The burning question about Hallow's Eve this year has been whether or not the Headless Horseman's loot table would be updated for level 80. It had seemed pretty likely, since Coren Direbrew had his myriads of drops tuned for the current expansion. Boubouille answered the question, though, when he posted the newly updated items over on MMO-Champion.

Of course, old Headless is still going to have three pretty key items. He'll still drop the Magic Broom, most likely, which has always been a crowd favorite to zip around the world. You can definitely expect the Hallowed Helm and Sinister Squashling pet, since those are key to the Hallowed Be Thy Name achievement. Weighted Jack-o'-Lanterns will still be common for the same reason.

Jump behind the cut to see the new stuff, though.

The Ring of Ghoulish Glee is the updated attack power ring. Interestingly, it doesn't seem to be the direct equivalent of anything in game, but is instead an item level 200 upgrade from the old Ring of Ghoulish Delight. It's the 50 Stamina that really makes the new ring interesting, especially for folks cruising various PvP avenues.

The Horseman's Seal is, of course, the upgrade to The Horseman's Signet Ring. Again, the Horseman's Seal is not a direct copy of anything in game. While that won't make it more attractive in and of itself, this "new gear" paradigm might open new gearing avenues to casual players. The Wicked Witch's Band is the other spell power drop from the Headless Horseman, an upgrade from the Witches Band. (Witches are 90% more wicked this year.)

Hailed as one of the finest items in the game, I still carry The Horseman's Helm with me so I can use that superfun laugh. Now, however, I get to sport the new The Horseman's Horrific Helm in instances. I'm warning the Horde of Shadow Council even now that I will kill any number of Alliance puppies to get my hands on that sucker. The hit rating on the Horrific Helm makes it a nice upgrade in slot -- it's got a little hit rating, without going overboard and mucking up the itemization. And, you can still use the item to cackle like a maniac.

The last item to get updated this year is The Horseman's Baleful Blade. Like last year's version, its stats are passable and acceptable, if not fantastic. However, its on use ability to summon swarms of pumpkin fighters make this item without equal in the "awesome style" department. The little fellows don't last long, and they're not likely to save the day in a boss fight. But, for Halloween flavor, they're the best thing in the game.

These upgrades are all pretty exciting, helping to keep the Horseman relevant even when we're getting ready to charge Icecrown Citadel. Good luck in your hunting, and wish me luck in mine.

Tags: boubouille, coren-direbrew, hallows-end, headless-horseman, ring-of-ghoulish-delight, ring-of-ghoulish-glee, the-horsemans-baleful-blade, the-horsemans-blade, the-horsemans-horrific-helm, the-horsemans-seal, the-horsemans-signet-ring

Filed under: Items, Analysis / Opinion, News items