Tuesday Morning Post: Beginning of the end edition
Happy Tuesday morning, everyone! I name this week's post not in a negative sense, but in a sense that it does seem like we've officially started winding down Wrath. Specifically, we recently saw the addition of the first edition of the Icecrown Citadel raid buff. It has started at 5%, but will eventually rise to 30%, allowing more and more people to power through the dungeon and see Arthas fall at their feet. It's the end of an era, but I feel the start of a much better one.
Of course, that's not to say we're completely out of Wrath yet. We have at least 2 more patches to go, and Patch 3.3.3 PTR news keeps rolling in, as does tons of other news. You'll have the usual maintenance break from WoW this morning, 5 AM to 11 AM pacific, so you have time to get caught up. As usual, here's our list of some of the major stuff from the past 7 days or so:
Hot News and Features
Blizzard posted a Cataclysm Mastery system preview last night, hot off the presses.
We probably all saw this coming, but the developers have confirmed that the troll and gnome starting experiences will be revamped in Cataclysm.
Speaking of which, we have a spoiler-filled transcription of the Echo Isles event sound files found in Patch 3.3.3.
Check out some of our latest Patch 3.3.3 data mining finds, including an amazing horse.
Spoiler alert: We have a transcription of the Ruby Sanctum event and sound files found in the PTR patch files.
In live server news, check out some of the latest in-game hot fixes.
So with guild achievements, what happens to guild alliances when Cataclysm comes around?
Don't expect Blizzard to sell gold any time soon.
Tom Chilton shed some light on the early days of class balance in a recent interview.
Class News and Guides
We have Cataclysm stat analysis for rogues, holy paladins, restoration shamans, enhancement shamans, warlocks, shadow priests, retribution paladins, tanking death knights, DPS death knights, healing priests,
Priests are getting a tier set bonus change in Patch 3.3.3.
Warriors are getting some revenge on the Patch 3.3.3 PTR.
Encrypted Text looks at the subtlety tree in light of Patch 3.3.3.
Lichborne has a list of buttons you should probably push more often.
Totem Talk looks at spells and totems for restoration, as well as enhancement talents.
Shifting Perspectives pontificates on the tank's barrier to entering the end game.
The Light and How to Swing it continues teaching the basics of retribution.
Spiritual Guidance continues looking at raiding ICC for shadow priests.
Arcane Brilliance defends the frost mage raider.
Dungeons, Items, Professions, PvP, and More
Ready Check discusses the merits of using the new ICC raid buff.
Is it even worth it to roll greed on Frozen Orbs anymore?
Our resident auctioneer posits that it's about time for open orders.
The Overachiever helps you become an accomplished angler.
Blood Sport takes a look at horde racials.
The Art of War(craft) takes a look at fighting rogues.
Odds and Ends
WoW's China woes continue. This time Blizzard and The9 have been fined for copyright infringement. In addition,NetEase lost their senior WoW director.
15 Minutes of Fame engages in some LARPing.
The WoW 5th anniversary Battlecry Mosaic is finally complete, and it looks pretty cool.
