Every week, WoW Insider brings you Blood Pact for affliction, demonology and destruction warlocks. In a dark and hidden place, the true masters of the arcane arts share secrets and swap stories. For those who disdain the watered-down arts that other cling to like a safety blanket, for those willing to test their wills against the nether and claim the power that is their right, Blood Pact welcomes you and invites you to take a seat.

The first rumblings of the Cataclysm are upon us, and the sage wisdom that carried us through our adventures in Northrend is now as useful as that protective talisman a smooth-talking troll sold me. (Note to self: Find that troll again and communicate my feelings about his product quality. Remember to share my feelings with his friends, family and nearby flammable objects, while I'm at it.)

But business before revenge. What you want to hear about is gear, or more specifically, what you want out of it now. Some stats are changed, others are gone forever, and we've got an entirely new one to deal with. On top of that, our gear is now more customizable than ever before with the newly added Reforging option to take advantage of.

So join me after the jump as we go over stat weight, gemming, reforging and everything else you need to know to maximize your eldritch might in the twilight before the end of the world.

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Filed under: Warlock, (Warlock) Blood Pact

Every week, WoW Insider brings you Blood Pact for affliction, demonology and destruction warlocks. In a dark and hidden place, the true masters of the arcane arts share secrets and swap stories. For those who disdain the watered-down arts that other cling to like a safety blanket, for those willing to test their wills against the nether and claim the power that is their right, Blood Pact welcomes you and invites you to take a seat.

Did you know that warlocks can do more than bask in the tears of the weak and cowardly as we blaze a trail to supremacy? It's true! While tears are their own reward, it's sometimes good to take a moment to pad your purse or pick up a hot new ride or just earn the respect you know you're due.

"But," I hear the doubters in the back exclaim, "those things are not the rewards of one man. It takes a well-honed team of friends five, 10, even 20 strong to wrest some of those treasures from the enemies who hold them." This might be true for most heroes, but warlocks are not "most." Quite aside from knowing that "friend" is another word for "disposable minion," warlocks are masters at daring alone what once took many hands.

The dungeons and raids of the previous eras of World of Warcraft have many rewards to offer, and it's never been easier for an enterprising warlock to go after them. There's gold, achievements, titles, and for the patient, even pets and mounts to be won. By readying yourself to run these solo, you can save yourself the hassle of coordinating with other retro seekers, as well as avoiding the agony of having to roll off when that dreamed-of 1 percent drop finally pops up in the loot window. All you need is to equip yourself with the right tools and use a few of the right tactics.

After the jump, all you need to know to take down instance bosses as well as a list of which ones to go after now before they are gone when Cataclysm launches.

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Filed under: Warlock, (Warlock) Blood Pact