What if…

…there was another RP guild? 

There are lots of RP guilds out there.

I know, I’ve been a member of a few of them.

RP/PvP guilds, Race Specific guilds, Heavy/Medium/Light RP guilds. There is a Plethora, no a Cornucopia of RP guilds out there!

Why in the heck does the WoW server-verse need another RP guild?

Well…that’s a good question.

Truth be told, it doesn’t “need” anything.  It’s a game. There isn’t shortage of anything in WoW.

…except Hunters. We always need MOAR HUNTERS!

*cough*

Anyway, what if there was another RP guild?

Any suggestions on Realms, Faction and Theme(s)?

Z

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Pre-Patch

I’m just waiting at the moment. It is around 9pm as I write this post, in Monday night. Tomorrow, at some time when I’m still asleep, the MoP Pre-Patch will go live.

I hope that I’m saying that right.

To be honest, I don’t know quite what to do.

Will I still mainly play a Hunter?

Will I spend all of my time on a Paladin?

Will my new main become a Monk?

Will I choose some other class? I mean, I could go nuts and roll a Mage!

I just don’t know.

I think there is one thing I would like to do. I want to enter into some RP.

Any suggestions?

Z

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Such a Braggard!

It’s nice to be carried, now and again.

Thanks to the Awesome Effers!!!!

I only tried Siege of Wyrmrest Temple on LFR once.  I lagged out on the first boss.  Since then, I learned that turning off my sound through the “Options” menu cuts down on the lag significantly.

I’ve done Fall of Deathwing on LFR a couple of different times.  But, this was my first time on Regular.  It is definitely different than LFR.  Doing LFR does not equip someone for the Regular versions.  I can only imagine that Heroic is that much harder.

So, here is a great big:

Thank You, Effers!

Thanks for the experience. Thanks for the new title.

As you recall, “Dreah” is actually my original “Zwingli.”  This just feels right.

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No Hunter Weapons!!!

The God Mother of Alt:ernative blog fame brought up something that I’ve been doing my best to ignore.

The loss of the Hunter’s melee weapon(s) with the next patch.

When I started huntering in 2006, I was over joyed that we were able to dual-wield.  Since I’m somewhat of an RP snob, I didn’t want to carry anything but dual daggers.  I was quickly laughed at, and I learned that there were other things to consider than just looks.

But, carrying a big old nasty sword just didn’t look right!  Carrying a staff or polearm was even worse!

Doesn’t it make more sense for a woodsman, a hunter of beasts to carry something smaller?  Maybe a dagger, or hatchet?

That just makes sense to me.

Since I was a loner early on, I didn’t min/max at all.  I carried whatever I wanted to carry, who cares about what elite players think!

I had just gotten into running 5 mans during BC, when I had a /w invite to ShLabbs.  You remember that one don’t you?  If you were a hunter you certainately do.  That is the place where you found the polearm that was the soup-de-jour of BC pre-raid stat-sticks.  I was called in on the last two bosses, the only hunter…heck, the only class that could use it at that time…and it dropped!

Holy Crapton of Elune’s Tears!

Me, the Huntard of Record, the Master of Wipes, the King of the Greens had a Sonic Spear!!!

This is absolutely my favorite melee weapon for many reasons.  It was one of the first times I was actually “asked” to run an instance. I was with people who had gotten to know me in game, and valued me as a player.  It was my very first Instance-Blue item.

Here is one of the few pics (2) that I have of the Spear:

Matches My Hair!

When Wrath hit, dual wielding came back into vogue; at least for a little while.  At least for a little while, the best thing a hunter could carry were two Fangs of Truth.  Again, this met a dual wield need within me that hadn’t been satisfied since Vanilla WoW.

I don’t have a good picture of them. But, at least you can see they are equipped in this shot.  You see, this is when my gun broke and I ended up being the Melee Huntard they talk about late at night to keep the young hunters on the straight and narrow.
So, there you have it. My two favorite weapons were the Sonic Spear and the Fang of Truth.

I will truly miss the Hunter Melee Weapons.

Z

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I Totally HoT(ed) Myself!

Ok, so I’m sitting in Stormwind asking myself, “What shall we do with the Tankadin today?”

I’m talking about Caligan on the  Sentinel’s server.  He’s not even my well geared Caligan.  That is my Paladin on Azuremyst!

But, I wanted to show him a little bit of love.  He is sitting at an iLevel of 351 with his Tanking set on.  But, for some reason, he has an overall iLevel of 356.  Which I think is from a dps belt that I crafted.  I’m not really sure.

I look at my Acheesements, and notice I’m one Reputations away from having the 10 Exalted one.  So, a quick looksie, and I notice I’m really…REALLY close to Exalted with the Earthen Ring.

Now, also note that I ran one of my very first Heroics last night as a tank. It was Vortex Pinn, and we got stuck on the last boss.  But, overall it was a good run.

So… I decide to que for a Cataclysm Heroic…you know, one of the regular ones.  I’ve not done the ZuleRoic entry quests, and that is on purpose. I’ve no desire to tank those.

I knew that I could get into the HoTs due to my overall gear level.  But, I didn’t want to cheat the system.  I was still at only 351 iLevel.  Heck I’m still sporting some iLevel 333 gear, and a green 318 trinket!

I put aside my fear of tanking heroics and I que up for what I think are the regular Cataclysm Heroics.

Side not: Did you know that queing for “Cataclysm Heroics” INCLUDES the HoT Instance?!?!?!?!

HOLY CRAP BATMAN!!!

I zone in to a group that just finished the first of three of the Shrines.

I tell them that I don’t think I should be there. I’ve only a 351 iLevel. But, they assure me that it will be ok.

Side note #2: Did I ever mention that the Black Dragon Shrine (featuring Baine) freaks me the crap out?!?!?!

Yes, we ended up there next!  The first time I was there with Zwingli, didn’t go so well.

Well, we totally did it!!!  I kid you not. We were successful!

Yes, that is Baine down for the count. Also, did I mention that I got the Rep Acheesement?!

Wahoo!!!!

Next we head on over to the Bronze Shrine, and:

Oh. Yes. We .Did!!!!

Well, the healer must have been on something, because he asked if I wanted to go on into the next instance.

I was like, “Uh… Sure!”

So, we que up, get a group, mention that we’re both new at this and proceed to make it through the Wheel of Time instance without much difficulty.

Well, that is until the end of the instance.

Apparently, my huntering ways are buried deep within me.  I can’t seem to get Out Of The Fire!

But, that is ok because we got him down anyway!

I’m still a little jittery over the experience.  I didn’t expect to go into the HoT instances any time soon.  I especially didn’t expect to do it on this character.

But, it all worked out in the end.  The groups were understanding. No one gave up in the middle of a fight.

And my little bitty Paladin can feel like an accomplished Tank!

It’s been a good morning.  I hope that your day goes at least half as well as mine thus far!

Z

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Fatherhood, Cost and Benefit

While having a DQ Dude and fries for lunch, my ketchup was pilfered by my 4 yr old!  That is when I started thinking: exactly how much has my life changed…what things have I lost in becoming a father.

I know, that sounds horrible.

The Cost

1. Well, obviously I’ve lost my ketchup rights. 

Actually, I’ve lost all aspects of ownership concerning dipping sauces of all types.  Did I mention that my 2 yr also old stole my other ketchup today?!  It turns out the 4 yr old is teaching my 2 yr old.

Actually, I’ve lost my basic rights to sustenance, period.  Anything in my hands, or on my plate belongs in their mouths.  They are like little birds, mouth all a-gape.

Little beggars!

2. I’ve lost the ability to sleep in.

Seriously, what’s up with this?  My eldest gets up on a regular basis around 5:30-6:00am.  Instead of having the decency of taking the opportunity to watch some TV, turning his brain to mush, the kid has to come into our room, crawl into bed, and eventually wind up sprawled all akimbo…at times, even laying on top of me!  /RunOnSentence

3. Oh, and I lost all quiet time in my own house. 

No matter how early I get up, being all silent and covert…attempting to read…one of my kids always wakes up.  It’s like they smell that I’m awake.  They have this desperate need to invade my quiet time.

I’m an INTROVERT! I Need My Cave!

4. Oh, and S.E.X. 

Let’s not forget about sex.  We have to lock our room on the off chance that the little snots will decide that they need some snuggle time.

Have you ever tried the Boinga-Boinga with a kid knocking on your door saying, “Mommy…Daddy, wake up!”

OMGOSH!  /KillsTheMood

The sheer paranoia of one of our little princelings walking in on us is enough to scare a guy into celibacy. /srsnod

Look, my kids are going to be emotionally scarred because of me.  I know this.  However, they don’t need THAT mental image in their head.

But…What about the Benefits?

The Benefits

The tl;dr is that they’ve given me a deeper capacity to love in all areas of my life.  The first time I held my firstborn in my arms, I knew that everything had changed.

But wait, I’ve got more to write.  I can’t have a tl;dr yet!

1. I get to see them try it.

I get to watch their face light up as they try new things. No only do they try new things, but they intrinsically want to try whatever it is that Daddy has.

They want what I want, do what I do; aka: They want to be like me!  /ProudPapaMoment

Oh, and the first time they had a pickle…and scrunched up their noses when that sour taste hit their taste-buds?  Yeah baby!

Heck, we gave them a second piece of pickle so we could get a picture of the face! /FaceBook

When they had their first brain-freeze because they were scarfing Dad’s ice cream to fast?  Priceless! /Justice!

2. I get to see them first thing.

I get to be awakened by a precious soul who’s first thought in the morning is, “I want to be with dad.”

Think of that for a moment.  That is the first thought, that is the inclination, that is his greatest desire.  I am blessed of God with these early morning moments.

3. Quiet time, shmy-it time

While I may loose my early morning quiet times, I gain children that naturally bring me out of my shell.  No matter what I may want to do, there is nothing better than my child snuggling up next to me on the couch.  /SeePreviousBlessing

4. God, I love my wife!

Lastly, I have a deeper and more meaningful love for my wife.  We truly are partners in this grand journey.  We have a common bond that goes beyond physical attraction. We have unified hopes and dreams, and a struggle that we are whole heartedly fighting for together.

We will scrape, claw, and fight to make sure our children have the best chance possible at a great life. Period.

Final Words

Back when we were pregnant with our eldest, an elderly gentleman took me aside.  He was well into his 90s, having been married for well over 60 of those years. He and his wife had raised three beautiful daughters.

He took me aside and said, “Do you want to know what your boy is going to need the most?”

Of course I said, “Yes, Sir!”

He said, “Give him a Daddy that loves his Mommy.”

I don’t have the time to go into it here; but I think that is the best advice I’ve ever been given.

Having children has changed my life in dramatic ways. It has completely changed, been utter turned over and inside out.

However scary that may sound to non-dads out there, I can honestly say that it is worth it.

As said before, they’ve given me a deeper capacity to love.

Z

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Becoming…

Zwingli knew what he had to do, but boy did he not want to do it!

“A servant? Me?” He huffed in aggravation.

“Sure, I’m willing to learn. But, I want to be treated as an equal! Really, what would my family say if they found out?!”

He shook his head in disgust.  But then, he felt it.

He didn’t understand it, but he knew it to be true.

If he was ever to lead anything or anyone, he had to understand what it means to serve.

If he wants to truly understand what makes the connection with the land an animals of Mulgore so strong among the Taurens, then he has sink himself deep into their culture.   Maybe Cairne was right, he “needed to become one of them.

*sigh*

Zwingli looks down at his new animal companion, Nephma.  “What do you think?  You’re supposed to be some super spiritual two world walking kitty.  Do you have any advice for me?”

Of course Nephma said nothing.

Zwingli slowly made his way from the Spirit Rise, to the Lower Rise.  He then made his way up through the central totem until he came to the High Rise.

Across the way, he could see the Tauren High Chieftain, Baine Bloodhoof, presiding over his people.

As Zwingli walked up to him, Baine looked upon him with knowing eyes.

“Well met, Blood Elf.  Be welcomed among us. All of the Horde are welcome to Thunder Bluff.  What is your need?”

Zwingli looked upon him for just a moment, not knowing what to say.

Defiance rose up within him, while at the same time a longing for a home he never was able to really have.

A desire to be understood was there, yet the feeling of lostness and aimlessness was present as well.

Not knowing why, Zwingli just started to sob, not quite able to hold himself up. As he fell, a huge Tauren arm reached out to catch him.

It was Baine.

“I had a dream that you would be coming our way little one.  My father said that you needed a home, a place to find yourself and the destiny our great Earthmother has for you. ” Baine looked into Zwingli’s eyes, as the young Blood Elf looked up.

“Zwingli, you shall be one of us. Not everyone will understand, and to be honest I don’t know either. But today, you shall begin the Great Hunt. Find yourself here, little one.  You have found your home.”

At this, Baine lifted Zwingli up to where he could stand on his own.

Zwingli’s only reply was to:

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JD Kenada on TNB!!!!

You need to go HERE, right now!!!

JD Kenada of Amateur Azerothian is on the Twisted Nether Blogcast!!!!
It starts, like NOW!!!!

z

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Feeling Kinda Sad…

I’m feeling kind of sad at the moment.

It’s just been one of those weeks.

I find out that one of my healer friends is basically gone from the game. Not that she dislikes it. No, not at all. It is just that her MS has gotten to bad for her to play any more.

Next, I read this post by my most favorite of Bears.  Precious and Soft will be terribly missed in the WoW universe.  At least, in my WoW Universe.

Today, I got to read about at least one of her dreams coming true, here and here.

But, I was finally hit by Ratters latest post.  It seems that he won’t be blogging as Ratshag anymore.

Oh, he’ll still be writing. But, the Ratshag that I’ve come to know and love over the last few years will be no more.

…

…

…

So, I’m sad.  I’m not asking to be cheered up.

I enjoyed all of these people.  My sadness is just the flip side of all the joy they brought to my WoW life.

I think I just want to be sad for a bit.

Z

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Busy, Busy, BUSY Dead Elf!!!

I don’t know how long I waited, but it seemed like forever.

As you can imagine…
I’m still dead.

My guess is that the Spirit Healer got tired of me being there.
I can’t say that I was the best of company. As I’m sure you know, pouting is a OP Belf Racial Ability.

Not that I’m a brat or anything. OH NO!

She pointed in a direction and said, “Run. Run that way, before I make your condition permanent!”

So, I ran.

And, I ran.

And, I ran some more.

In the distance I saw a Tauren burial ground, not unlike I just left.
However, once I got there, I knew exactly what I had to do.

A voice in my head spoke to me. An aged voice. One of great authority, and even greater wisdom.

“I am Cairne; former Chieftain of the Tauren. You come seeking knowledge of the Hunter, but you know not what you seek. If you truly seek the wisdom of the Shu’halo, then you must join us in all things.

You must become something that goes against your very nature, Sin’dorei. You must become a Servant of the Tribe. Offer yourself to my son and current Chieftain, Baine Bloodhoof.  He will know what to do.”

The world seemed to begin to fade away. I finally heard him say one more thing, as from far away.

“You must become one of us little one, to find your true potential as a hunter…”

I come to, still dead, but back in the presence of the Spirit Healer.

Looking at me, she says, “It is almost time for you to return to the land of the living. But first, there is someone else you should meet.”

It felt like every hair on the back of my neck was standing on end. I was being watched. There was something…or someone watching me.

I couldn’t help myself. I looked around, finally glancing up.

I tell you, if I was alive, I would have wet myself.

By the Sun Well, he looked hungry!

The Spirit Healer said, “I’m not sending you back alone. Meet Nephma. One who walks both paths. He shall now walk with you.”

I swear I feinted.

Next thing I knew, I awoke in a pool.

With what looked like a mouth with very sharp teeth staring him in the face.

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