Don't worry: it's called a "test" realm for a reason
by Elizabeth Harper 
Apr 14th 2007 at 4:10PM
I know that many of us read the new 2.1 patch notes and went into a panic. Paladin's illumination? Mage's sheep and ice block? Priest's shadow weaving? Shaman's elemental focus? There are plenty of changes here that could strike dread into the hearts of players who have picked their classes, talents, and professions for specific reasons that have suddenly vanished out from under them. But is it worth panicing over? I say not yet -- and Tseric agrees with me. The public test realms -- the only place where patch 2.1 is currently deployed -- are brought online for a reason. You guessed it: to test things. While the test realms are online, we can all log on and get a first-hand look at how these changes will impact our characters. From there, we can offer our feedback and opinions. And, while many of you will say that these are never listened to, it's not unheard of for Blizzard to make major changes to a patch in light of public outcry. But for those of you in the audience who are upset or angry about the proposed patch 2.1 changes, I advise you to try to post your complaints calmly and constructively -- all caps typing and angry flames will only serve to get you banned from posting.
Filed under: Patches, Analysis / Opinion, Blizzard
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
blkmasta Apr 15th 2007 6:50AM
Panicking is spelt wrong. IMO, mages should stay as they are atm, not too imba but not too gimped either, and although pallies need tweaking, some of the changes are much too extravagant.
someone Apr 14th 2007 5:02PM
They never change anything on a test realm, they never even listen to feedback to begin with.
What you see on a test realm is pretty much what your getting, honestly im just starting to stop caring, im so use to having my class(shaman) being worthless that it really doesn't matter anymore.
"all caps typing and angry flames will only serve to get you banned from posting."
Actually this does get more attention than calm posting, in fact it might be the only thing that has ever show fruit.
Ecko__18 Apr 14th 2007 5:07PM
Remember the -15% dmg that was tacked on forbearance? That was in the last test realm. Didnt make it into live. Also, look what happened to the preist abilities of the last patch, the nerfs were not as severe after the entire community banded together and made themselves heard. I think the same will happen here, at least to some degree (the 3 aspects of the pally community prolly wont work together, but there is always hope)
Asspigeon Apr 14th 2007 6:26PM
As far as the paladin nerfs go, keep the Spitiual Attunement nerf (only return mana from heals when you are not at full health) but please for the love of god leave Illumination the way it is.
My gear is going to be totally worthless if this goes live (been stacking spell crit).
someone Apr 14th 2007 9:04PM
"Remember the -15% dmg that was tacked on forbearance"
No because that didnt make it into the patch notes either.
Inaraserra Apr 15th 2007 3:31AM
I agree completely with Asspigeon - I've been tailoring my character with +spell crit and +healing gear, to keep my mana up.
I can understand them nerfing it a little bit - at the moment i get about 1/5 extra heals from the mana I get back from Illumination (not counting the two-for-one deal Divine Favour gets us!!), but reducing it to only 50% is just cruel. I had assumed it would be nerfed at some point or another - but maybe down to 80% or 75% at most.
Tovort Apr 15th 2007 7:16AM
Yeah right those nice round-house-kick style druid nerfs were changed a lot during testing.
I wouldn't count on any of these changes being changed before they go live. Blizzard just doesn't seem to have that attitude.
tiamazzo Apr 15th 2007 8:27AM
The last patch that was on the PTR showed Paladin's Forbearance reducing all damage by 15%. Divine Shield and Avenging Wrath where on the same 5 minute cooldown. Neither of these made it to live. Anyone that says that nothing changes from the PTR to the live patch has been misinformed.
Acariquara Apr 15th 2007 9:32AM
"4. 'Remember the -15% dmg that was tacked on forbearance'
No because that didnt make it into the patch notes either."
Yes, because if it's not on the patch notes, it's not on the patch, right? Now where is my Warlock DOT damage?
Scott Apr 15th 2007 3:02PM
Illumination is the only good thing about a pally healer! Without it, we are screwed! Mana is needed to heal, Blizzard.