Tuesday Morning Post: Anticipation edition
Happy Tuesday Morning, everyone. Today, we have another bout of long expected downtime, with the 5 to 11 AM downtime having been announced way back on Saturday. I'm betting it's to get those Cataclysm alpha servers set up, but we'll see. In fact, in addition to rumblings of new Cataclysm news, these past few days have all been about news of the distant future. Some news about the cancellation of Spiderman 4 might just herald things for the Warcraft movie, for example.
In more immediate news, the Plaguewerks have opened up, and people have had a chance to face the new bosses. If you haven't delved in yet, or even if you have, you may find some helpful hints for taking them down right here. Regardless, you have around 6 hours to browse WoW news while you wait for the servers to come back up, so I have the usual list of good stuff to read after the break.
Hot News and Features
Here's an interesting slice of news: Blizzard may be making Authenticators mandatory.
Blizzard recently (and blessedly) changed some somewhat weak account security and reimbursement policies after our articles on hacked character restoration and using the billing department to scam free gold went up.
The tweaks and hot fixes continue. Check out some of the latest as of January 5th.
Arena season 7's end date has been announced. Are you prepared?
Crimson Hall, the next wing of Icecrown Citadel, may be opening sooner than you think.
Know Your Lore takes a look at the Old Horde.
Know your way around a Riptide and a Windfury alike? We may be able to use you.
Class News and Guides
A lot of classes and items are getting some balance changes. We have specific information on the Prot PvP nerfs,
Could shamans be sharing Bloodlust and Heroism with... drums?
Scattered Shots takes a look at ICC hunter loot.
Lichborne takes a look at Emblem of Frost gear for death knights.
Encrypted Text helps you puzzle out rogue stats.
Shifting Perspectives takes a look back at 2009 for the druid.
Arcane Brilliance asks the important question: Enchantment?
Spiritual Guidance helps priests choose the right metagem.
As we implied above, Rossi is stepping back from Totem Talk. This week, he looked back at his tenure as the shaman columnist.
Rossi continues to lament the Prot PvP nerfs and discuss ICC warrior tanking.
Items, Professions, Dungeons, PvP, and More
Wait! Don't drop out of that Oculus group. Check our Oculus guide first.
New to 80? WoW Rookie wants to help you get started on 5-manning.
The Overachiever looks at 5 lore-related achievements.
Is Professor Putricide bad news for your raid? We may be able to help.
Raid Rx has some advice for healing the new ICC abominations, Festergut and Rotface.
Ready Check has a look at the Gunship battle.
Insider Trade continues looking at crafted items from the Ashen Verdict.
Blood Sport takes a look at the hype and truth behind Prot warrior PvP.
Odds and Ends
Here's a soul searing delimma most of us hope we never have to face: Your life-sized Orc replica or your spouse?
NetEase will face the wrath of the Chinese government over WoW this month.
15 Minutes of Fame looks back on our interviews from 2009.
In the real world, a teenager ran away to meet their "WoW Soulmate."
Check out the latest installment of Byron the Tauren Rogue.
