It's Raining Weapons

After going MONTHS attempting to get a main hand weapon this past Nax run has been a roller coaster experience. I already shared how I FINALLY got Silent Crusader replacing my long farmed for Greed. Sure it required a respec and pulling out my old Avool's Sword of Jin to use as an off hand. But it was all to the good. Using those two got me both Expertise AND Hit Capped again so I was pretty happy.

I mentioned how it would be nice to maybe get my hands on Widow's Fury. Well, I go back into Nax and sure enough guess what drops? After MONTHS of weapons drought I SUDDENLY have COMPLETELY new weapons. So off I go, fork out for two new berserker enchants on them (because we all know there is no WAY I am going to get anything else for a while.) And enjoy a full day with my new toys.

So tonight we head BACK into Nax to finish it off. My Helm drops. I roll a 54, the other rogue rolls a 98 and Mage rolls a100. But the mage already had gotten a piece of gear that evening so that means the Helm goes to the other combat Rogue....But there is one other item that dropped...Calamity's Grasp.

Yes, I now have in my possession the spinner. So, tomorrow I will AGAIN have to respec, dig my Webbed Death back OUT of my bank and scrape up funds for yet ANOTHER berserker enchant...it is SUCH a HORRIBLE problem to have right?...I will survive...grinning all the while.

So now I STILL need a tier helm (either t8 or t7) and a necklace (my 213 is actually my pvp necklace) so I am still using Pendant of the Outcast Hero. Once I have those two items I will FINALLY allow my priest to level to 80 and wear all the gear sitting in her bank.

*edit*
The weapons just KEEP ON FALLING in our Ulduar 10 tonight we saw BOTH Kinetic Ripper AND Razorscale Talon. After MONTHS of NOTHING in the way of weapons it is a little unnerving.

From Clicker to Keybinder

I have always been a clicker....but the more I learn about WOW the more I learn that if I want to get BETTER at what I do I need to be willing to try new methods. Lately I have been hearing A LOT about key binding. Now the plate wearer in the family has the whole fancy key pad hooked up to HIS PC to handle all of HIS macros and such...but me...nope, I have been clicking away.

So as I have been learning more I have decided I REALLY need to look into this Key binding business, especially when people express shock that I have gone this LONG with out making the transition. Now I am no theory crafter. But I AM a researcher. So what I have been doing is looking at all those OTHER brilliant people who actually KNOW what they are talking about in this area and then working in baby steps to change.

One thing I found that I thought was EXTREMELY helpful was this:The only thing that I have found rather frustrating in my research is that the majority of modern articles focus on ARENA or PvP applications rather than PvE . The others, as with Encrypted Text seem to focus on the new DEVICES rather than just using what you may already have.

This leaves individuals like me with forums to ask others in the Rogue community what works for THEM and then adjust accordingly. Basically it all comes down to:

Adjust SLOWLY, a few steps at a time, bind keys as they feel comfortable to YOU and give yourself time to re teach your fingers what to do.

A lot of what I read talks about using a "3 button mouse" or a "5 button mouse" but I personally prefer my thumb trackball so I am adding that into my personal mix as well. At this point I have just put all my normal rotation moves on my number keys (I happen to have long fingers so this is comfortable for me) and I already associate the numbers with the moves on my action bar.

Since I am in the process of farming Librams for Shen'dralar Rep in Dire Maul I figured it is the perfect place to practice learning these new skills. Hopefully I get it all down soon.

I have a MAIN HAND WEAPON!!!

So yesterday evening we headed back into Nax 25 for our weekly run. It was a little strange in that we has 30 people signed up for it. As a result we (For ONCE) we able to start ON TIME! and hit the ground running with Military wing. It was a little bumpy as people were still having some connection and lag issues and for some it was their first time in that wing but over all it went VERY well.

After clearing Military we headed into Construct Wing. Second wave of trash dropped Silent Crusader. Now I have seen this particular sword drop twice. I lost it the first time to a DK in a pug. The second time to another Rogue who was Sword speced. While using it did require me to respec and put up my Webbed Death for now. I don't mind in the least.

First of all I play a Human so being sword speced combat gives me added expertise placing me at cap again. Secondly while I don't have a 213 off hand weapon I did sill have my old Avool's Sword of Jin sitting in my bank just in case. Maybe I will get lucky and be able to pick up Widow's Fury. (So far I haven't had much luck on that one either, keep losing it to Dk's and other rogues.) Though in all honesty what I would REALLY like to do is head back into Eye of Eternity at some point and pick up Hailstorm. But that just hasn't been happening.

I will say though, getting a Main hand weapon felt great, not just for me but I think for everyone else in the raid. We finished everything else in Construct but Thadd, will do Him and the rest of Nax tonight hopefully. Providing of course we have a repeat performance of people being there ON TIME! Oh but THAT was wonderful....

Five Exalted Reputations

Some of the easiest reputations to earn are also the ones that will benefit you the most. Exalted with EACH of the racial factions. What is also nice about these is they have the added benefit of giving you another achievement and a Title. Ambassador of the Alliance or Ambassador of the Horde respectively. The way you gain these reputations is basically the same for all 10 factions.
Go to the races starting area and do ALL the quests there.

Now I am going to run with the assumption in this series that you are a level 80 but where it applies I will make note if a reputation can be easily earned by someone LOWER than that. Since these ALL start at level 1 ANYONE can participate in gaining this reputation achievement. In addition to this there are several repeatable and seasonal quests that ALSO give racial faction reputations.

Ambassador of the Alliance requires you to reach exalted reputation with Darnassus, Exodar, Gnomeregan, Ironforge, and Stormwind. While none of these factions have quartermasters associated with them that will allow you to gain other items however they DO control the majority of the Alliance flight paths and shops. This means that you get a DISCOUNT at these sites which in the end can save you a GREAT deal of money.

Danassus has 759 quests that gives faction reputation.
Exodar has 865 quests that give faction reputation.
Gnomeregan Exiles has 855 quests that give faction reputation.
Iornforge has 761 quests that give faction reputation.
Stormwind has 716 quests that give faction reputation.

Ambassador of the Horde requires that you reach exalted reputation with Darkspear Tolls, Orgrimmar, Silvermoon City, Thunder Bluff and Undercity. Now the Horde have a DISTINCT disadvantage here in that there are FEWER quests that provide reputation over all for the Horde racial factions. This means you really can't skip any if you wish to do this achievement. In addition these factions also control a great many of the fight paths and shops so again this means DISCOUNTS!!

Darkspear Trolls has 572 quests that give faction reputation.
Orgrimmar has 522 quests for their faction reputation.
Silvermoon City has 649 quests for their faction reputation.
Thunder Bluff has 563 quests for their faction reputation.
Undercity has 520 quests for their faction reputation.

A few other "Tricks" for doing these reputations if you (Like me) leveled back when reputation gains were MUCH lower for the racial factions. Doing ALL the quests and getting to level 60 would get you to ALMOST revered at that time so you really only had two options. You could farm cloth and do the repeatable Runecloth turn ins. OR you could also farm reputation by Pvping in Alterac Valley. Doing the turns in there is how many of us reached Exalted with the Exodar and Silvermoon City factions EVEN BEFORE Burning Crusade was released. A third option has now becoming available in the form of the Argent Tournament. Here (once you reach Champion Rank) you may choose to get a Champion's Writ which can then be turned in for commendation badges from your desired faction.

Happy Questing!

Loot Care Bear

So last night we headed back into Nax 25 to finish up the last four bosses. It was a really good run. While we had some people with us who had never done Gluth, Thadd, Saph and KT before we managed to either 1 or 2 shot them each. And over all the loot drops were upgrades for people in the raid (or at the very least useful) as I hate to leave with a pile of shards.

We get to Thadd, and what drops? Cover of Silence. FINALLY! A item 213 Helm to replace the Helm of Vast Legions I have been wearing for MONTHS.

But there is a problem. You see, I have seen this same helm drop two OTHER times and I have been faced with the same dilemma.... The other person I would be rolling against is wearing a blue.

So this was my internal debate:

1. Roll on the helm, (the feral druid only had a 22) get the helm and FINALLY have your Epic achievement and an Item 213 helm for Flame Leviathan.

2. Pass on it, because until I get another tier piece I STILL won't be able to use my Conqueror's Terrorblade Gauntles anyway due to loss of set bonus.

If you haven't guessed already, or you weren't there, yep...I did it again. I passed on it. Sure enough on KT my Helm Token drops but I lose the roll. Guild and Officer chat were FILLED with "Why did you let that helm go?!!?" Thankfully one of the other officers was able to say before I could even reply "Because she is a good mom."

I just can't do it, I can't take an item (even if it is an upgrade) from someone who I know needs it more. As a result of this I have lost out on Grim Toll, Fools Trial, and numerous other items I can't even recall.

One of my other rogue friends told me that I needed to change my attitude to one more like HIS that of which, when an upgrade drops my FIRST thought is:

"I can make better use of this item than anyone else here. I will appreciate it more therefor it SHOULD be mine. However, if I don't win it that is fine it just means that I wasn't meant to get it NOW."

Nah....For now, I will just continue to be a Loot Care bear and hope that in time I will get those pieces I need. Because I just can't stop believing if you do the right thing in the end you will be rewarded for it, Even if it isn't with Purples.

Somebody Likes Me

So I am starting a new achievement series dealing with Reputations.

There are MANY different achievements out there that have to do with reputations besides just the basic one of "getting your reputation to exalted" and the rewards of these vary as well from titles, mounts and even full sets of CLOTHING complete with Hat. The difficulties of gaining these reputations also vary from "Being there" to "SHOOT ME NOW!"

The plan is to look over some of these (both the relatively simple and the insane) so that those of you who may be looking at eventually going for the Exalted title will have some ideas as to where some good places to gather those reputations are.

I personally am a reputation junkie. One of the things I LOVE about them is that (baring a few notable exceptions) most reputation grinds will put you further AHEAD in the money game than behind UNLESS you decide to take the short cut route and BUY some of your rep items. The other thing I like about them is that they USUALLY mean DISCOUNTS!!! (If you haven't figured it out by now I LOVE to save money so ANYTHING that will save me a few gold is worth it to me.)

If any of you have a particular reputation you wish me to cover sooner rather than later let me know but I will be hitting the ground running with this series come this next Tuesday and like my past achievement series doing a new one each Tuesday.

It never fails...

It seems that my Modem was in cahoots with my computer....for no sooner did I mention that electronic equipment is NOT my forte, that in fact I was convinced it is all truly alive and out to get me but my modem decided it was time for a PERMANENT vacation. In fact, it decided it wanted to retire. Of COURSE it waited until AFTER its warranty had expired so it would require the purchase of a NEW device.

The Plate wearer in the family was not OVERLY disturbed by this as it meant the all important "upgrade" could now happen. As this "upgrade" resulted in the consolidation of our modem and router into ONE machine for little more than the cost of the LAST Modem I too am rather pleased with this turn of events. (It translates into one less box cluttering my desk and since THIS device is WIRELESS about 6 less wires weaving their way along the back of it.)

So this is why there was no post from me yesterday. Things are SLOWLY getting back in order as I adjust to the new system and my computer learns to "play nice" with his new friend. My HOPE is that I will be back to my regularly scheduled program soon.

This Evil Box of Wires

For some computers are almost an extension of themselves. They understand them, manipulate them, use them in ways that I personally find fascinating.

I am not one of those people. The on going joke in our home is that I learned everything I know about computers in "self defense". It is somewhat disheartening when my 4 year old son is consistently able to do more with a computer than I am...but I continue to learn out of pure stubborn will (and constant prodding from the plate wearer in the family.)

These past few weeks have been repeatedly frustrating for me as Wow, for whatever reason, has been randomly crashing and I have been unable to determine why. My Husband and I run identical systems and he runs a PLETHORA of more mods than I do but I have yet to discover any consistency in the reasons for my disconnects. I can be mid raid (yeah, DC on Thad and KT is OH so fun) or just flying across the old world. I even tested to see if was just ONE character but no I have the same problem on ALL of them.

So for the last few days I have been going over the Mods that I DO use to see what might be going on. One of my guildies told me to "get rid of any mods that didn't contribute to my job." (What I thought was funny was in HIS opinion that meant ANY mod that didn't deal SOLELY with Rogue DPS.) Unfortunately, as I told him, my job ISN'T to just be "dps" I am a Raid Leader, a Class Lead, a Group Lead AND a Guild Leader. Getting rid of mods that help me in THOSE areas would actually negatively effect my ability to DO my "Rogue dps".

It has been an eye opening experience for me in that I never considered myself a "Mod Junkie" but I now realize I use A LOT of mods and there are quite a few that I REALLY don't know how I would function with out. I also discovered a bunch of additional mods (courtesy of my Husband of course) that I have absolutely NO idea why they are there or WHAT they do.) So what DO I use?

Archeron - This Mod tells me what has happened in a raid or party (Why did people die? Who pulled? etc.)

Ackis Recipe List - Scans my trade skills and tells me which recipes I don't already have and how to obtain them.

All Played - Tracks the time played, rested Xp and Money for all my characters.

Atlas - Maps of all the instances

AtlasLoot - Shows the possible loot from the bosses in instances and raids.

AtlasQuest - Shows the quests for dungeons and raids

Auctioneer - Helps me to track items going rate on the Auction house. I recently purged my file as it was HUGE. (Since I scan it every day.) But I also have guild members who rely on that to get the most up to date prices for our server.

Big Wigs Bossmods- Warns of Common Boss buffs, de buffs and attacks in raids. I personally like this one better than DBM because it is more frequently updated.

Broker2Fubar - Allows me to put addons on my Fubar that normal don't have that ability

BugGrabber - Collects all those annoying error messages rather than having them pop up on my screen.
BugSack - Takes all those collected error messages and puts them in one place so I can pass that information on to Mod developers.

Chinchilla - Allows me to change the Shape, Size and Configuration of me mini map. (I keep getting rid of this but My hubby keeps bringing it back. He LOVES it. Personally I think it is just due to the name of it.)

Dresser - Allows me to dress/undress my target so I can see what gear will look like on them.

DualSpecer - Another Broker Addon that allows me to switch specs from my Fubar

Elephant - Records all my Whispers, Chat, Guild and Officer logs (or anything else I ask it to). Again something I have to purge on a regular basis.

Enchantrix - (part of Auctioneer) that tells me what an item will generally dis-enchant into and the going rate on those materials.

Failbot - Tells me when people in the raid miss things that they SHOULD be able to avoid such as flame waves in OS or Eruptions in Hegin

Fishbringer - Compares my fishing level to the level of the zone telling me what my percentage is for 100% success in getting fish (rather than trash) really nice for when you are leveling fishing. Also counts how many fish until your next level of fishing is achieved.

Fubar 3.6 - Allows you to access mods via easy to see bars. It has MANY plug-ins in addition to working with Broker that allows you to input those mods that don't already have Fubar access.
Of the plug ins Fubar has I use: BagFu, ClockFu, DungeonDuiFu, DruabilityFu, ExperienceFu, FactionsFu, GroupFU, GuildFu, InstanceInfoFu, LocationFu, MiniPerfsFu, MoneyFu, QuestFu, and VolumeFu.

Guild Check - Lets me know who leveled, who left, who joined, and what changes were made to guild notes while I was off line.

InspectEquip - Tells me where that cool looking piece of gear I see is from.

Learning Aid - When I learn a new spell, Pet, Trade level, etc this pops up to let me know. (Very handy when respecing to just grab all your spells and then replace them on your tool bar.)

Lib: Itembonuslib - Tells me the item level numbers on items (very helpful when comparing gear for Flame Leviathan fight in Ulduar.)

Lightheaded - Allows me to access Wowhead in game.

LittleWigs - Like BigWigs this mod tells about Common Boss attacks, Debuffs, etc only for the 5 man instances.

Loggerhead - This automatically turns on my combat log when I enter any instance as well as requests if I wish to reset said log.

Mapster - A map mod that allows me to pull up the maps in a window format. VERY nice when used with other mods like TomTom or Gathering.

Omen - My Threat meter...How I would suffer without thee....Its dulcet booming doth ring in my ears on frequent occasions...

OmniCC - My cool down counter, lets me know when I can use a move or how long I have to wait until it will be available again.

Outfitter - Allows me to switch gear with the press of a button. From Pvp to Fishing. Mute to Combat.

Quixote - Gives me information on the quests I am working on.

Raid Tracker - Lets me know what raids I am saved to and on which characters. (VERY helpful when you have Multiple high level characters.

Rating Buster - Lets me do side by side comparison of gear.

Recount - Activity meter (shows Damage, Healing, interrupts, etc) of any fights that have taken place.

Ready Check Announcer - Announces to the Raid/party the results of a ready check I have conducted.

RedRange - Shows me when things are out of range for me to use.

Reputation Monitor - Tracks on screen the reputations I have gained/lost that session.

Satrina Buff Frames - Tracks buffs, debuffs, etc as you set it up. I personally have it configured to track my Slice and Dice, Ruptures and Hunger for Blood.

TargetCharms - This mod, provides me with a bar with all the marking target symbols on them whenever I am a raid or party leader. Makes it much simpler to mark when necessary.

TomTom - My personal navigator for WoW. Helps me find where I am going and gets me there via the most direct route.

TradeTabs - Allows me to access all my trade skills via a tab able window rather than having to open each one separately.

TrinketMenu - Provides a two slot window that allows access to my equipped trinkets as well as to switch out trinkets as needed, VERY nice when you have "use" trinkets as part of your rotation as it can free up space on your action bar.

WIM (WoW Instant Messenger) - I would go CRAZY, (OK, crazier than I already am) without this mod, it allows me to keep each of my whispered conversations in seprate "tabbed" windows. It also tracks those conversations so I know who all I have talked to in a given session. Being that I average a good 5-7 conversations at a time in a given raid it is VERY helpful.

Nirriti's Group AggroMeter - Tells me each person's aggro percentage within the group/raid.

ZOMG Buffs - Tracks who is buffed, who is giving what buffs and what buffs are available to be given.

Now these are all the mods I USE...I also have all these...THINGS that my Husband uses and pushes over on to my box when he does our standard update that I have to manually go through and disable. (Bejeweled, Comix, Scrolling CombatText, and Peggle are just a few of his favorites that I can not abide.) Not that there is anything WRONG with them per say...just that I have NO USE for them what so ever and some of them I find down right annoying.

So this will be my on going project. Trying to determine if I can FIX whatever is ailing my Evil Box of Wires before I have to purge even more items from it.

Mountain of Mounts for the THRIFTY?!?!?

This has been requested and I will start off by telling you...it just CAN NOT BE DONE. There is NO WAY to do this achievement with out investing a GREAT DEAL of money PERIOD. You CAN obtain some of the SMALLER ones though so I will at least LOOK at it for you. I will also mention starting off that I will NOT be listing those mounts that have been removed from the game. So if you have in your possession an Armani Warbear or a Black Proto-Drake or any of the other "old School mounts" you are already ahead of the game! As usual I will begin with those that take really only TIME to aquire and end with those that will cost you *gasp* REAL money.

Achievement Mounts -
Albino Drake - Leading the Calvary Achievement
Black War Bear - For the Alliance or For the Horde
Blue Dragonhawk Mount - Mountain of Mounts
Ironbound Proto-Drake - Heroic Glory of the Ulduar Raider
Rusted Proto-Drake - Glory of the Ulduar Raider
Violet Proto-Drake - What A Long, Strange Trip It's Been

Argent Tournament Mounts -
Argent Hippogryph - 250 Champion Seals

Alliance Only -
Great Azuremyst Elekk - 100 Champion Seals
Swift Darnassian Mistsaber - 100 Champion Seals
Swift Elwynn Steed - 100 Champion Seals
Swift Ironforge Ram - 100 Champion Seals
Turbostrider - 100 Champion Seals

Horde Only -
Great Mulgore Kodo - 100 Champion Seals
Swift Darkspear Raptor - 100 Champion Seals
Swift Forsaken Warhorse - 100 Champion Seals
Swift Orgimmar Wolf - 100 Champion Seals
Swift Silvermoon Hawkstrider - 100 Champion Seals

Drops -
Ashes of Al'ar (Phoenix) - Kael'thas in The Eye
Azure Drake - Alexstrasza's Gift in Eye of Eternity
Black Drake - The Obsidian Sanctum Normal (3 drakes up)
Blue Proto-Drake - Skadi the Ruthless in Utgarde Pinnacle
Blue Qiraji Battle Tank - Temple of Ahn'Qiraj (yes they can only be used IN AQ but they do count towards the MoM achievement)
Bronze Drake - Infinate Corruptor in Culling of Stratholme (must complete timed event)
Fiery Warhorse - Attuneman the Huntsman in Karazhan
Grand Black War Mammoth - Vault of Archavon
Great Brewfest Kodo - Coren Direbrew during Brewfest
Green Qiraji Battle Tank - Temple of Ahn'Qiraj (yes they can only be used IN AQ but they do count towards the MoM achievement)
Headless Horseman's Mount - Headless Horseman in Scarlet Monestary during Hallows End
Mimiron's Head - Unknown at this time
Raven Lord - Anzu in Sethekk Halls (requires a Druid with Epic flying form to summon and Heroic Mode)
Rivendale's Deathcharger - Baron Rivendare in Stratholme
Swift Brewfest Ram - Coren Direbrew in Blackrock Depths during Brewfest
Swift Razzashi Raptor - Bloodlord Manfokir in Zul'Gurub
Swift White Hawkstrider - Kael'thas Suntrider in Magister's Terrace (Heroic Mode)
Swift Zulian Tiger - High Preist Thekal in Zul'Gurub
Time-Lost Proto-Drake - Time-Lost Proto-Drake Rare spawn in Strompeaks
Twilight Drake - Sartharion in The Obsidian Sanctum Heroic Mode with 3 drakes up.
White Polar Bear Mount - Rarely found in the Hyldnir Spoils the reward for doing the dailys for Gretta the Arbiter
Yellow Qiraji Battle Tank - Temple of Ahn'Qiraj (yes they can only be used IN AQ but they do count towards the MoM achievement)

PvP -
Black War Mammoth - 300 Stone Keepers Shards sold by Knight Dameron and Stone Guard Mukar
Dark Riding Talbuk - 70 Halaa Battle tokens and 15 research Tokens sold by Aldraan and Coreiel for Alliance and Horde respectively.
Dark War Talbuk - 100 Halaa Battle Tokens and 20 Research Tokens sold by Aldraan and Coreiel for Alliance and Horde respectively.

Alliance Only -
Black Battlestrider - Lieutenant Karter in Stormwind for 30 AV, WSG, AB Marks
Black War Ram - Lieutenant Karter in Stormwind for 30 AV, WSG, AB Marks
Black War Steed Bridle - Lieutenant Karter in Stormwind for 30 AV, WSG, AB Marks
Black War Elekk - Lieutenant Karter in Stormwind for 30 AV, WSG, AB Marks
Black War Tiger - Lieutenant Karter in Stormwind for 30 AV, WSG, AB Marks

Horde Only -
Black War Kodo - Raider Bork in Orgrimmar
Black War Raptor - Raider Bork in Orgrimmar
Black War Wolf - Raider Bork in Orgrimmar
Frostwolf Howler - Grunnda Wolfheart in Alterac Valley or Jekyll Flandring in Alterac Mountains for 50 Alterac Marks
Red Skeletal Warhorse - Raider Bork in Orgrimmar
Swift Warstrider - Raider Bork in Orgrimmar

Rep Based -
Azure Netherwing Drake - Reward from Suraku in Lower City or Purchase from Hurlunk in Shadowmoon Vally
Blue Nether Ray - Grella in Terokkar Forrest (requires exaulted with Skyguard)
Cenarion War Hippogryph - Need Exaulted with Cenarion Expedition to purchase from Fedryen Swiftspear on Zangarmarsh
Cobalt Netherwing Drake - Reward from Jorus in Lower City or Purchase from Hulunk in Shadowmoon Valley
Cobalt Riding Talbuk - Requires exalted with Kurenai (for Alliance) or Mag'har (for Horde) Purchase from Narasu or Nasela depending on faction both in Nagrand
Cobalt War Talbuk - Requires exalted with Kurenai (for Alliance) or Mag'har (for Horde) Purchase from Narasu or Nasela depending on faction both in Nagrand
Grand Ice Mammoth - Requires exalted with Sons of Hodir Purchase from Lillehoff in Stormpeaks
Green Proto-Drake - Requires Revered with Oracles to purchase a Mysterious Egg from which it has a CHANCE of droping every 7 days.
Green Nether Ray - Grella in Terokkar Forrest (requires exaulted with Skyguard)
Ice Mammoth - Requires Exalted with the Sons of Hodir Purchase from Lillehoff in Stormpeaks
Purple Nether Ray - Grella in Terokkar Forrest (requires exaulted with Skyguard)
Purple Netherwing Drake - Reward from Malfas in Lower City or Purchase from Hulunk in Shadowmoon Valley
Onyx Netherwing Drake - Reward from Onyxien in Lower City or Purchase from Hulunk in Shadowmoon Valley
Red Drake - Requires Exalted with Wrymrest Accord purchase from Cielstrasza in Dragonblight
Red Nether Ray - Grella in Terokkar Forrest (requires exalted with Skyguard)
Silver Nether Ray - Grella in Terokkar Forrest (requires exalted with Skyguard)
Silver Riding Talbuk - Requires exalted with Kurenai (for Alliance) or Mag'har (for Horde) Purchase from Narasu or Nasela depending on faction both in Nagrand
Silver War Talbuk - Requires exalted with Kurenai (for Alliance) or Mag'har (for Horde) Purchase from Narasu or Nasela depending on faction both in Nagrand
Tan Riding Talbuk - Requires exalted with Kurenai (for Alliance) or Mag'har (for Horde) Purchase from Narasu or Nasela depending on faction both in Nagrand
Tan War Talbuk - Requires exalted with Kurenai (for Alliance) or Mag'har (for Horde) Purchase from Narasu or Nasela depending on faction both in Nagrand
Veridian Netherwing Drake - Reward from Zoya in Lower City or Purchase from Hulunk in Shadowmoon Valley
Violet Netherwing Drake - Reward from Voranaku in Lower City or Purchase from Hulunk in Shadowmoon Valley
White Riding Talbuk - Requires exalted with Kurenai (for Alliance) or Mag'har (for Horde) Purchase from Narasu or Nasela depending on faction both in Nagrand
White War Talbuk - Requires exalted with Kurenai (for Alliance) or Mag'har (for Horde) Purchase from Narasu or Nasela depending on faction both in Nagrand
Winterspring Frostsaber - (Alliance Only) Requires exalted with Wintersaber Trainers


Class specific -
Acherus Deathcharger - (Death Knight Only)
Charger - (Paladin and Blood Knights Only)
Dreadsteed - (Warlock only)
Felsteed - (Warlock only)
Warhorse - (Paladin and Blood Knights Only)
Winged Steed of the Ebon Blade - (Death Knight Only) Thalanor in Eastern Plaguelands


Trades Required -
Flying Carpet - Requires 410 Tailoring skill
Flying Machine - Requires 350 Engineering
Magnificent Flying Carpet - Requires 425 Tailoring
Sea Turtle - Requires Fishing (no lvl requirement) but you DO need to fish in NORTHREND fish schools.
Turbo-Charged Flying Machine - Requires 375 Engineering
Mechano-hog - (Horde verson) Requires 450 Engineer but IS BOE
Mekgineer's Chopper - (Alliance Version) Requires 450 Engineer but IS BOE

Purchase able -
Armored Brown Bear - Mei Francis in Dalaran
Traveler's Tundra Mammoth - Mei Francis in Dalaran
Wooly Mammoth - Mei Francis in Dalaran

Alliance Only -
Armored Snowy Gryphon - Dalaran
Black Stallion - Unger Statforth in Wetlands
Blue Mechanostrider - Milli Featherwhistle in Dun Morogh
Brown Elekk - Torallius in Exodar
Brown Horse - Gregor MacVince in Duskwallow, Katie Hunter in Elywnn Forest, Merideth Carlson in Hillsbrad, or Unger Statforth in Wetlands
Brown Ram - Veron Amberstill in Dun Morogh
Chestnut Mare - Gregor MacVince in Duskwallow, Katie Hunter in Elywnn Forest, Merideth Carlson in Hillsbrad, or Unger Statforth in Wetlands
Ebon Gryphon - Brunn Flamebeard in Shadowmoon Valley
Golden Gryphon - Brunn Flamebeard in Shadowmoon Valley
Gray Elekk - Torallius in Exodar
Gray Ram - Veron Amberstill in Dun Morogh
Green Mechanostrider - Milli Featherwhistle in Dun Morogh
Great Blue Elekk - Torallius in Exodar
Great Green Elekk - Torallius in Exodar
Great Purple Elekk - Torallius in Exodar
Pinto Mare - Gregor MacVince in Duskwallow, Katie Hunter in Elywnn Forest, Merideth Carlson in Hillsbrad, or Unger Statforth in Wetlands
Purple Elekk - Torallius in Exodar
Red Mechanostrider - Milli Featherwhistle in Dun Morogh
Unpainted Mechanostrider - Milli Featherwhistle in Dun Morogh
Snowy Gryphon - Brunn Flamebeard in Shadowmoon Valley
Spotted Frostsaber - Lelanai in Daranassus
Stripped Frostsaber - Lelanai in Daranassus
Stripped Nightsaber - Lelanai in Daranassus
Swift Blue Gryphon - Brunn Flamebeard in Shadowmoon Valley
Swift Brown Ram -Veron Amberstill in Dun Morogh
Swift Brown Steed - Gregor MacVince in Duskwallow Marsh, Katie Hunter in Elywnn Forest, or Merideth Carson in Hillsbrad Foothills
Swift Frostsaber - Lelanai in Daranassus
Swift Gray Ram - Veron Amberstill in Dun Morogh
Swift Green Gryphon - Brunn Flamebeard in Shadowmoon Valley
Swift Green Mechanostrider - Milli Featherwhistle in Dun Morogh
Swift Mistsaber - Lelanai in Daranassus
Swift Palomino - Gregor MacVince in Duskwallow Marsh, Katie Hunter in Elywnn Forest, or Merideth Carson in Hillsbrad Foothills
Swift Purple Gryphon - Brunn Flamebeard in Shadowmoon Valley
Swift Red Gryphon - Brunn Flamebeard in Shadowmoon Valley
Swift Stormsaber - Lelanai in Daranassus
Swift White Mechanostrider - Milli Featherwhistle in Dun Morogh
Swift White Ram - Veron Amberstill in Dun Morogh
Swift White Steed - Gregor MacVince in Duskwallow Marsh, Katie Hunter in Elywnn Forest, or Merideth Carson in Hillsbrad Foothills
Swift Yellow Mechanostrider - Milli Featherwhistle in Dun Morogh
White Ram - Veron Amberstill in Dun Morogh

Horde Only -
Armored Blue Wind Rider - Dalaran
Black Hawkstrider - Winaestra in Eversong Woods
Black Skeletal Horse - Zachariah Post in Tirisfal Glades
Black Wolf - Ogunaro in Orgimmar
Blue Hawkstrider - Winaestra in Eversong Woods
Blue Skeletal Horse - Zachariah Post in Tirisfal Glades
Blue Wind Rider - Dama Wildmane in Shadowmoon Valley
Brown Kodo - Harb Clawhoof in Mulgore
Brown Skeletal Horse - Zachariah Post in Tirisfal Glades
Dire Wolf - Ogunaro in Orgimmar
Emerald Raptor - Zjolnir in Durotar
Gray Kodo - Harb Clawhoof in Mulgore
Great Brown Kodo - Harb Clawhoof in Mulgore
Great Gray Kodo - Harb Clawhoof in Mulgore
Great White Kodo - Harb Clawhoof in Mulgore
Green Skeletal Warhorse - Zachariah Post in Tirisfal Glades
Green Wind Rider - Dama Wildmane in Shadowmoon Valley
Purple Hawkstider - Winaestra in Eversong Woods
Purple Skeletal Warhorse - Zachariah Post in Tirisfal Glades
Red Hawkstider - Winaestra in Eversong Woods
Red Skeletal Horse - Zachariah Post in Tirisfal Glades
Swift Blue Raptor - Zjolnir in Durotar
Swift Brown Wolf - Ogunaro in Orgimmar
Swift Gray Wolf - Ogunaro in Orgimmar
Swift Green Hawkstrider - Winaestra in Eversong Woods
Swift Green Wind Rider - Dama Wildmane in Shadowmoon Valley
Swift Olive Raptor - Zjolnir in Durotar
Swift Orange Raptor - Zjolnir in Durotar
Swift Pink Hawkstrider - Winaestra in Eversong Woods
Swift Purple Hawkstider - Winaestra in Eversong Woods
Swift Purple Wind Rider - Dama Wildmane in Shadowmoon Valley
Swift Red Wind Rider - Dama Wildmane in Shadowmoon Valley
Swift Timber Wolf - Ogunaro in Orgimmar
Swift Yellow Wind Rider - Dama Wildmane in Shadowmoon Valley
Tawny Wind Rider - Dama Wildmane in Shadowmoon Valley
Timber Wolf - Ogunaro in Orgimmar
Turquoise Raptor - Zjolnir in Durotar
Violet Raptor - Zjolnir in Durotar
White Kodo - Harb Clawhoof in Mulgore

TCG Expansion Cards -
Big Battle Bear - Drums of War set card is called "The Red Bearon"
Riding Turtle - Heroes of Azeroth set card is called "Saltwater Snapjaw"
Spectral Tiger - Fires of Outland set card is called "Spectral Tiger"
X-51 Nether-Rocket - Servants of the Betrayer set card is called "X-51 Nether-Rocket"
X-51 Nether-Rocket X-TREME - Servants of the Betrayer set card is called "X-51 Nether-Rocket" you can upgrade it to the "X-TREME" version just by having the epic riding skill (basically getting two mounts for the price of one)

So there you have it. I hope you are all happy because I am exausted. I am sure I missed some. If I have please feel free to let me know. And Happy Hunting!

My Dirty Little Secret

I have a collection...it is VERY small, VERY exclusive...and it was something really only ROGUES could have. From time to time I pull pieces of it out to torment others (usually young male guild members). What in the world could it BE you ask?

My Steamy Romance book collection.

There are only THREE books in the series all of which star "Marcus" a Paladin of....questionable morals...oh he didn't start OUT that way...no if you have this series you see his gradual downfall through each of the books until the very LATEST....

In Book One - the ORIGINAL " A Steamy Romance Novel" we are first introduced to Marcus as he is working as a quest giver...enter Nahni, a human mage who has more than just the QUEST reward on her mind...

In Book Two - "A Steamy Romance Novel: Forbidden Love" Marcus is back, but he has taken a turn on the wild side, here he is sneaking off to meet up with An'tush an UNDEAD Rogue in the Tram...

Now comes the LATEST installment, but apparently blizzard decided the Rogues couldn't have ALL the fun because unlike the first two books "A Steamy Romance: Northern Exposure" is actually a random drop from the daily FISHING quest in Dalaran. Once again we have Marcus at the center of the tale but this time he has hooked up with a GNOME WARLOCK named Tavi in Dalaran. Her attempted seduction goes a little array leading to a rather twisted yet funny book that you must be "lvl 99" to finish....

So now you know....and if you ever want to get your hands on your OWN collection, just ask a pick pocketing Rogue.

Lil Game Hunter for the Thrifty

Ah, non combat pets or vanity pets, both definitions are perfectly acceptable. For many people collecting these little guys is a passion (even before the introduction of achievements and the new storage system for them.) There is SUCH a variety of them that just about ANYONE can find a little friend they would enjoy. But how to GET all those pets with out breaking the bank? That is our topic for today.

To begin, finding out about the plethora of pets available can be daunting, but some of these avid collectors have created websites that will help you. The VERY BEST one in just about everyone's opinion is Warcraftpets.com. This site attempts to catalog EVERY vanity pet Blizzard has EVER created for the World of Warcraft universe. I am not going to list ALL the pets, just those that can be FAIRLY easily obtained by the average person.

Quests:
Jubling - "Spawn of the Jubjub"Darkmoon Faire
Mechanical Chicken - "Find OOX-09/HL" (Hinterlands), "Find OOX-22/FE" (Feralas), "Find OOX-17/TN" (Tanaris) (pet IS BoE) must complete all 3 quest chains.
Miniwing - "Skywing" in Terokkar Forest
Smolderweb Hatchling - "En-Ay-Es-Tee-Why" in Burning Steps/Lower Black Rock Spire
Worg Pup - "Kibler's Exotic Pets" in Buring Steps/Lower Black Rock Spire

Argent Trounament -
Ammen Vale Lashling - (Alliance Only)
Dun Morogh Cub - (Alliance Only)
Durotar Scorpion - (Horde Only)
Elwynn Lamb - (Alliance Only)
Enchanted Broom - (Horde Only)
Mechanopeep - (Alliance Only)
Mulgore Hatchling - (Horde Only)
Sen'jin Fetish - (Horde Only)

Seasonal -
Captured Flame - Midsummer Festival quests provide the Burning Blossom to buy this pet.
Egbert - Children's Week "Back to the Orphanage" in Shattrah City
Mr. Wiggles - Children's Week "A Warden of the Alliance" in Stormwind or "A Warden of the Horde" in Orgimmar
Peanut - Children's Week "Back to the Orphanage" in Shattrah City
Speedy - Children's Week "A Warden of the Alliance" in Stormwind or "A Warden of the Horde" in Orgimmar
Willy - Children's Week "Back to the Orphanage in" Shattrah City
Wiskers the Rat - Children's Week "A Warden of the Alliance" in Stormwind or "A Warden of the Horde" in Orgimmar

Alliance Only-
Argent Squire - "A Champion Rises" in Ice Crown
Sprite Darter Hatchling - "Becoming a parent" in Feralas
Westfall Chicken - "Cluck" in Westfall

Horde Only -
Argent Gruntling - "A Champion Rises" in Ice Crown
Farm Chicken - "Cluck" in Tirisfal Glades

Trade Required -
Chuck - Daily fishing quests from Old Man Barlo in Terokkar Forest
Muckbreath - Daily fishing quests from Old Man Barlo in Terokkar Forest
Snarly - Daily fishing quests from Old Man Barlo in Terokkar Forest
Strand Crawler - Daily fishing quests from Marcia Chase in Dalaran
Toothy - Daily fishing quests from Old Man Barlo in Terokkar Forest
Tranquil Mechanical Yeti - Pattern can be obtained by ENGINEERS after completing "Are we there Yeti?"

Drops -
Azure Welpling - Blue Dragonspawn, Blue Scalebane, Draconic Magelord and Draconic Mageweaver in Azshara
Black Tabby - (Horde Only) Dalaran Shield Guard, Dalaran Spellscribe, Dalaran Summoner, Dalaran Theurgist in Alterac Mountains
Crimson Whelpling - Crimson Whelp, Flamesnorting Whelp, or Red Whelp in Wetlands
Dark Whelpling - Scalding Whelp Bad Lands or Searing Whelp in Duskwallow Marsh
Disgusting Oozeling - ANY of the ozzes found around the old world
Emerald Whelpling - Adolescent Whelp and Dreaming Whelp in Swamp of Sorrows
Firefly - Bogflare Needler in Zangarmarsh
Hyacinth Macaw - Bloodsails and "Pretty Boy" Duncan in Strangethorn Vale
Sprite Darter - (Horde Only) Sprite Darters in Feralas

Dungeon/Raid Drops
Green Wing Macaw - Defias Pirate in Deadmines
Mojo - Zul'Aman
Phoenix Hatchling - Kael'thas Sunstrider in Magister's Terrace
Siamese Cat - Cookie in Deadmines

Seasonal -
Father Winter's Helper (Green) - From Gaily Wrapped Present on Christmas
Father Winter's Helper (Red) - From Gaily Wrapped Present on Christmas
Peddlefeet - Gifts of Adoration during Love is in the Air
Scorchling - Lord Ahune in Slave Pens during Midsummer Fire Festival
Sinister Squashling - Headless Horseman in Scarlet Monastery Graveyard or by Trick or Treating
Spring Rabbit - Either as a drop from Noblegarden egg or buy with candies from the eggs
Tiny Snowman - From Gaily Wrapped Present on Christmas
Winter Reindeer - From Gaily Wrapped Present on Christmas

Trade Required -
Giant Sewer Rat - Fished up from Dalaran's Underbelly
Lifelike Mechanical Toad - WORLD DROP Engineering schematic
Lil'Smoky - (Engineering Only) PLANS Drop off of Arcane Nullifier X-21, Crowd Pummeler 9-60 and Mekgineer Thermaplugg in Gnomeregan
Mechanical Squirrel - WORLD DROP Engineering schematic
Mr. Pinchy - Fished from Highland Mixed schools. Then you must get him as one of your "wishes"
Pet Bombling - (Engineering Only) PLANS Drop off of Arcane Nullifier X-21, Crowd Pummeler 9-60 and Mekgineer Thermaplugg in Gnomeregan

Achievement Rewards -
Kirin Tor Familiar - "Higher Learning"
Little Fawn - "Lil Game Hunter"
Stinker - "Shop Smart, Shop Pet...Smart"

Limited Issue -
Spirit of Competition - 2008 Summer Olympics
Vampiric Batling - Prince Tenris Mirkblood in Karazann during the Lich King Invasion of 2008
Baby Blizzard Bear - Blizzards 4th Anniversary

Vendors -

Reputation Based -
Cobra Hatchling - Requires Revered Rep with Oracles to get Mysterious Egg which HAS A CHANCE to drop it.
Pengu - Requires Exalted Rep with Kalu'ak
Proto-Drake Whelp - Requires Revered Rep with Oracles to get Mysterious Egg which HAS A CHANCE to drop it.
Tickbird Hatchling - Requires Revered Rep with Oracles to get Mysterious Egg which HAS A CHANCE to drop it.
Tiny Sporebat - Requires Exalted Rep with Sporeggar
White Tickbird Hatchling - Requires Revered Rep with Oracles to get Mysterious Egg which HAS A CHANCE to drop it.

Neutral Vendors -
Ancona Chicken - Magus Tirth in Thousand Needles
Blue Dragonhawk Hatchling - Dealer Rashadd in Netherstorm
Brown Rabbit - Dealer Rashadd in Netherstorm
Cimson Snake - Dealer Rashadd in Netherstorm
Cockatiel - Narkk in Stranglethorn Vale
Cockroach - Dealer Rashadd in Netherstorm
Mana Wyrmling - Dealer Rashadd in Netherstorm
Senegal - Narkk in Stranglethorn Vale
Siamese Cat - Dealer Rashadd in Netherstorm
Tree Frog - Flik with Darkmoon Faire

Alliance Vendors -
Blue Moth - Sixx in Exodar
Bombay Cat - Donna Anthania in Elwynn Forest
Cornish Rex - Donna Anthania in Elwynn Forest
Great Horned Owl - Shylenai in Darnassus
Hawk Owl - Shylenai in Darnassus
Orange Tabby - Donna Anthania in Elwynn Forest
Silver Tabby - Donna Anthania in Elwynn Forest
Snowshoe Rabbit - Yarlyn Amberstill in Dun Morogh
White Kitten - Lil Timmy in Stormwind
White Moth - Sixx in Exodar
Yellow Moth - Sixx in Exodar

Horde Vendors -
Black Kingsnake - Xan'tish in Orgrimmar
Brown Snake - Xan'tish in Orgrimmar
Cockroach - Jeremiah Payson in Undercity
Crimson Snake - Xan'tish in Orgrimmar
Golden Dragonhawk Hatchling - Jilanne in Eversong Woods
Prairie Dog - Halpa in Thunderbluff
Red Dragonhawk Hatchling - Jilanne in Eversong Woods
Silver Dragonhawk Hatchling - Jilanne in Eversong Woods

So there you have it. Happy Hunting!