3 Ways Garrisons Could Have Been Better

When Warlords of Draenor was first announced, the garrisons were one of the big things people were excited about. But in the end they ended up being what destroyed Warlords and caused the subscription rate to drop drastically. In concept, the idea is perfect. A homing system is what a lot of players want in an MMO. In practice, it wasn't so much what people wanted. These are some ways that I think would have made it better in practice.

1. Custom Decorating

When housing was announced, I was one of the people that had hoped that you would be able to customize it a little bit more. Getting to put the buildings where you want is great, but I think they could have done a little better. I don't think they needed to go full Final Fantasy and have furniture and color wheels, but I do think they could have made it a little better. 

If they had put sets---like a night elf set, a tauren set--locked behind achievements and quests, I think it would have been a lot better. Change all the buildings at once and it wouldn't be all that different from how some people have the trading post and others don't. Or when people change the guards. It would have let it be a little more personal and still wouldn't have completely broken the amount of space needed.

2. Leveling Professions

The buildings were a great idea. But I don't think you should have been able to level 1 - max in your garrison. I think the fact that you didn't have to leave your garrison to level your professions hit the game hard. If they had left the lower level professions to their specific expansions---still had to go through all of the usual leveling, I think it would have been better. The buildings were great for buying recipes and getting the items but being able to level completely there took away from the game. 

3. No Mine. No Herb Garden

The mine and the herb garden took away from part of the game. There was no reason to leave your garrison to do professions. Like above, it made it so you stayed in one place. Professions have been part of the game since they were incorporated. The mine and the garden crashed not only that part of the game, but also the auction house. If they had kept those out--I think the expansion would have been a lot better. Many of the buildings and things were great---but I feel like professions just screwed themselves inside the garrisons. 

Garrisons in concept were amazing. But they needed to work them out a little better. Maybe they needed a little more time on the drawing board. If you have any ideas of what could have made them better, let me know! 

O.S

Celebrate the Solstice

Summer is finally here and the Midsummer Fire Festival is upon us. I am sure there are many of you that are going to run around and light some bonfire and pee on others (come on, I'm not the only one that thinks of it that way right?). But this festival brings so much more than bonfires in each capital city and scattered throughout the zones. So this is your guide to celebrating the Summer Solstice in World of Warcraft!

Take a Spin on the Ribbon Pole

I am sure many of you are familiar with the May Pole and old Pagan tradition that is used in the month of May for celebrations. Well, WoW has it's own version of this and it is located at each bonfire. Clicking on the pole will grant you a ribbon and your character will spin like crazy around the ribbon pole. Why would you  do this? To get dizzy? No my friend, spinning on the pole will grant you a buff that increases your XP from killing creatures by 10%. Seems like a pretty good deal right? And a bonus: If you are dressed up in your midsummer best--you get an achievement for spinning around the pole.

Kill the Holiday Boss

This year, Ahune drops level 670 cloaks. I highly recommend you take advantage of the easy gear--especially with Legion coming out in a little over a month ( -screams- ) Trust me, you don't want to be in greens when you enter those questing zones the first day. I did for Mists and I hated my life until the nerf to the mobs a month later. So go get your cloak! 

Along with that Ahune also drops the Ice Chip which teaches you the Frigid Frostling. Add this little guy to your pet collection or sell him later down the road for a bit gold, it's up to you---however I don't recommend you try selling him right away, because that's what everyone is going to do. 

Juggle Some Torches

Now, you might be looking at this and going "wtf Obsidian, why would I want to juggle torches?" Because it gives an achievement and makes you feel like you are coordinated--even if you can't do a summer salt outside of your computer screen. The torches come from the vendors near the bonfire and cost the event currency. 

Take in a Fireworks Show!

The Fireworks Spectacular is held on the last day of the festival and lasts the whole day. Every hour a fireworks show is set off in Booty Bay and lights up the sky. Make sure you stop at a local food vendor before you take off for one of these events and grab rhino dogs and warp burgers and stock up on the alcohol! But make sure you don't drink too much. No one wants to end up drunk in Booty Bay!

The MidSummer Fire Festival will be held Tuesday June 21st, 2016 - Tuesday, July 5th, 2016 this year and the Fireworks will be held Monday July 4th! Please celebrate responsibly! 

OS

10 Father's in World of Warcraft that Deserve a Happy Father's Day

1. Durotan

With the release of the Warcraft movie, it is only natural that this orc would be on our list. But more than just being a movie star has him at the top of our list. Durotan is a pretty awesome father. Durotan was the chieftain of the Frostwolves on Draenor. He was one of the only orcs to refuse to "gift" Gul'dan presented the orcs as they crossed the Dark Portal into Azeroth. He put the health and needs of his people and family over the power the warlock could give them--seeing the darkness in the Fel. Durotan and his people were exiled upon reaching Azeroth to Alteric Valley where his mate Draka gave birth to a boy that would later be known as Thrall--one of the most powerful shaman in Warcraft lore. While Durotan never raised his son himself, due to assassins slaughtering his people as they camped out in the Valley, Durotan's influence is seen in every good thing Thrall does to this day.

2. Thrall

Like his father before him, this orc has made the list of father's deserving of a good day today. Thrall was an orc raised in slavery and helped liberate the orcs with the help of his father's best friend Ogrim Doomhammer. He quickly rose in power -- uniting the Tauren, Trolls, Goblins, Forsaken, and Blood Elves to form the Horde we know today and over saw the building of Ogrimmar. When Deathwing sought to destroy Azeroth, Thrall put down his manle as Warchief and picked up the mantle of shaman--facing the terror with the dragon aspects and was made the aspect of earth in Deathwing's stead. Thrall is the father of Durak and the mate of Agra. Though Durak is still a baby, fans will have no doubt that he is bound for greatness like his father and grandfather before him.

3. Cairne Bloodhoof

Cairne was the leader of the Tauren when Thrall came to Kalimdor and quickly allied himself with the lost orcs. The tauren is revered as one of the wisest leaders of any race on Azeroth and is still honored by many. He shaped the tauren into the powerful and strong race that is known today from peaceful villagers that were tormented by centaurs. When word reached his ears that Thrall's successor was killing innocent druids in cold blood, the chief challenged Garrosh and was defeated by a poisoned version of Gorehowl and died during the duel. Cairne's son Baine is now the current leader of the tauren and aids Vol'Jin in taking the Horde back fro ma corrupt and power hungry Garrosh.

      4. Sen'Jin

                                                                                                            [wowwiki.com]

Sen'jin was the leader of the Darkspear trolls and their spiritual guide. He led the trolls to have a peaceful existence until humans and the, now hostile, merlocs attacked and forced them to go to war. On his death, Sen'Jin begged Thrall to take the trolls from their island home and lead them to safety. He is memorialized in the troll village of Sen'Jin and in the Argent Tournament, the trolls fight in his name. Sen'Jin is the father of Vol'Jin, the current Warchief of the Horde and the troll that aided in dethroning Garrosh with the help of the other Horde leaders. He is followed in death by his grandson, Yenniku, son of Vol'Jin

5.  Terenas Menethil II

Terenas Menethil was the last king of Lordaeron and original founder of the Alliance. He was considered to be one of the most powerful human leaders until his line was ended by the hand of his own son, Arthas. The writing on his tomb reads, most reverently:

Here lies King Terenas Menethil II -- Last True King of Lordaeron.
"May the Father lie blameless for the deeds of the son.
May the bloodied crown stay lost and forgotten."

Great were his deeds -- long was his reign -- unthinkable was his death.

Upon the death of the Lich King, his spirit is seen emerging from Frostmourne, the blade that ended his life. When the Lich King falls, he stays at his son's side as he dies and ushers him into the after life, assuring him that at long last his rule is over and Arthas can now rest peacefully. Terenas's is the voice over for the Wrath of the Lich King trailer [ LINK]

6. Highlord Alexandros Mograine

Alexandros was known as the Ashbringer and wielded a sword that shared the name. He was one of the leaders of the Silver Hand until he was murdered by his son Renault using his own blade against him. Renault had been courupted by the Scourge and became what is known as a Death Knight--the very thing the Silver Hand fought to destroy. His body was claimed by Kel'Thuzad and he was reanimated as a Death Knight and was part of the Four Horseman. His youngest son, Darion would do all he could--battling into Naxxramas with the Argent Dawn to rescue his father but would inevitably fail--his story ending the same as his father and brother's--as a Death Knight. During The Battle for Light's Hope, Alexandros appears to his son in a memory brought on by Tirion Fordring. In the memory Alexandros tells Darion he will one day wield the Ashbringer, but the happiness is quickly put to an end as the Lich King steals the soul of Darion's father with Frostmourne. During the Shadowmourne quest chain an item called Akexandros's Soul Shard drops and is returned to his son. During this quest, the spirit of Alexandros appears one last time and thanks Darion for saving him.

7. King Genn Greymane

Genn Greymane is the King of Gilneas and one of the original human leaders to form the Alliance. He lead his people through the horrors of the Worgen curse, showing them that they could still be human and not give into the beast within. He also fought off the Forsaken and kept the undead from taking over their lands. He is the father of Liam Greymane, a brave young prince that gave his life to save his father when Lady Sylvanas fired a Black Arrow meant for Genn's heart. As of Legion, Genn Greymane is the leader of the Alliance until Varion's fate is discovered.

                                                                                                                                                                 [wowwiki.com]

8. Anasterian Sunstrider

Anasterian Sunstrider was the last elven king of Quel'Thalas. His reign lasted 3,000 years until it was destroyed by Prince Arthas. A member of the Alliance during the Second War, he quickly withdrew when his kingdom was set ablaze by Horde forces. When Arthas invaded the Isle of Quel'Danas, Anasterian and his forces were struck down by the Scourage. The king's son Kael'thas survived the onslaught and recovered his father's weapon and skull before fleeing to the Outlands where he was aided by the Blood Elves. The young prince is blinded by revenge and vows to bring his people back to power in the name of his father. He is the boss of Tempest Keep and must be defeated, all thoughts of his father's former honor and glory consumed by grief and vengeance. 

9. Varian Wrynn

Varian is the leader of the Alliance and King of Stormwind. He has led his people to many victories including those against the Lich King and the Horde. Under his leadership. Stormwind survived the onslaught of Deathwing and made new allies in the Pandarian. His son is Anduin, a young man that is growing up to be a powerful priest and there has never been a fiercer love than the one Varian holds for his young son. Varian's story is one of magic and betrayal and dragons. He has faced many foes and beaten them all, even when they took him far from his son's side for many years. As of Legion, Varian Wrynn is presumed dead and his son has taken his place on the throne of Stormwind

10. Grommash Hellscream

                                             

Grommash is the most controversial father on this list. A powerful warrior that fought his way through the lines to become an orc of legend. After he was captured by Thrall and Jaina, the human mage was able to pull the Fel power from his veins and he was released from the blood curse that Gul'Dan had put on many of the orcs that had crossed through the Dark Portal. He single handedly ended the life of the demon Mannoroth and saved his people from his corruption. Among the Horde, he is seen as a hero and his death is honored every year by thousands of Horde. Grommash is the father of Garrosh Hellscream, the orc Thrall placed the fate of the Horde in. It is known that Garrosh wanted nothing more than to honor is father's memory, but it is also believed that Grommash would have been ashamed of his son's actions. 

Any Warcraft father's you think should have been on this list? Who is your favorite Warcraft father and why? Let me know in the comments below and have yourself a Happy Father's Day!

OS

                                                                           

9 Mounts You May Have Forgotten

1, The Ravenlord Mount

Warlords of Draenor have made the raven mounts popular with the addition of a handful of new ones and the backstory of the Arakkoa. But one must never forget the original raven mount -- Anzu. This blue bird was once a status symbol to show how many times you had run the Burning Crusade Heroic: Sethekk Halls from Anzu himself! As the mount only drops on Heroic it can only be done once per day---but since mounts are now account wide, you can farm it as many times as you have toons that can clear it! 

2. Swift Zulian Panther

Once upon a time, the Zulian instances were raids and a handful of players remember a time where you needed a full group to clear them and they dropped the fabled tiger and bear mounts. But sadly this is no more. Many people are not aware, however, that the tiger has been replaced with a panther! This mount drops from High Priestess Kilnara in Zul' Gurub and is a steal at max level! If you can tolerate running the instance until it drops! Along with being an addition to the mount count, it is a saber Horde can use! That's right Horde! If you are jealous of the Alliances' cat mounts---you can have one of your own for the low cost of farming a Heroic!

3. Armored Razzashi Raptor

Everyone loves raptors! They are one of the many benefits of rolling Horde. But if you are one of the many that have chosen to side with the Alliance, lucky for you Blizzard has implemented a few raptors that you can use as well. Among them is this fine feathered friend. The raptor drops from Bloodlord Mandokir in Zul'Gurub; and while at one point the mechanics could make a person pull their hair out--at max level the farm is quite easy and you'll be kicking yourself for not doing this farm sooner!

4. The Winterspring Frostsaber/ Venomhide Ravasaur

Sadly, the factions cannot get both of these mounts. The saber is Alliance only and the raptor is Horde only. If you faction transfer, the mount will change with you. But either way, they are good looking mounts that come at the cost of a quest chain! Both mounts come from a quest called "They Grow Up So Fast." The Alliance one located in Winterspring and the Horde located in Un'Goro Crater. Each quest involves gathering 20 a specific item, runecloth, rugged leather and 80 gold-- none of which are a challenge these days. The only catch is -- the quest has to be done for 20 days as each iteration only drops one of the item. For a mount, that is not so bad, especially considering you will get gold for doing the daily and it adds to the daily count! It's a triple threat! 

5. The Blue Proto-Drake

Proto-Drakes are a strong case of: you either love them or you hate them. Many people prefer the sleek look of regular drakes, while others like the more rugged look. Either way--they add to the mount drop and this beauty is just another Heroic farm! A drop from Skadi the Ruthless in Utgarde Pinnacle on Heroic, he is an easy farm that can be done once a day per character. Unless, of course, it is the Lich King Time-Walking! That's right, Utgarde Pinnacle is one of the instances you can get while queuing for Time Walking randoms and the mount still drops! 

6. The Sea Turtle

Stop everything you are doing and look at this little guy. He can be yours for the low cost of fishing in Northrend. That's right--the Sea Turtle comes from nothing but fishing. Now, the drop chance is low--but it is definitely worth the time. Though it does not increase your speed on land, it does increase your swim speed. Remember Vashj'ir? He works there are well until you get the sea horse! To make the whole thing better---his jump animation is him hiding in his shell. Why are you still here? Go start fishing!

7. The Green Proto - Drake

Wrath mount farmers can tell you stories of this mount. While it adds to the mount count, this is one of the more frustrating mounts to farm for.  The mount is a chance drop from an egg that you  can buy from the Oracles AFTER you have hit revered. The egg costs 3 gold and takes 3 days to hatch. The mount is one of several things that can come from the egg --- including a handful of companion pets -- and has the lowest drop rate of all of them. You will jump for joy the day you see it come out of the egg.

8. The Polar Bear

Of the handful of bear mounts in the game, the polar bear is the most tedious to get. But, it is highly worth the work. The polar bear is a personal favorite of my mount collection. The mount is a chance drop from Hyldnir Spoils which is an item earned through a handful of dailies given to you in Brunnhildar Village  in Storm Peaks. The drop chance is low and you may end up doing the dailies for a better part of a month, but once you get it, I promise you will add it to your favorites on the random button.

9. The Fiery Warhorse

This mount has been lost to the passing of time. A relic from the raid Karazan, this mount is a rare drop from the first boss : Attumen the Huntsman. An extremely low drop, it is an easy task to farm--simply run it and kill the boss and then leave, or finish the raid if you would like. The horse has a similar model to The Headless Horseman mount but it does not have the ability to fly. The red details and vampire like fangs add to the swag points that the Horseman's mount simply does not have. It's one hell of a mount to ride into PvP on, that's for sure!

Tell me some of your favorite mounts in the comments! Blogs will be posted a couple times a week, keep tuning back in to see what we are talking about next! 

SO

10 Hunter Pets That Outclass Spirit Beasts

If you're a hunter than you know all about the trials of finding that perfect pet--the one that goes with your transmog and matches your personality. Most people, when looking for the coolest pet--think of spirit beasts. Well, you poor soul, I am here to tell you -- hearth out of that zone you have been sitting in for days on end! Sit back and relax my hunter friend! Because I am about to show you 10 awesome pets in World of Warcraft that are not spirit beasts.

1. Pitch

Pitch is a level 76 mob located in Sholazar Basin and is probably one of the easier black lions to acquire. He is a mob that you are required to kill for the quest "Part Time Hunter". And is always on sight unless the quest is in process, even then he respawns rather quickly. The sleek look of the black lion goes great with any dark hunter transmog and adds a sense of mystery to the hunter. And think of all the names you can come up with based around the dark color. Personally, I am partial to Obsidian or Shadow, but that might just be me.

2. The Emerald Skytalon

Now this beautiful bird greatly resembles the green owl spirit beast that you can tame at higher levels---however, it is much easier to get. This mob is a level 74 and located in Dragonblight. It is the target of the quest "Cycle of Life". While there is only one spirit beast with this look, you can find these birds flying all over the Emerald Dragonshrine. There is also a named version of the bird that is slightly larger named Alystros the Verdant Keeper that is the target of another quest in the same area. Whether you name it after the mob in the area or use inspiration from the dragons around you, anyone can admit this bird would look pretty stylish next to a hunter looking to rock the green look.

3. Torgos

Torgos is a level 65 elite located in Terrokar Forest. Unlike the others that are always available to tame, this one is a little trickier. Torgos can only be tamed while doing the quest "Torgos!" If you are not partial to the blue, another mob that is part of the same quest chain named Trachela is also available. The mob is a beautiful white instead of the striking blue and is a regular 65 mob. Both models are beautiful two headed carrion birds that are guaranteed to make any other player stop and stare at your pet as they try to figure out if they are seeing double! Pair him up with a blue transmog or a skeleton based set and I promise you, you will have everyone making sure they run back to their corpses quickly or taking that rez sickness!

4. The Kurken

The Kurken is a level 12 mob located on Azuremyst Isle. Sadly, since he is a corehound, he can only be tamed by Beast Master spec Hunter. Even with that drawback, you can admit he has a sense of style about him. The Kurkin is the target of the quest "The Kurkin is Lurkin" which is given to low level Draenei. Unfortunately, you have to wait until you are a high enough level to tame the corehound and then return to the cave he sits in. It is a bit of a bummer considering he is right in front of you during the quest. But for the style points, I would say the return trip is worth it. The mob is available to Horde hunters as well, they just have to make the dangerous journey to the Draenei starting zone and hope they do not draw the attention of guards. Personally, if I was Horde--it would be a badge of my epic bravery walking along side me.     

                                                          

5. The Blue Runed Demon Dog 

Now, if you are going for a more frightening look--I have just the pet for you. This hound model can be found in the Nexus. A place that, at one time, made us all beat our heads on our desks as we ran it through it at level. Now, it is an easy one shot clear. And during that clear, you can find this pretty cool little dude. A level 66 elite mob, you are guaranteed to find him roaming around one of the halls. Just think how this angry little guy would look with some of the Wrath of the Lich King transmog gear out there. If you want to look like a hunter straight out of the cold norther tundra, this is the hound you want at your side,

  6. Gib the Banana- Horder     

Gib is a level 52 rare spawn in the Swamp of Sorrows. Yes, it seems those swamps still have some magic for us, and it comes in the form of a monkey with a fez. Gib is the only tamable monkey with a fez in the game currently and if you want him, you better have a lot of bananas. He is located at the far Western end of the zone and spawns every 3-5 hours. If you are lucky, you are the only one that knows about him! Shh, I won't tell if you won't. The spawn time is not terrible and you can probably find him in a day if you want him bad enough. That fez makes him look pretty worth the wait. What do you think? I think I might name mine Doctor. Too bad he doesn't have a little blue box and a bow tie, then he would be perfect.

7. Felbound Wolf

Everyone is always raging about the few wolf spirit beasts out there, but I don't think these guys get enough credit. Coated in the eerie green glow of the Fel, these hounds will add a spark to any hunter look. Located in Tanaan, they have a little bite to back up their bark, but they are relatively easy to find. Bonus: Unlike the spirit beasts, these guys are everywhere. Go in and pick one out! It's like going to the pet store and picking out a puppy. And evil, green, Fel puppy. This comparison is falling apart. If you name him Fluffy, I expect a screen shot.

8. The Demonfanged Crawler

Whether you love PvP or are just one of the few that find spiders kind of interesting, anyone can admit the demonfanged crawler is a stylish spider. Much like it's friends on the Molten Front, this spider stands out among the rest. The best part? It's everywhere in Tanaan Jungle. The downside? It's in Tanaan Jungle. These spiders can pack quite the punch while trying to tame them if you don't have the gear for it. But every hunter out there knows, a little damage is worth it in the long run. Just make sure your party members don't have a rolled up newspaper with them!

 9. Slateshell Ancient

This turtle is a way to make a statement. Not only is it a dragon turtle, but its lightning charged body gives it the appearance of glowing. Everyone loves a pet that glows. Located on the Isle of Thunder--these level 90 turtles are everywhere! And at the current max level, easy to tame. You have to be kicking yourself for not knowing about these beauties before! Set up an Ulduar or Thunder King transmog and you will be making everyone in your raid group jealous!

10. Shadowhorn Stag

The time is upon us my friends! It is official, we can tame stags! And with that, we can tame this bad ass over here. Located in Ashenvale, this level 22 mob is a steal! His glowing green eyes add to the sense of dread that any hunter wants when entering a dungeon--and that rack, tells you he's seen some stuff man. He has definitely lived longer than Bambi's mom and has some stories for you! Give him a change and he will be sure to share! Just don't stand behind him!

I hope you enjoyed this post and it gave you some ideas for those hunters we all know you have on your character list! If you like this post, leave us some feedback! I would love to see your favorite hunter pets in the comments and anything else you would like to see on this blog. New posts every week!

O.S