-"Holy jumping weasel critters on a hot cross bun! Look at that!"

Schwick’s Weekly Rambling

Warcraft Weekly is still looking for writers for the French and German versions of Warcraft Weekly: http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=89479862&sid=1

If you got ideas, complaints, remarks, useful links etc.. send them towards schwickster@gmail.com or I’m sometimes online on the following IRC channel “uk.quakenet.org #wow” (registered is required).

Greetings,
Schwick (Shadowsong)


What – Why – When

Blizzard updated their PVP FAQ to make it compatible for 2.0.1. Be sure to read it if you still got questions about the 2.0.1 PVP.
Link: http://www.wow-europe.com/en/info/basics/honor/honor-system-faq.html

Seems the real Leeroy (yes, THE Leeroy) held an interview with GGL. Good times.
Link: http://www.ggl.com/leroy.php


We are still Burning Crusade you say?

Yup, a new week, some new eye candy you can drool over.
Link: http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/burningcrusade/screenshots.html

A little reminder that your character slots on a realm will NOT increase.
Source: http://blue.cardplace.com/newcache/forums.worldofwarcraft.com/54937369.htm

New Mage Conjured Food and Water will be available. New Food level will be available at L70 and Water will be at L65. There will also be a book drop that will take it a rank higher. No numbers are given yet, how much mana and HP it gives.
Source: http://blue.cardplace.com/newcache/forums.wow-europe.com/13091454.htm

Aeus posted a reminder about which language you should buy if you going to get TBC. You need to buy the same language version as the original client (regardless of language pack).
Source: http://blue.cardplace.com/newcache/forums.wow-europe.com/93930115.htm

Yes, you do require WOW if you want to play the Burning Crusade.
Source: http://blue.cardplace.com/newcache/forums.worldofwarcraft.com/54887421.htm

For an archived what’s coming in the expansion, see: http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=89570241&sid=1&pageNo=1


The Informant

Iriel is making a list again, of upcoming UI changes.
Link: http://blue.cardplace.com/newcache/forums.worldofwarcraft.com/54916062.htm

For an archived what’s coming 2.1/2.2/.. , see: SOON


The Beta Informant

The Heroic difficulty will receive some changes. A badge will be added to the end boss and the item level rewards will be higher.
Source: http://blue.cardplace.com/newcache/beta.worldofwarcraft.com/1650224.htm

Tempest Keep reputation will be added in the next beta patch.
Source: http://blue.cardplace.com/newcache/beta.worldofwarcraft.com/1700527.htm

Be quick if you still want the Karazhan (Heroic) key from the vendor, cause in the next patch it will be removed. In the next patch you either need the reputation or do the quest.
Source: http://blue.cardplace.com/newcache/beta.worldofwarcraft.com/1800619.htm


2.0.1 Aftermath

The much awaited pre-expansion patch (2.0.1) was finally released previous week. To read what was implemented, read the link.
Link: http://www.wow-europe.com/en/info/underdev/implemented/2p01.html

Couple of hot-fixes went live this week:
- Prevent players from disconnecting in battlegrounds
- Patchwerk received a hot-fix to prevent him hitting you for 9/10K
Sources: http://blue.cardplace.com/newcache/forums.worldofwarcraft.com/54977382.htm
http://blue.cardplace.com/newcache/forums.worldofwarcraft.com/52827556.htm

Slouken released the new Interface Addon Kit for version 2.0.1.
Link: http://blue.cardplace.com/newcache/forums.worldofwarcraft.com/52717004.htm

Hunter’s Wyvern Sting not resetting when activating Readiness, is a bug. Also Hunter’s laying a freeze trap and keep auto attacking, is also a bug.
Source: http://blue.cardplace.com/newcache/forums.worldofwarcraft.com/54916842.htm

Yes, if you didn’t know, 2.0.1 contains the 40-debuffs (although you may not see them yet).
Source: http://blue.cardplace.com/newcache/forums.wow-europe.com/89610960.htm

Although you may already see the dungeon difficulty, they aren’t affecting current dungeons. They are there for expansion dungeons.
Sources: http://blue.cardplace.com/newcache/forums.worldofwarcraft.com/52717687.htm
http://blue.cardplace.com/newcache/forums.worldofwarcraft.com/52937587.htm

Currently enchants may look like they have been deleted, however, they currently look like normal stats. Luckily they will be fixed an upcoming patch. 2.0.2? Not sure yet.
Source: http://blue.cardplace.com/newcache/forums.worldofwarcraft.com/52867039.htm

Currently throwing weapons are all labelled as broken and considered vendor trash. New throwing weapons in the future however, will contain the new throwing weapon system (the more you throw, the more durability you lose).
Source: http://blue.cardplace.com/newcache/forums.worldofwarcraft.com/52938153.htm

Although you can visit the Caverns of Time itself, you can not enter the instances before you are L66. Meaning you got to have the expansion before you can enter the instance.
Source: http://blue.cardplace.com/newcache/forums.worldofwarcraft.com/52858566.htm

Wondered what the honor point limit is? It’s 75.000 honor points. Meaning if you reached the limit, you can not get more honor anymore.
Sources: http://blue.cardplace.com/newcache/forums.worldofwarcraft.com/55007397.htm
http://blue.cardplace.com/newcache/forums.worldofwarcraft.com/54938351.htm

What? You don’t have that 3-exalted-battleground-rank? For shame.. It’s a bug that will be squashed in the next patch.
Source: http://blue.cardplace.com/newcache/forums.worldofwarcraft.com/54859987.htm

You are still receiving XP2gold conversion, however, because of a display bug, it’s not shown.
Source: http://blue.cardplace.com/newcache/forums.worldofwarcraft.com/52938278.htm

Today’s honor is having some display issues and will be fixed in the next patch.
Source: http://blue.cardplace.com/newcache/forums.worldofwarcraft.com/52937742.htm

Alliance seeing Shaman loot drops and Horde Paladin loot? It’s working as intended. Remember that 2.0.1 is a pre-patch for the expansion.
Source: http://blue.cardplace.com/newcache/forums.worldofwarcraft.com/52857543.htm

Holy bugged stealth-ing Rogues Schwickman. Yes, Rogues stealth is bugged and will be fixed in the patch.
Source: http://blue.cardplace.com/newcache/forums.worldofwarcraft.com/52776189.htm

Click.. Click… Click… BLOODY CLICK!!! Erm.. yes.. another bug which will be fixed in the next patch ;-) (in the meantime, go to curse-gaming and get the klickfix mod)
Source: http://blue.cardplace.com/newcache/forums.worldofwarcraft.com/52777717.htm

A little reminder that you need to be L70 to make a team for Arenas. Pre-L70 can only do Skirmish. Also the buffs and conjured food not disappearing is a bug.
Sources: http://blue.cardplace.com/newcache/forums.worldofwarcraft.com/54857285.htm
http://blue.cardplace.com/newcache/forums.worldofwarcraft.com/52825848.htm

The Holy fire animations is a bug. The old animation will return in a future patch.
Source: http://blue.cardplace.com/newcache/forums.worldofwarcraft.com/54885658.htm


Realm (migration) update

All realms are currently able to move a character from a realm. However, not all realms will accept you. To see a list of realms who will accept you this week, go to: http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=17792218&sid=1
To transfer, go to your “Account Management” and click “Paid Character Transfer”.

For more information regarding paid character transfers, read the FAQ: http://www.wow-europe.com/en/info/faq/paidcharactertransfer.html

PCT is still down. More info soon.
Source: http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=92320018&pageNo=1&sid=1

BC Me A Question

Nowai asked me the following question:

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Q u o t e:

About the Arenas: will you only fight players from your server or from your whole battlegroup?
And if the last is the case, will the titles and prizes be for the top-ranked on each server or on each battlegroup?

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Arenas are crossrealm, meaning you will fight multiple realms. No specific details regarding the “top-ranked” have been released.

Theolddruid Asked me the following question:

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Q u o t e:

I want to know what level I get to go to the new arenas? I really hope its not like 61-70.

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Arenas can be visited pre-L70, however, they can only do Skirmish mode. Once L70, you can do the real deal.

Kittymewmew of Magtheridon asked me the following question:

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Q u o t e:

How will one be able to acquire the flying mounts? If I've understood correctly, one can obtain the blue flying mounts at level 68, and the epic ones at 70. The blue one can be purchased while the epic one requires questing and 5000 (?) gold. Where can I find more information about the prerequists for a epic mount, since it is wise to start saving in advance.

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Currently there will be no quest involved in getting flying mounts or the flying mount skills. However, the Nether Drakes require you to get on the top-list op the Arenas at the end of the season.

Kulsprutejoj of Nordrassil asked me the following question:

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Q u o t e:

I've seen by some comparisons that the Draenei is about the size of a tauren, so it might get hard for them to ride other alliance mounts, such as the horse. (taurens, who are at the same size, can not ride undead warhorses, which is about the size of normal horses) My question is, what mounts can the Draenei and Blood Elves ride?

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Currently Draenei can ride all mounts except the Gnome mount. Haven’t checked Blood Elves yet.

Leihug from Ragnaros asked me the following question:

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Q u o t e:

I´ve heard a wild rumour that guild sizes will be capped to 60 accounts in TBC, is this a confirmed fact?

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This rumour is false. Currently I’m in a guild that contains 432 accounts in the TBC beta.

Mesana of Shattered Hand asked me the following question:

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Q u o t e:

Is enchant texts (or other weapon buffs) still displayed in white? "+7 Agility", "Crusader" etc
Is the battleground reputation useful for anything at all now?

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No, in the TBC beta enchants are green. Currently in 2.0.1, there is a display bug that renders the enchants white.
The battleground reputation can reward you an extra rank title.

Aletta of Wildhammer asked me the following question:

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Q u o t e:

Is Darkmoon Faire still entertaining Azeroth in expansion? Does it get any upgrades, new rewards, quests etc.?

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The Darkmoon Faire is still roaming around Azeroth. Currently there is no known detail if there will be additional items for L61+.

Node of Skullcrusher asked me the following question:

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Q u o t e:

I have multiple accounts (3 to be precise), will I have to buy a copy of TBC , to be able to access Outlands on each account (meaning 3 copies of TBC)?

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Each account requires a separate copy of TBC.

Shintu of TarrenMill asked me the following question:

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Q u o t e:

I'm sure i read somewhere (and saw a SS on it) that the price for epic riding skill (150) would be reduced to 540g. When will this be implented?

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No known details are known yet, whether it will happen in final or not. I think it will be a TBC exclusive discount.

Saprovr of ZdC asked me the following question:

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Q u o t e:

Will it be possible to gain reputation in OG, Undercity, Silvermoon City, Ironforge a.s.o. by handing in rune cloth? Or will then accept only new kind of cloth?

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You can still hand in rune cloth. Currently there are no new-cloth-quests.

To submit your own questions for the next WW issue, go to: http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=94860239&sid=1


BC preview me one more time baby!

Please note, this week’s preview contains speculations and aren’t confirmed by Blizzard. Some information is confirmed though, but these will be noted if they are confirmed.

Intro

Instead of the usual preview of TBC, lets look a quick glimpse at the future after TBC.

TBC beta

Lets start with the current TBC beta. With still 2/3 weeks to go (assuming gold status will be 2 weeks before 16th January) we are nearing the end. What’s still to do?
- Gruul’s lair
- Various Heroic tweaks
- Class tweaking
- Boss encounter tweaks
- Reputation tweaks
- XP/Quest fixed/tweaks
- Various bug squashing
- Flesh out Blade's Edge Mountains with quests
- Itemization tweaks

Future Dungeons

Zul’Aman
Already promised to be patched in later. Zul’Aman will be an instance that resembles Zul’Gurub. Only this time it will be Forrest Trolls who will be giving you a hard time. Some people will ask how does this tie in with Outland? Well it doesn’t. But it does however, tie in with the Blood Elves (constant invasions by the trolls to reclaim Quel'Thalas).

The Black Temple (AKA Black Citadel)
Another instance promised to be patched in later. This instance will hold the Outland lord himself, Illidan Stormrage. This will be the BWL of Outland in my eyes. Or if they want to make it extra hard, they will save it for last and make it a Naxxramas like instance.

Oshu'Gun
Currently there is a huge diamond in Nagrand. Some quests and lore talk about this diamond. It used to be a vessel. Currently it contains a Naaru called K'ure. With a lot of Burning Legion plundering a lot of powers and diamonds there, it can be easy to agree that K’ure can be tainted. By the looks of it, it may be a Onyxia size dungeon.
http://s94.photobucket.com/albums/l111/SchwickWOW/General%20screens/?action=view&current=OshuGun.jpg

Caverns of Time
Aah, the favourite dungeon of the Burning Crusade. It can hold endless options what will be introduced. Currently there’s already 1 instance buried away behind scenery. What will it contain? Who knows. But here’s a few ideas of mine:
- Invasion of Dalaran
- The Mages showdown with Deathwing/Neltharion (who feigned his death)
- Invasion 10.000 years ago
- Showdown with the fallen Old God in Dark Shore
I could go on.

Dalaran
Dalaran, the biggest magical city there ever was. Why release the dungeon now? Well with the Blood Elves always craving for more power/energy, they might as well go to Dalaran. It may still contain enough powerful artifacts. Not to mention the Undead still crave for more artifacts.

Deathwing's lair
On one of the old maps of “Warcraft 2: Behind the Dark Portal” is a place called “Deathwing's lair”. I’ll doubt old Deathwing/Neltharion is still there, but it might still contain Nether Drakes and the likes of it. Not to mention it might contain information where old Deathwing/Neltharion is.

Others
I know there are more unfinished instances such as Grim Batol, The Vault, Uldum etc. However, these don’t make a obvious choice when it comes to making connections between Outland, Draenei or Blood Elves.

Future places

Outland Portals
Some places contain portals that are shutdown. One can believe it can be opened and visit the places beyond Outland. Who knows, but it’s a proven fact that Blizzard already said that Outland can be expanded a lot.
http://s94.photobucket.com/albums/l111/SchwickWOW/General%20screens/?action=view&current=portal.jpg
http://s94.photobucket.com/albums/l111/SchwickWOW/General%20screens/?action=view&current=portal2.jpg

Sunwell Plateau
Already promised to be patched in later. This will contain the Blood Elf’s magical fountain called the “Sunwell”. What it will be? Who knows. Outdoor boss, Dungeon, Just a level-up place, PVP etc.

Future battlegrounds/PVP

Azshara Crater
Why release Azshara Crater now? Well, for one, it contains Blood Elves buildings. Also it could be a good place to introduce a RTS based battlegrounds (build buildings and such, then duke it out).

The Battle of Hellfire Peninsula
A battleground promised back before details were final of Caverns of Time. Not much details were given about the battleground itself. But one can thing that it will contain the “Warcraft 2: Behind the Dark Portal” last defence between Azeroth and Outland.

Siege weapons
With Outland introducing a lot of war, it might be a good time to introduce siege weapons. The models and such are already in place. Where introduce them? Maybe The Battle of Hellfire Peninsula or a big outdoor PVP area.

Flying mount battlegrounds
With flying mounts being introduced in TBC, it would be the ultimate cool thing to introduce aerial combat. Of course, Blizzard already said that currently there are no plans to do so (to much modelling work), it could still be possible to duke it out in the air.

Future UI

Class timers
With 40-debuffs introduced in 2.0.1 it would be hard to monitor the debuffs. Some mods currently already provide timers and such. But Blizzard already said they have plans to introduce something similar.

BC preview me one more time baby! (continuation)

Misc

Hero Classes
A much promised feature that would postpone the need for new classes. After much delaying it might still go live after TBC. Although the question still remains, how will it work.

Future expansions
It’s already been said, each year a new expansion. So what’s left then?
- The great sea (+islands)
- Emerald dream
- Northrend
- Beyond Outland
Who knows, (World of) Warcraft is a huge place filled with enough places and lore to come up with enough content.

Or how about these classes:
- Tinkermaster
- Witchdoctor
- Necromancer
- Monk
Although new classes can be a tricky thing.

Guild banks
A feature that was planned to TBC but in the end didn’t make the cut. This feature has been delayed till a live update.

(Guild) Housing
A much desired feature in WOW. It has been promised a lot of times (even back in WOW beta). Who knows, it may appear in a live update before the next expansion.

Wild hunt
An event that was promised around 1.11. This world event let you go hunting the whole Azeroth around. It might still return in a live update after the expansion.

But who watches the watchers?

Each week a few topics or good links get chosen to be on the front-page of http://www.wow-europe.com and also have a chance to be included in the upcoming Warcraft Weekly.

To submit links that you think are worth mentioning, go to this link (http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=94780238&sid=1) and follow the steps there.


Forum Watch

What kind of whiner are you? – http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=89820869&sid=1

What kind of raider are you? – http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=89401146&sid=1

Guild Policies on Happy Fun Rocks? – http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=89611067&sid=1

Trollsformation - http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=88199190&sid=1

How to use the new LFG/LFM interface – http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=93859437&sid=1

Critters, where are they? – http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=94409630&sid=1

Create your own talent tree (beta) - http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=89461455&sid=1

click sounds and raid lag - http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=93689487&pageNo=1&sid=1


Feel free to discuss

Please participate in this discussion but do make a constructive reply, thank you.

Warrior questions - http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=92779588&pageNo=1&sid=1#0

Warrior solutions - http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=89611262&pageNo=1&sid=1

LFG/LFM-UI ideas - http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=93859437&pageNo=1&sid=1

Druid balancing - http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=89820984&pageNo=1&sid=1

To submit good discussions, go to the Forum Watch Nominations (But who watches the watchers)


Beer guzzling topics

Got any Ventrillo/Teamspeak mishaps to share? - http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=89481350&sid=1

Various Mage links - http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=93880064&pageNo=1&sid=1

Your very own Deathcoil (non-Warlock) - http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=94880420&sid=1


Site content

AFK magazine - http://www.afkmagazine.com/browse.php

Free DKP & raid management site - http://www.gsdkp.com/

Worldofwar.net updated their TBC Wiki - http://bc.worldofwar.net/content/index.php/Main_Page


Weekly returns

Azerothian Weekly #24 - http://www.azerothianweekly.com/

The Instance #45 - http://www.myextralife.com/wow/


Blizz talks

Arena PVP CC - http://blue.cardplace.com/newcache/forums.worldofwarcraft.com/52825667.htm

Aggro - http://blue.cardplace.com/newcache/forums.worldofwarcraft.com/55008358.htm

Priest design - http://blue.cardplace.com/newcache/forums.worldofwarcraft.com/54978274.htm

New enchanting rule - http://blue.cardplace.com/newcache/forums.worldofwarcraft.com/52905900.htm

Warrior issues - http://blue.cardplace.com/newcache/forums.worldofwarcraft.com/49567912.htm

Priest issues - http://blue.cardplace.com/newcache/forums.worldofwarcraft.com/55006548.htm

Why no 1VS1 Arena - http://blue.cardplace.com/newcache/forums.worldofwarcraft.com/54940554.htm

LFG - http://blue.cardplace.com/newcache/forums.worldofwarcraft.com/55010518.htm


Humor R & impressive R WOW

Leeroy Leeroys the meeting - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiBfF0cSEeM

Leeroy Leeroys the cake – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTDqClH0zGo

Leeroy Leeroys the elevator - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8LtObIjZYg

40 Shamans VS 40 Paladins - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZypVmfR91dE


World of Comiccraft

Pay your taxes! - http://www.gucomics.com/archives/view.php?cdate=20061205

Happy patch day - http://www.actiontrip.com/comics/at_comic161.phtml

There is no such thing as technology - http://www.darklegacycomics.com/

Another x-mas special - http://www.theflamingruby.net/chi/comic.php?num=30

Deleted scenes - http://www.theflamingruby.net/chi/comic.php?num=29

How to escape from GMs - http://www.thenoobcomic.com/daily/strip229.html

Even in non-WOW games people roll Shamans - http://www.penny-arcade.com/comic/2006/12/11

Let the resurrecting begin - http://www.lfgcomic.com


Wallpaper/Fanart/Contest

WOW TCG wallpaper - http://www.wow-europe.com/en/downloads/tcg-wallpapers/tcg-wallpaper7.html

Flight machine artwork - http://www.blizzard.com/inblizz/fanart/ScreenShot.aspx?ImageIndex=438&Set=0

Comic contest honourable mention - http://www.blizzard.com/wow/screenshot.aspx?ImageIndex=114&Set=64


Previous Episodes

http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=15732190


Credits
Schwick – Author and co-creator of Warcraft Weekly (EU)
Sherinda – Spanish translator & Spanish feedback

Additional credits
Anvilbeard – Founding father of WW-EU
Blizzard EU – Support and sticky’ing
EU community – For countless times of support

The gruesome statistics of spam:
Number of Peons died on the old forums: 4
Number of Murkeys died on the old forums: 7
Number of Murkeys died on the new forums: 6
Number of Realm-hamsters died: 7
Number of Tauren-milkers died: 4
Number of Forgottens (rakanishu!!!) died: 4
Number of Burning Crusade ETAs died: 7
Number of Fluffy bunnies died: 4
Number of Vaneras did have a nervous meltdown, resulting in using his gun to make swiss altarec cheese out of you: 4
Times that Aeus has eaten all your cookies, then will use your bathroom to leave a big messy surprise: 5
Times that Thundgot has killed a kitten and then make gyro out of it: 0
Times that the Blood Elf will name somebody Legolas: 3
Times that Ommra has squeezed somebody to death with her udders: 5
Times that Schwick used his green-o-death on you: 6
Times that Crezax ripped out your internals and make Azeroth's finest Haggis: 1
Times that Thundgot used his hypnotic eyes and made you think you are a Murloc: 4
Times that Vaneras has unleashed his pet Murloc called "IwillPWNu": 4
Times that little innocent troll "Truzoeka" biten in your leg and /tickle'd you: 5

Everytime you:
- 1st/2nd/3rd/<enter random number here>
- 1st page/2nd page/<enter random number here>
- IBTS/In before the stick
- Spam
- TLDR
- IATS/In after the stick/In after the Schwick
- Post something crappy
- Complaining about the green/Hate the green/
- Last
- Steal this thread/sticky
- Hit on Ommra
- Steal Aeus's cookie
- Drink Vaneras's beer
- Make fun of Thundgot's dandruff
- Look at Crezax and make a reference to Hogger
- Steal Techlead's gadgets
- All of the above

Vaneras will bombard you with his [smelly-socks-o-stench]


As always:
Have a nice week and enjoy this week's issue!

Schwick (Shadowsong-EU)
schwickster@gmail.com
MVP (http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=87109062&sid=1)

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Q u o t e:
Nice and informative as it usually goes. :D

(grats on 70 WWs?) :)

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The fat lady will sing at 100 WWs ;-) (and 50 issues from me)

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Q u o t e:


Isnt the fat lady supose to sing when people die? Or i have my movie info all wrong? o.0

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The expression goes "It aint over till the fat lady sings". Depends how you look at it :-)

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Q u o t e:
Man I wish we had a few Tseric's and Drysc's over here in the EU. Those guys know their game and their behaviour in the face of sometimes overwhelming bile is quite exemplary. I'm not taking anything away from our local CM's, but I really feel second class when people close to the devs are having detailed discussions about the game and its design philosophy while we are forced to listen in from the wings.

Anyway, another great WW Schwick, thanks.

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I've seen some interesting posts from our CM's in the past.