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by Published on 2010-06-30 10:57 AM

Update #6 - European servers are slowly coming back online.


Halion 10/25 US First Kill by Premonition
Premonition (US - Sen'jin) killed Halion in 10/25-Man Heroic Mode during the night and already released a full video of the 10-man fight.



BlizzCon® 2010 Dinner to Benefit Children's Foundation
[blizzquote author=Nebu source=http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/index.xml]Before the BlizzCon festivities begin, we’re inviting you to join us for an evening of good food and good conversation -- all for a good cause. On Thursday, October 21, Blizzard will be hosting a special dinner to benefit the CHOC Children's Foundation, where guests will have an opportunity to meet and chat with game developers, artists, executives and other folks from Blizzard Entertainment.

From July 13 through July 15, we'll be holding an online drawing to determine who can win an opportunity to purchase tickets to this event. A total of 200 tickets will be available for $500 USD each (limit two per person), and the proceeds will benefit the CHOC Children's Foundation. In appreciation of your donation, you'll receive:

  • Dinner and an opportunity to converse with executives, artists, developers, community managers, and others from Blizzard Entertainment
  • A signed print featuring Blizzard Entertainment artwork
  • One BlizzCon 2010 ticket (a $150 USD value)

The BlizzCon 2010 benefit dinner will take place Thursday, October 21 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Hilton Anaheim hotel. To opt in to the ticket drawing and view the official rules for this opportunity, visit the official BlizzCon website between July 13 and July 15. [/blizzquote]
by Published on 2010-06-29 10:18 PM

Update - Added the Patch 3.3.5 stuff for European readers who get their patch today.



Ruby Sanctum now available
The Ruby Sanctum is now available on US servers and will most likely be available when EU servers come up.

25-Man Loot Table

lvlTypeSpecSlotItem
284PlateMelee.DPSFeetApocalypse's Advance
284PlateSpellFeetForeshadow Steps
284PlateTankingFeetTreads of Impending Resurrection
284MailPhys.DPSFeetReturning Footfalls
284MailSpellWaistSplit Shape Belt
284LeatherPhys.DPSWristUmbrage Armbands
284LeatherSpellWristPhaseshifter's Bracers
284ClothSpellWristBracers of Fiery Night
284CloakSpellBackCloak of Burning Dusk
284NeckMelee.DPSNeckPenumbra Pendant
284FingerPhys.DPSFingerSignet of Twilight
284FingerSpell MP5FingerRing of Phased Regeneration
284TrinketPhys.DPSTrinketSharpened Twilight Scale
284TrinketTankingTrinketPetrified Twilight Scale
284TrinketSpell DPSTrinketCharred Twilight Scale
284TrinketHealingTrinketGlowing Twilight Scale
lvlTypeSpecSlotItem
271PlateMelee.DPSFeetApocalypse's Advance
271PlateSpellFeetForeshadow Steps
271PlateTankingFeetTreads of Impending Resurrection
271MailPhys.DPSFeetReturning Footfalls
271MailSpellWaistSplit Shape Belt
271LeatherPhys.DPSWristUmbrage Armbands
271LeatherSpellWristPhaseshifter's Bracers
271ClothSpellWristBracers of Fiery Night
271CloakSpellBackCloak of Burning Dusk
271NeckMelee.DPSNeckPenumbra Pendant
271FingerPhys.DPSFingerSignet of Twilight
271FingerSpell MP5FingerRing of Phased Regeneration
271TrinketPhys.DPSTrinketSharpened Twilight Scale
271TrinketTankingTrinketPetrified Twilight Scale
271TrinketSpell DPSTrinketCharred Twilight Scale
271TrinketHealingTrinketGlowing Twilight Scale


10-Man Loot Table

lvlTypeSpecSlotItem
271PlateTankingFeetScion's Treads
271PlateSpellWaistSurrogate Belt
271PlateMelee.DPSWristBracers of the Heir
271MailSpellFeetBoots of Divided Being
271MailPhys.DPSShoulderTwilight Scale Shoulders
271LeatherSpellHandsChangeling Gloves
271LeatherMelee.DPSChestGloaming Sark
271ClothSpellWaistMisbegotten Belt
271CloakSpell MP5BackAbduction's Cover
271FingerMelee.DPSFingerZarithrian's Offering
271FingerSpell HitFingerSaviana's Tribute
271NeckMelee.DPSNeckBaltharus' Gift
lvlTypeSpecSlotItem
258PlateMelee.DPSWristBracers of the Heir
258PlateTankingFeetScion's Treads
258PlateSpellWaistSurrogate Belt
258MailPhys.DPSShoulderTwilight Scale Shoulders
258MailSpellFeetBoots of Divided Being
258LeatherPhys.DPSChestGloaming Sark
258LeatherSpellHandsChangeling Gloves
258ClothSpell HitWaistMisbegotten Belt
258CloakSpell MP5BackAbduction's Cover
258FingerMelee.DPSFingerZarithrian's Offering
258FingerSpell HitFingerSaviana's Tribute
258NeckMelee.DPSNeckBaltharus' Gift



Ruby Sanctum PTR - Halion Kill Video
EF BIE EI (EU - Dalvengyr) released a video of their kill of Halion on the PTRs.




Hallion Skills - All Phases

All Phases
Twilight Precision Halion's insight into movement between phases allows him to deal unexpected strikes, increasing his chance to hit by 5% and reducing the enemies' chance to dodge his attacks by 20%.


Phase 1 - Physical Realm

Phase 1 - Physical Realm
Meteor Strike Deals 75000 to 85000 Fire damage to enemies within 12 yards. The Meteor lands after a few seconds and shoots lines of fires throughout the area. In heroic mode, it also spawns a Living Inferno add. (Meteor Strike)
Flame Breath Inflicts 39375 to 50625 Fire damage to enemies in a cone in front of the caster. 45 yd range. 2 sec cast.
Fiery Combustion Engulfs an enemy target in flame, dealing 4000 Fire damage every 2 sec. Every time Fiery Combustion deals damage, it generates a Mark of Combustion charge on the target. When Combustion fades or is dispelled, it unleashes a patch of fire proportional in size to the number of charges present at the time. Either curse or magic removal may cleanse this affliction.
Combustion Deals 7000 to 9000 Fire damage and causes an additional 2000 Fire damage every 2 sec to targets that remain within the explosion area. 6 yards radius.


Phase 2 (75% Health) - Twilight Realm

Phase 2 (75% Health) - Twilight Realm
Dusk Shroud An aura of twilight energy emanates from the caster, causing nearby enemies to suffer 6000 Shadow damage every 2 sec. Affects all player in the Twilight Realm.
Twilight Cutter Fires a beam of concentrated twilight energy, dealing massive Shadow damage to any enemies that make contact with it. The Twilight Cutter beam is created by the two spheres rotating around the area during the Twilight Realm Phase. The beam lasts 10 seconds and appears every 30 seconds.
Dark Breath Inflicts 39375 to 50625 Shadow damage to enemies in a cone in front of the caster. 45 yds. 2 sec cast
Soul Consumption Engulfs an enemy target in dark energy, dealing 4000 Shadow damage every 2 sec. Every time Soul Consumption deals damage, it generates a Mark of Consumption charge on the target. When Consumption fades or is dispelled, it unleashes a dark explosion proportional to the number of charges present at the time. Either curse or magic removal may cleanse this affliction.
Consumption Deals 8750 to 11250 Shadow damage every second to targets within 6 yards.


Phase 3 (50% Health) - Corporeality

Phase 3 (50% Health) - Corporeality
Corporeality In the last phase of the fight, Halion opens portals to the Physical and Twilight realms and the raid has to split to fight him in both phases. He starts with 50% Corporeality, the % goes up and down depending on how much damage Halion takes in both realms, if you deal a lot of damage in the physical realm he will start dealing and taking less damage in the Twilight realm, and vice versa.

The goal in this last phase of the fight is to balance the amount of DPS in both realms to make sure the Corporeality % stays between 40 and 60%.



Instance Screenshots









World Map and Loading Screen



Ruby Sanctum Questline
A couple of quests will be added to the game to introduce the Ruby Sanctum. If you do not know who are the dragons mentioned in the quest descriptions, you might want to check the Dargonax / Sinestra articles on WoWWiki.

Quest - Trouble at Wyrmrest
Objective - Speak with Krasus at Wyrmrest Temple in Dragonblight.
Description
My old friend Krasus sends word of dire happenings at Wyrmrest, in Dragonblight. His missive was brief, but it seems that there has been some sort of attack on the Ruby Sanctum beneath the Temple.

Pressing business here in Dalaran keeps me from attending to the matter personally, but I have heard word of your exploits in the Lich King's Citadel and you are doubtless up to the task -- perhaps you could assist Krasus in my stead?

Quest - Assault on the Sanctum
Objective - Investigate the Ruby Sanctum beneath Wyrmrest Temple.
Description
, something terrible has transpired within the Ruby Sanctum beneath the Temple. The entry to the Sanctum is in ruins, and its guardians violently slain. We sent scouts to investigate, but they have not returned. I cannot help but fear the worst.

Enter the Ruby Sanctum and discover what has befallen the home of my flight. Once we have more information, we can plan our next steps accordingly.

Quest - The Twilight Destroyer
Objective - Defeat Halion and repel the invasion of the Ruby Sanctum.
Rewards - Emblem of Frost x 5
Description
This was no reckless attack, but rather a carefully orchestrated strike against the heart of the Red Dragonflight. Zarithrian, on the bluff over there, is overseeing the assault, but the true leader of this force is a brash and powerful Twilight dragon named Halion. Not since Dargonax has a full-grown spawn of Sinestra's twisted experiments been seen.

Slay him, , and then when the invasion has been fully repelled, report to Krasus regarding all you have seen here.


Transcripts
Last but not least, here is a transcript of the dialogue with Xerestrasza of the Red Dragonflight.

  • RS_Xerestrasza_Yell01.wav - Help! I am trapped within this tree! I require aid!
  • RS_Xerestrasza_Yell02.wav - Thank you! I could have not held out for much longer. A terrible thing has happened here.
  • RS_Xerestrasza_Say01.wav - We believed that the Sanctum was well fortified, but we were not prepareted for the nature of this assault.
  • RS_Xerestrasza_Say02.wav - The Black Dragonkin materialized from thin air, and set upon us before we could react.
  • RS_Xerestrasza_Say03.wav - We did not stand a chance. As my brethren perished around me, I managed to retreat here and bar the entrance.
  • RS_Xerestrasza_Say04.wav - They slaughtered us with cold efficiency, but the true focus of their interest seemed to be the eggs kept here in the sanctum.
  • RS_Xerestrasza_Say05.wav - The commander of the forces on the ground here is a cruel brute named Zarithrian. But I fear there are greater powers at work.
  • RS_Xerestrasza_Say06.wav - In their initial assault I caught a glimpse of their true leader, a fearsome full-grown Twilight Dragon.
  • RS_Xerestrasza_Say07.wav - I know not the extent of their plans heroes, but I know this: they cannot be allowed to succeed!

Halion also has a couple of interesting lines.

  • RS_Halion_Aggro01.wav - Your world teeters on the brink of annihilation. You will all bear witness to the coming of a new age of destruction!
  • RS_Halion_Beserk01.wav - Not good enough!
  • RS_Halion_Death01.wav - Relish this victory mortals, for it will be your last. This world will burn with the Master's return!
  • RS_Halion_Phase2.wav - You will find only suffering within the realm of Twilight. Enter if you dare.
  • RS_Halion_Phase3.wav - I am the light AND the darkness! Cower mortals before the Herald of Deathwing!
  • RS_Halion_Slay01.wav - Another hero falls.
  • RS_Halion_Slay02.wav - Ha Ha Ha!
  • RS_Halion_Spawn01.wav - Meddlesome insects, you're too late! The Ruby Sanctum is lost.
  • RS_Halion_Special01.wav - The heavens burn!
  • RS_Halion_Special02.wav - Beware the shadow!




Battle.net Real ID
The big feature of this patch is the addition of Battle.net to the game.


[blizzquote author=Blizzard source=http://us.battle.net/realid/?rhtml=y]One of our goals for the new Battle.net is to create the framework for an online gaming experience that is even more accessible, more engaging, and more entertaining than the previous Battle.net. Our new Real ID feature is an integral part of this effort, providing you with advanced ways for forming and maintaining meaningful relationships with your friends on the service.

Real ID is a completely voluntary and optional level of identity that keeps players connected across all of Battle.net. When you and a friend mutually agree to become Real ID friends, you'll have access to a number of additional features that will enrich your social gaming experience in new and exciting ways.

Read the Real ID FAQ for additional details.

Real Names for Friends
Your Real ID friends will appear under their real-life names on your friends list, alongside whatever characters they're playing. Gone are the days of having to remember which of your friends is which. You'll also see your friends' real names when chatting, communicating in-game, or viewing their character's profile.

Cross-Game Chat
With Real ID, friends can now chat cross-game, cross-realm, and cross-faction across all supported Blizzard games. In World of Warcraft and need more players for your Icecrown Citadel raid? You check your Real ID friends list to see if anyone's available, and sure enough, a couple of guildmates are playing a 2v2 ranked match in StarCraft II. Real ID makes it easy to ask them to come along.

Rich Presence
See additional information on your friends list about what your Real ID friends are up to. Find out what your friends are doing and which games and modes they're playing in real time. Invite that buddy just sitting around in Dalaran to play some StarCraft II with you without fear of interrupting a raid or a heated Wintergrasp match.

Broadcasts
Broadcast a short status message for all of your Real ID friends to see, whether you want to issue a call-to-arms or let your friends know about an important change of plans. You can also read your friends' broadcast messages on the "Recent Broadcasts" feed on the Battle.net welcome page -- kind of a "corkboard" to leave messages to your friends when offline or busy.

Friend Once, See All Characters
When you agree to become Real ID friends with another player, both of you will automatically see all the other's characters on your friends list. You'll even see any characters your friend creates in future Blizzard games, carrying your social network forward and helping you stay connected with the people you enjoy playing with most.
[/blizzquote]


Official Patch Notes
Originally Posted by Blizzard Entertainment
World of Warcraft Client Patch 3.3.5

The latest test realm patch notes can always be found at http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/patch...atchnotes.html

The latest patch notes can always be found at http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/patchnotes/

Assault on the Ruby Sanctum
For ages the red dragonflight and its noble matriarch, Alexstrasza the Life-Binder, have dedicated themselves to preserving all life on Azeroth. Recently, the very heart of this virtuous dragonflight has come under threat.

An eerie silence has settled over the Ruby Sanctum, the red dragonflight's sacred lair within the Chamber of the Aspects. This troubling development has led to fears that the sanctum, home to Azeroth's largest clutch of red dragon eggs, has been breached by an unknown, sinister force. If these claims are true and immediate action is not taken, the benevolent red dragonflight might be crippled forever.

Real ID: A New Way to Connect With Your Friends on Battle.net
One of our goals for the new Battle.net is to create the framework for an online gaming experience that is even more accessible, more engaging, and more entertaining than the previous Battle.net. The newly released Real ID feature, available to World of Warcraft players as part of patch 3.3.5, is an integral part of this effort, providing you with advanced ways for forming and maintaining meaningful relationships with your friends on the service.

Real ID is a completely voluntary and optional level of identity that keeps players connected across all of Battle.net. When you and a friend mutually agree to become Real ID friends, you'll have access to a number of additional features that will enrich your social gaming experience in new and exciting ways. Go here for more details.

General
  • The Ruby Sanctum, an all-new 10- and 25-player raid dungeon featuring normal and Heroic difficulties, has been added! Players will find the dungeon entrance below Wyrmrest Temple in Dragonblight. Please note due to the way this patch is being applied in all regions, this dungeon will not immediately be available in North America. Stay tuned to our General Discussion forum for an official announcement on the opening of the Ruby Sanctum.
  • The functionality of the Vote Kick feature in the Dungeon Finder will now behave differently according to a player's history with the system. Players using the Dungeon Finder who rarely vote to kick players from a group, or rarely abandon groups before a dungeon is complete, will find that the Vote Kick option will have no cooldown. For players who frequently abandon groups or vote to kick other players, the Vote Kick option will be kept on a cooldown. This functionality will adjust itself as a player's behavior while using the Dungeon Finder changes.

User Interface
Chat Frame
  • Players can now right-click on any chat type (Whisper, Trade, General, Party, Raid, etc.) and choose to move conversation types into separate windows. This will move that chat type to a separate tab in the Chat frame which can be undocked and moved anywhere on the screen.
    • Using the Move to Whisper Window option on a Whisper will place the conversation with that player in a separate tab.
    • Any time a conversation with another player is put into its own tab, the tab will glow when a new message is received.
  • Hovering over the Chat Frame and using the mouse wheel will allow players to scroll through chat text.
  • Players can select Classic Mode under Interface Options to keep the Chat Frame functionality closer to what it was prior to patch 3.3.5.
  • The Simple Chat User Interface option has been removed.

Friends List
  • A new icon has been added to the top left of the Chat Frame which will open up the Friends list.
  • In addition to its current functionality, the Friends List will now allow players to add Battle.net accounts (Real ID). Players will have to confirm that they are friends in order for a Real ID to be added. Once Real ID friends, players can communicate cross-game, cross-faction and cross-realm.
  • A new Pending tab has been added where players can accept or decline a Real ID friend request, or select the Report Spam or Block Communications buttons.
  • Players can now select from three statuses which will be visible to their friends: Available, Away and Busy.
  • A Broadcast window has been added to the top of the frame. Players can use this to broadcast a message to all of their Real ID friends online. This message will also be displayed under the broadcaster's Real ID information in each friend's list.

For additional notes on Lua and XML changes please visit the UI & Macros forum.

AVR Mod Broken in 3.3.5
[blizzquote author=Bashiok source=http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?sid=1&topicId=25002150557&pageNo=1#0]This is a notice that we’re making changes in 3.3.5 in attempts to break the ability for the AVR (Augmented Virtual Reality) mod to continue functioning. For those unaware, this mod allows players to draw in the 3D space of the game world, which can then be shared with others who are also using the mod. In some cases this manifests itself through drawing/tagging/defacing the game world, but more popularly is used to give visual guides for dungeon and raid encounters.

We’re making this change for two reasons. The invasive nature of a mod altering and/or interacting with the game world (virtually or directly) is not intended and not something we will allow. World of Warcraft UI addons are never intended to interact with the game world itself. This is mirrored in our stance and restriction of model and texture alterations. The second reason is that it removes too much player reaction and decision-making while facing dungeon and raid encounters. While some other mods also work to this end, we find that AVR and the act of visualizing strategy within the game world simply goes beyond what we’re willing to allow.

The change we’re making in attempts to break the functionality is light in its touch and approach. When blocking any functionality we run the risk of affecting other mods, but we’ve targeted the changes as carefully as possible. If we find that the AVR mod (or any mod attempting to replicate its functions) are usable after 3.3.5 we will take further, more drastic steps. [/blizzquote]

If you do not remember what AVR is, here is a small reminder.



by Published on 2010-06-29 02:07 PM

Update - No Ruby Sanctum for the moment.

Patch 3.3.5a deployed on live realms
A bugfix patch is being deployed on live realms, detailed patch notes aren't included with the patch file but I'll assume the patch is here to fix most of the Patch 3.3.5 known issues.
Originally Posted by Blizzard Entertainment
World of Warcraft Client Patch 3.3.5a

The latest test realm patch notes can always be found at http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/patch...atchnotes.html

The latest patch notes can always be found at http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/patchnotes/

We are updating World of Warcraft with a minor bug fix patch. For updated information regarding the changes made in this patch, please visit the official General forum at: http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/bo...&forumId=10023
Keep in mind that some of the US realms will be down for 24H.
[blizzquote author=Laetzin source=http://blue.mmo-champion.com/t/25626112551/extended-maintenance-select-realms-6-29-10/]We will be performing extended maintenance on the realms listed below on Tuesday, June 29th, beginning at 12:01 AM PDT. The maintenance is scheduled for 24 hours as we prepare for the upcoming expansion. These realms will be playable again at approximately 12:01 AM PDT on Wednesday, June 30th.

All realms not listed below will undergo scheduled maintenance beginning at 5:00am PDT and will be available for play at approximately 11:00 AM PDT

Agamaggan, Aggramar, Alexstrasza, Alleria, Argent Dawn, Arthas, Azgalor, Azshara, Baelgun, Balnazzar, Blackhand, Bleeding Hollow, Bloodhoof, Burning Blade, Burning Legion, Cho'gall, Dark Iron, Destromath, Dethecus, Detheroc, Drakkari, Durotan, Earthen Ring, Elune, Emerald Dream, Eonar, Eredar, Garona, Gilneas, Gorefiend, Gorgonnash, Greymane, Gul'dan, Hellscream, Illidan, Kael'thas, Kalecgos, Kargath, Kirin Tor, Laughing Skull, Lightninghoof, Lightning's Blade, Llane, Lothar, Madoran, Maelstrom, Magtheridon, Malfurion, Malygos, Mannoroth, Medivh, Moonrunner, Nazjatar, Quel'Thalas, Ragnaros, Ravencrest, Sargeras, Shadowmoon, Shattered Hand, Skullcrusher, Spinebreaker, Staghelm, Stormrage, Stormreaver, Thunderhorn, Thunderlord, Trollbane, Twisting Nether, Ursin, Warsong, Whisperwind, Wildhammer, Zul'jin

Thank you for your Patience.[/blizzquote]
by Published on 2010-06-29 02:36 AM

Cataclysm Screenshots of the Day
Today we have another screenshot of the Southern Barrens and a fairly interesting view of the Abyssal Maw, featuring a Faceless One caster.



World of Warcraft "Tap Chat" Pedal by Creative
Earlier today, an announcement was posted on the official site about a new "Tap Chat" pedal, it was removed a few minutes later but it looks like Creative plans to release it very soon. The announcement is gone from all Blizzard website but the Tap Chat seems to be available on Creative UK Website
[blizzquote author=Blizzard source=http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/index.xml]You can now add even more functionality to the award-winning Sound Blaster World of Warcraft Headset with the new Tap Chat foot pedal accessory. By mapping your push-to-talk key or favorite macro to this foot control pedal, you can keep your hands totally free to control the game. As a bonus, the Tap Chat pedal will also come with an exclusive set of World of Warcraft logo lenses to further customize the look of your headset.[/blizzquote]



Cataclysm Beta - European Guild Contest (28th of June to 23rd of July, 2010)
[blizzquote author=Blizzard source=http://www.wow-europe.com/en/contests/guildcontest/index.html]Guildmasters, it’s time to earn you and your guildmates a gaze into the Cataclysm! Gather your friends, head over to your favourite spot and showcase your impressive photography skills. Every week, for five weeks, the 100 most impressive screenshots will earn you and your guild 10 keycodes to access the World of Warcraft: Cataclysm Beta!

What are you waiting for? All you need to do is take a screenshot of you and your guild showing off your creativity in terms of breath-taking landscapes, lighting, impressive camera angles and epic poses. The only requirement is that the word “Cataclysm!” is displayed in a chat bubble together with your character and guild names! Please remember that submissions missing the chat bubble and guild name tags will be ineligible to win.

The Guildmaster will then proceed to send us the screenshot and their selection of 10 Battle.net account e-mail addresses using the dedicated webform.

Here is some advice to help you with your submissions:

  • Use the environment to your advantage! Points of interest, dungeons, even bosses are there to help you.
  • Pimp your screenshot by setting the in-game graphics settings to the max! There is no need to worry about your frame rate since the submission is a still image.
  • We strongly encourage you to disable your addons while taking the screenshot. Keep the default interface on and capture your picture of awesomeness!
  • Don't forget to read the contest rules.
[/blizzquote]


Blue posts
Originally Posted by Blizzard Entertainment
Cloth Itemization in Cataclysm
Yes. If it has +hit on it, it might be attractive to a mage, lock or Shadow priest. If it has +Spirit on it, it will be more attractive to healing priests. If it has neither stat on it, then it might be attractive to any cloth wearer. (Source)

Spirit in Cataclysm
You'll need enough Spirit to have good regen. That probably doesn't mean you're going to pass on every item without Spirit.

Spirit is a weird stat that is technically primary but has more in common with stats like crit and haste. What I mean is that if you found an item without Intellect, you'd almost certainly pass on it because that likely means the item has Agi or Strength instead. But if you find an item with Int but no Spirit, it might be a good upgrade. (Source)
by Published on 2010-06-28 09:18 AM

The week starts slowly with a couple of Blue Posts and your weekly dose of MMO Report and Comics. The beta is still supposed to be soon, just like the past 2 months.

Blue Posts
Originally Posted by Blizzard Entertainment

Increasing the crit rating on plate to compensate the crit given by agi
Warriors don't need to have the same amount of crit as rogues to do the same (or sometimes higher) damage. The only risk is that rogues who scale both AP and crit from Agi will end up doing higher damage with extreme gear levels, but usually we have the opposite problem. In any case, at extreme gear levels crit often becomes less and less valuable.

We balance warriors around wearing plate. When they can then wear leather and do higher damage (and who can blame them for making choices that maximize their dps?), that presents a problem and the solution is often to nerf warrior damage, which then hurts the guys actually wearing plate. We need to finally fix this design flaw, which we're doing in two ways: itemizing leather the way we itemize plate (i.e. just Agi rather than Agi and AP) and giving warriors more of a benefit for wearing plate. (Source)

Nerfing Mortal Strike debuffs
Yeah I don't think we could nerf MS on live without also nerfing healing, which obviously makes it more than just a quick fix. (Source)

Paladin (Forums / 3.3.5 Talent Calculator)
Holy Paladins can't equip Daggers
Well, it's more complicated than that of course. You aren't competing with priests and druids for your shields and nothing is stopping you from equipping a spell sword if you don't need the Spirit. A caster axe isn't off the table, but it would be pretty uncommon. (Source)

Shaman (Forums / 3.3.5 Talent Calculator / Cataclysm Talent Calculator)
Dual Wield Talent
We're not quite ready to talk about it yet, but imagine that the DW talent is accesible to Enhance early enough to be useful but not to Elemental and Resto. We're also looking at making enchants unique, which would let us drop the WF internal cooldown low enough that fast weapons might be more attractive. (Source)

The MMO Report
It's monday, and we have an E3 2010 Special MMO Report.



Comics
Dark Legacy Comics #244 and Teh Gladiators #144 are out!


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