I like to play, which doesn’t leave much time for posting…not that many people actually read this.

However, with ToC/Argent Tourney, etc. there is new gear out and about. I’ve been pretty consistent on gemming with +ap gems (once hit capped), and most of my gear was from Naxx by the time Argent Tourney/ToC came out. Now, I’m thinking about gemming agility and crit instead.

One reason is that some BM hunters that I respect are doing it, and having great success. For instance, Tawyn (of “Aspect of the Hare” blog”) is an example. Also, regardless of my gear upgrades, my dps had plateaued at around 2500-2600. Lastly, the new gear seems to be loaded with +hit, so I can choose to gem my yellow slots with something different. Where I was sitting at 264 +hit over the past 3 months, now I’m well over the hit cap… and the upcoming gear looks to be even more so. So, I’ve decided to gem my yellow slots with +crit; and gem my reds with +agi. I raid as a BM most of the time, unless we are lacking in replenishment, in which case I go SV. Even as an SV, I’m only 100-200 more dps over my BM spec.

Here’s to hoping that we see marked improvement, and that I contribute more to the Raid’s success.

Iron Council WoW Webstats

9.11.09

http://wowwebstats.com/vrfkm2ndluymq

VoA

I’ve always wanted to weild an epic bow.  I actually have one, but not before I found a better option.  For some reason, the better option has always been a Gun.  I want to use a Bow, but my Gun is always better.

When Wrath started I knew the gun I wanted to get.  It was the Nesingwary 4000.  Oh, it was a pretty piece of equipment, and even had a gem slot in it!  A yellow gem slot, just for us +hit deprived huntards!

I raided Naxx for quite a while.  I picked up a pair of shoulders, and one chest piece.  I was an alt, and I agreed to some very particular loot rules.  Only guild members were allowed to roll on Tier items, which left me out most of the time.  But, I was always on the look out for that bow or gun that might drop.

I collected emblems, boy did they add up.  I bought the Tier Chest and Head pieces.  I don’t feel bad about that, each emblem was well deserved.  I went through PuG, after PuG, after Heroic PuG.  If you’ve been there, then you know how painful that can be.  I ran Naxx often, often to the detriment of my next morning work duties at least one morning of the week.

Tier piece after Tier piece dropped, but no ranged weapon.  Eventually, all of the guild members had their Tier Set, which meant I could finish mine as well.

Then, one night it happened!  It was our second or third time on Kel’Thuzad, when it finally dropped.

There, sitting pristine next to the emblems was the Nerubian Conquerer!

I would say, “What a Beaut!” But, you know that I would be lying.  Practically everything that drops in Naxx is beyond ugly.

It was the upgrade I had been looking for The only other Hunter in the group refused to use guns, so there wasn’t even a need to roll.

What is the morale of this story?

Oh, nothing I guess.  You could say that “good things come to those that wait.”  Yes, that may be true.  Is there a such thing as WoW Karma?  Possibly.  I still look forward to seeing a bow drop that would be an actual upgrade in Ulduar, or the Tournament of Champions.  But, until then I’ll continue to go Pow Pow, instead of Pew Pew.

I remember when I met Darion.  We were both being trained in Teldrassil with the blade and bow.  I never did understand what he was doing there.  But, there he was…a human advancing his training with the rest of us at Shadowglen.

We ended up hunting together for quite some time, even making it so far as Darnassus.  We immediately found Ilenia Moonfire, the weapon’s trainer.  He had a great desire to use the bow, and I was interested in learning to use something other than my dagger if things got a little close.  Ilenia Moonfire often paired us together as we worked on our respective choice of weapons.  At times I thought she just wanted us to teach each other instead of bothering her!

So, there we were, teaching each other what we knew the other didn’t know.  I taught about the bow, and he taught me about the blade.  We laughed, had good natured competition, utterly enjoyed ourselves.

One day Ilenia Moonfire called us in to speak of our training.  She smiled upon us, proud of our engagement, and willingness to help the other.  She asked, “Zwingli, how would you describe your blade work?”

I thought about it for a minute.  “Well,” I said.  “The art of the Blade is beauty combined with discipline. Very similar to the Bow in my estimation.”

Ilenia Moonfire looked upon me with more than just a little surprise.  “You would compare blade work to that of the Marksman?  Hacking and slashing to the precision and concentration required to wield one of these great weapons?” as she hefted her bow in her hand.

“I…well, um.  Err… Ilenia I’m sorry if I offend, it just seems that…” I sputtered.

“Enough Zwingli, I see you still have much training in your chosen vocation.  Back to the target-bales with you!”

Dejected, I looked solomnly to the groud.  But, for some reason I just had to glance over at Darion.  His own head was downcast, not willing to look at the miffed instructor.  But, at that moment he looked at me.  He smiled, nodded his head, and mouthed the words, “I get it.”

On that day I knew I had found a friendship that would last well beyond the boughs and shadows of Teldrassil.

I had been friends with  Alek for quite a few years.  He was a human, but I never held that against him.  I met him while spending some time in Stormwind.  I wanted to see the world, perhaps pick up some tips from others who hunt and fight.  We met, we had a great conversation, he understood where I was coming from.  That is hard to find in humans…for multiple reasons.

But, this isn’t about that.

I asked him what he was doing one day, seeing if perhaps he wanted to go fishing.

“Sorry, Z.  I can’t go with you today.  I have to fix the roof!” he said.

“Oh,” I said.  “Let me help!”

He looked at me, slightly askance.  “Do you have any clue about fixing a roof, Z?”

“Err…. No.  Not really.” I replied.

“I thought so,” Alek said.  “I tell you what.  You can help me, but you have do exactly what I say.  Do you think you could take orders from one so short lived as I?”  Alek snickers just a bit with that comment.

I growled just a bit, “If you don’t mind being in the presence of one so long lived, wise, and benevolent…then yes, I can follow orders from one of the lesser races.”  I sniffed a little bit after I said it…one of those really snooty sniffs.

We both broke into laughter with that.

So, the next day comes and I’m climbing on my first human roof.  Theirs are different than ours.  The tile was more slippy.  It was harder to get a grip with my feet.  I had scaled the cliffs of Northrend, nimbly cut across ice and stone at perilous heights…yet, this was giving me trouble.

“Zwingli, you must be very careful up here.  Whatever you do, don’t stand straight up, and please don’t look over the side.  Understand?” Darrion said.

I nodded, quite confident in my ability.

As the day went on, we worked tirelessly.  Alek found an old piece of wood that needed to be replaced, up at the top of the roof.  He tossed it to me saying, “Zwingli, throw this over the east side of the house, will ya?” He then turned to work on more of the wood, needing to be replaced.

“Sure thing I replied,” as I caught the piece in midflight.  I stood up, stretched my back. nonchalantly tossed the wood over the side, letting my eyes follow it down.

As I did, I felt an uncomfortable shift in my center of gravity.  I knew that I had done the wrong thing.  There I was, about to plunge headlong down the side of the house, into a pile of discarded wood and jagged earthen shingles.  As I started slowly tipping over, waiting on the terrible, slow, lagging fall.  I heard a voice… I felt a tug…

“Whoa there, bubba.  Come back here…”  It was Alek, grabbing the hem of my tunic, pulling me back from the precipice.

That day, he saved my life…of that I am sure.

I was right.  My friend was to short lived.  I miss him greatly.  I remember you this day, praying that you are having fun balancing upon the beams of Elune’s grace.

By my pen,

Zwingli

Still shaking, I called upon my mount and began heading in the direction that I saw the beast.  Riding along the road, to the Southwest side of the Basin, I remembered something…the beast had a name.

“Loque’nahak“

The word fell from my lips.  “It is named.  It is also known as a Spirit Beast, something not of this world.  Is it even possible to even tame him?”

“How am I to do it?  Do I offer him treats?”

*shakes his head to clear his thoughts*

“Perhaps it is done the old fashion way, by subdual.”  *grimace*

“I never liked beating a creature into submission, but still…  I guess I’ll just play it by ear.”

I rounded the corner, and the land seemd to be filled with Dreadsabers.  Deadly beasts, that I’ve had to face before.  I don’t want to tangle with them, especially while trying to engage Loque’nahak.

“This is going to be dangerous, no doubt,” I think.

Through the foliage, I see a glow.  It is a bluish, celestial glow.  I hear a roar, and it practically stuns me as I’m making my way through the brush.

Amazingly, it seems that the Dreadsabers are ignoring me.  I’ve no idea why.  I may be going crazy, but it seems that they are actually forming some sort of path.  All I can do is go forward or else I risk getting to close and alarming them.  Then, through the trees and tall grass, I see him.  Loque’nahak.

He looks at me, and roars in defiance.  Realizing that there is no such thing as a sneak attack, I raise myself up out of hiding.

Armed with nothing but some lead waited gloves, I advance upon Loque’nahak.

He seems to sniff at me in contempt, baring his ghostly teeth…and he leaps!

By Elune, he’s quick!  He’s the most graceful creature…thing, that I’ve ever seen!  And, he’s also after my throat!

Dodging t the right, in a leap and a roll; I barely am missed by his swinging claw.

Did he just laugh at me?

Oh, Elune… Please help me!

He springs again, this time landing on top of me, my back pinned to the ground.  His paws holding my shoulders down, his claws piercing my shoulders.  I scream in pain, and he opens his maw to rip out my throat.

I’m not sure what happened next, but there seemed to be a blinding flash of light.   I found strength in my legs, that I’ve never had before.  Enough any way, that I was able to get my feet under his belly, and thrust him off of me.

He staggers backwards, and to the side.  He is obviously dazed, yet I’m not sure why.

There, at the corner of my eye, I see something.  A shadow, the wisp of movement.  I’ve seen that before… a rogue!

Oh no!  He’s about to attack, and the Dreadsabers… Loque’nahak doesn’t see him!

Grasping a rock in my hands, I throw it with all my might, glancing it off of the rogue’s helmet.  It did little to him, but it startled him enough, that his stealth was stuttered enough to be noticed.  A Dreadsaber attacks him, dazing him with it’s rapid attacks.  Other Dreadsabers rally to defend their territory, tearing into the rogue, attacking with teeth and claw.

Loque’nahak seems to awaken from his daze, and hears the attack of the Dreadsabers.  He looks at me, not in anger but in wonderment…or so it seems.  Turning around, with a deafening roar, he seems to trigger a massive arcane surge into the rogue.  With a flash of light, and the clap of thunder, the rogue is no more.

I know that I’m dead.  I’m ringed by very upset Dreadsabers, and what can only be the aspect of a god.

I sink to my knees, readying myself for the death that is to come.

I wait.  Nothing happens.

I look up, and the Dreadsabers haven’t advanced upon me.  Loque’nahak is looking at me, searching me with his ethereal eyes.

In my head, I hear thoughts that are not my own.

“Nightelf, why do you come?  You seek to tame me, that which is beyond you?  I was going to kill you for your arrogance.  Why, though, why did you stop the rogue.  He would have been the only help you would find in this wild land.  The animals are mine.  You were ensuring your own demise.  Speak Nightelf, while I still allow you to breath!”

I respond, “Loque’nahak, if that is your name.  Yes, I came here to hunt you.  I knew not what I was up against, other than perhaps the greatest challenge of my life.  But, I never wanted to kill you.  I know now that taming you is beyond my ability, perhaps any one’s ability.  However, as a hunter, I love all things wild and untamed.  I could not let that rogue, who possibly only wanted your skin for any honor a backstabbing attack can bring…and I could not allow it.  You were dazed, by what I don’t know.  As much as I hunt, I also defend.  I know the rules that govern such things and the predicament I’m now in.  Yes, my life is in your hands and I appreciate the breath you are still allowing me to breath.”

Loque’nahak’s voice echos in my mind, “Interesting Nightelf.  I must say that I am intrigued.  I have no desire to kill you at the moment, let me think.  Give me your name, hunter.”

I respond, “I am known as Zwingli among my people, and among the races of Azeroth.”

Loque’nahak grunts in response.

He seems to look deep within my soul, boring into my eyes with his.

He says, “Zwingli.  I have a proposition for you.  I see your heart, and the tumult that resided there.  I see the mix of honor and selfishness, and I see that you desire honor to win.  Do something for me, and I will be your ‘animal companion’ for a while at least.  I am not a god, nor an aspect of a god.  I am however, a celestial being which you should be able to surmise.  I am the consort to Har’koa, one worshiped by the trolls of Northrend.  They have turned on her, and even I am not able to adequately come to her aid.  They are devouring the power of their gods, including the one I love, in a desperate attempt to save their savage kingdom.  Go there, provide what help you can to those already in a struggle against them.  If you succeed where others have failed, I will accompany you into battle.

Prove to me your heart, and I will reward you accordingly.”

With a sense of longing and sadness, he finishes with, “Zwingli… Save my mate.  Do what I can not.”

With that, he fades away into nothingness leaving me alone with the Dreadsabers.  The Dreadsabers eye me hungrily, but Loque’nahak’s will seems to keep them at bay.

Stumbling, I make my way to the road…and somehow find myself at Nesingwary’s Camp.

“Oh dear Elune, what have I gotten into?”  I fall to the ground, as Nesingwary’s hunters catch me, carrying me into a nearby tent to rest and heal.

Hypothetically speaking, there are certain things you may not want to do when you get invited into that first Raid.

I say, “Hypothetically,” because you know that no one would actually let this happen.  Right?!

Ok, so you’re grinding leather and Mammoth meat in Storm Peaks.  You’re a leather worker, and you’re trying to make that really nice set of Hunter armor for your buddy in the guild.  You also learned a new recipe, that gives you a yummy RAP boost.  You think to yourself, “If I ever get into a Raid, that would come in very handy!”  So, there you are, grinding away at packs of Stoic Mammoths and Ravenous Jormungar Worms, loving every Thunderstomp that your Gorilladin lays down as you AoE down the mobs.

“WEEEEEEEE!” you say, as you lay down Volley, after Volley, after Volley of AoE goodness.  The mobs drop heavily to the ground, and you are in skinner’s heaven.

That is when you get the pst(!), the /w, the all important private message from that guy…you remember that guy right(?)…that guy from the Heroic Nexus you ran about two weeks earlier!

“Hey Zwing, *cough* ‘nameless hunter,’ we have a dps slot open in our Naxx Raid.  You want in?”

OMG, OMG, OMG!  A Naxx run!  What do I say?  Who was this?  OMG, a Naxx run!  I’m actually getting invited to a 10 man Raid! *takes a breath*

Ok, you don’t want to look like a complete idiot, so you become very deliberate in what you pst back to him.

“Hey man!  Its good to hear from you.  I would love to help out…but, give me a minute.  I need to switch to my ferocity pet…” *you think for a second* I do have a lvl 80 ferocity pet…yes?  Yes, I happen to have a lvl 80 cat.

“…and, I also need to pick up some of my hit gear.  If thats ok, I’ll brt.”  Yah, quick save on the hit gear.  You think you have that one ring and one trinket that gets you to the hit cap…right?

Riiiggghhhttt?!?!?!

So, you immediately hearth to Dalaran, and make a beeline to the stables.  You pick up the only lvl 80 ferocity pet, and then make a run to the special ammo vendor.  You fill up your ammo pouch, and then head to the Bank to look for those “hit pieces” you were talking about.  *cough*

Thats when you realize that all of your “hit gear” only gets you up to 250 +hit.  You pray that they don’t look at your stats, or else that is another reason to /kick you.  You are 46 points UNDER the hit cap for a Raid.

Did I forget anything…ANYTHING?

No?

Good.  /srsnod

/w coolraidleaderthatinvitedyou  “I’m ready.”

So, you get a quick summons, and you are at the Naxx summoning stone.  You are introduced to the group, and you get some hearty “Welcome! Thanks for coming! Glad you’re hear!”(s) from the raid members.

Someone lays out a feast, for which you are extremely grateful.  You realized that you forgot to get any +attack power food.  You’ve still got that lame rhino dogs, because you think those extra few points of mana regen actually mean something as you grind leather.

Did you forget anything else?  Nah… Of course not!

So, you start what you think is the Plague Quarter, though you’re really not sure.  Maybe someone mentioned it in the scrolling /raid text.  This isn’t their first time here, but there are a few new members (you are told), so they won’t be explaining everything just for you.

You get to the first boss, you’re assigned to adds.  You do halfway decently, or so you think.  At least no one is complaining.  You even feel good enough to Volley down some of the adds, because the Tank is freakin’ awesome!

“WEEEEEEE!”  It almost feels like you’re grinding Stoic Mammoths again.

The group wipes, but that was expected.  No fault is assigned, its a learning experience.

We *cough* The group figures out the fight, and downs the boss on the second or third time.  After all, it’s hypothetical, so we’ll say the second time.

The Raid smashes through the trash in the next room.  “WEEEEEEEEE,” more AoE.  You’re Volleying down slug after slug after slug….and you’re wondering why the other hunter isn’t doing it?  She’s one of their regulars, she’s the one with more experience.  “Huh,” you think to yourself.  And you file it back in your mind to think about later.

So, you finally get to Heigan.  Oh, he’s nasty.  There is this poison that comes from the floor, and you’ve got to do a dance, and he diseases you, and you die… You die often.  The raid wipes multiple times, I mean M.U.L.T.I.P.L.E. times… *cough* …hypothetically.  And then the Raid Leader lets the group know that there is a cheat, a special spot to stand…but they will only do it this time.  With future raids, the group will learn the dance; and not get used to using glitches in the game to get through something easily.

So, we get back to Heigan and he shows what to do, and where to stand at the appropriate times.

We wipe again.  Not everyone had the spot figured out.  That is a small FREAKIN’ spot!  *cough* Hypothetically.

But, everyone is up for one more go…and you do it again.

People are in the spot (actually going in between the dias and the spot) at the right time.  Everything is going grand…until you realize that you’re not firing a weapon…

Wha?!  Holy Craptastic Batman!  What happened to my freakin’ Gun!  I spent 1200gp on the mats, its the only purple I have… WHAT HAPPENED?!?!?!?!?!

Then it hits you… Practically all of your armor is at zero durability, and your gun is broken.

What did you forget?  You forgot two things.  You forgot to REPAIR(!) you friggin’ idiot, and you forgot your spare gun in the bank.  That spare gun that you were keeping because you knew that excessive Volleying would break your freakin’ gun!

You let the Raid know what happened…and the Raid leader tells you to go down and melee with what you’ve got.  You get to stand by the Tank… That really good tank, that has the weapons, armor, and stats to melee all sorts of crap.  And you just became the Melee Huntard. It seems you did get those swords for more than just the stats.

/shame

Miracles of miracles, Heigan goes down.  The Raid wins!

You apologize profusely to the Raid Leader.  You thank Elune that its getting late, and that the Raid was wrapping up.  They call it a night, and you get a “Thank you for coming” from the guy you just embarrassed because he invited a Craptastic Huntard to the Raid.

You hearth to Dalaran, and immediately Repair your items, feeling that every bit of the 15 gold it cost you was justly deserved.  Actually, you should have had to pay more.  Next, you hit the Bank and you get that “extra” gun, that has its own permenant place in your backpack now.  Then, you take the portal to Iron Forge, and search the Auction House for every gem and “scroll of enchant” that has a +hit to it, along with the Eternal Belt Buckle.  You pay whatever it costs.  You make sure you don’t have a piece of equipment that isn’t gemmed or enchanted.  Then, you cook up a batch of those yummy mamoth meals, so that you really are prepared for another Raid…if you are lucky enough to ever get a raid invite again.

Oh, and you seriously consider rerolling as a Bunneh!

Here is a picture of a Hypothetical Situation might look like… >.>

Broken Gear

I’m not in a riading guild.  I’m in the guild that I’m in because one of the members is a friend from college.  I have a real life connection, and I get to be part of a small, very laid back group of kind hearted people.  It really is a group of friends.

This scenario doesn’t lend itself to a 10 man Raid, much less a 25 man.  So, If you’re in a small guild, that you don’t want to leave, but you’ve also a desire to see end game content, what can you do?

First off, you need to read!  Yes, I’ll even make it easier for you to see: READ!!!

I know it doesn’t sound like a lot of fun, and you don’t get any Phat Lootz for it, but it can pay out exponentially in the end.

Let Wowhead become your friend.  Learn to use it.  I mean, really learn to use it.  It is an invaluable resource, even if you only figure out how to half-way use it.  It has information on Ugrades for your character, Factions, and Instances.  It is an indespinsable tool, in your WoW toolbox.

Next, find some blogs to read.  There are many good blogs out there.  I recommend two to you at this time.  I recommend Big Red Kitty and Aspect of the Hare.  I recommend them for two reasons.  First, they are both Raiders with an enjoyable writing style.  Secondly, they have really good Blogrolls, where you’ll find even more good information.  If you’ve ever had to research on a Graduate or Post-Graduate level, then you understand the importance of a good bibliography in your search for source material.  The blogroll is synonymous with a good bibliography, in this case.  No, they aren’t pure raiding blogs.  Yes, I’m sure you can find better.  But, I’ve found them to be the most enjoyable; and if you’re reading this and not Elitist Jerks, then I assume you may care about that.

Let Wowwiki be your friend as well.  Look up every Instance you think you may find yourself in.  Especially read up on the Raid Instances you are hoping to run in the future.  It can be horribly embarrassing to have a Raid Leader stop and explain a fight that everyone else has mastered, just for you.

Secondly, you need to know about your character’s statistics, spec and gear.  Yes, I know that you’re not a hard core raider.  But, even those guilds that represent as a “Casual Raiding Guild” expect their people to be adequately geared and played.  You don’t have to be the best geared, or else you wouldn’t be a Veeerrryyy Casual Raider.  But, you need to have decent gear, because it means you care enough to be properly prepared for the raid instance.

You also need to know your spec.  Again, a properly specced character means you care enough to  benefit the Raid.  You don’t need a cookie-cutter spec.  Take the time to find what you’re most comfortable with.  But, if you’re dps, don’t spec for healing.  Yes, your survivability is increased for leveling, but the reason you are being let into the Raid is gimped from the get-go.  For me, this meant giving up health and armor for my pet.  A Beast Mastery hunter that is specced for leveling, will have things optimized for the survivablilty of his/her pet.  This means points in talents such as Endurance Training and Thich Hide.  I like to also have Spirit Bond and Catlike Reflexes.  But, in a raid situation; those may not help so much.  I’m personally not willing to give up Spirit Bond, but I specced out of the other talents, and added points into talents that help my overall dps.  If my pet ever tanks in a Raid, something is horribly wrong.

Stats and Gear or inextricably linked.  Yes, some of your character’s statistics are influenced by your class and racials.  But, mostly your stats will be influenced by the gear you choose to run with.  As a hunter, I care mostly about Agility, Stamina and Intellect, in that order.  My dps is influenced mainly by agility.  My pet if influenced by my stats, especially stamina.  Stamina also ensures my survivability.  My ability to rain down special shots is influenced by how much mana I have, thus the importance of Intellect.  I desire my gear to give me special boosts in Ranged Attack Power (Attack Power), Crit and Hit Rating.  Are other things useful?  What about haste, armor penetration, or spell power?  Yes, haste can be useful depending upon your play style.  Armor penetration is a little, and I stress little, useful; but won’t mean jack in a Raid environment.  And spell power?  Well… It is true that some of our pets special abilities are enhanced by spell power, but the significance of it is so minute as to be non-existant.  (To be fair, I have a trinket that gives +spell power when it is used.  However, I have it for the +75 to Hit.  It is the best +hit item I have).  What about expertise?  That allows us to hit high level with a melee weapon.  Well, if you’re a melee hunter, you can stop reading.  You’ll only be asked into a Raid…Once.

Along the lines of Gems and Enchantments, look around and see what is available.  As with gear, Agility-Stamina-Intellect are the main things we care about.  However, Attack Power, Crit and Hit Rating are also very important.

On a side note: It has been mentioned in many places about the importance of Crit and Hit.  As far as I can tell, it is more important that you reach the Hit Cap (the number you need to miss the least), which tends to be 296 for Raids, and 196 for Heroics (unless I missed something).  Once you reach the Hit Cap, then we tweak other aspects, like Crit.  What use is the ability to Critically Wound a mob, when you can’t hit it?

I’ve found that both Wowhead and WoW Armory to be useful here. You can research the talent specs of other players to help with your own.  You can research upgrades, and where those can be found.  These are invaluable tools in your intentional attempt to be Raid Ready.

Lastly, you need to PuG.  For those of you that know what that means, you know how horribly painful it can be.  However, if you are like me and not in a Raiding Guild, you’ve few options.  The best thing you can do is find Pick Up Groups, preferably for Heroics.  If you get in them and perform your job well, you begin to develop relationships.  There is a good chance that you are running with someone who Raids on a regular to semi-regular basis.  This is important.  The relationship is important, therefore how you act is important.  If you are lucky enough to be invited by them into a Raid Group, then their reputation (in their guild) is on the line.  How you act, and how you perform reflects upon you and them.

Don’t take anyone for granted, and be ready to the best of your ability.  You don’t want to embarrase them.  People forgive mistakes, but it is harder to forgive arrogance, pride, selfishness, and overall stupidity.  Those don’t get you invited back.

In conclusion – do your best to be ready.  A little research goes a long way.  Be kind to everyone, I mean everyone, you meet.  There is a real person behind every pixilated character we run into.

I am not a Raider.

I want to be clear on this, before I show my ignorance.

I am not a raider.

Are we clear? Ok. Just so you know.

I am not a raider, I’m an RPer at heart.  And, that is why I want to raid.

“What?!  That doesn’t make sense!” you say.

Sure it does, and this is why.  I like to RP because I like the story.  The narrative is everything to me.  I love the back-story, and the story that we get to make.  Even though I’m currently not in an RP guild (Sentinel – US), I still enjoy the story.

One particular thing that I’ve really enjoyed in WotLK, has been the transitioning code (not sure if this is what people have called “phasing” or not).  There is an event in Dragonblight that is glorious, and….and…I can’t say more lest I spoil it for those not through it yet.  There is a transition in Ice Crown that makes Skinners cry.  What is really neat is that the transitions make it seem like I am actually having a consequence upon the storyline in WotLK.  It is as if people are able to actually take part in the story, making concrete contributions.

Ok, so I like fantasy stories…what does that have to do with “Raiding?”(!)

Here it is:  The Raiding Instances are the last couple of chapters to the very gooooood book, called WoW.  I want to experience the end of the story, thus I desire to Raid.

Yes, I like the upgrade items that can come with Raiding.  Yes, I’ve enjoyed the triumph and challenge of finally learning the phases of a boss, and getting him to eat dirt.  Yes, I enjoy the camaraderie of a team focused upon a single goal.  Yes, yes, yes!

But mostly, I want to see, and even be in, the end of the Story.

To this end, I must say Thank You to <Summit> of Blackwater Raiders Server – US.  I must give the greatest shout-out to Eluial, the one that granted me access to see all of the wonderful BC content.

I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention Lodakai of <Phoenix Rising>, on Sentinels Server – US, as well.  You’ve given me the chance to see portions of Naxx, that I in no way deserve to have seen.  Every chance I get to run with your group I count as a blessing.

I’ve heard of this creature whispered in taverns throughout Azeroth and Outlands.

Ever since Northrend had opened up, there were sightings, and even skirmishes with a beast seldom seen.  It wasn’t of this world, yet for some reason chose to walk amidst the animals of the Scholazar Basin from time to time.

He was never in the same place twice; and then only for a fleeting moment or two.

I even heard a name once…just once.

Loque’nahak

Odd.  Such an odd name.  It speaks of intelligence beyond the norm.  What could this creature be?

I knew the moment I heard the name, that I would seek him out.  I was a hunter, it is what I do.  This would be the hunt of a lifetime, something I had to do.

From all the rumors I had heard, I knew I wasn’t a match for him at the time.  So, I set out for Northrend, intending to develop my abilities as much as possible.  I traveled both the Tundra and the Fordje.  I made my way through grizzly bedecked hills, and the wastes of Dragonblight.  When I finally felt I was ready, I set off for Scholazar Basin.

I had heard he enjoyed spending his limited time in the area around the gorillas.  Most of them were fairly docile, as long as you didn’t get to close and anger the males.  So, I set up a small shelter…a lean-to of sorts on the eastern side of the Basin.  I found the main congregating areas of the gorillas, and planned out a rout to travel several times throughout the day.

And I waited.

I waited for days.

Days turned into a week.

Then a week turned into two.  And two turned into…

I thought I was a hunter with patience, but my patience was wearing thin.  I began to hear things.  I began to see glints of things out of the corner of my eye.  I knew I had to give up the hunt, if not for a little bit; lest I go insane by the isolation.

I gathered my things, what little I had with me, and set out for Nesingwary’s base camp.  From there I flew back to Valiance Keep, for a hot meal and a warm bed.  I spent a few days traveling the Tundra, helping out where  I could.  But, the hunt called back to me.  Loque’nahak called to me, or so it seemed.

I woke up in a fit.

I saw eyes in my dream.  Ghostly, glowing eyes.  I saw a maw, filled with razor sharp teeth.  I saw a glistening hide, with an ethereal radiance to it; speckled with strange…almost rune-like markings all over it.  It looked like a great cat, but not like any cat on Azeroth that I’ve seen.  To be sure, this was no feline.

Still, I awoke in a sweat; and I knew I had to get back to the Basin.  I knew not if it was a challenge, or a request; but it seemed that Loque’nahak had become conscious of my self-imposed quest.

I gathered my meager belongings, and paid the last of my bill.  Decided to pay the Gryphon Master his due, for an expedited trip.  I soon found myself in the skies of Northrend headed towards Scholazar Basin.

Just as we peaked over the mountains, north of the wolfman’s village, and southwest of Nesingwary’s camp; I saw something.  I barely made it out, and the gryphon was kind enough to fly a little lower.

There!  Just a glint off a tooth.

Surrounded by Dreadsabers, yet totally unmolested he stood.  Right at that moment, he looked up at me and let out a deafening roar, frightening the gryphon I was on.  It bolted back up into the sky, making hastely towards Nesingwary’s camp.

When I landed, I could barely stand.  My knees were shaking, and I couldn’t think straight.

Did I really see him?  Did he really see me?  Did he really see me?

I had to go, I had to get there quickly lest he tired of his time in the Basin.

I had to reach Loque’nahak.

By my pen,

Zwingli