Who am I to ...

Did you ever get the feeling that you are but one small, yet significant part in the cycle of all things?

And I had to go out and kill some really big-bad-uglies for them?

The View from Above

Cataclysym has brung a seemingly endless expanse of changes to our world. So many, that I would have doubts if any one player is able to experience all of them. Some are quite drastic and evident, even from a distance. Others are subtle, they kind of sneak up on you from the rear and tap your shoulder in one of those "I got you" shock waves.


One very grateful surprise, especially for an addicted explorer, is the newly trained old world and Cata flying ability. To roam about at will, to forge into the little or unknown nooks and crannys slightly hidden away from all the mainstay quest lines. To be able to see things from a totally different perspective, the "View from Above."

These are the thoughts Sol had during a recent Kilimdor zone jumping exercise in archeology exploration. What first caught his eye, was Southshore. It was a terrible quest hub for him back then, what with the constant ganking and daily shut-down, literally. Horde would totally wipe out everything including the NPC's. Now, Southshore lies in ruins. Enjoy this little Hillsbrad tour. Perhaps it'll bring back some memories for you as well.

First Impressions: Cataclysm

It was two days after release when Sol began his new journeys into the new old world. All the usual preperations took place. Visits to his class trainer; various trade skill trainers and the addition of archeology. Packed his bags with food and drink, a quick stop by the flight trainer, then off to Mt. Hyjal. (it's a druid thing).


His original plan to just fill up the quest log and perhaps gather a few new herbs kinda got tossed out of balance a bit. Seeing that he did have a small amount of rested xp, he started the first of the breadcrumb quests. Those initial kill the attackers and gathering things. Sol chalked up a third of his level to 81 before he realized he had long passed his rested zone. It was time to rest and reflect.

There is something about being at the base of Nordrasill, communing with dragons, crushing those who wish to corrupt our world and maintaining the balance of nature...that affects the heart and mind of a druid. Our beliefs and ways of doing things are often questioned, and mis-understood. Of coarse, our share of corrupted and tainted arch-druids along the way certainly were not of any help either. None-the-less, we strive to exist as a race and culture no less than any other.

Having gained enough rest to continue his journeys through Mt. Hyjal, Sol found a fair bit of lore intertwined with his quests, very much to his pleasure. Successfully completing a chain, seeing an area phase into a more friendly zone is gold to the druids spirit. Although, not all is as simple as it seems at first glance. Several quests did involve making choices according to your nature and beliefs as a druid. Remembering two in particular; in the first, his choice not to kill a pawn during a fact-finding quest chain led to praise and several more quests. In another, despite being warned in the opening quest about not releasing the demon you were supposed to seek help from, several quests later, Sol did in fact complete one which released the demon. Big mistake, not good. One very un-happy Druid was wandering about, unsure of where to go next or what to do. Time to retreat and regroup, commonly called "Hearth."

Day three. The cooking and fishing dailies seemed to be bugged. 15 minutes in the water and not a lobster trap to be found. Another 10 in the canals, and only 1 crab. Time to abandon and move on. This meant Hero's call, second choice. a mercenary boat ride to Vashj'ir. When Sol had hearthed the previous day, he was slightly over 81. Seemed like a good time to explore and experience another, very different world.

So how did your first few days go? Questing and soaking up the lore? Or did you jump into the opening instances? Did you rush to level cap or are you taking your time? Oh, and how did it feel giving up those hard-earned epic purps for the new improved Cata greens?!?

Final Days

A couple of days back, Sol decided to awaken from his druidic rest. It was finally time to go through the last of the changes necessary and activities necessary for Deathwings' coming. He wanted to get the fastest flying mount possible for use in the now shattered Azeroth. Determined not to let his short-comings deter him, the search/mission was on. The way became clear to him while looking through possible achievement mounts. 50 mounts = 1 Albino Drake. Now, Sol had some 15 mounts already even though he wasn't much of a mount collector. One from each of his exaulted home cities, a couple of early on griffons from Outland, and a few he added just for the sake of spending some gold on himself instead of the kids for a change. So he made the rounds of all his factions' stables and picked up everything they had to offer. After a couple of hours of travel and spending, that magickal letter from Mei Francis appeared, and the Drake mission was successful.

Next came a combination move of sorts. Doing a few argent and Hodir dailys, mixed with some herbing and fishing. This was really one of those relaxing, take his time and gather his thoughts ventures. Even though the new drake was available, Sol took advantage of the taxi services to sift through and organize his bags. Taking some last looks at Northrend from the air, and recalling many of adventures it held for him. There were some disappointments, goals not reached. But there were so many other things to celebrate and be quietly proud of. He was into his second day of dailys and stockpiling the much needed mats. Thoughts of attempting a few more of the hideous dungeon finder tool lurked in his mind as he flew about picking herbs. Hummmm? Where are we? Oh yeah, the Basin. May as well pick up some extra nettlefish. Bypass River's Heart and head out northwest to that other little lake not many people of either faction go to. Quiet area, good for thinking and fishing with no interuptions, short of a few crazy water monsters. And then out of nowhere.....the silence was shattered.

Sol had given up on farming this rare mount several months ago, having spent over a year bounceing around Northrend hunting for her. Now, with only a few days left before moving on, the loot gods finally provided their blessings.

There are still a few things left to do before all the new adventures and challenges hit home next week. Sol took a good look into the mirror and saw his gear for what it was. Far from top end raiding gear, it would have to suffice/endure what lay ahead. And though it wasn't the best, it was a decent mix of what he could aquire. A little pve, a little pvp and crafted for the topping. It'll do, he'll make it work. It has kept him alive all this time. Well, more alive than dead anyway. He may re-spec one more time, fine tuning so-to-speak. A little more re-forging perhaps, along with a final look at gems and enchants. With Cataclysm being so new for everybody, hopefully pugging through the random dungeon finder early on won't be so distasteful. Sol will just have to start straight off from the beginning this time instead of waiting so long. His first few days will be spent somewhat quietly. Building up some rested time, fishing and cooking dailys, and farming. He will fill up his quest log, but wait just a couple of days to start them. Hopefully avoiding the massive onslaught of day one. Of coarse, there is always something that can lay waste to the best laid plans.