philosophers-stone

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  • All the World's a Stage: So you want to be an Alchemist

    by 
    David Bowers
    David Bowers
    02.22.2009

    This installment of All the World's a Stage is the twenty-sixth in a series of roleplaying guides in which we find out all the background information you need to roleplay a particular race or class (or profession!) well, without embarrassing yourself. Too many people roleplay alchemy as a glorified fast food restaurant, with typical phrases such as, "Would you like some healing potions to go with your strength elixir?" or "If you give me just one more herb I could throw in a mana potion too..." Of course, the game mechanics often put us in the salesman position. Limited supply and demand force us to compete with other alchemists for herbs and customers, so to some extent we may have to deal with the capitalist food chain to matter what we do. But there's so much more to an alchemist than just magical boosts and bonuses! An alchemist has the potential to be the other mad scientist! Why should they let engineers have all the fun? Just because engineers can craft their own vehicles and whatnot doesn't mean that alchemists don't have something (or someone) of their own to experiment on. Today we shall take a closer look at the depths of madness which alchemists are capable of reaching, if only they dig a bit into the unlimited supply and demand of the imagination.

  • Insider Trader: Leatherworking in alpha, and profession changes for patch 2.4.3

    by 
    Amanda Miller
    Amanda Miller
    06.20.2008

    Although there is information being leaked about the upcoming expansion Wrath of the Lich King, because of the alpha testing that is currently underway, it is too soon to tell what will make it into the final copy, and what will not. Furthermore, most things will be changed, and there are details that may never be leaked until, of course, release.Still, it is a valuable experience to peer into Blizzard's process of designing, reforming, and progressing the game's professions. This week, Insider Trader will focus on analyzing the tentative progression of the leatherworking trade. In addition, we'll take a brief look at professions-related changes in the upcoming patch 2.4.3. While mounts at level 30 and Haris Pilton might be first in your mind, Blizzard isn't overlooking the trade sector this round.

  • A few more changes from 2/29

    by 
    Alex Ziebart
    Alex Ziebart
    03.01.2008

    First off, a Black War Elekk has been added in a recent PTR push! Rejoice PvPers, you now get a giant elephant mount. I know a few of my guild mates have been waiting for this, so I imagine it'll be a welcome addition, if a small one. I might get one for my Paladin, running around on the Charger is getting a bit boring and I honestly don't know what else would be appropriate.For up and coming Alchemists, the Philosopher's Stone has been altered. Like the Alchemist's Stones after it, it is now a trinket. Also like the Alchemist's Stone, it'll do a little something for everyone. Emphasis on little. The new Philosopher's Stone will add 5 to each of the basic stats.In addition to the little boost to Alchemy above, the materials for the new Alchemist's Stones have been toned down somewhat. Rather than 16 primals per stone, you'll need only six. That's anywhere from a 100 to a 300 gold reduction in price depending on the primal and your server's market, or a few hours of farming saved, so I really can't complain.