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Over the past few days, some upcoming professions changes for Patch 3.2 have been announced, and although they are not as detailed as they could be, several of the changes will have quite an impact.

First and foremost, every profession-specific buff is being upgraded. This includes an Enchanter's ability to enhance their own rings, a Leatherworker's bracer enchants, and more. For a complete list of the current profession bonuses, check out Insider Trader's guide to Profession-Specific Buffs, parts one through three.

These buffs also answer some of the concerns surrounding the upcoming Jewelcrafting nerf that epic gems might be introduced without a buff to the Dragon's Eyes, which, in combination with the fact that these gems will no longer be prismatic, would effectively squash the Jewelcrafting bonus.

Jewelcrafters will also do well to note that they will be able to acquire epic gems by prospecting Titanium. Combined with a Blacksmith's two extra prismatic sockets, this powerful duo is one of the most popular profession combinations.

In addition, Engineers will be seeing some welcome changes to their profession that may make it more appealing. Unfortunately, some of the details have not been made public, so the competitiveness of their self buffs, for example, remains to be seen.
Engineering Changes
For a complete list of the upcoming Engineering changes, check out Matt Low's announcement yesterday. Here, I will discuss a few of the more significant ones and the ways in which they're going to affect us.

In accordance with Ghostcrawler's statement that ammo prices are currently too high considering the fact that hunters die much more often than they used to, Engineered ammo will be cheaper to manufacture, will produce a full stack rather than several smaller ones, and can even be made on the run, as you will no longer need to be at an anvil. This is great news for all you hunters who seem to run out of ammo at the most inconvenient of times (myself included).

Although this profession is already popular with hunters, I feel that this is an added incentive to take up or keep Engineering. In the future, we may find that we no longer require ammunition at all, but the current trend seems to be leaning towards making it cheaper and less of a hindrance than removing it entirely, which would mean rebalancing, as the damage bonus would need to be worked into other class mechanics or weapons.

They are also changing the way in which Mote Tracking will work. Rather than have the ability attached to your goggles, you will be able to track them by simply keeping your extractor in your inventory. For those of you equipped with tier helms, carrying around goggles in your bag for farming excursions, this should be a welcome change. This means one less thing to carry, and more opportunities to profit.

MOLL-E is also getting a competitive upgrade, likely in response to the new Argent Squire pet, which can be summoned for three minutes every 8 hours, and will perform the roll of either a bank, vendor or mailbox. MOLL-E will have a "significantly" shorter cooldown. With new raids coming out, this may prove to be quite a beneficial change.

Since Wrath, Engineers have been asking for new Transporters, which sometimes teleport you to your desired destinations, and other times cause accidents, a random and fun occurrence of which many Engineers are quite proud. Well, we aren't going to see one yet, but you will no longer have to equip trinkets to make the leap. You will be able to use the objects while they are in your inventory. While this doesn't free up any space, it does work to smooth out the process.

Finally, Potion Injectors are getting an overhaul. Because patch 3.2 is revising potions to stack up to 20 naturally, the item becomes seemingly useless. This would be unfortunate, as they are commonly used to level your skill. Fortunately, they are being transformed into an Engineer-only buff. When used by an Engineer, the amount gained from the health and mana potions is increased by a decent 25%. Your recipes will also produce more injectors for the same materials.

Alchemy after Patch 3.2
Along with full stacks of 20 potions, there will be new transmutes available that will allow you to produce some of the new epic-quality gems. In other news, Rage Potions will finally be usable by druids as well as warriors. This will be especially useful to young druids, whose only rage-boosting ability is Enrage, which also tends to get a young'un smooshed.

In fact, it seems that Blizzard is beginning to address some of the factors that make leveling a druid under 20 to be such a painful process. This is particularly appropriate, considering the fact that the new druid form artwork is drawing a crowd to the class. The infamous Aquatic Form quest line became optional, as an example, and now, a new glyph is being added called Glyph of Claw, which is intended specifically for young ferals who do not yet have Mangle. My young feral is already quite excited, having felt disappointed at the glyphs currently available to her.

Fishing and Cooking
I always love it when these two professions get some patch love, as they are quirky and enjoyable in addition to being useful. The Chef's Hat, introduced in Patch 3.1 as a novelty item, complete with accompanying achievement, will serve a new purpose after Patch 3.2. The owner of such a fashionable accessory will be able to speed up their cooking while wearing it, presumably because of the inherent powers that fancy hats provide.

If you've been bemoaning the 100 Dalaran Cooking Award cost, you will soon have cause to cheer. The drop rate in your goody bag is being increased, and if you also fish, you'll be able to dredge up Watterlogged Recipes that can be handed in for several of the tokens. If you don't fish, you'll be able to find them on the Auction House, as they are not soulbound.

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Patch 3.2 will bring about a new 5, 10, and 25 man instance to WoW, and usher in a new 40-man battleground called the Isle of Conquest. WoW.com will have you covered every step of the way, from extensive PTR coverage through the official live release. Check out WoW.com's Guide to Patch 3.2 for all the latest!

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Filed under: Fishing, Features, Jewelcrafting, Analysis / Opinion, Patches, Engineering, Cooking, Blacksmithing, Alchemy, Insider Trader (Professions)