Moonlight Enchantments

Now I've been playing EQ2 on and off for a few years now, and I don't know when this was added - Moonlight Enchantment .  I just happened to notice the dot on my map a few weeks ago and promptly forgot about it until someone mentioned it in Level 1-9 chat (the equivalent of WoW trade at times).
So, I had to investigate. 

Ah ha! 

This is were the pricey house items (exotic plants, seashells and sand) for aquarium building comes from!  I did not know this before and I've been spending quite a bit of plat buying plants, etc.!

Needless to say the 20-21st will be booked on all characters for the foreseable future.

I did pick up the unicorn mounts on two of my characters - 20 charges each - to replace their regular mount and as an alternative to the dire bear.

 

Blizzard and Real ID

It's been talked to death on Twitter, Facebook and a myriad of gaming forums.  The diverse view I find interesting, as I'm in the Real ID is bad camp, so I'm having a hard time relating to the "it's a good thing" camp, including some of my real life friends.

The premise for Real ID, being able to contact your friends across the different Battle.net games, I don't have a problem with at all.  But what's so wrong with a user name like every other Forum (I don't care what it's about gaming, gardening, politics, etc.,) on the Internet.  In every other instance you have the option of how much of your real identity you CHOSE to share. You can decide if you want your real name, address, photo, whatever, or not.

That's what I have a problem with - no choice.

I want control.

Falling through the earth

Bithia fell through the acorn lift in Faydark.  

I expected her to crash to her death, but she floated down.

and right through the world. 

I've never seen this in EQ2, but have done this a few times in Wow.

Apparently transporting her to a safe zone was the start the Fae start area.

Return to EQ2

I'm an ardent fan of Everquest2 (EQ2 or EQII).  I've dabbled in other online games and PC and console RPG games (favorites being Baldur's Gate and Champions of Norrath) over the years, including playing EQ the original. But life, time commitment and my PC at the time, it wasn't a wonderful or long lasting experience.  (I did give WoW a try before EQ2, but that's a whole 'nother story - took three times to get hooked on WoW-crack!)

Qeynos viewed from Antonica

My official start date playing EQ2 is December 6, 2006 according to Sony.  It doesn't seem that long ago, considering I've still never max leveled a character (highest is right at 70 with 20 levels to go!), but I'm one of those that considers the journey more fun than the destination, i.e. raiding isn't my thing!  Casual raiding with the guild, yes I can do that. Hardcore, bleeding edge, have to be first in the new content has no appeal.  The years I've spent in EQ2, I've created, leveled to the 30-40ish range a few character then sent them along to toon heaven, which I'm sure is some sort of MMO ADD.  I like to jump around and have never considered one character my 'main' over the others.  The main is whichever I'm enjoying playing at that particular moment!

Freeport from the Commonlands

My adoration with EQ2, has been sporadic at best after the first year. New MMO's came out that I had to try - LoTRO, Warhammer, AoC, Free Realms, Dragonica, All Points Bulletin to name a few.  Along with a few F2P games, many other beta trials, Wrath in WoW; PC games, and adding another console (Xbox) to the mix.  That's just the gaming part of an already very busy life (married with children and running my own business).

During my wandering to new games, I've popped in an out of EQ2 when I could or felt the urge. I pay annually for my favorite, so its always there. An online security blanket, much your favorite well worn clothes that you always go back to when the new stuff loses it's newness!

Fortunately, I'm in a wonderful guild on the Blackburrow server that has patiently allowed me to exist in my flaky attendance. The teasing is always gentle, with my erradic playing. But it's wonderful to have such a welcoming and forgiving group to come back to.

Being back has been an adjustment.  The world has changed again with new zones (I've never completed all of Kunark, let alone Shadow Odyssey and now Sentinels Fate).

• More world events, - monthly city festivals, Tinkerfest coming up, lots of fun world things to do if you have a mind too.
• More new factions than I even know of at this point
• Changes to the AA (achievement abilities) - specing my characters has been a bit of guesswork and some Forum reading, I'm still not sure I've got them right, so we'll see! 
• New player housing - I love the housing in New Halas, but was surprised with the addition of housing in the mage tower and guild halls in Freeport - took forever to find that (no easy task on Qeynosians btw!). 
• Insta-travel with spires and druid rings everywhere, not to mention the World Bell.  It's much easier in many ways, although I don't want to be one of those "back in my day we had to walk all the way to ...".  I prefer to look at the new travel options as just that - options.  I can still chose to take the boat, griffon, or hike across Antonica/Commonlands - which I do often!
• Battlegrounds - w00t!  I do love PvP, and have a warden on one of the PvP servers, but BG's sound fun. Okay truth, I tried one, we won. I died once but hadn't a clue what I was doing - lol!

So, I'm re-learning Norrath, as well as my characters, Star the Kerra monk; Nixia, the Ratonga beserker; Bithia, Wood Elf warden; Sithi, Arasai brigand and Tazneem, Dark Elf conjurer.

To this day, I still wonder why my first two characters are tank class?  I'm more of a DPS/healer type, but I'm determined to get Star at least to level 90 before the end of the year!

The oldest, Star and youngest, Sithi 

(well she gets to be until the urge to roll a new one strikes)

 

King of the Fire Festival

In general, I'm heartily sick of most of the World Events in World of Warcraft.  The novelty has worn off, as I've done them enough on different characters.  Unless there is a new pet (admitted petaholic), a buff/stat item or PvP involved I generally pass.

A Thief's Reward quest, which involves stealing the flames from each of the oppositions cities is right up my alley!  Death, usually my own, attempting to take a few with me on the way is involved if you try to solo this on less than a max level character!  I have done this with a level 56, so it is doable, but definitely easier for some classes than others.

This year my Druid, Sidthr, is sitting at 71 so what a great opportunity.  Off he went,

First stop Orgrimmar.  This is always the most challenging for me, not because of the guards, but the number of Horde that are around.  First stop the gates.  As usual too many people dueling out front.  To the backgate we go.  Trying to sneak past the level 75 guards was a no go.  Next tactic, the death march.

Buff up, mount up and ride in pulling a train of guards. I wasn't dismounted until right near the back entrance to Ragefire Chasm, which would have been okay. If I could have made it to RC and rebuffed inside, but two level 80 Horde had other ideas.  Ghost run back from Razorhill.  A successful rez and rebuff, time to sneak up on the flame.

Too many Horde. So sneak up on the flame and attempt to escape.  Nope. Take the death and rez sickness while rezzing in Razorhill again. 

Time to head to Thunderbluff. 

The zep  is one of the quickest for Alliance as we have no close flight paths to TB. Either Ratchet or Theramore, but I didn't fancy a cross country ride.  Sneaking on the Zep is easier at max level I found out or with feign death ability (my hunter has done this a couple of times).  Basically if you can't get on the Zep, die as close as possible on the tower and rez on the Zep downstairs. (This an old tactic I've used with hunters chasing pets in far off places at level 11-18).

The Zep lands at the Spirit Bluff, conveniently located next to the Flame.  I just ran around until I lost aggro from the guards.  Waited until the one level 80 left and snuck back get the flame.  I chose to hearth versus de-flaming Mulgore, the goal was the four cities period.

Undercity was incredibly easy. I forget how little attention most people play even on a PvP server. So this was uneventful in the extreme. 

Silvermoon City is generally a ghost town on all but RP servers, getting there is the bigger headache.  The quickest Shattarath City to Sunwell Island and a quick flight to the Ghostlands.  Otherwise, Eastern Plaguelands to Ghostlands (pick up the flight path if you don't have it).

The number of guards is a guarantee of at least one death getting to the flame.  So rez next to the flame and the achievement is complete, all accept for the turnin.

Hearth out and turn in the quests to get the gorgeous level one crown (kidding), but it's a nice in your face to the opposition in BG's (at lower levels) if you're willing to give up your head stats, or if you're rich and you put a decent enchant.

LoTRO - Free to Play?

Lord of The Rings Online is going to a free to play (F2P) model or as was quoted on MMORPG forum more of a chose to pay (C2P) with differing tiers from free play - with restrictions, a premium free play for those that have met certain requirements and VIP subscription level with unlimited full access.

Arguably one of the the most gorgeous MMO worlds, rich with lore, wonderful community, Lord of the Rings Online (LoTRO) has consistently received rave review from fans, customers and the MMO industry.

The jump to a F2P model took some by surprise, although the success of Dungeons and Dragons Online (DDO), another Turbine MMO, may have been the motivator behind this gamble. Or could it be the plethora of F2P MMO's?  The new subscription based MMO's on the horizon?

As for LoTRO, it is the first major MMO to go this route.  DDO, although popular is not the same league as LoTRO, which generally fell in the Top 5 favorite MMO's on most polls with a high customer satisfaction rating.

Turbine says this: "Free-to-Play opens up more choices and options so you can play your way. When LOTRO Free-to-Play is available, you can download the game for free and start playing without a subscription or even a credit card. 

Anyone can join the game for free as a Free player when LOTRO Free-to-Play is available. You will automatically be upgraded from Free player to Premium player status with your first purchase of Turbine Points in the LOTRO Store.

And for a monthly fee, LOTRO's VIP program offers the best value and the most options for players who like the convenience of having unlimited access to all of LOTRO's game content and features. If you are already a subscriber, just maintain your active subscription to be automatically upgraded to VIP!"  (read more - LOTRO)

I like LoTRO and always have, but I've had a difficult time justifying a monthly sub for it as my play is very random at best.  The new F2P model may be perfect for those of us that like LoTRO but can't warrant a monthly fee to play.  As I have the Mirkwood and Mines of Moria, I'll be classed as VIP, I'm still waiting for final word from Turbine as to how the Premium model will work if you downgrade from VIP.


Many people that have vacillated on jumping into another MMO, will likely give LoTRO a try.  The good side, the start areas won't be empty wastelands, but will have a continuous flow of new people.  This will help as any MMO as it ages ends up top heavy with its player base while the start areas are usually devoid of other players. A percentage of the new players will likely spend a few bucks to go forward in the game which will revitalize the game.  At least that's the theory.

Lifetime subscription holders seem to have a mixed view.  They put down their cash up front for never having to pay a monthly subscription fee, and now that it will be F2P some feel they've been badly treated.  On the other side, Lifetime subs will enjoy VIP membership which rewards you with 500 Turbine Points a month, as well as a laundry list of other goodies including the only access to Monster Play (LoTRO's PvP).

Not certain if you want to play or not - here is the Free to Play Forum link.

Beta signups for the F2P model are currently going on now as well.


The complete FAQ for LoTRO subscribers:

The Lord of the Rings Online™: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is The Lord of the Rings Online™? The Lord of the Rings Online™ (LOTRO) is the award-winning online role-playing game set in J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, the greatest fantasy world of all time. In LOTRO, you can explore the legendary world of The Lord of the Rings™ and create your own unique Middle-earth adventure. Join with the world's largest fellowship of players to fight the ravenous hordes of the Dark Lord Sauron, and forge your own legend.
   
2. What is Free-to-Play? Free-to-Play opens up more choices and options so you can play your way. When LOTRO Free-to-Play is available, you can download the game for free and start playing without a subscription or even a credit card. Earn free Turbine Points as you advance your Hero and adventure throughout the massive world of Middle-earth. You can spend these points in the LOTRO Store to access hundreds of convenience items as well as expansion packs, premium content, potions, character-customization options, and more. If you choose to, you may also purchase Turbine Points in the LOTRO Store.
   
3. What are Turbine Points? Turbine Points are the currency of the LOTRO Store and can be redeemed to purchase all sorts of items. You can buy Turbine Points in multiple ways: PayPal, credit card, PayByCash®, online check, and gift cards available at participating retailers. Turbine Points are also earned through gameplay.
   
4. Will I need a credit card to play the game? All you will need is a taste for adventure to play LOTRO. You do not need a credit card to play the game.
   
5. What is the LOTRO Store? The LOTRO Store is a new feature introduced with LOTROLOTRO Store has more than 2,500 items! These items can be obtained in exchange for Turbine Points, which can be purchased in the Store or earned through gameplay.
   
6. Do I have to purchase Turbine Points to create an account and begin playing the game? No, purchasing Turbine Points to enhance your game experience is entirely optional.
   
7. Will I still be able to play and enjoy the game without buying items from the LOTRO Store, or is that my only option for gaining weapons, armor, potions, and other goodies such as premium loot? The purchase of items in the LOTRO Store is entirely optional. While items in the Store are designed to immediately enhance your in-game experience, premium loot and rare gear are the rewards of adventure and are only obtainable through gameplay.
   
8. What are the differences between Free player, Premium player, and VIP? All the details about the features and benefits of Free players, Premium players, and VIPs, are listed here
   
9. What is a Free player? How will I become one? Anyone can join the game for free when LOTRO Free-to-Play is available. To get started, simply download the game for free at www.lotro.com. No payment or credit card is required. To learn more about the Free player benefits click here.
   
10. What is a Premium player? How will I become one? You are automatically upgraded from Free player to Premium player status with your first purchase of Turbine Points in the LOTRO Store. LOTRO grants all Premium players 2 extra character slots, extends the maximum amount of gold you can carry from 2 gold to 5 gold, and provides you with a higher login priority, more mail and chat options, full access to all of LOTRO's Community features, and 30 days of full customer service from the time of your last purchase.
    Are you a former subscriber to LOTRO? Did you purchase and play the game in the past but never subscribed? In either case, you are automatically upgraded to Premium status when you come back to play.
    To learn more about the Premium player benefits click here.
    
11. What is a VIP? How will I become one? For a monthly fee, the VIP program offers the best value and the most options for players who like the convenience of having unlimited access to all game content and features. VIP players also receive 500 Turbine Points per month and exclusive benefits like priority access to servers, 5 character slots per server, a 20-slot wardrobe for cosmetic items, full customer service, and much more! You can upgrade to VIP at any time by visiting https://myaccount.turbine.com once LOTRO Free-to-Play is available. If you are already a subscriber, just maintain your active subscription to be automatically upgraded to VIP!
    To learn more about the VIP benefits click here.
    
12. I have a lifetime subscription to LOTRO. What will Free-to-Play mean for me? As a lifetime subscriber to LOTRO, you will keep all of your membership privileges and are automatically upgraded to VIP status. You will receive 500 Free Turbine Points every month like the other VIPs, but you do not have to pay a monthly fee since you are a lifetime member. All you have to do is keep playing the game and visit the LOTRO Store to spend your free points and enjoy the wealth of new a la carte items and options to enhance your game experience.
    
13. I am a LOTRO Founder. What will Free-to-Play mean for me? As a LOTRO Founder, you automatically become a VIP and will keep all of your membership privileges as long as you pay your monthly fee. You will automatically receive 500 Free Turbine Points every month like the other VIPs, and you can spend the Turbine Points at your leisure in the LOTRO Store to enhance your game experience and keep playing the way you want.
    
14. I am a regular subscriber on a monthly or multi-month subscription plan. What will Free-to-Play mean for me? As a subscriber to LOTRO, you are automatically upgraded to VIP status. You will keep all your membership privileges as long as you keep paying your monthly fee. You will automatically receive 500 Free Turbine Points every month like the other VIPs, and you can spend the Turbine Points at your leisure in the LOTRO Store to enhance your game experience and keep playing the way you want.
    
15. I am a former subscriber to LOTRO. What will Free-to-Play mean for me when I come back to play when LOTRO Free-to-Play is available? As a former subscriber to LOTRO, you are always welcome back to join the fight. You will, by default, be awarded the status and privileges of a Premium player, and you can join the game and play for free. You can also visit the new LOTRO Store to browse through a wealth of new items and a la carte options to enhance your gameplay!
    You may also consider becoming a VIP to receive 500 Free Turbine Points automatically every month and gain access to other unique privileges. You can upgrade to VIP at any time by visiting https://myaccount.turbine.com once LOTRO Free-to-Play is available.
    
16. I purchased and played LOTRO in the past, but never subscribed to the game. What will Free-to-Play mean for me when I come back to play when LOTRO Free-to-Play is available? You will, by default, be awarded the status and privileges of a Premium player and you can join the game and play for free as a Premium player. You can also visit the new LOTRO Store to browse through a wealth of new items and a la carte options to enhance your gameplay!
    You may also consider becoming a VIP to receive 500 Free Turbine Points automatically every month and gain access to other unique privileges. You can upgrade to VIP at any time by visiting https://myaccount.turbine.com once LOTRO Free-to-Play is available.
    
17. As a Free player, how much free content can I access? As a Free player, you have access to Middle-earth, the greatest fantasy world ever created, and you can play LOTRO's award-winning Epic Story up to level 50! In addition, you have access to the 4 races and 7 standard classes, major game systems, and a lot more options detailed here. And glory is its own reward: as you explore Middle-earth and advance your Hero through quests and achievements in the game, you will earn free Turbine Points that you can redeem in the LOTRO Store to access more options that will enrich or extend your free play.
    At any time, you may also want to purchase Turbine Points in the Store and redeem them to access new items and options to immediately enhance your experience. What matters most with Free-to-Play is your play style and the type of gamer you are. With Free-to-Play, you really play your way.
    
18. Why should I become a VIP? What do I get that a Free player does not? As a VIP, you get full access to all of the game's original content and features along with numerous special benefits, such as a higher number of character slots (5 per server), 20 slots of wardrobe storage for cosmetic clothing, full customer service access, priority login, 500 Free Turbine Points every month that you can redeem in the LOTRO Store, and much more, all detailed here. For a monthly fee, the VIP program offers the best value and the most options for players who like the convenience of having access to it all.
    
19. I am currently a subscriber to LOTRO. What will happen if I decide to unsubscribe before or after the launch of LOTRO Free-to-Play? What will happen to my characters? If you feel the VIP program is not meeting your play style and needs as a gamer and decide you don't want the benefits and features of being a VIP, you will be automatically downgraded to Premium player status when your subscription lapses. You can continue to play the game for free with all the benefits offered to Premium players, which are detailed here.
    As a Premium player, you initially have access to 3 characters per server but can unlock more character slots at any time by purchasing them in the LOTRO Store (up to 8 additional slots per server). You may decide to unlock more slots if you want to play more than 3 characters. Other previously created characters will be visible but not accessible unless you unlock more character slots.
    
20. I canceled my subscription some time ago. Can I use my account as a Free player? Will I have access to everything I used to? As a former subscriber or customer of LOTRO, you can come back any time to join the fight for Middle-earth. You will be awarded Premium player status and you will be able to log into the game. As a Premium player you will have access to the benefits detailed here.
    You may also consider joining the VIP program to receive 500 Free Turbine Points automatically every month and gain access to unique privileges. You can upgrade to VIP at any time by visiting https://myaccount.turbine.com once LOTRO Free-to-Play is available.
    
21. I had a free trial account but never purchased the game. Can I use my account as a Free player? Will I have access to everything I used to? As a former trial player of LOTRO, you can come back any time to join the fight for Middle-earth. You will have access to all benefits and features available to Free players (detailed here), and you will be able to log into your account at https://myaccount.turbine.com to make changes to your information.
    You may also consider joining the VIP program, which grants you 500 Free Turbine Points automatically every month and access to other unique privileges. You can upgrade to VIP at any time by visiting https://myaccount.turbine.com once LOTRO Free-to-Play is available.
    
22. I purchased the Mines of Moria™ Expansion and/or the Siege of Mirkwood™ Expansion. Can I still access this content? Will I still be able to play my Rune-keeper or Warden characters? What if I unsubscribe? When LOTRO Free-to-Play becomes available you will still be able to access the content and features of any expansions you have previously purchased. Whether you are a VIP or a Premium player, the content and features of these expansions will be available to you in their entirety.
    If you decide not to join the VIP program or decide to downgrade to Premium player status, the content and features of these expansions will still be available to you. You will still be able to play your Rune-keeper and Warden characters as long as they are in character slots you have selected or have unlocked by visiting the LOTRO Store.
    
23. I purchased the Adventurer's Pack or got the Adventurer's Pack for free when I pre-ordered the Siege of Mirkwood™ expansion. What will happen to my 2 extra character slots and shared storage bank with Free-to-Play? Will I lose anything if I unsubscribe? The benefits and features of the Adventurer's Pack will remain available to you. Whether you are a VIP, Premium player, or Free player, you will get to keep your 2 extra character slots and shared storage bank.
    If you have not purchased the Adventurer's Pack and you want to extend the number of character slots you have (max. of 11 per server) or you want to get more shared storage slots, just visit the LOTRO Store to purchase the items you need as you need them.
    
24. If I decide to downgrade from VIP to Premium player, what will happen to the gold I have earned through gameplay? Will I lose the gold beyond the 5 gold cap that Premium players have by default? If you downgrade from VIP to Premium player, you will not lose any of the gold that you have earned through the game. Because you were a VIP, you will not be subject to the gold limit of Premium players.
    
25. If I decide to downgrade from VIP to Premium player status, what will happen to my inventory bags? If you downgrade from VIP to Premium player, you will not lose any of the inventory bags that you had as a VIP. Because you were a VIP, you will not be subject to the inventory bag limit of Premium players.
    
26. If I decide to downgrade from VIP to Premium player status, what will happen to my wardrobe slots? If you downgrade from VIP to Premium player, all items placed in the wardrobe will be held on a remove only basis. You will be able to access them and remove them from the wardrobe to use them but you will not be able to use the emptied slot to Store another item.
    At any time, you may visit the LOTRO Store to purchase more inventory bags or more wardrobe slots.
    
27. If I decide to downgrade from VIP to Premium player, what will happen to my characters? If you downgrade from VIP to Premium player, you will have access to 3 characters slots per server by default. You will also have access to any other character slots that you have purchased. You may decide to unlock more slots if you want to play more characters or pick the characters you want to play. Your other previously created characters will be visible but not accessible unless you unlock more character slots. At any point, you can unlock more character slots in the LOTRO Store, up to 11 per server.
    
28. How many shared storage bank slots can I get through the LOTRO Store? Do I get more shared storage bank slots if I own the Adventurer's Pack? You may get as many as 50 shared storage bank slots, which can be purchased at the LOTRO Store (an initial purchase of 20 slots and then 10-slot increments). If you already own the Adventurer's Pack, you already have 20 shared storage bank slots. You can purchase up to 30 additional slots in increments of 10.
    For more details about the features and benefits of Free players, Premium players, and VIPs, just click here.
    
29. 29. If I am a Free player, what will happen to my gold if I earn more than the 2 gold limit in game? If I am a Premium player, what will happen to my gold if I earn more than the 5 gold limit in game? Free and Premium players have a limit of 2 gold and 5 gold, respectively, that they can earn in game. Once the limit is reached you can still earn gold but it will be placed in escrow and you will not be able to access it unless you purchase a higher gold limit at any time in the LOTRO Store.
    For more details about the features and benefits of Free players, Premium players, and VIPs, just click here.
    
30. If I am a Free player, how many character slots do I start with? How many can I buy? Free players have 1 character slot to start. At any point, you can purchase more character slots in the LOTRO Store, up to 11 character slots per server. Premium players get 3 character slots, and VIPs start with 5. Both Premium players and VIPs can purchase more character slots in the LOTRO Store within the same limit of 11 characters per account per server.
    For more details about the features and benefits of Free players, Premium players, and VIPs, just click here.
    
31. Will Free players be able to use the monster play feature? The monster play feature is reserved as an exclusive feature for VIPs. If you want to play as a monster and join Sauron's dark forces, you can do it at anytime by upgrading to VIP!
    For more details about the features and benefits of Free players, Premium players, and VIPs, click here.
    
32. What type of in-game mail, chat, and auction restrictions do Free players have? Free players can send in-game mail less frequently than Premium players and VIPs. Free players can use in-game chat but cannot send more that one tell every 5 seconds. Free players can bid and buyout auctions in the Auction House but cannot post items. These restrictions can be removed at any time in the LOTRO Store buy purchasing the corresponding items.
    
33. If I was going to sign up for the trial, should I wait until the launch of Free-to-Play? If I start the trial now, what will happen to my characters? Joining LOTRO today will make you eligible for a lot of great offers before the launch of Free-to-Play, and all characters created will be transferred into LOTRO Free-to-Play at launch. Start your adventure today!
    
34. I bought Turbine Points in the DDO Store. Can I use those Turbine Points in LOTRO (and vice versa)? Turbine Points are not transferrable, so Turbine Points purchased in the DDO Store cannot be transferred to the LOTRO Store or vice versa.
    
35. How does LOTRO Free-to-Play compare to DDO Free-to-Play? At Turbine, we are dedicated to providing our fans with best-in-class entertainment. While the two games are different and appeal to different players, DDO and LOTRO Free-to-Play share the same philosophy: to offer you more options and the freedom to play your way!
    

Off the beaten path

While questing in Searing Gorge - one of the zones you either love or hate.  The giant big hole in the middle can be a  real PiA, but I actually enjoyed it this time through.  I didn't like this much on a Horde priest in a heavy Alliance questing zone, and really must have skipped this zone or did only a select few quests on my Alliance characters.

Maybe the stealth feature a druid has made some of the quests that much easier to accomplish, but I really didn't remember many of the quests (and I've leveled three 80s, so go figure!).  Stealing the dwarves pillows for Kill Them with Sleep Deprivation was interesting, even when Chambermaid Pillaclencher popped out!  A bit of a surprise - yea for root, run, heal abilities!!  Or the very easy What the Flux? Love the humor Blizz!

Nothing tickles me more than finding these obscure quests in games.  This one - The Horn of the Beast which involves killing a now non-elite beast - Margol the Rager was great!  I received a key! 

There are two follow ups to this chain, basic delivery quests Loch Modan to Ironforge to Loch Modan, which rewards you with a key.  Specifically the Key to Searing Gorge.  This allows you (for whatever reason you might want it - lol!) to go from Loch Modan directly to Searing Gorge or vice versa. 

I'm not sure how useful this is with shorter hearth times and multitude of flight paths, but it's another key!  I can hear the clinking of keys now!  (Yes, I'll be repeating this quest for keys for the 80's too!)

Noblegarden

 Last night in Warsong Gulch (I know I spend way to much time there!), I was on my pally having fun with the "turn your group in to bunnies blossoming branch" and one of the team stayed in rabbit form and actually ran the flag.  

Good times.

(before anyone asks, no this is not my usual UI setup, but how I have it for classes I don't play often - pally/shammy/rogue.

WoW Warsong Gulch weekend

Battleground weekends aka now known as Call to Arms start Thursday and runs through Tuesday.  Extra honor and experience (leveling) are worth participating in the featured BG.


Thursday night my druid went from level 46 to 50 just in Warsong Gulch (one of my favorites especially with the 20 minute time). Although I did hear someone complain yesterday "not another drawn out 20 minute win".  I had to laugh and asked if he remembered when WSG could literally take 45 minutes to a few hours - he didn't.  I'll take the 20 minutes.

1. Yes turtles exist but they always have.  
2. Yes graveyard campers exist but they always have.  
3. Yes people farming HK midfield exist, but they always have.

I hadn't realized WSG was the Call to Arms, and so surprised when my druid was leveling every two or so wins.  Nice XP gain there!  Dinged 50 Thursday evening, proceeded to level the lock and hunter both to 40 (4 levels each) and the second hunter is sitting at 38 on Friday.  I'm going to try and get her to 40 too.  Then work on the pally and rogue tomorrow.

EQ2 Again

I couldn't resist getting the next expansion for EQ2 (EverQuest 2), even though I haven't played EQ2 in over a year. It's still my first love. 

So, I jumped on my Ratonga first. Found her in North Qeynos, standing in front of her loom where she's been for a year. Yes it made tons of sense to me at the time, roll a Berzerker (plate wearer) Ratonga, i.e. small, and then make her profession be tailoring!  /wrists - oh well.

(In her green/red appearance gear)

She was my second character, the evil one to my Kerra Monk's good side.  Being one of my first characters and not alot of thought as to 'why' I made her a Bezerker, so a plate wearer and choose as a profession - a tailor.  Hmmm.  I've enjoyed playing her, even though I don't think I'm that good of a tank.
Now level 44, she was my first betrayal questline, betraying Freeport, then rep grind to get into Qyenos.  I still find it humorous some of the guards in Qeynos still don't like her.  The Freeport-Qeynos betrayal (back before it was nerfed) was one of the harder ones, especially compared to Faydark or Neriak or even Freeport now - they're cake!  Just killing the NPC before being beaten up and thrown in jail - took me 2 or 3 levels to do.