx's Avatar
    I love these 'you're making things easier' comments when I guarantee these same people alt-tab and look at strats on tankspot and wowpedia. I guess not having to alt-tab for them makes things too easy.
  1. taymatt's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by steamrice View Post
    It was exactly like this in vanilla / TBC. Only 2-3 guilds a server were even able to clear a raid instance or get pass halfway.
    Yes, and that is both terrible and stupid.
  1. DruKow's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by Primernova View Post
    This game is going in an insane direction. Blizzard seems so worried they will lose the 1% of top 100 raid guilds that they will just let the 99% of the playerbase dwindle away.

    Does anyone think, in a six year old game that people are willing to go back to the only 1% of guilds killing an end boss thing (heroic is end boss apparently now)?

    Maybe we should just all app top 3 server guilds, right?

    Seems very risky, time consuming and annoying to me. I want to stay loyal to this game after all these years and the friends I have met in it but damn... this is geting hard to do.
    LOl getting hard. Well my cupcake u must suck, and i dont care if u loose friends or quit. just stop sayin stuff is hard because games are suppose to be hard.. now go off to achivs or quit, cause to me u sound like a badie or what we call Causal player which is still bad period!!
  1. taylor20k's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by Gouky View Post
    do I have to read that stuff? they understand all of this is voiced and shiny on YouTube?
    blizzard you are bunch of cheap bastards.
    wtf are you talking about. they're trying to get people to have more fun by not just watching videos. that takes the fun out of it. more people would be mad if they had actual videos about what to do. that would be the cheap way.
  1. sabrelime's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by Keristrasza View Post
    I agree its like the 1% of super special "elitist" show offs pay more to play this game than the other 99%? It's why they must cater to the smaller side of the player base, because they can OBVIOUSLY run the entire game off that "enormous" income. They need to change this games name while they are at it ... either to World of Catercraft, or World of Elitistpigcraft.
    If you don't want harder raids, what do you want? Adding daily quests can only go so far and what is the point of dailies really to begin with? Do you want more 5 mans? I honestly don't understand how anyone would want more of them considering how easy they almost always are if you are geared properly, and it would be really difficult to keep creating a huge number of interesting ones.

    Do you want easier raids? I honestly don't think any of the raids currently, on normal, are hard, AT ALL. I have been in horrible HORRIBLE guilds and I can understand how some guilds are having problems, but, why would you subject yourself to an environment like that? If it's purely because of friendships then there isn't much Blizzard can do about that. I guess they would have to make an even easier difficulty, but that's just like having 5 mans that are called 10/25 mans.
  1. RollTide's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by Epsi View Post
    Would be hard to read for him, since Blizzard never posted something which'd even go into this direction. Dangerous half-knowledgde, my friend...
    I believe they did. Around Blizzcon. I remember something along the lines of them using Rag as an example of a fight being absolutely ridiculous to shut up the hardcore base. iirc anyway.
  1. Ares42's Avatar
    Sigh, and just to think that only 5 days ago Michael Morhaime "complained" about people burning through content too fast....
  1. valcrist's Avatar
    looking awesome!! now please fix the look of the teir gear and 4.2 might turn out to be one of the better content patches ...

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