WRUP: Foxlight and the fiercest mount, like, ever

Hello again. Foxlight here. If you don't know me, let me explain -- yours truly is accustomed to stretch limos. Orc chauffeurs. Throngs of worshippers. Glittery ponies. Fabulous accommodations. The best.
Which is why it was so hard on me when my dad cut off my credit card last month. "Frivolous purchases." As if! I needed that 8,000 gold worth of gloves and boots -- do you know how cutthroat the blood elf fashion scene is? And really, 8,000 gold is a bargain when you think about it. It'd have been way more if I'd bought shirts, too. In fact, when you think about it, I did him a favor! Ugh!
Anyhow. I'd been lowered to having to take ... public transportation. It's the worst ever. I mean, I'm not a racist, but ... goblins take public transportation. They smell weird. Like, greasy. I'm not a racist, though. I have a goblin friend. Just saying.
Okay, focus, Foxlight, back on topic. I needed a much more fierce mode of transportation. So I picked up the Silvermoon Pennypincher and found an ad for a barely used flying lion mount. He doesn't have sparkles, but he's still pretty fierce. And man, is he ever flaming. He was pretty expensive, too, but I sold my paladin-ing services in the back rooms of Ragefire Chasm to save up some money. Dirty work, but a blood elf boy's gotta do what a blood elf boy's gotta do. Took me a few weeks, but I put together enough gold to buy that stunning beast.
I must say, he was even more beautiful once I put a collar on him and made him mine. Gotta admit, at first I was worried that I'd have trouble riding him because he was so big. But I just had to relax and there was no problem. He's so gorgeous, oh my God. I rode him until the sun came up over Murder Row. The only problem, though, is that everyone in Silvermoon is now riding one. Foxlight sets the trend, and then all these followers just jump on.
So anyway, not that I even really care, but what are you doing this weekend? (Maybe we should brunch?) And, oh yeah: "Gigantic winged lion. Did you get it? Why or why not?"
Alex Ziebart (@AlexZiebart) I picked up The Void the other day because a buddy of mine highly recommended it. Immediately after I bought it, he says to me, "By the way, it's one of the hardest video games I've ever played in my life." So ... I'll probably be at that for awhile, in between work on that other site I write for.
I did not purchase the Winged Guardian, because I can't justify spending the $25 again. I bought the Glitter Stallion because it would give all of my characters a scaling mount and save me the hassle of going to town to buy my mounts all of the time. I don't have that justification this time, so no lion for me. $25 is ... kind of a lot. I bought The Void for one-third that price. An entire game.
Allison Robert (@AllisonRobert) I've been busy with some personal projects over the past week, and that's likely to bleed through the weekend. Re: winged lion and other items from the pet store, I have yet to purchase anything. Not that I haven't been tempted -- they're all very well done -- but as I wrote in a previous Breakfast Topic, I come from a long line of suspicious New England cheapskates for whom saving 10¢ on bulk toilet paper was a day for the diary. Oh, and what Dan says: Swift flight form > all.
Anne Stickney (@shadesogrey) I'll be working on various house projects and maybe even playing on the PTR a bit. As for mister glowy lion fluffypants, yes I have him. I got him the day he came out. I didn't mind paying the fee. I think he's much nicer looking than the sparkle pony, and he is a kitty, which was the one type of mount I did not have. I'm a mount collector, so yeah. Things are like freakin' Pokemon. His name is Mister Snuffles. :D
Basil Berntsen (@outdps) I have a newborn, so will be playing catch up on my sleep. I may also play some arena when he sleeps.
Chase Christian (@madsushi) I finished up L.A. Noire last week, so I will probably be leveling one of my alts this weekend. I don't enjoy leveling, so I have to force myself to do it when I can. Bonus: As usual, the moment the mount was released I bought one for my wife. I am not a big fan of the purchased mounts (I think they look dumb), so I'll continue riding my Nether Ray.
Dan O'Halloran (@danoh) Still working on the baby mage. I thought I would level her through PUGs, but those are incredibly shaky at level 20. Only one out of five make it to the end of the instance intact. On the second book in The Game of Thrones series and can't put it down. Also, preparing to head to E3 for three days next week in Los Angeles to help out the Massively crew in their coverage of all things MMO.
I don't own any flying mounts since my main is a druid and I adore insta-cast flight form. I like to fly above a crowded area of Stormwind, shapeshift to bear form, hurtle down towards unsuspecting players, then shift back to bird form at the last moment. Sometimes I even manage to shift back in time before I hit the ground.
Daniel Whitcomb (@danielwhitcomb) I'm headed out of town to visit some friends, so I'll probably have a relaxing, WoWless weekend. I haven't purchased the lion mount just because I don't have any characters who would use it at the moment. I may end up buying it for my hunter if I level her again, though.
Dawn Moore (@dawnwow) I'll probably just spend the weekend writing. MLG Columbus is relatively close by, but I'm still deciding if I want to go or not. I love watching pro players, but the presentation of the tournament makes it difficult to watch all the games you want to. Particularly when they're having technical difficulties ... As for the lion mount, I didn't get it because it's a hideous travesty.
Fox Van Allen (@foxvanallen) So, last weekend I said I'd be playing L.A. Noire, but when I was at Best Buy, a copy of Portal 2 was just calling my name. I'll probably be playing a lot of that. Oh, and a certain worst blogger in the world and I will be heading out to the beautiful Harbor Islands just off the coast of Boston.
Honestly, I think paying $25 for a mount is pretty dumb when you can get them for free in-game. That being said, I do have one -- not because I bought it, but because my guild gave one away this week and I was the lucky winner. Foxlight looks good on it, I guess.
Joe Perez (@Lodurzj) More leveling of my worgen warrior alt Peter Barker! Going to chain run a ton of dungeons now that I have a pocket healer, and it should be a good time! If anyone is on Ner'Zhul and in their mid-40s, feel free to come along!
I did indeed purchase a Winged Lion of awesomeness. I think the mount is spectacular. The visual is amazing, it looks fantastic on all of my toons, and it's just nifty. I think it's probably the best mount they've done next to Mimiron's Head. I also think it blows sparkle pony away. It's a luxury item, though, and nothing more, but I like my glowing lion of win. I named him Walter Sobchak.
Josh Myers (@Elamqt) I'm in the middle of leveling up my balance druid, mostly through PVP. Shooting Stars is probably my favorite talent in the game. As for the winged lion -- I just moved, so I can't really justify the extra money right now. If I had the discretionary income, I'd so be there, though.
Kelly Aarons (@Cadistra) I started a goblin arms warrior and I am in love, so I will be leveling her this weekend. I'm also really gunning on finishing Outland as well. Stupid Sky Dragon ... *shakes fist.* As for the Winged Lion -- it's gorgeous, I won't lie, but a.) it doesn't fit with any of my characters RP-wise, and b.) I'm jobless, and on a good day I don't have two pennies to rub together, so ... no. $25 can feed me for week. ~_~
Lisa Poisso (@emused) I'll be catching up on sleep. Maybe it was the holiday on Monday or something, but this week has just been upside-down. But no matter whether I get right-side up again or not, I won't be doing anything with a Winged Guardian. Mounts just don't do it for me, let alone mounts that cost real cash. Dude -- that coulda bought a stack of books from Half Price Books ...
Mat McCurley (@gomatgo) I am trying to finish up L.A. Noire this weekend so I can start replaying the Riddick games on the 360. Also, WoW. Yes, I got the Winged Guardian. I think it's one of the best mounts Blizzard has made available to players, it looks great, all my characters get it, and it was an affordable luxury for right now. People need to not take DLC like this so personally. Optional content is optional.
Matthew Rossi (@MatthewWRossi) I'm mostly playing insomnia. Haven't slept in days at this point. Done some runs on the shaman, may go chain run stuff on the warrior for a palate cleanser. I'm also working on a Mass Effect play-though for a perfect Mass Effect 2 play-through. I want to be ready.
I did not buy the Winged Lion because I didn't want one. That's the great thing about content like this. If you don't want it, don't buy it. I swear, some folks act like Blizzard kicks in the door and steals the money right out of their hands.
Matt Walsh (@Rhidach) Playing some Civilization 5 this weekend, plus working through Half-Life 2 (which I was inspired to play again thanks to Portal 2). One of these days, I'm going to listen to Eli and not go to Ravenholm.
I didn't buy the lion because it doesn't really appeal to me, though I don't begrudge anyone for picking one up. Looks pretty cool -- just not my scene. Plus, I can't bring myself to ride anything other than my Hippogryph.
Michael Gray (@writegray) I spent the last few weekends fixing my tractor and working around the land, so I'm looking forward to some spring cleaning, and getting in a little more ZA/ZG.
Bonus Question: Not sure yet, but I might. The price doesn't bother me, as much as I'm waiting to see if it becomes so common that it's boring.
Robin Torres (@cosmiclaurel) I'll be leveling up my various alts, as usual, but in the evenings I'll be crocheting and knitting while watching period pieces on Netflix. I adore my sparkle pony and do not feel the need for the pretty flying kitty, but The Spousal Unit won't shut up about the new mount, so I expect he'll own it soon.
Sarah Nichol (@mentalshaman) I shall be dozing in the afternoon sun with a pint of pear cider (the alcoholic kind) or wandering over the hills and far away in a place we call the Black Mountains. I might also trip along to the Hay on Wye Literary Festival to hear Rolf Heuer talk about CERN or David Papineau debunking "neuromythology." If I don't get heat exhaustion, I'll be playing my dwarf paladin and troll shaman through the old world.
Oh, and with regards to the lion: It is pretty and I want one, but I just purchased BlizzCon tickets, a new electric toothbrush, and just paid my fiance's airfare back to Holland (where he shall be living for the next 2-3 years while we save for a house). I just can't justify it.
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Reader Comments (Page 2 of 2)
Thrawnn Jun 4th 2011 9:46PM
Most epic video ever. Thank you MusedMoose.
wildaim Jun 4th 2011 9:53PM
"The Winged Guardian is pointless, everyone on my realm seems to have one. Who in theri right mind would pay real cash for a mount that everyone has?"
I bought it, just as I bought the sparkle pony when it came out. It is great for your alts and it looks decent enough. Since I bought the mount I have felt more inspired to level my Shaman who has gotten no love for all of Cataclysm.
At any rate, $25 isn't a lot of money. I don't understand why so many people (especially in trade) whine or complain about other people buying it. Why do you care? If you don't want it, don't buy it. The lion craze will die down soon enough.
Worldworstretadin Jun 4th 2011 10:11PM
I bought one for my fiancé, as it was her birthday on the 3rd. I thought it looked so damn nice, I bought one for myself. I didn't want to ruin it for her and so I haven't told her - so for the next week or so I'll have to keep an ear out in case she comes into my office. It'd take away some of the "special-ness" - and she'd Sparta me into next week.
There has been a lot of derision about it in Trade: Blizzard making millions from people's desire to have something not everyone can have. Players not earning mounts by painstaking raiding or gathering. Blizzard making players lazy by supplying all their characters with mounts. Blah blah blah.
To those people I say the following:
I bought the mount to see the smile on my partner's face. Nobody could or should put a negative spin on that.
The mounts cost me almost two hours of work in the real world. Sure, there are some people out there who can't afford it (or more likely mummy and/or daddy won't buy it for them) and that's a pity, but if USD $25 means the difference between you being able to eat this week - maybe you're better off reassessing whether you should be spending the USD $15 on your subscription. That may come across as nasty but I personally know of two people who are barely scraping through financially - and yet seem to have ample money for Foxtel (Australia's rediculously expensive cable), WoW, cigarettes and beer. If you have the disposable income to part with, good for you. If you don't and you REALLY want it, tell your friends and have them chip in for one for your birthday.
Now both my fiancé and I have two mounts we can choose from when we roll yet another alt.
MusedMoose Jun 4th 2011 10:26PM
Good on you, man. May your fiancé be thrilled and may you spend many happy days in Azeroth atop your winged cats of awesome. ^_^
Fletcher Jun 4th 2011 10:28PM
I've done the Skyguard grind. The Netherwing grind twice. Kurenai/Mag'har three times. Three of my characters have choppers/hogs.
And I bought the Winged Guardian.
I knew when I bought it that I wasn't being a unique and special snowflake, that thousands of other people would also be riding it. If I wanted to be a unique and special snowflake (protip: you are not one either) I'd be running Yogg for Mimiron's Head or Lich King for Invincible. Or, y'know, I could realize that it's impossible to be a unique and special snowflake, and that defining a thing's worth by how rare it is will only make you bitter and unpleasant and unhappy every time anyone else achieves the same feat.
I didn't buy the Winged Guardian to have something nobody else does. I bought it because it looks freakin' awesome. It is a flying kitty cat (kitty cat!) that *glows*. Thanks to the Winged Guardian, my DK is no longer flying about on a fugly standard model drake. My warrior is no longer flapping about on a gryphon. I am riding freakin' Voltron, and your argument, it is invalid.
P.S. Great video MusedMoose!
Fletcher Jun 4th 2011 10:29PM
A curse upon you, comment system! This was meant to be a reply to Stella Khatibi, of course.
MusedMoose Jun 4th 2011 10:54PM
Glad you liked it. ^_^
And yeah, I hear you. I've done Netherwing, Skyguard, and Kurenai as well, and one of my characters is the proud owner of a mechano-hog. And I did the rep grinds (there's a rep grind to get the schematic for the motorcycle too, for those who don't know) not because I thought having those mounts would somehow make my characters unique or special, I did them because I wanted those mounts for my characters.
I don't get upset when I see someone with the same mount - hell, I feel empathy, because I know they put in the same work that I did. It's like a digital fist-bump.
Aside from one-per-server things like the Scarab Lord title and associated mount (which can't be obtained anymore so they're irrelevant to this topic), there are no items, titles, or other "look at me!" things in the game that makes any one character unique or special. There's nothing any one person can do that another can't do, if they're willing to put in the time and effort. So it's up to us to make our characters special, even if it's just in our own minds. And that's enough for me. ^_^
Fletcher Jun 5th 2011 12:45AM
I'd forgotten that the chopper required exalted with the Alliance Vanguard/Hand of Vengeance, but you're right of course.
I'd also forgotten grinding Cenarion Expedition rep to exalted - twice! - for the hippogryph for my night elves. Not to mention I'm still running Sethekk Halls daily in the hope that Anzu will one day drop his Reins on my rogue!
Anaughtybear Jun 4th 2011 11:22PM
Am I the only one that read the massive amount of sarcasm written into this article? Seriously, nobody has commented on Fox calling you homosexual repeatedly for buying this mount yet? I'm not gay, and didn't buy this thing, but I'm still equally offended and amused. Fox might have the fiercest mustache at the Blue Oyster bar, but jeez. Over the top, man.
MusedMoose Jun 4th 2011 11:35PM
....what?
Did you miss the part where he was writing it in character as Foxlight, his clearly flamboyant blood elf? Look at the "throngs of worshipers" link and you'll understand. ^_^
Also, why would Mr. Van Allen, of all people, call people homosexual for buying a mount? I'm fairly sure he knows what being homosexual actually entails, and the Winged Guardian isn't part of it.
Anne Stickney Jun 4th 2011 11:56PM
Winged kitty is mount #130 for me. Trust me, I know how to farm. I also know that years of farming ZG pre-Cata, like clockwork, every three days, did not net me a tiger. I do not have a tiger, but at least I have a kitty now.
AND HE'S SO FLUFFY I'M GONNA DIE
jrockzmyv382 Jun 5th 2011 3:40AM
Is there anything you DON'T complain about?
Hairfish Jun 5th 2011 4:43AM
This is the first Blizzard Store offering that has tempted me, but I can't afford it. And I am a bit jealous. But hey...I can see others' Guardians a lot better than I could see mine if I had one, because I'd only see mine if I were riding it. So I'm fine with not owning one. Just...keep standing there a little longer in the middle of the Trade District, while I drool atcha. I'll TRY to look cool and distant.
AudreyR Jun 5th 2011 9:42AM
I would hover mine over trade distract for you, but the guards there really hate orcs on flying kitties. :(
AudreyR Jun 5th 2011 9:09AM
Not only do I have both the Celestial Steed and Winged Guardian, plus every pet from the pet store, I have the Cenarion Hippogryph, a ton of talbuks, a few PVP mounts, the raven lord mount, the white hawkstrider, Argent tourney mounts, the disgusting Oozeling, every pet that can be gained from fishing, most from arch, so on and so forth.
The point of that run-on sentence is that I know how to work for the pets and mounts that I want. Just like I know how to work for the discretionary money in my entertainment budget.
I do not regret spending one dime on any of the pet store purchases I have made. Why? Because I love each and every one of them. If you don't like what I spend my own money on, that's a personal problem, not a crusade.
AudreyR Jun 5th 2011 9:10AM
Reply was meant for Stella. Sorry folks.
PocketFox Jun 5th 2011 1:29PM
I have all the nether rays, all the netherdrakes, all the talbuks (minus the pvp ones), all the racial mounts from before the Argent Tournament was implemented, the Tol Barad storm drake, the black drake, the Bloodbathed Frostbrood Vanquisher, the Cenarion Hippogryph from back when BC was current, the Venomhide Ravasaur, the Violet Proto-drake, both vanilla ZG mounts, and multiple others, along with the Winged Guardian.
Is that enough "effort" for you?
...Oh wait, it's not your money.
SillyString Jun 6th 2011 5:15PM
I want to know what legs the Belf in the pic is wearing and how I can find them in-game.
Fox Van Allen Jun 6th 2011 5:26PM
http://us.battle.net/wow/en/character/zangarmarsh/foxlight/simple
Barbaric Loincloth. IIRC, I got Foxlight's in Ragefire.
wybenga42 Jun 7th 2011 2:51PM
I bought one. Named it Leviosa. That's right, it's my Winged Gardian Leviosa!