Focused Aim

Running LFG everyday makes me realize people that can give buffs are asses. Especially pallies and druids. They buff themselves and nobody else. Then they demand buffs from all other players. Since when has a simple buff become something to horde to yourself?

It seems that the Onyxia Raid is not the only retro thing happening in patch 3.2.2. Blizzard is looking old school with the weapons. Check out these 2 examples of Ony loot.


Notice that Blizz is adding chance on hit back to weapons. I think this is a cool idea for all melee but, this may stir up some controversy if Hunters ever go after something with max agility and a chance on hit stat.

3.2.2 will finally be the return of drums. Yes… its true. Us leatherworkers finally get something new as seen in this blue post.

Leatherworking

* Drums of Forgotten Kings – Heavy Borean Leather x 8, Icy Dragonscale x 8 – Gives all members of the raid or group the Blessing of Forgotten Kings, increasing total stats by 8% for 30 min.
* Drums of the Wild – Heavy Borean Leather x 4, Jormungar Scale x 20 – Gives the Gift of the Wild to all party and raid members, increasing armor by 750, all attributes by 37 and all resistances by 54 for 1 hr.

The mats seem pretty high but it will probably go back to the 50 charges system which is not bad at all.

Inscription does get something similar as seen here:

Inscription

* Runescroll of Stamina – Snowfall Ink, Resilient Parchment x 5 – Increases Stamina by 165 for all party and raid members for 1 hr.

Loot lists for Ony are starting to show up on MMO-Chamption. Heres some screen shots of nice gear for bucktron or even some of my other toons.

Blue Post!

She has lurked in her lair and done battle with the many brave adventurers who travelled to that familiar location over the years. Now, in honor of the World of Warcraft 5-year anniversary, the dreaded brood mother Onyxia is being revamped to make a return to the forefront of Azeroth, as part of our big plans for the upcoming 3.2.2 content patch.

This permanent update to Onyxia will convert the dungeon into 10- and 25-player modes. We will be adding new items to Onyxia’s loot table that have the same model as some of the classic loot from this dungeon, like Tier 2 helms, with stats updated to match the current level of content. There will be a special new item too: a normal drake-sized 310% speed flying mount modeled after Onyxia herself called an Onyxia Broodling. We will also be updating the encounter mechanics to be more fitting for modern raiding, but we can guarantee players will get to experience the frightening horror of deep breaths once again.

Then for a limited time, after the 5-year anniversary event officially begins in November, anybody who logs in will receive an Onyxia Brood Whelpling pet.

We’re very excited to bring this classic encounter back to provide a fun new experience for both new and veteran players. Further details will be available in the near future, and we will be setting up the Public Test Realms soon to help test out this fight along with all the new content we have planned for the patch. Keep an eye on the forums for updates!

Blizzard’s official post HERE

I’ve been employed on and off since the beginning of the year. With the unemployment rate of 11.2% in this state its hard to find anything. I have an interview in a couple hours for a sales position.

I realized today that preparing for an interview is a lot like getting ready for a raid.

1. Strats: Just like before a raid you prepare for the interview. You think about the bosses and figure out what you have to do. Same here. You practice your answers and prepare your strategy.
2. Buffs: In a raid you always prepare all your food/flasks/etc. For an interview you make sure you eat a good meal, make sure your deodorant buff is up, and make sure you are put together.
3. Pre Raid: The night before a raid I like to Psych myself up. I jun an easy instance or kick butt in some bg’s. Same thing here. Last night I drank a couple beers, had a bon fire, and got a good nights rest. Today I made sure I was put together before I left.
4. Ready Check: Just before going in make sure you perform your own ready check. Make sure you are prepared for anything. For me this includes keys, wallet, cell phone (on mute), pen, and pocket knife (ammo in case things go badly).

The guild I’m in (KoA) is recruiting.

Classes Needed:

• Druids
• Hunters
• Mages
• Paladins
• Priests
• Rogues
• Shammy’s
• Warlocks
• Warriors

Really everything but DK’s

KoA Application Requirements:

1. You must be 17 or older. The average age of the guild is late 20′s.
2. You must actively participate in the guild forums and use the Ventrilo voice communication program.
3. You will treat fellow members with respect, understanding, and maturity.
4. The following add-ons are mandatory and every applicant is expected to have these installed – Deadly boss mods (DBM). Be prepared to download additional supplementary add-ons as they become available in the Wrath of the Lich King.
5. KoA is a semi-casual raiding guild which means if you are going to join you are expected to raid with us (if you are 80). Please read the guild raiding rules located on our Raid Information Forum

DO NOT CONTINUE UNLESS YOU MEET THE ABOVE REQUIREMENTS!

KoA Application Guidelines:

1. Dedication – KoA has always been one of the top guilds in any game we played. Our members work together to make that a reality.
2. Skill – MMORPG’s are all about tactics and planning. You must strive to prefect your character(s) class(es).
3. Loyalty/Trust/Friendship – You are encouraged to get to know your fellow guild members inside and outside the game. Our strong bonds of loyalty come from the friendships we have formed over the years.
4. Leadership – Guild Officers can’t always be on to make decisions and organize raids. Recruitment is the job of every member in the guild.
5. Patience – Success doesn’t happen overnight. Your efforts will be rewarded as the guild grows and strengthens!
6. Maturity – Fighting and arguing are NOT tolerated on the boards or in guild chat. If you have a problem with another member take it up with a council member. HOWEVER intelligent constructive criticism IS ALLOWED in an effort to improve on tactics and game play.

KoA Application Process:

1. Cut and Paste the application below into a NEW POST in THIS FORUM!
2. COMPLETELY fill out the Application (You will get a PM asking you to redo it if you don’t spend the time to provide the DETAILED information we are looking for!)
3. Once you submit your application it is reviewed by the Guild Recruiting Officers.
4. All applications that remain open after 7 days will be considered declined.
5. If your application is denied you may re-apply after 30 days.

Building a successful raid group is more than just group structure. I have found its more about how people interact with each other. When orders start to get barked or blame is placed people react in defferent ways. Some will focus harder at their responsibilities while others will slack in revolt. The slacks cause wipes which brings down morality. Rinse and repeat. I’ve found this to be true with both people you raid with regularly and pugs. The best attitude to bring to the table is just to be pleasant. Joking is also a plus as long as it doesn’t interfere with your focus. In the words of the great Bob Marley… “In every life we have some trouble, When you worry you make it double, Don’t worry, be happy“

I picked up a new piece of gear last night. I thought I was going to use it when I rolled on it but after crunching the numbers today I end up losing 30 DPS with it. Fortunatly I didn’t roll against anyone in getting it.

Now that I think about it some more I think I did the right thing in the long run. The first boss in Ulduar just looks at item level and not how good the gear is to determine how your vehicle will perform. The gloves I got did boost my item level 6 points which will help the raid out in that fight.

Look to a future article to see how I determine Best in Slot according to my spec.