Cataclysm Journal 22!

The dust of mystery has been disturbed...

Enter Uldum

Before making our way onwards to our next venture we first had to set out to take a, very long, journey upon itself, to reach our destination. This started with a treacherous boat-trip, among drunken sailors, across The Great Sea to get from Stormwind to Darnassus. Boats now rock - Something I never noticed! From then on, we had to prepare ourselves for the long flight, across the entire stretch of Kalimdor in fact, all the way down to Tanaris. Though, unlike first assumed, this turned out to be an unexpected 'treat' as such. The time and space between setting off and landing turned out to be a gigantic step through time. Soaring through and above zones that we had previously travelled, explored and quested through, flashbacks came shooting at us left, right and centre! From the desolate destruction of Darkshore, to the lush forests of Ashenvale and the southern reaches of The Barrens. It only seemed like this morning that we were battle-ling our way through each and every marvellous land that we passed along the way to this present moment.

The Caravan (Including 'Lady Humps')

Finally the time, which literally flew, to set foot on the ground, was upon us. We continue our adventure, on the boarders of Tanaris, alongside a band of travellers, in the form of a caravan, who are also making there way into the sands.. of Uldum. This caravan as such included a rather peculiar Camel. A camel named 'Lady Humps'. Need I say any more. So with our group of explorers, of whom all share a similar quest, we set out in search of more information about this so called Super Weapon...

Escape Plan?

Right from the off, we are again presented with a very tasty cinematic upon entering the land. Where we are seen to be ambushed. Ambushed by a pack of abnormal, distorted, Gnome-like grunts. In which we were captured. Though, due to them taking capture of the wrong-Worgen, we of course escape. In one of the most humorous ways going. Just think 'Scooby Doo' style.

This Egyptian themed desert, with it's mythical statues of the gods which just happen to be cats and it's ancient inhabitants, really set it apart from the previous two 'New Zones'. Especially a boss, of whom you first encounter, that reminds me of Aladdin, more specifically the gene in the lantern. As usual thieves and bandits are found to be invading while creating there distinguished chaos. The sheer scale of the landscape, paired with sights of complete tropical beauty among the abysall sands, really create a place of unique quality. Although it can be set in between the mysteries of Ulduar, coupled with the ancient presence of Ahn'Qiraj, there is no doubt you will feel a completely refreshing (with the sand in your teeth) atmosphere. Sat with a continuous stream of cinematics which also formed a nice even flow between areas/quests.

Pictures from Uldum

(Click any to Enlarge)

Now, the fun begins. Alongside the obvious character reference in the zone, that being Indiana Jones, there is definitely a sense of 'discovery' similar to Zul'Drak. That's just with all the tombs, riddled with traps, and exploration alone. While here, I can really say I was taken back by the quality set by nearly every quest I encountered. Mean, who wouldn't give up a chance to transform into a burning ball of fire to then roll down hill causing the (un?)-fortunate death of gnomes (1000 to be precise). All guilty fun of course. Then take control of your own squad of soldiers, with an enormous laser at your disposal, to take out an entire army.

The Tol'Vir

Horrible little gremlins..

Here it comes, the event(s) I had really been looking forward to. That of course happened to be the dungeons! First in our path - The Vortex Pinnacle. With a stereotypical view in mind, you feel you are taken up into the very heavens. Not just because of the fluffy white clouds, Greek structures and so on no doubt. Then one after another, we came to The Lost City of Tol'vir. A lush ancient city of paradise. Even though enemy territory, it remained to prove peaceful and surprisingly tranquil among the havoc. Short and Sweet. But what makes it even better...

9 Days, 3 Hours, 25 minutes and 50 seconds

So, in as usual way as any, we made it our priority to carry on and finish what we started - [Explore Uldum]. In which we went onto temporarily assisting, before defeating, a bunch of Nazi/Hitler impersonating goblin bandits. This turned out to be a very interesting quest line indeed. Also, more mentions of Deathwing himself seem to be cropping up, linking him to a lot of activity and chaos within the area. The questing finale within Uldum ends with a very perky surprise.. [In a Thousand Years You Might Be Worth Something]

Gods of Old

Though, the real mission completion for us happened to be in the third and final dungeon within the zone. Halls of Origination. Similar, as by name, to the Halls of Lightning and Stone. However, still just as diverse in it's own rights. This eventually brought us to, of course, saving the world from complete and utter destruction and finding that Deathwing himself was at the centre of the plan we foiled. All of which included the down-bringing of the 'super weapon' which we had first set out to seek.

So, taking a lot on board with this zone and the events that unfolded. Overall, an unmissable land of wonder. Did I mention cinematics?! Having Feignheart pick up a new skill [Camouflage] - he is now a true hunter of the shadows. Also taking a liking to the new [Explosive Trap] animation. However, what next in The adventures of Feignheart. The taste of an endless journey which lies ahead, dawns as overwhelming. Who knows where the scent for the quest will take us...

Well readers, we got there. But why stop here?! The journey has really just begun. For myself, you and Feignheart himself. Expect more than ever from the whole of Shattered Beginnings than we could have imagined! Hold Tight, who knows what may just lie ahead!

As always, thank you all for reading!

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- Jamin

Your wish?!

Cataclysm Journal 21!

Down into the Depths..

..Though far below the water this time..

In our pursuit for adventure, we find ourselves being directed through a portal to see Thrall at the Maelstrom. Little did we know that we would end up being lead down into the very heart of the chaos! To the Realm of Earth we go, Deepholm. Along the way we also hear the first actual mention of The Destroyer.. Deathwing. As the land we were venturing into, was once his very own domain.

Deathwings Demise..

Upon passing through The Maelstrom you are given a proper introduction to the zone, which is the heart of Cataclysm. This includes another excellent display of top quality voice acting. Though before we go any further, I feel some background knowledge and insight into the zone is necessary to help ease everyone into the situation at hand and create/enhance the atmosphere which is Deepholm.

Deepholm, once the eternal prison of the terrifying Deathwing threatens to collide and destroy Azeroth and all that exists in it, if the rift (The Maelstrom), of which he created upon his escape, between the two realms isn't closed. You are here to restore order within the up-rise.

Filled with endless swarms of elementals and creatures never seen, this underground barren landscape holds many hidden wonders. An atmosphere of eternity surrounds the zone.

The Twisted Nether comes to mind, with the collection of floating rocks and mysterious objects.

A plane very far from home.

On a whole scale, imagine the layout of the Un'goro crater. All of which surrounds a central structure. Within this realm, the structure happens to be The Temple of Earth, which highly resembles Wrymrest Temple back in Dragonblight, and stands out to be the most important settlement within this elemental waste ground.

The Temple of Earth.

Onwards, and into our first dungeon beyond level 80! The dungeon Feignheart and I ventured into was known as, The Stone Core. However. No matter how visually amazing the instance turned out to be (Of which it was) this was minor compared to the actual experience of running (Or tripping at times) it through. Up until now, dungeons have been fun, yes. Though having a ton more in-game mechanics, even on trash, to battle against with all round tougher mobs and a fast pace, made my first Cataclysm Dungeon in the new zone a complete delight! I enjoyed my time so much that I went for another go, landing myself - [Pendant of the Lightless Grotto] !

Kryptonite?

Slowing it down for a moment. With all the experience I was taking on board, I managed to gain another ability for the spellbook. This happened to be a new aspect called - [Aspect of the Fox]. This skill allows me to cast [Steady Shot] and [Cobra Shot] while on the move! Though if that wasn't enough, it also grants you additional focus whenever you receive a melee attack.

Earthen Vs Trogg

Now, a rather interesting conflict in this zone lies between the Earthen Defenders and the Stone Troggs. I feel they deserve a mention, because along the way they made room for a bundle of really unique quests/chains. Also, throughout the journey so far, I would really like to say how great the implementation of more cut-scenes and cinematics are. Not just great, but just brilliant. You feel so much more involved with the story than ever before. So, I hope to see more of the same as I progress further!

So, we have now gone [Deep Into Deepholm] leaving behind the sealed rift. Though, pause for a moment.. What about Deathwing?! Anyway, adventure calls. Level 84. Time to pick up our next trail which is sending us to Tanaris, and onto the sands of Uldum. Something about some super weapon...

Until next time, when the adventure continues...

Thanks for reading!

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- Jamin

(Stone Mother)
Jabba the hut, from Star Wars?

Cataclysm Journal 20!

What lies beneath..

So, from the point where we last left off from. Feignheart and I had our stay cut short in Dalaran after receiving an urgent message and quest back from the old world. Alerting us to a whole new threat to Azeroth, we used what little time we had left to rest and prepare.. Prepare.. Prepare for what exactly. With the smell of adventure in the air we packed our rucksacks and sharpened our arrows, claws and teeth. Though we could never fully brace ourselves. For what lay in the path ahead, what perils and countless dangers, beyond the Hero's Hearthstone, was truly unknown.

To the Golden Keg..

We find ourselves back in the world we started, in the city of Stormwind, where we receive another quest to seek out a shaman on the cities outskirts. A Shaman named Naraat, the Earthspeaker. After some small talk, we were shown a vision. This 'vision' displayed Thrall, leader of the Orcs, in the centre of what was described as the Maelstrom. Amidst all this confusion of chaos, you leave the vision and return, where you are directed to make way to Stormwind Harbour and board a boat to look further into the source of the destruction. The adventure starts now...

Ambushed!

Once we arrive on the docks, word has it that we are apparently receiving reported 'attacks' from what seems to be the Horde. So with none of the Alliance ships having yet returned, we start being heaved onto Mercenary ships. Pirate ships. I must break and say, the voice acting while aboard the ship and so on was absolutely fantastic! Really set the scene! (As can be heard in the beginning of my video above). I say 'While on-board' as it wasn't long until we found ourselves being ambushed by a GIANT sea monstrosity! Some form of Octopus attacks the moving ship and rips us off deck and down into the water. Without a moment to think, we are swept away by a group of Naga, unconscious and unable to react. Welcome to Vashj'ir.

(CLICK TO ENLARGE)

Split into three sections, this stunning underwater display is like nothing we have ever encountered so far in our travels. By underwater, I mean the entire zone is beneath the Great Sea! The first section is a never ending bastion of coral reefs and scenes of complete wonder with sea life just 'leaking' from every corner. Imagine Stranglethron Vale Flooded. Not to mention, Finding Nemo does come to mind.. Meanwhile the second two sections are a lot darker, filled with even more mystery and hidden depths. Throughout, an image speaks a thousand words to uphold the sheer spectacle:

Step to the left..

Now. With the depths of this aquatic expanse obviously being underwater, some adaptations have of course been made. For starters, we have acquired [Sea Legs] which allow us to breath underwater and brings in a new game-mechanic giving us the ability to run along the sea floor! Now what about a mount? Well that's when we go onto a very, very interestingly sporadic quest indeed. You know those dance machines you find in the arcade towards the back of that unoccupied house tucked away in Stormwind ? No, Feignheart hasn't jumped on one of those. However, take the concept, and apply to to wrestling a sea creature. (As in the image to the right). You have to use the keys on the arrow-pad in mirror with what appears on the screen in a random sequence. Developers, we have to hand it to you when we said we couldn't have prepared for what was to come. Anyway, back to it. This ended up rewarding us with our very own mount for Vashj'ir - [Subdued Abyssal Seahorse]. Filled with treasure maps, more on-the-move quests, bombing missions and a complete overhaul in quest pace, you cannot help but feel compelled to keep going!

It Lives...

Now, on the subject of pace. Within the first few quests, I noticed a slight challenge or delay in my usual mob killing time. This was due to the huge health increase and not to mention attacks of enemy mobs. However, like normal expansion transitions, with a few replacement greens you soon find yourself fighting fit once again. Though the surge in stats is huge! This lead me to reaching 16k crits! Looks like Cataclysm must have a threat to contend with! Either way, those numbers sure do appeal to Feignheart who managed to obtain [Cobra Shot], a nature damage attack, and a new pet talent for SugarDaddy called [Sic'em], which bolsters your pets focus.

Along the way, you work alongside the Earthen Ring, who are Shamans from across the globe. While being very similar to the Druids, they also express how they are different. Further down the line, a quest chain in fact, we managed to work our way into a Naga disguise and play as one of them! This leads you into battle against the Vrykul who we encountered back in Northrend. All of which really shone out and created nothing but fun! It's like a whole new game!

Left on a major cliffhanger, with the achievement for 1500 quest completed and a fraction from 83! It's back to Stormwind for our next mission. Until next time, where Feignheart follows the fiery trail of adventure...

Want more - Watch it all in ACTION!

Thanks for reading!

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- Jamin

Eh? Captain Bubbles?!

Cataclysm Journal 19!

The land of the Titans..

The Storm Peaks

Onwards, and into the reaches of The Snow.. I mean, The Storm Peaks. Upon entering the zone, I feel like I am back in Dragonblight with the snow covered plains and wide open scenes. However. Once you begin to look up to the soaring heights, cliff tops, and mountains that initial feeling is lost. To mention, you really do require a flying mount to progress in this zone and of which even applies when in spirit form (Dead)...

Boom.. Boom.. And BOOM AGAIN!

So, your introduction to the zone begins in the Goblin town of K3. The green skin residents who stereotypically find that any problem has a solution which involves a large volume of explosives or of similar sort, as I will soon explain. Their primary reason for being here is just as many in the area. The mysteries of the Titans. Though more specifically, their treasures. While following a number of quest lines within the town which proved to be quite fun, a benefit of the Goblin race, I came across a minefield. Not just any minefield however. This one had air defences to make things worse! Anyway, while on the quest, a suggestion from the great achievement junkie @Aralosseien from Achievements Ahoy came in. This lead me to go for the achievement 'Mine Sweeper', which involved me bouncing around (and dying..multiple times) trying to set off as many mines as possible one after another in a chain. All in all, a really great challenge, so thanks for the telling Feignheart and myself about it!

The Hyldnir

Soon enough, the games had to come to a halt, for it was time for us to work our way further up into the peaks. To the Hyldnir. These giant beings to say the least, were like no other I have ever encountered in my travels so far. More surprisingly, compared to majority of factions, these were all women! None to be underestimated though. Pretty much the female equivalent to the Vrykul, of whom are held as slaves and captives for these strong minded Viking warrior women. Once getting a foothold, you again find yourself taking on another disguise to fight your way through a deadly tournament alongside and against these unforgiving blue skins. All of which acts as a prelude to meeting the mighty Thorim. This is where the main plot for The Storm Peaks really begins to jump into action. With Thorim being one of the protectors of Ulduar, set forth by the Titans, having his throne stolen by his evil brother Loken (had 'Clash of The Titans' in mind at this point), things really start to get interesting.

Machines of the Titans

Seeing as the Titans are such a fundamental part to the zone, and everything in Azeroth as we know, I feel they deserve some highlighting. To make it simple, they are the creators of the world in which you exist in. All of whom left many years ago, and placed a number of protectors such as Thorim in charge of keeping their creation in control and in order. While heading from place to place, evidence of what the Titans left behind (As pictured to the left) are all around you. I got the feeling, that it was similar to 'War Of The Worlds', in which machines of unthinkable size and power alongside huge caves of grand infrastructure can be found buried beneath our very feat. Underneath the snow. In the faces of the mountains we climb. Mysteries covered up, and waiting to be discovered.

Before moving on, I would like to stay on the topic of the titans and their influence within the current zone. As to the north lies Ulduar. The Heart of the Titan workings. Just full to the brim of history and Knowledge. I think an image describes my notes a thousand times over, of the sheer magnitude and epic proportion to the mine-zone...

Ulduar

.. Magnificent to say the least. This also includes the dungeon instance Halls of Lightning, which also holds an absolute expanse in size. In which Feignheart hit level 80!


Now. Although I had hit 80, and received my congratulating letter in the mail from Rhonin, I felt no reason to move on. I wanted to finish what I had started! So I did go on and continue through the zone, really taking on board everything it had to offer.

Halls of Lightning

What did catch my attention? Maybe some of my readers remember the Noggenfogger Elixir from Tanaris? Because I came across a collection of drinks from a vendor, which all worked similar to the elixir, however with a range of different effects such as Drakefire Chile Ale or Iron Boot Flask. These were all purchasable with the currency in the zone, which existed in the form of Relics of Ulduar. Which were also used to buy my new Giant Ring Belt from the Sons of Hodir. All good fun!

How could I go without mentioning one of the best zone-finales so far?! The epic flight escape with one of the greatest explorers ever, Brann Bronzebeard! Although this quest did prove troublesome with a hunter, as you could only use melee attacks, we got through it soon enough. Which was all worth it for, what I will state, as an unmissable scene! Brothers re-united. That is all I will say, as I believe it should be experienced by any of haven't already.

Do not disturb!

So, after that, it was time to head on back to the city of Dalaran to take a much needed rest at the Inn. This allowed Feignheart to pick up a new skill from the hunter trainer. Mastery. Which actually allows you access to a new stat rather than a new skill. Time to keep an eye out for this!

Anyway, it appears our stay was to be cut short! It became apparent after reading the cities Hero's Board, from where we received an urgent plea for help! Urgent enough to grant us with an additional (one use) Hearthstone to an important gathering within the The Golden Keg in the Dwarven District of Stormwind.

The adventure continues, like no other...

A QUESTION TO ALL MY READERS

It seems that we have just hit a new milestone! 2000 hits! Which is even more reason for me to ask everyone this. Seeing as Feignheart is soon to take on the new fight in azeroth in his quest from 80-85, I would like to implement something else into my entries! Whether it be in the form of videos or more pictures? I want to hear exactly what YOU THE READER want to see!

So get in contact! Leave a comment, vote in the poll (to the right), tweet me @JaminWarcraft or even email me at:

Jamin@TimeWastedTuesday.net

Until next time,

Thanks for reading!

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- Jamin

Goblins.. Just Typical!