krasarang-wilds
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Did you miss in Pandaria?: Carefully packaged rodents
As we approach the end of Mists, you may have characters with a vast pile of Lion's Landing/Domination Point Commissions from patch 5.1's Krasarang war clogging up your bags. Temporary world PvP boosts probably aren't of much interest these days, so here is a great way to spend them that will give you a more permanent reward. The Rodent Crate costs 2000 commissions. But what does it actually do? The tooltip doesn't specify. Using it will spawn Sumprush Rodents for one hour that can be battled and captured by anyone wandering by. Like other battle pets, they have a chance to be rare when you engage them. The crate is the only way to get this particular pet. If you haven't heard of these beaver-like rats, that may be because they are not part of the Pandaria Safari achievement. They have different abilities and colors than the similar Bucktooth Flapper from Jade Forest. Be sure to tell your friends when you're releasing the rodents so everyone can get one. The actual crate is so cute and weird when you place it down, I hope it becomes a Toybox item someday.
Horrify enemies with hordes of angry spiders
I guess if there is one good way to take an enemy down, you can't really argue the fun of simply disgusting them to death. I hate spiders -- the spiders in Warcraft vary from fuzzy and vaguely non-threatening to full-out spindly-legged menaces that I keenly wish I could stomp underfoot without a second thought. So when I heard about this interesting toy hiding the in Krasarang Wilds, I had to decide whether it was really worth it to pick it up, or whether I should simply leave it be. But there's something to be said about suddenly having the ability to summon a horde of angry spiders on your enemies out of the blue. Sure, they're disgusting, they're creepy, they're crawly, and terrifying in the most primal of fashions, but the ability to unleash them on unsuspecting foes is pretty cool. So how do you go about getting a horde of angry baby spiders? By picking up an egg sac from their much angrier mother, of course. Ick!
Murdering animals for 5.1 reputation
The patch 5.1 daily system seems fairly straightforward for the most part -- you either get your dailies directly at the base camp for your respective faction, or you get a quest that will send you to a daily hub in Krasarang Wilds. Once your dailies are completed, you can then turn them in for reputation. But there's another daily quest out there, one that's hidden behind a purchasable item. This daily quest not only grants you a chunk of reputation, it'll give you a useful buff as well. But how you go about the process of getting that quest, and the limitations to the quest, seem to be a mystery to many players. And if you ask Jorn Skyseer or his Alliance counterpart Huntsman Blake, they have pretty much nothing to say on the matter. So how do you go about getting this useful bit of extra rep? Well, there are two parts to the process.
Reputation in review: The Dominance Offensive
It took until patch 5.1, but we got it. The most perfect reputation grind in the game to date. I don't say these words lightly, because let's face it, I have pretty high standards for what I like and what I don't like with daily quests. But the Dominance Offensive appears to have taken the best out of all previous reputation grinds and wrapped it all together in a delightful ball of compelling story and quests that barely feels like a grind at all. Please note that this is a review for the Dominance Offensive, which is the Horde side of the 5.1 reputation. At this point in time, I don't have an Alliance character at level 90, so I'm unable to play through the Operation Shieldwall quests. However, I have been assured that not only are the Operation Shieldwall quests just as good, in some ways they are even better than the Dominance Offensive material. I'm not even sure how this is possible, because these dailies are just that good. But enough gushing. Let's get into the nuts and bolts of what makes this reputation grind so different from everything before it.
A first taste of patch 5.1's Krasarang quests
Upon logging into patch 5.1 for the first time, I was greeted immediately by the same type of auto-quest that was used to start off the opening storyline of Mists. It should be noted that, as I play Alliance, this is all from the Alliance perspective. Spoiler Alert! If you haven't got into these quests and you don't want to know what happens, don't read this! I definitely don't go through the entire questline, as you'll see I get distracted by something shiny, but there is a good amount of information that could be considered spoilers after the break!
Li Li's Travel Journal updates with part 7
Ah, now things are getting interesting! Li Li's Travel Journal has just updated with chapter 7 of the young Stormstout's tale of discovery. In this chapter, Li Li has finally broken off from her Uncle Chen, who is busy presumably drowning in ale over at the Stormstout Brewery. To keep herself occupied, Li Li decides to find the place where Shen-zin Su and Liu Lang's journey began, deep in the heart of Krasarang Wilds. Of course you can't really travel through Krasarang without finding adventure. And just as you think Li Li's journey may be complete, she finds herself taking to the air and heading someplace else entirely. I'm glad we're seeing what the intrepid young Stormstout was doing while Chen was busy fixing the Stormstout Brewery and presumably heading to the Dread Wastes -- it's nice to see that Li Li hasn't just disappeared and been forgotten about. What's also nice are the illustrations for the new chapters. I'm not sure who the artist is, but they're lovely, stylized pieces of art. If you like the illustrations, there's some good news with the latest chapter of the story -- Blizzard has released three brand new wallpapers showcasing the art. Don't miss the latest charming installment of the tale -- you can catch chapter 7, as well as all previous installments of the story, in the Expanded Universe section of the official website. Mists of Pandaria is here! The level cap has been raised to 90, many players have returned to Azeroth, and pet battles are taking the world by storm. Keep an eye out for all of the latest news, and check out our comprehensive guide to Mists of Pandaria for everything you'll ever need to know.
Patch 5.1 PTR: Reputation rewards for Alliance and Horde
Patch 5.1 introduces two new factions -- Operation Shieldwall for the Alliance, and the Dominance Offensive for the Horde. With these two new factions are new dailies to complete that involve the new faction areas in the Krasarang Wilds. Although the new factions are meant to encourage world PvP, it is not necessary to flag in order to participate in the quests. So far the daily quests involve gathering resources and cheerfully murdering the other faction. And of course both sides have their own sets of reputation rewards available for purchase with Justice and Valor points. There is a reputation requirement on gear, but it never goes above Revered -- the only bonus to being exalted is the sweet new mounts that were datamined earlier this month. As for the gear, some items can be purchased immediately for Justice points, but the more valuable gear requires at least honored reputation to obtain. If you're interested in seeing what your faction has to offer in 5.1, check out the full galleries below. %Gallery-171209% %Gallery-171210% Mists of Pandaria is here! The level cap has been raised to 90, many players have returned to Azeroth, and pet battles are taking the world by storm. Keep an eye out for all of the latest news, and check out our comprehensive guide to Mists of Pandaria for everything you'll ever need to know.
Anduin Wrynn broke my heart
"That was a close one! I can't believe you stood your ground against so many at once." Oh, well, it was nothing really. "You really have a way with people, Dawn. They fear and respect you." You think so? I mean, I do try to be -- respectable, that is. You don't think I'm too intimidating though, do you? You really have to be firm with some of these people, you know, or else they don't take you seriously. Still, I've been thinking if I wore my hair down I might look less fierce. What do you think? "Dawn, you did it. It looks like they're fleeing." Of course they are. No one's going to mess with a two priest team! Say, if you're not busy after this, I know this great little place in Old Town. Maybe we could get something to eat before we head back to the castle? Anduin Wrynn. You were gentle, but tenacious ... Also patient, and so wise for your years. You were nothing like I thought you'd be -- nothing like your father. Except for maybe your force of will. Yes, you definitely got that from your father. When we first met I thought we'd become fast friends. I can't deny you were personable, but it was your earnestness that really struck me. The night after our meeting I remember feeling a hope that I hadn't felt in years. With you, Anduin, I knew the Alliance had a future.
Patch 5.1: Varian Wrynn soundfiles reveal big changes in store
If it needs to be said, Spoilers spoilers spoilers. That video up there is absolutely full of spoilers. Wowhead has tons of Patch 5.1 details, including this collection of Varian's newest sound clips, all of which seems to have details involving the beach offensive in Krasarang Wilds. There are a lot of surprises in these files. Not only does a certain fan favorite character from Redridge and the Blasted Lands make an appearance, but we find out that Varian's made some interesting decisions over the course of the post Cataclysm world, and it's not the King of Stormwind who's making the rash, violent decisions nowadays. I really can't say anymore without spoiling the heck out of things, but this could conceivable change everything. Everything. So if you don't mind being spoiled. go ahead and give it all a listen. I mean all of it. Mists of Pandaria is here! The level cap has been raised to 90, many players have returned to Azeroth, and pet battles are taking the world by storm. Keep an eye out for all of the latest news, and check out our comprehensive guide to Mists of Pandaria for everything you'll ever need to know.
Patch 5.1: New details on the Krasarang Wilds faction quests
The war between the Horde and the Alliance gets a lot more interesting in patch 5.1, and Wowhead has a ton of details on the quests available for both factions. Not only are there new dailies, but there's extended questlines that advance the story of the conflict, more developments in the Wrathion legendary quest chain (which requires you now to work against the opposite faction) and new PvP related purchases such as the Hired Mercenary (one of several you can hire) or the Hired Guard. So get ready to take a stand for Operation: Shieldwall or the Dominance Offensive. There's lots of surprises in store (just what is the Monkey King's story of the Greatest Prank? Why does Thrall travel to the Echo Isles?) and it's all coming in patch 5.1. Mists of Pandaria is here! The level cap has been raised to 90, many players have returned to Azeroth, and pet battles are taking the world by storm. Keep an eye out for all of the latest news, and check out our comprehensive guide to Mists of Pandaria for everything you'll ever need to know.
WoW Insider's Guide to the Anglers
The entire continent of Pandaria seems to ravaged by war, doubt, and uncertainty, but you wouldn't know it by visiting the Angler's Wharf. There you'll find a crew of light-hearted folks that are too busy sitting on a dock by Krasarang Bay with a fishing line tied to their toe. The humble fishers there have a variety of dailies and rewards that make it a breeze to level fishing -- and worthwhile to boot. If you're like me and actually enjoy the quiet solitude of casting a line in some far-off corner of WoW then this faction is just icing on the cake. A soggy introduction Before you hit level 90 and begin the interminable grind that is the Pandaria daily shuffle, your first introduction to the Anglers will be in Soggy's Gamble, in the southeastern corner of the Dread Wastes. All of the quests in that hub reward reputation with the Anglers, and in total should be enough to put you in striking distance of Friendly before you ever do a single daily. Make sure you complete these for an early boost to the rep. Now, let's dig into what the Anglers have to offer, exactly.
Blizzard's official zone previews continue with Krasarang Wilds
Blizzard keeps going strong with its preview series, this time focusing on Krasarang Wilds. Associate quest designer Zach Owens gives a rundown of this unique zone, covering what players will encounter in its verdant depths. Personally I found the Wilds to be one of the most intriguing zones in the game, with the Temple of the Red Crane worth simply admiring as an aesthetic experience. Krasarang is home to the Angler's Wharf, and will be the site of many clashes with the Sha as well as between Alliance and Horde forces looking to exploit the place. The mogu, the mantid, the hozen and the saurok are all also here and players will find plenty to do, whether you're after exploration or old fashioned mayhem. So head on over to the official preview now and check it out. %Gallery-158946% It's open warfare between Alliance and Horde in Mists of Pandaria, World of Warcraft's next expansion. Jump into five new levels with new talents and class mechanics, try the new monk class, and create a pandaren character to ally with either Horde or Alliance. Look for expansion basics in our Mists FAQ, or dig into our spring press event coverage for more details!
Mists of Pandaria Beta: Reputation rewards for the August Celestials
The August Celestials are a group of pandaren dedicated to defending the temples of Pandaria from the threat of the sha. So far, there are four known temples and celestials associated with them -- the Serpent, the Crane, the Tiger, and the Ox (or, more appropriately, the Yak.) The quartermaster for the August Celestials couldn't be easier to find; he's located in the lower level of the outdoor tiers for each capital city, one for Alliance and one for Horde. The August Celestials don't have any trick items with their reputation rewards, but they do have armor. A lot of armor. Boots, gloves and bracers can all be found with the August Celestials, for every class and spec available in the game. And if that isn't enough for you, they also sell the Reins of the Thundering Cloud Serpent to anyone with exalted reputation -- and who doesn't want a cloud serpent? There are several sets of dailies to gain reputation with the August Celestials. There are dailies that have you defending the various temples around Pandaria, and there is also a really fun quest chain of dailies out at the Cradle of Chi-Ji off the southern coast of Krasarang Wilds. I've written about the quest chain before; it's fun, interactive, and doesn't really feel like work at all. Plus, getting in-game mail from NPCs is always a bonus, in my book. Take a look at the gallery below for the full run-down of everything the August Celestials have to offer. %Gallery-160423% It's open warfare between Alliance and Horde in Mists of Pandaria, World of Warcraft's next expansion. Jump into five new levels with new talents and class mechanics, try the new monk class, and create a pandaren character to ally with either Horde or Alliance. Look for expansion basics in our Mists FAQ, or dig into our spring press event coverage for more details!
Mists of Pandaria Beta: Krasarang Wilds
Krasarang Wilds is the sister zone of Valley of the Four Winds to the north. The two zones are interlinked, but the order in which you complete them really doesn't matter one way or another -- the subplots and stories littered all over both zones eventually come together in a really amazing finish. There are several quest hubs in Krasarang, and working your way into the zone is simple. All you have to do is look for either of the couple of intrepid explorers from Valley of the Four Winds, both of whom headed in a southern direction. Horde and Alliance players may have crash landed headlong into the Jade Forest, but they are not the only visitors to hit Pandaria's shores. Contingents from both the Alliance and Horde have also made their way to the southern shores of Pandaria, and neither of the groups seems to be working with the best interests of their leaders in mind. No, they are there for a distinctly different purpose, making Krasarang Wilds and the zones that follow even more intriguing. Take a look at the full gallery for a sneak peek at the gorgeous scenery and mysterious creatures that await you in Krasarang Wilds. %Gallery-158946% It's open warfare between Alliance and Horde in Mists of Pandaria, World of Warcraft's next expansion. Jump into five new levels with new talents and class mechanics, try the new monk class, and create a pandaren character to ally with either Horde or Alliance. Look for expansion basics in our Mists FAQ, or dig into our spring press event coverage for more details!
Mists of Pandaria: Sunwalker Dezco for Warchief
Spoilers for Mists of Pandaria in this post. I cannot tell you how much I enjoy Sunwalker Dezco. As a tauren, I love the idea that there's a tauren presence in Pandaria, and that unlike most of the Horde the leadership of said tauren, actually uses the quotes around the word Warchief when talking about Messere Hellscream. I first met the Sunwalker in the Krasarang Wilds. He was leading an expedition to Pandaria inspired by the visions of his wife. After that, I ran into him again helping out against the mantid, then in Kun-Lai Summit at the Temple of the White Tiger, where he gives out a quest to meet with one of the August Celestials within the Temple of the White Tiger. After Xuen, the White Tiger, tests your mettle, he allows you and Dezco (if you're Horde) to go south. Pretty much everything Dezco says or does shows that he's loyal to the Horde, but clearly less than enamored with Garrosh and his particular way of leading it. Dezco is very involved with the quests leading to the Vale of Eternal Blossoms as well as Krasarang and Valley of the Four Winds, and he's at once a determined bringer of the light and a much more tolerant and reasonable Horde figure than we've seen in some time. I'm just glad to see a new, no-nonsense tauren lore figure, and to see the tauren taking some initiative in Pandaria. And I admit, I love the idea of a sarcastic tauren paladin. It's open warfare between Alliance and Horde in Mists of Pandaria, World of Warcraft's next expansion. Jump into five new levels with new talents and class mechanics, try the new monk class, and create a pandaren character to ally with either Horde or Alliance. Look for expansion basics in our Mists FAQ, or dig into our spring press event coverage for more details!
Mists of Pandaria Beta: Of replays and linearity
One of the most common complaints surrounding Cataclysm is the extremely linear nature of questing, both in the 1-to-60 experience and from 80 to 85. For levels 1 to 60, this linear nature almost works for me, largely because presumably new players heading through this content would like to do so as efficiently as possible. With a multitude of zones to choose from, the replay experience with Cataclysm isn't too bad -- particularly because it's really not that hard to level from 1 to 60 at the moment. And that's especially nice for new players trying to get the hang of the game. However, when you hit level 80, there is one distinct path to follow to level 85, and each zone in that path has been carefully laid out. Quests are divided into hubs, and each hub must be completed in order to move on to the next. If you're taking an alt through these areas, you must replay through the same set of hubs and the same set of quests. If you're replaying several alts, this gets incredibly tiresome incredibly quickly. Thankfully, we're about to say goodbye to that leveling model. Let's look at Mists, shall we? No spoilers, I promise!
