It's Time To Play the Music

Well, thanks to the wonders of modern technology, I now have the ability to talk to guildies. I know, I know, it's been there a while but due to not having the correct set up (mic, headphones that actually work, etc), plus the fact that my PC is located in my living room where my lil family sit most of the evening, I had not done it.

This changed when my partner was told that to raid with his guild, TeamSpeak was a requirement. So we set about figuring this out. I found that there was a fancy, sparkly TeamSpeak app for iPhone! I downloaded and watched him raid. I decided he was not going to have all the fun, so I downloaded Ventrilo onto my iPhone so I could do the same.

And what a fantastic decision! I imagine this is how cavemen felt when they made fire. Though, it is somewhat addictive. I want to talk, like, all the time now. But I get so easily distracted that I all I can manage to do is fish while I talk. And that's when I can manage to talk. Today ended up in a complete giggle fit that I could not bring myself out of. Largely due to some Muppets, a Swedish Chef and some very funny guildmates! My ribs have only just recovered! And I can't promise that next time I'm on I won't giggle that hard again. Once I start, that's it! Though I will try to actually speak next time!

Here is a mini guide to my odd regional accent for those who may need it. I will try to speak standard English as much as I can but occasionally I may break into 'full Yorkshire', especially if I am playing/swearing/doing anything more difficult than cooking. So here goes:

Daarn = Down
Gooin = Going
Nar    = Now (sometimes I switch between the two in the same conversation. Usually when I realise I have said 'nar')
wunt   = Wouldn't
Bin     = Been
Mi      = My
Ome   = Home

We do not say 'h' at the beginning of words. Though I try my best to, sometimes I may forget. So 'Hearthstone would become 'Arthstone'.

I'll add more to when I think of them!

Thanks for the giggles :)

A Gilnean Fairytale

During my travels in Azeroth, I came across an area in the Eastern Kingdoms. It looked to be a once beautiful place but was now derelict. I was intrigued. I hopped off my broomstick so I could take a closer look around. The town was empty. All that could be heard was the wind howling through the empty buildings. This seemed not to be the best place to be around Halloween, even my Water Elemental friend was afraid to come with me. Still, my gnomie curiosity would not let me leave. I came across a church. Though the rest of the town was half destroyed, this building remained intact. I followed it's lavish red carpet to the front of the church. All of a sudden, the wind rushed through and window and blew open a book that was resting at the altar. It's golden pages shone brightly and I could not resist the urge to read. It was almost as if the book was calling to me.

The book told of a child born during the mass infection of humans in Gilneas by Worgens. It was then I realised I was in the Ruins of Gilneas. I had heard tales of this place. And none of them were good. Yet, this book spoke of hope. The child, born to a human princess, who had been living in Gilneas at the time of the curse spreading. Bitten by a worgen whilst pregnant, she bore a child days later. This child had none of the madness that other worgens possessed. The book told of this child's early years. Her great love of animals and her ability to calm even the wildest of worgens. It was clear that this child would grow to be the saviour of Gilneas. To create peace and harmony within a race that had previously only known violence and insanity. This made her important and a target for those who wished to keep worgens savage. So, a group of travelling priests took away the child to keep her safe until the time was right for her to return and rebuild Gilneas.

I felt it was my destiny to find this child. I began my search at Stormwind Cathedral. Surely the priests there would know of this story.

The priest I spoke to knew of this girl immediately. I assured him that I wished her no harm, only to help. He told me that she had once lived in the Cathedral, under the safe watch of the priests of Stormwind. She was to stay in her human form at all times, so as not to raise any suspicions and draw those to her who may wish to do her harm. She attended school every day. Until one day that changed it all. Sensing that this girl was different, the other children teased her. Almost relentlessly. Until she could take it no more. She burst into her worgen form and chased the worst of her tormentors out of the gates of Stormwind.

See the blond one at the front? Don't let his looks deceive you. He's a massive jerk.

It became clear that she could stay here no longer now that people were talking of a worgen in Stormwind. So, the priests sent her to a place they hoped she would be unseen. Knowing her affinity for animals (and the fact that the Night Elves were somehow to blame for worgens), they sent her to Darnassus, to be under the careful watch of the Cenarion Circle.

Again, because I'm too lazy to fly, I took a portal there straight away.

I spoke with Malfurion and Tyrande of what I had learned so far. Knowing that I was only here to find and help to protect her they told me of the things that had come to pass since she was brought to Darnassus. She was now a teenager, who's growing powers were only surpassed by her beauty. She spent her days training as a druid and her free time tending to sick animals. A modest girl, she does not realise the true healing power she possesses. Her strength of character was clear to all who had met her. There was no hiding the fact that this girl would be powerful when she comes of age.

They spoke with great joy at how she was progressing. It was easy to see that these Night Elves had grown to love her very much. But they also told me about the Great Battle that was raging for Gilneas. The Horde were attacking in waves to try and take Gilneas as their own and use the power of the worgens for their own gain. Malfurion asked that if I wanted to help, I fight here. Knowing the importance of a new Gilneas for the Eastern Kingdoms I agreed to fight until the very end.

And here I am

At the gates of Gilneas, waiting for the battle to commence. Every Orc I Ice Lance to the face will be for Princess Sami. Every Tauren that I turn into a teeny penguin will be for her. So that one day she can return to a safe Gilneas to restore it to it's former glory and live happily ever after with her exteeeemely handsome Prince (I cannot speak of the secret betrothal just yet). Legends will tell of these battles and of the restoration of Gilneas. The drums grew louder, the gates flew open and the battle shouts began 'For Princess Sami, For Gilneas!!!'

One for the Photosensitives!

I started doing Raid Finder last night. I only did the first part but I kinda enjoyed it. I was able to play in Frost. Not the best dps ever but manageable. My gear is only just 460, so it'll get better. Also, the trash mobs are freezable, which = giant ice cubes! So, today my friend and I went to do it again, post reset. The first half went great. Although I was uber jealous of the Fire Mage pushing out epic dps. I almost went all Showgirls on him and wanted to throw some marbles for him to fall over!

Then we went to do the second part. Aside from me throwing out all my AoE's at the same time, arms flailing, when I wasn't supposed to (you live and learn), it was ok on the first boss. Then that big starry dragon happened. And for that I would like to send Blizzard a big middle finger! And here is why...

I am a photosensitive epileptic. I also have problems with fast moving geometric shapes and tightly spaced lines. I enjoy gaming and i know my triggers. But I am in a position now where any sort of progression in Raids has come to an end. Yes, in past raids there have been bosses with lots of seizuretastic flashes. But provided we down it fast and have no wipes, all is good. I've only had a bad problem once. In DS, our group wiped a few times on the Ultraxion fight. Because that fight requires you to concentrate and time the Hour of Twilight and everyone is stacked, throwing out lightning bolts, arcane barrages etc, the risk becomes greater. By the end I was twitching (myoclonic jerks) and it put me in bed for a day. So, that ended that little journey. I love my gaming but I know when to call some of it quits.

On the new raids the fights are longer, the screen bounces a lot on all bosses and everything moves so fast. But the shiny dragon...he is something else. Pretty though he is, he is an instant downer for someone sensitive to flashing lights. He was like a little Easter egg of bad. I know the game has to be fun and visually exciting and that it isn't only aimed at me but did it really have to be so god damned flashy? I will not be trying that fight again, ever. I played most of it blind (one eye covered helps disrupt the flashes. but I also only have 20% vision in the eye uncovered. which means lesser chance but more blind). Apologies to anyone in this Raid group. If you saw a FM running around like a headless chicken, that was me.

This means I'm out of raiding, even as a spare on a guild run. It means I can't try for the epic drops either. Looks like its back to fishing and growing crops for me! I'll carry on working towards Arena but until my partner is back, I'll just have to amuse myself with other things.

Anyway, more QQ later. For now I'm going to nap and feel better.

Something's Missing...

I went to see Agee today. Something has been troubling me and this wise little old guy is where I go for comfort...

We sat in front of a roaring fire, just pondering life. The silence was a comfortable one. One that can only be shared between close friends. Agee knew I was troubled but asked no questions. That's the great thing about Agee.

 Soon I found myself falling into a deep, peaceful sleep. One that I had needed for so long..

The bright sun shone down on my face. I rolled over to see a small animal running towards me. His eyes red, as though he had been crying for days. He said to me, 'My name is Socks and I need your help. Seek out the Short Bearded Paladin who shines like the sun to avenge Gizmo's death!'. Then he vanished. It was then I knew I was dreaming. I had met Socks before but he was turned into Jade by the Jade Witch, so this could not be real life! I, erm, might have abandoned the quest that released him from the Jade so I could go farm windwool and fish. So, because of my guilt at letting him become a lawn decoration (don't even go there readers...I'm sitting in no gardens), I decided to seek out the Paladin of which he spoke.

I woke up, bleary eyed but dedicated to fulfilling Socks' request. But where would I find such a Paladin? I thought of my dream. Socks had told me the Paladin was short and bearded. This can only mean one thing. Dwarf! My search would begin at Ironforge. I transported myself immediately by portal, because I'm too damn lazy to fly.

I went straight to the top. The mission was of utmost importance. To the High Seat I went. I stormed past the guards and looked Muradin Bronzebeard in the eye. I told him of my quest. He responded with, 'sod off, y'er little bastard' in his Scottish drawl before the guards manhandled me and threw me into the corridor. I get the feeling dwarfs don't like gnomes very much...

Dusting myself off, I decided to ask a kindly looking Blacksmith. By this point I did not care if dwarves hated me or not. Gizmo needed to be avenged. Fortunately, this particular dwarf looked upon my cute face and took pity on me. But he requested a price for this information. I had to do a /train for him and his friends. I took a deep breath, knowing the scorn my high pitched 'chugga chugga choo choo' would cause. I did it and the whole place erupted with belly laughs and 'wtf's'. When he eventually composed himself and changed his pants (dwarves have bladder control 'issues'), he told me a Paladin fitting my description had passed through not long ago to use his forge. He did not know where he had gone but he said his armour was the finest he had ever seen! On I went, disappointed with my venture...

I went to Karanos next but they had not seen nor heard of the Paladin I was looking for. My search seemed futile. On a hunch I decided to go to Tinker Town to ask there. I had a feeling in my gut that this dwarf had a soft spot for gnomes but couldn't express it due to his races' prejudice towards us, lest he be mocked for being a 'gnome sympathiser'.

I asked all around town until someone pointed me here. They told me they had seen a dwarf fitting my description 'chilling' in the coolest house in town. So cool, in fact, that they all wore sunglasses...inside. I walked in, in my garish red outfit, like a boss. They sat, staring at me behind their expensive branded sunglasses. I demanded they tell me of this dwarf immediately. In a slightly drunk sounding voice, one of them said, 'yeah dude, we partied with him. Dwarf can drink!'. Ok, we were getting somewhere. I calmly asked what he had said and that the killers of Gizmo must be avenged. The gnome on the bunk looked up and replied, 'chill dude...!'. I stopped him right there...'chill dude?? I will Ice Lance you to the face if you don't tell me where he went. This dwarf is the only one who can stop Socks haunting my dreams!'. The gnome shook so hard, he almost fell off his trendy modular bunk. 'Ok, Ok, he said he was going to find an epic Golden Axe to go with his perfect Golden Armor. He said he would farm that dungeon until the bloody thing dropped and transmog the axe he had with better stats into something more awesome looking because Cataclysm gear is ugly'. I knew then that this was the dwarf I was looking for. Socks said he shined like the sun...golden armor. It all fits. So, I went the only place I knew I would find him. Stormwind City.

And here I waited. I know that one day he will return. When the time is right, he will be here. And then I will give him his task. Rubedeus, Socks needs you. Put on your Golden Armor, hunt down Gizmo's murderers and slay them all. Then drinks and cake, ok? :)

They're Following Me, I'm Sure!

New books arrived at work today and this was my favourite, of course!

Pandas in pants, running wild! What's not to love! In my mind, this is the story of what will happen should I ever roll a panda...

Kodak Moments!

I was taking a look through my screenshots this morning and found a few that I forgot about! So, here is my blog photo album. Enjoy!

Here we have the last day of Cataclysm, Just before the reset. If anyone has been present during a normal reset, you will know what happens in SW. But this one was different. A shout appeared in Trade Chat for everyone to go to the Cathedral. I'm nosy, so I went, to find this. Looks innocent enough, so I joined in...

And then more came...

Still fairly sensible...

Party Time! Let the dancing begin!

Awkward moment when some tall dude dances right in your face *blushes*

Almost time...

The End Is Here! Bye Bye Cataclysm, it was fun.

*Apologies for the swears. But it's, well, Trade Chat*

When WoW tries to give you a hint...

Thanks for the confidence boost Blizzard!

Suffering some lag in SW when I tried to mount up. Nothing happened. Then 5 mins later when I was minding my own business, this...

Flying Gnomie!

Randoms:

Check the recount...Mage Raaaage!

Quality response to some BG rage! This made me chuckle...more than it should have!

When Illusion goes horribly, horribly wrong. 

More to follow :)

Time To Enter the Arena...Almost!

Apologies to anyone who regularly reads this blog for the lack of posts lately. It's just, well, sexy new expansion grabbing my attention. And sexy it is. By far and away my favourite area of the game, Pandaria has given me tons of new things to do, with stunning looking areas and fun quests. Though I'm enjoying quests, dungeons and pottering about, my main goal is to be arena ready now the season has opened.

Last season I only did a couple of arena matches but this season my arena partner and I are gonna go hard! I'm back to being a full on Frost Mage now (because it's awesome) and I have a wonderful Shadow Priest partner who is a) Far more skilled than I, b) Capable of putting out wicked amounts of damage AND keep me healed and c) Lots of fun to play with! The combination is loaded with win. Our Frosty/Face Melty power has been tested in BG's and has yielded great success. We've held towers and bases alone, without too much hassle from the opposition. Though we've had some defeats, the majority of our adventures have been very satisfying. With better gear and more training we shall soon be a team to reckon with! And with my partner's wife hopefully joining us for 3v3 as a skilled, pvp Hunter, we will soon be racking up the body count! As you all know, the biggest enjoyment of the game for me is splatting horde, so to find like minded guildies, willing to let me join them (even though sometimes my brain leaks and I get us all killed) is an excellent bonus!

So, soon I will be posting tales of our exploits. The wins, the losses and most of all, the fun times!