The Global Cooldown

The pre-patch has hit and numerous changes have been made to the game. One of those changes is an increase in the number of abilities/actions being added to the global cooldown (GCD) list. I believe so far that this is a good change, even from just a few hours on the pre-patch; to feel the effects and ponder their significance. Let's discuss.

The most evident effect of adding more actions to the GCD list is the change in gameplay pace. Specifically the slowing down of combat actions, such as offensive abilities and buffs. In my case, for example, the Fury Warrior ability Recklessness has added to the GCD. Whereas prior to 8.0 this buff could be cast at any time during combat, unhindered by cool downs, it now requires me to find a specific slot in my rotation to cast it. At first this felt quite alien. 

Although that feeling soon faded for me. In fact I very quickly grew fond of the alteration for it allowed me to exchange multiple instant combat actions, that felt rather un-special, to more strategic noticeable actions. I quite like the idea of seeing my ability brew and take affect before the next comes crashing down. It also means that I would be able to make more sense of, in PVP, what my enemy was doing so that I could react accordingly. Strategically. Being able to see the impact of more abilities rather than a spaghetti mess of actions is something I deem positive. 

Yes, it 'slows down' how much you can do in an instant and I imagine it does (currently) slow the game pace down from start to finish of any encounter, however isn't the point of a each and every fight; to enjoy and feel that your action process i.e. order/choice of abilities cast, is important?

For as long as I can remember, many buffs, such as Recklessness, could be used in conjunction with multiple other abilities and pots (usually in the form of a macro) to form a huge spike in damage or healing. Especially when pulling a boss or engaging with an enemy in PVP. It became the norm to have a pre-set macros with abilities that would all be cast simultaneously to maximise the desired effect, be it damage, healing or survivability. Which would then be used again at pre-timed points of the fight, such as burn phases. To an extent I do agree that macros like these have their place, but I do feel they take away from the fun of actually playing the game. Let me explain my thoughts behind this further.

Swift one shot macro anyone?

If the whole reason for making a macro is to be as efficient as possible to defeat a boss and ultimately enjoy the game, because casting all of those 'special' abilities individually would be too slow, then there seems to be a bigger problem. Despite what your goals are, shouldn't every aspect of the game, especially the core features i.e. casting spells, form an enjoyable and strategic part of it? That is where I believe these GCD design changes are intended to affect. 

Personally, I really enjoy fast and reactionary gameplay, but where it's appropriate. Not condensing combat into tiny windows of burst, following by a standard monotonous rotation. I feel that having that pause give as action more intent and allows the next to be considered more carefully. This also means mistakes are more evident! After all, isn't that at the heart of RPGs like WoW. I'm not for one moment suggesting that the game veers towards turn based combat, far from it, but it would be nice to really appreciate each action we do in game more than we do currently. Not just button mashing until the bar hits zero. It may lay space more more interesting boss fights, given that more attention can be spared for movement and such...

What do you think about this change?

Writing's on the.. Iron Wall?

SO, now that I've taken the initial steps and once again put the digital pen-to-paper, I couldn't think of a better place to start than some good old expansion talk.

*Warlords of Draenor* (said in the style of Chris Metzen). The majority of us have soaked up every drop of information that Blizzard has released, been datamined or lea.. and are all aboard the hype train once again for the big November launch date. Mean, even through a dry spell of on/off playing, I was watching Blizzcon religiously and always will for the sheer entertainment value alone. But now I have resubbed, again, with high hopes for this.. THE expansion.

In my eyes, I think this is the expansion to make or break the World of Warcraft. Or at least, a last attempt to 'bring the magic back'. And so far, in Blizzards usual manner which they've mastered, I'm hooked. But what do I mean by magic? I'm can't exactly put a finger on it, as it's more of a feeling. You could tell me to take off the rose tinted glasses. However I know what I currently dislike in the game and what I am looking forward to.

Firstly the removal of particular stats and 'mandatory' chores such as reforging. I know for a fact there are some out there who are overly against these changes, but I honestly see them as the right move. Why? Well, why is it that I no longer feel excited about a new gear drop. The same reason why I can't equip it straight away, despite it being a clear upgrade. I have to go through the mandatory reforging, re-gemming and enchanting process on my entire gear set (at least to remain effective, let alone optimal). What makes matters worse, is that it's not 'customization'. Customization would make it something unique to my own choosing. But no, to be able to play an effective role, there is a set way it all has to be done. Cookie Cutter. That's not customisation. I'd rather meaningful choices, which won't make me sub-optimal for veering off the 'best way'.

I understand that, at least in PVE and in scripted fights, there will always be an element of the cookie cutter build. But what is the point in all the options if in reality, to play in a somewhat plausible manner, only one is viable. I'm always up for a bit of theorycrafting, but not when it all ends up determining the set and only accepted way to play.

Secondly, one problem many of us have encountered is Blizzards aim of accessibility. I think the changes they have made for the greater community and beyond, are great. The downside being that convenience has steadily replaced community. With the implementations of LFR and everything since, I can't say I've felt a part of anything semi-permanent, although that may partly be my own fault for not having found a thriving guild like the ones I remember. So I'm hoping that this time round, and with the new grouping implementations, the opportunity to form bonds and friendships are once again prevalent. (Note-to-self: Find a guild!)

I could go on, but all in all I really hope that come X-pack time the magic of Warcraft can be restored, or at least a new excitements found. I know it will never be how I envision it in my nostalgic mind, but I hope that some of the epic goodness will come back to me and anyone else with fingers crossed! And as it goes..

How many Vanilla players does it take to change a light bulb?

None, they just sit around and talk about how good the old one was.

What are your hopes for the new expansion? Any EU Guilds out there have room amongst their ranks for another?!


- Jamin

NECRO: Re-igniting the writing machine!

A good part of two years since my last post on Shattered Beginnings...

Recently I've had a itch to get writing again, which brings me back here. For those that who may still be bouncing around the blogosphere and may see this, I greet you! I'm well aware that a year or two is a long time on the interwebs, and I'm sure a lot has changed in the community of writers and such, especially in this dried up WoW content cycle. So I'm not overly sure what direction this necro-post will take, but I couldn't think of a better way to test the waters again than to jump in where I left off.

Despite having only played Warcraft on and off for the past year or so, I still clung to it in the back of my mind as always and that included not missing out any of the Blizzcon action. Seeing all the usual expansion hype, this time for Warlords of Draenor, I've once again taken the plunge to resubscribe. Hopes once again building, that this will be the expansion to 'bring the magic back'! But this time I must say I have high hopes (I'm sure I've thought that before as well). Possibly the make-or-break expansion, at least for me, in the World of Warcraft future.

Anyway with the excitement slowly starting to build for the incoming expansion pack, trailers and all the rest dropping around, why not take the opportunity to write all about it again. Whether it lasts, as I would hope, time will tell.

So a shout to any who will read, especially those I who may remember me, leave a comment, say hi and tell me what's new?!


- A slighty rusty writers hand.

One year has passed...

Picture taken from my Birthday Themed Post

... It was this very time, exactly one year ago, on December 7th 2010, at precisely 1900 Hours GMT, that I arrived in Leicester Square, London. Faced with the blistering cold, temperatures only dropping and hints of more snow. I, accompanied by a friend, made way to the line...

If you haven't guessed already, this was the night that World of Warcraft: Cataclysm was being launched all over the world.

More than that, it happened to mark the very start of Shattered Beginnings. After tackling the night winds, and during the games installation, I sat to write my first blog post. My journey had begun.

Thanksgiving for the Gnome Clone?

Short update (pardon the pun, keep reading).

With a very special holiday just around the corner, at least for our friends in the US, Amerence, a fellow moderator of Blog Azeroth, has cleverly put together a community event. Alongside this, there has been ongoing activity and reports of mischievous happenings on within the Warcraft world. One of which is the invasion of the 'Gnome Clones'. 

The last encounter.. and The New Venture

Still being in the initial 'honeymoon' period of my WoW career, I remember a number of wonders which caught my eye..

I began my journey in 'vanilla', the original version of the game. In which, the first PVP system existed. However it wasn't until level twenty/thirty-ish that I discovered this portion of the game. Heck, I didn't even have a clue about Battlegrounds. The only experience I encountered, that side of the game, was from endless Horde assaults on Sentinel Hill, Westfall.

Into Warsong Gulch I went. Being so long ago, I cannot remember much. Not enough to say whether I spent more time dead, than alive. Although, despite the lack of memory, I do recall one moment. The moment in which I acquired something, very special. Grasping, what was to be, the spark. This was the honourable rank of - Private.

The Sanctuary of Blog Azeroth

A call to all fellow writers, bloggers, podcasters and producers of all things Warcraft.

Crossing that line

In reply to a post from, one of my favourite writers, Stubborn, of Sheep The Diamond, who has written a very thought provoking post on losing your 'innocence' in WoW, or any general MMO.

No, despite the above image, this is not in relation to ones age, although it can be seen that way. Rather the maturing and realisation process you undergo from the day you begin to play a game of this type, specifically World of Warcraft. Not following? Read on.

Shrouded by Mists of Loot

By now, I'm sure many of you have been enlightened with the intriguing thoughts of the Blizzard developer, Ghostcrawler. More specifically his thoughts and ideas about the current 'stat inflation' crisis, as such.




In short, a growing concern for developers and many players, is that the numbers (Especially the big exciting bold ones that flash across our screen), are spiralling out of control. No, it's not World of Warcraft's take on Skynet. We will not see giant yellow/green/red, heck throw in white, numbers descending on us and forcing mathematical equations on everyone, or anything nearly as brutal, at least for this expansion.

Blizzcon Replenished The 'Geek' In Me!

This past week, since my post-Blizzcon round up, has been, how would you say, compelling. It has been filled with excitement. There are a number of reasons and factors responsible for this. However, I have been going on a high. In the wise words, from the man himself,

"My inner-geek, has been refilled and revitalised" - Chris Metzen, Blizzcon 2011.

The world has come to life. At least for the WoW community, or even the gaming one as a whole. Saying that this week has seen some love, for many of our interests, is an understatement. One could say, I could say, it has literally caught fire.

Blizzcon: The Recovery

Just look into those eyes

Keeping it short and sweet.

What a weekend it has been, for many of us. At least for me, I am exhausted. Combined with the sleep deprivation and hangovers, at least for those that attended the many Blizzcon meet-ups in local bars/hotels.

What's that you say? "You didn't even attend Blizzcon!". Well, you would be right, I didn't 'attend' in person. However, having a virtual ticket, covering the whole event live across the full two days, amounting to about 22 hours, is nearly there right?

Blizzcon 2011: Live Coverage - Day 2!

Hey everybody! Like promised, I have teamed up with a variety of Bloggers alongside the Twisted Nether Team, bringing you all the news as it happens from Blizzcon 2011 LIVE. So strap yourselves in and don't hesitate to get involved below:

Blizzcon 2011: Live Coverage - Day 1!

Hey everybody! Like promised, I have teamed up with a variety of Bloggers alongside the Twisted Nether Team, to bring you all the news as it happens from Blizzcon 2011 LIVE. So strap yourselves in and don't hesitate to get involved below:

New Mind-Sets and BLIZZCON!

Did the Eye-Candy draw you?

Now, since the release of my last two posts, the results have been pretty dramatic. Yes one was featured on WoW Insider, 'Your Character and You', which I am totally thrilled about, but there's more. Taking a look at the responses I have received, in combination with the fact that my thought processors have gone into overdrive, the mood and view since my 'WoW Blues' have shifted considerably.

Among all this, Blizzcon is finally kicking off tomorrow! Or tonight for some lucky venturers! A substantial amount have been fortunate enough to make a tripe the Anaheim, California, for a weekend of Blizzard galore. (Unless your already situated somewhat locally, of course). 

With a number parties kicking off in nearby hotels and bars over the next three nights, including tonight, this is not a convention to miss. However, for some of us, myself included, have sadly not been able to make the long trip. 

Though, hold your horses. Virtual Ticket - hallelujah! For more on this including my upcoming involvement in the event, and what may be in store for you, hold put until the end of the post (or feel free to scroll, if you must).

WoW Blues and Breath of Fresh Air

Let it out...

It's been little over a week since my last post. During this time I have been swinging back and forth on the ropes of uncertainty. Whether 'uncertainty' is the right description is right, I am not sure. Maybe curiosity, burn-out, the sway of interests, time and motives could be in play. Possibly a combination of the lot. Before I go on, this is NOT a half-hearted attempt at a 'farewell to the world (of Warcraft) - bleed your heart out' post.

My uncertainty comes from the future, or at least mine, in World of Warcraft. As of late, I have been reminiscing a lot about past times in the game, which seems to be a regular occurrence now, in and out of game, for many. Whether it be players really expressing their feelings or possibly to spite newer players (which is sometimes the case), it seems to be a reoccurring topic up in discussion. Though this is not a debate about times of old and judging if the present game can touch those golden memories

Your Character and You

Motivated by the comments..

A fascinating piece of Fan Art just added to the World of Warcraft site gallery. Always a viewing pleasure.

Now, tell me. What does your character mean to you? When you first made the choice of what race, and secondly class, to play (or in reverse maybe), what journey did you have in mind ahead of you? For myself, and many, it was the start of an adventure. Or maybe you hadn't really given it much thought, just went in head first.

Though it wasn't until recently that this got me thinking. After you get really stuck into that character, whether it be high end PVE raiding or PVP, you may have an urge to do the same on another class/race combination. Mean, of course you have, at least at some point along the line. But, there's a but, are there lingering factors which keep you at bay, from bringing forth a new character into Azeroth? At least with the intent to mimic the activities which are already being played out on your 'main toon'.

Class Feedback and Homogenisation

Seems in the past few weeks, among the frenzied hype on 4.3, that Blizzard have been reaching out to us, the players, for views and opinions. More specifically, our thoughts and feelings on classes. With questions such as, "What makes playing your class more/less fun" and, "How do you feel about your rotation". The second one also goes on to explain the meaning of a 'rotation', everyone's opinion counts right. To see exactly what else Blizzard is trying to find out, here is an example from Blizzard's 'Hunter Class Feedback' post.

Getting right to the point. I have a few concerns about some of the common, and not so common, responses that I've been seeing. Though, this isn't the first time that I held similar thoughts in mind. This feeling has been ever present since I became more accustomed with the game. My concern is - Homogenisation.

In simpler English, this means to "make the same as" and/or "make uniform". In relation to this post, I am speaking of the the Homogenisation of classes.

The Darkmoon Island Horror!

What we've been seeing as fun and games...




If you took a liking to my last post, on 'The Secret Watchers of Warcraft', wait until you get a load of this speculation to fill your boots...

Cataclysm Journal 29: Past the Gates of Ironforge!

We venture out, beyond the comforts of the mountain city...

With the snowflakes resting gently upon Feignhearts fury hide. Having spent quite some time now within the protective boundaries, of Ironforge, it is overdue that we take a moment to see past it's walls. This follows a suggestion from a reader named Nairu from, coincidentally, Nairu's Journal. They suggested that we explore the reaches of Dun Morogh and Ironforge. Though we had already covered Ironforge previously in 'Cataclysm Journal 24!', we hadn't been further than the courtyard. So without further ado, we present:

Dun Morogh

The sky tells the story

As we step through the almighty gates of the Dwarven prowess, we are swept with a spine chilling, yet entirely refreshing, breeze of wind. As though from somewhere far away. Looking down into the valleys of snow, with an abundance of near-perfect shaped trees (quite like Christmas ones),  we descend down the long winding path. Into the wilderness of frost.

Down into the Valleys of Snow

Frozen lakes lie dormant. With an impression, soon to be diminished, that everything is as settled as the snow, many hidden dangers are set in place. A yeti waits for unsuspecting victims to come it's way. Now we may see what was to be, of those lost to the distant winds. Seeing fields of poison, oozing into the fields of white, a desperate battle is fought by the Gnomes of Gnomeragan. Though the once Dwarven Quarry of Gol'Bolar, depicts that more, buried deep beneath, is in store...

Through the Mountains

Entrances or exits shrouded within the tree-line. Where these underground tunnels will direct you, is not always clear. Though the residents, of the snow-bitten land, seem well adjusted to the gentle yet firm climate. Especially those of the Kharanos town, who, among their small settlements, have made many adaptations to cope and live, alongside the variety of Snowlife (wildlife) ...

The creatures of the land

Without a care, they wonder. Treading through the ground, crunch by crunch. Footprints left, some very similar to those of our own (as a Worgen).  Although, the all so pleasant beings within the snow, also make room for those, which are not so nice...

A culture forgotten

Throughout the enemies you encounter, and between the areas uninhibited, nothing could predict; a full scale war. Over the mountaintops, going unnoticed by many, a raging battle is being waged. For it is a sight in itself...

The Airfield

Despite any of this, the music, which sets up each particular area, is generally slow and, in a way, thoughtful. As though it wants you, with the push of the wind, to look at yourself and take a breath. Not depressing that is, just settled, like the snow beneath our your feet.

WAIT.. Slay Ride?!
(Courtesy of World of Elfi)

But hold on.. How can we forget the golden nugget of this whole zone! Saying that, it wasn't until Elfi, of World of Elfi (Convincing name again right?), alerted us to a hidden beauty that can be found. Seems that there is a bunch of crazy Dwarves, living the high life by sledding there way down the slopes of Dun Morogh. For more on this 'report' head over to - Discovery of Sledging Dwarves.


Now, with that, it's once again time to depart. However before you go. I will repeat, that this post was inspired by one of our very readers. So if you have any suggestions, ideas or even requests that you would like to see, DO NOT HESITATE TO GET IN TOUCH!

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- Jamin 

The Warmth of Fire

Becoming Paranoid in the Emerald Dream

What could be the meaning to this...

A Paranoid feeling sets in. Feignheart and myself, after many ventures alone together, have taken a valuable opportunity to broaden our horizons. Opportunities, to attack our horizons. This follows a contact from a place called the Emerald Dream (EU). A contact who goes by the name of Döra. Döra the level 1 explorer. You may have heard of Döra from many of their aspiring, ever changing and unique challenges. Anyway, after some serious thought, we decided to pack up and move over to the Dream to join with Döra and a brave band of adventurers. A mighty guild by the name of - Paranoid.

Feignheart Gets Green Battle Tank?!

With this being the first real guild that we had been in, since the start of the Cataclysm, we were very curious as what to expect. All we can say is, we felt right at home from the very first 'Welcome'. We were greeted with such a warm and friendly atmosphere. Being just a level 4 guild at the time, which many see as a downside, just added to this effect. The feeling that we could be a part of leveling and contributing to the future of the guild, appealed in such a way to us. Everything we could desire from a this seemingly tight knit community. Of course it didn't take long for us to raise our first (paw) and jump into the fight alongside our new Brothers (and sisters of course). Can Worgens clench their paw?!








First up. Ahn'Qiraj. More specifically - The Temple of Ahn'Qiraj. Although considered, and evidently, 'old skool vanilla content', this is an area of the game we had always wished to explore and tackle. So, with the chance to take this on next to our new allies; into the sands of mystery we went. If only we could have been there at it's release (above video). Our first impressions of the area; a darker side of Uldum. With the Egyptian gods raining in and relics of the past scattered about, a very tense feeling was created. Alongside the whispering and tainted voices, the scarabs and traps, a scene of slight horror was created. Just waiting for someone, or something to jump up on you. 'The Mummy' comes to mind. Here are some of the few images I captured within:

Upon the completion of the Temple, there were a few points and items of interest. Firstly, we could see how particular bosses would have proved to be a huge challenge to vanilla players. Especially the twins and the EYEBALL OF DOOM (C'Thun). Secondly, we managed to grab our hands on a - [Green Qiraji Battle Tank] - which is very high on the epic/cool factor for us!

Paranoid Guild Photo: After the Temple of Ahn'Qiraj

Next. Molten Core. As is obvious, we found ourselves aiming to complete the guild achievement [Classic Raider]. This entailed us heading to the Mountains of Blackrock to take on the original Ragnoros. (Somehow he managed to grow a pair of legs on his return). We must say, an atmosphere of sheer power lingers in the air of the volcanic reaches within. Though, lets take a look for ourselves:

Although we gained nothing physical, as such, from the raid, the experience was all worth the while. Even though it conflicts with present times (Ragnoros and all), a look at the past leaves us with a feeling of 'what was'. We look forward to taking the challenge to the fire lord once again, but for this expansion, in the near future.

Paranoid Guild Photo: After Molten Core

Now. What has this meant for Feignheart and myself. It has given us a huge insight into the older content which still lies dormant within the world of Azeroth. More than anything though, it has really opened our eyes to what it's like to fight alongside a mighty group of adventurers. We really feel so taken by how great it feels to become part of a bigger picture. I can truly say this is a guild I wish to stay.

Now for some of the first achievements we are proud to say; we gained together:

Having settled in very nicely, if we do say so ourselves, it's time to wrap it up. Though one last question: who else plays on the Emerald Dream (EU) Server?!

Until next time - And in the Path of The Paranoid


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- Jamin  

SOOOO MANY FLIGHT PATHS?!