Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Another Change to Gems

Mages' mana gems are receiving another change in the next patch. The range of the mana returned will be narrowed, giving us a more consistent boost. On live realms, the best gem gives 1136-1364 mana. The PTR previously showed a change: it was increased 1800-3000. Now it has been changed again to 2340-2460.

I think this is a buff. Consistency is almost always a good thing in general. Right now, when raiding, we mages (and other mana-using classes) will wait until our mana pool is 3000 away from the maximum before using a [Super Mana Potion]. That way, even if the pot gives its maximum return of 3000 mana, we receive the full benefit.

With the upcoming changes, we can use these gems when we are 2500 (2460 to be exact) away from maximum mana. Couple that with the other mana gem change (each gem having three charges), we will be potting earlier in boss fights, but I think we'll be potting about the same number of times.

Overall, I think we are only getting consistency, which will serve to make us better raiders.

Friday, December 7, 2007

How to Begin PVP

Over on WowInsider, David Bowers presents an interesting conundrum. The gist of the article is that characters who hit 70 usually have greens and blues. If they want to PVP, it can take a very long time before they stand a chance against other characters who have been PVPing for a long time because these veterans generally have multiple epics. He goes on to ask, "How would you advise a new level 70 to get into PvP?"

I think there are a few solid ways that fresh level-70 characters can jump into the PVP game.

1. Do battlegrounds. The team in a battleground is much bigger than an arena team, so the fact that you are personally undergeared doesn't have as large an effect. Also, be sure to do the daily battleground quest for additional honor.

2. Craft your own epics. Choose professions according to your class, and craft away.

3. Do arenas anyway. They don't care arena gear "welfare epics" for nothing. Get in the ring and battle with the big dogs. The points will come slowly at first, but they will add up. Your feelings might get hurt by how badly you'll do, but you definitely will not regret it.

4. Socket your gear with Stamina gems and Resilience gems. I highly recommend [Steady Talasite]. They sell for 20g+ on the Auction House though, so if you can't afford those, I suggest [Solid Azure Moonstone].

Other than that, you're on your own! Good luck, and don't give up!