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All of the latest Mists of Pandaria newsSharpening Stones, Mana Oils gone in Wrath
by Eliah Hecht 
Oct 31st 2008 at 9:00AM
It didn't really hit me until I saw this post about it, but there are no sharpening stones, weightstones, or mana or wizard oils in Wrath of the Lich King. Verimonde, a blue name that's unfamiliar to me, confirms that this is by design, saying "While they were something nice to use once in a while for most people for many raid guilds they were simply another burden to the cost of raiding." This is essentially my reaction to the change, although some other Insiders are of the opinion that it's another step in the oversimplification of WoW. I'm happy that typical raid consumables will be down to flasks and food.There's another problem with this plan, though. Unless they remove the current stones and oils, progression-oriented raiders are going to be running back to Outland and farming up the mats for old stones and oils all the time. This is nothing new really; dedicated raiders have been going to great lengths for buffs since the days of mind-controlling fire resistance off UBRS mobs to go to MC and BWL. Still, I don't think it's what Blizz had in mind in removing them, so my bet is that old stones/oils will either be removed, or prevented from working on players over level 70 (like the Riding Crop).
Update: Looks like they went the latter route. Stones/oils will not work on post-70 items.
Filed under: Raiding, Wrath of the Lich King
Reader Comments (Page 2 of 6)
peagle Oct 31st 2008 9:30AM
Agreed, when were oils ever an expensive part of raiding? Any large guild has a plethora of enchanters with hundreds of these just knocking about the bank.
h8rain Oct 31st 2008 9:33AM
Yea, that is what I was thinking. Wizard oil is only some Dust (I being an enchanter has *tons* of it) and a Nightmare Vine (wife is a weed picker), so I have WizOil always applied.
The flasks were not too bad, but none of our toons have leveled alchemy yet. Hmm maybe my Death Knight will do alchemy and inscription.
Fletch Oct 31st 2008 9:12AM
Given that the effects of oils and stones persisted through death, the cost of these items were insignificant when compared to the cost of flasks and potions which are to stay. To me the logic of this decision seems flawed.
smcn Oct 31st 2008 9:12AM
Verimonde is the item guy, and if I'm not mistaken he makes up the entirety of the item design team.
Hudders Oct 31st 2008 9:13AM
I hope Blizzard sticks to their promise about less poison-immune bosses, otherwise there really will be raids you just don't want to take a rogue to.
Unoriginal Oct 31st 2008 9:13AM
With 11 million subscribers you are never going to make everyone happy. It is very simple if you don't like the changes cancel you account and play another game. Stop your complaining and "evolve" with the new world and the changes and additions it brings.
Raaj Oct 31st 2008 9:16AM
God forbid someone disagrees with the Great and Powerful Blizzard. There's nothing wrong with a little feedback. Do you live under a dictatorship, perhaps?
Unoriginal Oct 31st 2008 9:27AM
Lol
A dictatorship implies that this is the only game that we can and are allowed to play. I am just saying that you have the choice to play the game. $15 doesn't give you the right to bitch and complain it gives you the ability to log onto Blizzards servers. Change is going to come no matter what we say so just learn to adapt to them and make the best out of what we are given.
Raaj Oct 31st 2008 9:30AM
I take it you've never seen the threads where they ask/thank us for our feedback?
Fletch Oct 31st 2008 9:32AM
Whilst there is a certain truth in what you say, there is some expectation that the changes should make some sort of sense. Or at the very least, fit with the stated goals. It has been said that this change was done to save money. However the cost of these items are virtually nothing when compared to that of potions, elixirs and flasks.
unoriginal Oct 31st 2008 9:46AM
A suggestion box is necessary to a successful companies customer relations but complaints, without the proper information or stats to back up their complaint, are completely different than feedback and suggestions. However, Blizzard could ask for as much feedback on anything in the game but it doesn't mean they will actually take the suggestions into account. It just makes me laugh when poster x says, "This sucks!" That is why my I posted my first comment.
WookieVomit Oct 31st 2008 9:52AM
Why is it always "If you don't like it CANCEL your account". I see no harm in someone giving their opinions on changes blizzard makes to the game. Hell that's probably why they make 1/2 the changes they do in the first place PLAYER FEEDBACK.
Personally I don't like the direction blizzard is going its directed to make casual gamers fit in more. Nintendo is doing the same thing and I HATE it. I still own a Wii however and have no plans to sell it. Companies like Blizzard want to make the MOST amount of people happy and I understand it.
Oh I would also like to point out people that make FALSE threats of canceling their account I put in the same boat as the person I replied too. If your going to cancel your account DO IT no one has ever liked a fibber.
Unoriginal Oct 31st 2008 10:04AM
Wookie
The whole point is you have a choice. And as I stated there is a difference between feedback and flat out complaining because you didn't get you way. My one good buddy is that "I'm going to cancel my account" threatener and it makes me laugh. I tell him to do it otherwise shut up and play the game.
Grinn Oct 31st 2008 10:41AM
Actually the first amendment gives one the right to bitch and complain. Stop the QQing over QQing :P
injasour Oct 31st 2008 11:39AM
You could also go to mmochampion and see that about 1/10 of the significant blue posts are changes (in everything from game mechanics to the changes on the forums) in response to QQ about changes.
Despite what they might say, if the community consensus is against something they tend to change it, so long as it doesn't involve arenas.
Rejuvi Oct 31st 2008 9:13AM
I am assuming this does not affect a Warlock's fire and spell stones? They are in effect personal oils for your weapons and have loved how they are finally useful.
ninjasuperspy Oct 31st 2008 9:14AM
So will Seals finally become weapon imbues or what?
BitterCupOJoe Oct 31st 2008 1:16PM
God, that would be fantastic.
Josef Oct 31st 2008 9:18AM
What are these things? I raid into BT and I have NEVER used even one of these things? Is it because I am a hunter or is it simply because they add such an infinitesimally small bonus to anything that makes them as useful as a chocolate fireguard?
Raaj Oct 31st 2008 9:23AM
It's because you're a hunter. None of them would benefit you in any way. Think of them as a temporary scope for melee/caster weapons.