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This week in Hotfixes 3/4 - 3/10
In this thread, Tseric keeps a list of recent Hotfixes applied to the WoW servers.
3/9/07:
Nightbane - Removed magical immunity from skeletons and reduced damage from breath attack in flight.
3/8/07:
Corrected an issue where Sanath Lim-yo in Azshara was missing/misplaced.
The Lurker Below should now spawn properly after a wipe.
Fixed a bug where some fishing areas were not providing fish.
3/7/07:
Nightbane will no longer cast "Bellowing Roar" (fear) while flying.
All Thorium nodes' yield of ore has been increased.
Flame Wreath will allow players to remain in the flame while immune, without proc'ing the effect.
3/6/07:
Flame Wreath will now allow players to remain in the flame wreath while under the effect of immunity granting abilities such as Divine Shield, etc.
The Druid ability Mangle (Bear) now generates 50% bonus threat.
The Druid ability Lacerate now deals a small amount of instant damage, generating threat, against bleed immune creatures.
3/5/07:
Coilfang Frenzies will no longer attack players in water outside of Coilfang.
Draenei "Graphics" and visual errors
In this thread, Nethaera replies that the issues are being reported as found, and thanks the poster for the great list of feedback.
Sorry if we never got around to responding to this. We've been reporting these sorts of things when we come across them but I'll make sure these are forwarded along too if they haven't already. Thank you for the nice listing of errors for the team to look at.
8.5 Million Subscribers? Is it really true?
In this thread, Drysc responds to claims that the recent announcements about subscriber and sales numbers aren't true.
We raised the population cap for all realms with the release of the expansion, as there's more land mass to be filled the population that was considered the maximum to contain a healthy world could be raised. I can assure you we've hit new records in player population and averages for nightly concurrency, but with the higher caps you're not going to see all the warning signs that a ton of realms are bursting at the seams. At least not as much as you may have before.
WoW Macro Scripting
In this thread, Tseric tries to assist the player asking about where he can find information on WoW Macro Scripting.
Here's a stickie on the UI & Macro forum. Not sure if it's exactly what you're looking for:
http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=77588042&sid=1...
Generally, that forum would be a good place to start, particularly with all the stickies:
http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/board.html?forumId=11114&sid=1...
Why is Blue loot better than Purple loot in the expansion?
In this thread, Nethaera responds to the question, saying changes are forthcoming to alleviate the disparity between Rare and Epic items.
We have already started working on balancing the equipment in game a bit more with patch 2.0.10 with the corrections to socketing. There were some items that had to be adjusted to more appropriate values which meant some were adjusted down and others were adjusted up. This is going to be something we plan to continue working on over time in upcoming patches as we evaluate items that may not be living up to what we wanted them to be or are more powerful than originally intended.
Later in the thread she adds:
No. That's not what I said. It's pretty clear that things felt to be too powerful will be readjusted to more appropriate levels. Those that are felt to be too weak, will also be adjusted to a more appropriate level as well , which means some items will go up in power and some will go down in power as we feel they are necessary.
Some items were and are overbudget. Others that are under will be taken a look at as well and given a boost.
She continues to add:
If you notice, I also say that adjustments will continue to be ongoing over a period of time as they are felt to be necessary. There were many socketed items that just weren't functioning as they should have been so that was corrected however, all itemization continues to be looked at and adjusted. If yours didn't change either it was deemed as working properly and its numbers were right on or is a part of the items still being looked at and considered for more changes. Which it's slated for I couldn't tell you.
She then responds about more healing items being added to Arena rewards:
Are you talking about this thread?-
http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=79176599&postId=...
I'm not sure if anyone else has answered this or not but we do have it planned to add a healing weapon and shield into the Arena rewards in a future patch. I know many people brought that up as a concern.
She goes on to add even more:
The title of the thread drew me here because there was concern over item balancing. I chose to ignore speaking about it in color terms because that does in fact tend to confuse people.
Yes, color = rarity not value and that is still true, however we also know that generally speaking the more rare an item, sometimes the higher value. That isn't the rule necessarily since I'm sure we've all seen the purple item that no one wants to take.
I chose to address that all loot is being looked at and adjusted and primarily it's about risk vs. reward more than it is color. If the team feels an area has a significant amount of risk, they want to make sure that the reward is commensurate to go with it. Most people just tend to associate a value with color because in general rarer items do in fact tend to have better stats or at least there is an expectation for that to be true.
I'm sure I'm getting to be about as clear as mud right now for some people. ;/
A guild opted out of the Armory website?
In this thread, Nethaera lets players know that this is not currently possible, but rather that it is a bug, though it may be one of the features added over the course of the site's Beta.
We commented on this yesterday. There have been several people that have now said that they are unable to look at their own guilds on the Armory. Please keep in mind the Armory is still in beta and there are still some glitches being worked out. Reporting these issues will help the web team continue to iron them out so that everyone can get the most out of the Armory. Looking up individual players for those guilds seems to still work.
We are not offering an opt out option for anyone at this point in time and may be adding more features to the Armory in the near future of which some if it may have an option to opt out. However, opting out of the entire thing is not something we feel would benefit the intent of the Armory and instead would hinder its usefulness for those that enjoy using it.
Later she notes that the bug has been fixed:
This bug has been corrected as will many bugs over the course of the beta of the Armory.
I'm locking this thread before people start smearing peanut butter on their tin foil hats or something.
Fix skinning
In this thread, Nethaera lets players know that Skinning is on the list of professions which are receiving reviews to improve them.
All professions are getting some attention including skinning.
She goes on to respond about Engineering as well:
Yes, it's first on the list actually. If and when we get an approved list of things that are being done, we'll get them posted for you all. :) Hopefully that will be sooner than later.
There's also a preview forthcoming, as she mentions in the thread:
We're still planning to preview what we can for you however, we have to wait for things to be implemented so that we can say with absolute certainty that a thing is being done, and we have to get approval to post the information so that we aren't jumping the gun.
Why was Rexxar demoted?
In this thread, Nethaera explains that Rexxar is still considered Champion of the Horde.
Rexxar has not been demoted. He has moved on into the Outlands. He has his reasons and if you manage to visit him in the Thunderlord Stronghold in Blade's Edge Mountains, you can find out more. I don't want to reveal too much in case others are looking to find out his story.
His replacement I'm sure will do the best he can to fill Rexxar's shoes but we all know that no one can BE Rexxar but Rexxar.
Two accounts in the same household?
In this thread, Nethaera explains that multiple accounts can be played from the same household, though copies of the game cannot be shared; each account will need its own unique CD key to be created.
She can use your CDs to install with however she will need to still purchase her own keys to activate an account in her name.
She goes on to add:
Yes, CD keys. Every account has a key (or keys) associated with them that makes them unique. You don't need to ever use the key again once registered but you do need it to create an account and upgrade to the expansion should you choose.
Later, she shares more information on the subject:
To get the World of Warcraft key, you can have her sign up for the 10 Day trial here - https://signup.worldofwarcraft.com/tr.../index.htm create an account and then upgrade it to the full version of the game. From there she can purchase and upgrade to the Burning Crusade here- http://shop.blizzard.com/section1/?us.../t7kOgn3Ezbq1UegGHDpMNykH7ouYQZexQOuim9A=#wow
I'll have to put in a question about the different names again. I haven't heard any updates on it.
Regarding the recent Druid hotfix
In this thread, Tseric comments on why the Druid hotfixes to threat from Mangle, and the Lacerate hotfix to do direct damage initially, were done.
Warrior's threat isn't as dependent on damage as Druid threat is. That is why the change was made, to adjust overall levels of threat and keep bear tanks working in such a case as bleed-immune mobs. A warrior has plenty of other options facing bleed-immune mobs. If we gave everyone a work-around for bleed-immunity, why bother keeping it in game?
Consortium Bag of Gems
In this thread, Nethaera responds to let players know that the recurring Bag of Gems not being available from the Consortium is currently bugged, and is slated to be fixed in an upcoming patch.
There is a bug with this quest at current where it is not resetting properly like it should be. This is being fixed in an upcoming patch. Unfortunately that means that everyone will need to wait a little longer until that patch is applied to get their gems and continue being able to take part in the quest.
Later she adds:
I honestly don't know as of yet. I think it will be closer to the time the fix is applied that we will find out how the fix is going to work exactly and let everyone know what to expect.
Mechanar Door and Elevator bugs
In [], Tseric responds that there are bugs dealing with the Tempest Keep: Mechanar door and elevator which are currently being investigated for fixes.
There have been a couple of issues related to the elevator and door. Some have been resolved, but there are still active issues we have isolated.
The current active issue we are tracking with this encounter/room has this to say in the database:
"This is an issue if players kill Pathaleon but do not have anyone to res dead players. The dead players would not be able to gain access to the corpse."
Please continue to report as much detail as you can on the Bug Report forum, so we can isolate particulars about faulty door/gate mechanics.
Developers and changes
In this thread, Nethaera explains that changes aren't as easy or simple as some might expect, and are always done for reasons.
Nothing is ever as easy or simple as people may believe. There are often far more issues to take into consideration than what most people realize. Changes aren't done to be cute. They are done because they are felt to be needed.
Sticky posts?
In [], Nethaera explains how to go about having your post sticked, but also warns that the Community Managers are picky about what gets sticked, to avoid clutter.
The best thing to do is to transfer over any posts that you have saved then use the report function and put in your request to have it reviewed. We are being a bit picky about what we sticky for these forums so that we don't get too sticky heavy so please understand if for some reason a sticky doesn't make the cut.
Forum Idea
In this thread, Nethaera explains how to more easily track Blue posts and access them immediately when viewing threads.
You could click on the blue icon next to the thread to jump to a blue post then use the blue icon on the top of the blue poster's post to jump to any other responses. ;)
How do I get my quest text to show up instantly?
In this thread, Tseric kindly helps the player out with a bit of information on the subject.
In the largest box of the Basic page on Interface Options. Far right side at the top of the largest box will be a box labelled 'Instant Quest Text'. Checked!
The Lurker Below
In this thread, Tigole responds to let players know that a few issues with The Lurker Below - a raid encounter in Serpentshrine Cavern - have been fixed, and others are under investigation for fixes.
We fixed the issue where people were not able to respawn him. We're now looking into issues which cause him to despawn or evade during the event.
I'll keep you updated if we find out anything new. If we do, we'll do our best to hotfix it.
ETA on Gruul/Magtheridon tuning?
In this thread, Tigole reponds about upcoming tuning to the Gruul and Magtheridon raid encounters.
Right now, the changes are planned for 2.1.0. We'd like to see the changes on the PTR before pushing them live.
Later in the thread he adds:
2.1.0 is the next content update. There might be a 2..0.11 but that would be an emergency bug fix patch.
No response to Alchemy System?
In [], Drysc responds about the discovery system added to the Alchemy profession with World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade.
I previously made the below post, which many of you have probably read, regarding the discovery system and its intent. The discovery system is really a perk in addition to Alchemy, and not a guaranteed part of it. We wanted to reduce the amount of 'taxi cab' calling for Alchemists, where you can stick out your hand and any Alchemist with its light on can pull over and do the job. We wanted to give some the ability to have specific recipes that no one else may have, be it someone in a high end raiding guild or some random person that now has a unique purpose on his realm (until someone else discovers it of course). Are they required for advancement or success as an Alchemist? Definitely not, but they're certainly a very nice perk if you happen upon one. The same could be said for world drop items, they're a nice perk, but in no way required for your character's advancement.
The randomness takes out the need to make the recipes so difficult to obtain that only the highest geared or most well supported alchemists have access.
http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=74208466&pageNo=...
We do have some important changes coming on how flasks and elixirs function, and we'll be announcing those as we get close to the release of that patch.
Survival tree getting a review, and abilities for pets next patch
In this thread, Nethaera shares some news about the Hunter Survival talent tree getting a review to possibly make it more attractive for raiding, and also talks about Hunter pets receiving some new abilities next patch.
Survival is something that is being looked at as far as on the Raid end of things. The developers are looking at the Survival Tree overall but I want to emphasize that we aren't doing sweeping changes on any class but are still doing changes here and there that we get feedback on and feel are warranted from testing as well.
Here she talks about pet abilities:
I still have the same information as before for right now and that new abilities are being added in the next content patch but I don't know exactly what is being added as of yet. I think at this point it's just going to be a matter of waiting until we're a bit closer to it being released to the public before we'll be able to talk more about anything specific on that end. I wish I had more for you.
Need a response on endgame tanking
In this thread, Tseric lets Paladins know that there's close attention being paid to Paladin's and their ability to tank, and that there may be changes in that area on the horizon.
The devs actually mentioned today that Paladin tanking wasn't exactly where they wanted it to be and there would be attention paid towards that end of things. Overall, they do expect Paladins, Druids and Warriors to fill tanking roles in end-game, whatever they may be. While there may be a flavor distinction between tanks, we don't want to (or want the players to) find some rigid hierarchy by which classes are measured in their tanking potential to the third decimal point.
Fixing the Shaman class
In this thread, Tseric responds to the feedback and suggestions provided on the Shaman class in its current state.
While I can't really comment on your suggestions, there are a couple points which I'd like to address from what I know. I can certainly take the remaining feedback from the thread, at any rate. ;)
Shaman need more mana regeneration. Once their mana runs out there?s not much they can do.
Mana efficiency for Shaman has always been on the low side. You might be arguing one of the defining characteristics of the class. However, they are also a melee class, so they can do more without mana than a mage or priest. At the base, you can apply the quoted statement to any mana-using class, but at the same time Shaman do not come out at the bottom of that pile.
Water Shield is nice but doesn?t provide enough mana and doesn?t provide anything when you?re not getting hit!
I can pass this by the devs, regarding the quantity of mana, but again, we're talking about efficiency and saying it should be better. Of course you want more mana, but to say that Water Shield should be pushing toward some sort of complete replenishment might be too much. The group-utility issue is probably not something the devs are concerned with, as the intention is to benefit the Shaman themselves.
Lightning Shield provides no benefit in group settings.
I don't think the devs ever suggested it should have group utility. When taking your example, however, you are assuming the Shaman is healing or range dps'ing, which may not be in all cases. A Shaman switching roles and doing melee damage is going to see effect from this.
Later on, he adds the following:
To say because we are able to melee is the only reason we have mana effciency problems is a copout.
And where did I say that because you melee is the only reason it's not a mana-efficient class?
If we spec in a role that requires us to use our mana to do our role we should better mana efficiency in those roles then we currently do.
The recent clearcasting change is a change to support mana-efficiency. The devs aren't opposed to giving mana-regen where needed, but it can also be dealt with through itemization and not just core, class changes. You also haven't addressed the point of Shaman being able to do more OOM than a Priest or Mage.
In this thread, Tseric delivers with the information requested, offering insight into the latest(2.0.10) rage generation formula.
Ok, so the old rage formula averaged a Warrior's rage with 2.5 times weapon speed.
* Main hand hit: 2.5*speed
* Off hand hit: 1.25*speed
* Main hand crit: 5*speed
* Off hand crit: 2.5*speed
The change that occurred in the 2.0.10 patch increased the multiplier to 3.5 times weapon speed.
* Main hand hit: 3.5*speed
* Off hand hit: 1.75*speed
* Main hand crit: 7*speed
* Off hand crit: 3.5*speed
That is what was changed.
Rage Gained from dealing damage = ((Damage Dealt) / (Rage Conversion at Your Level) * 7.5 + (Weapon Speed * Factor))/2
Does Fel Armor work with eating?
In this thread, Tseric, with the help of other Warlocks, answers the question.
Odd, but interesting and making me curious. If anybody has definitive proof before I can confirm(dang weekends), you get...ummmm....some sort of prize. Yeah.
Later in the thread, Tseric responds to a Warlock who answered the question:
Eating doesn't count as a heal
That's what I was figuring, but the boards have made me crazy and demand that I fact check everything. ;)
My ICQ 973710
