Posts with tag HallowsEnd

Yesterday, Hallow's End went live for the seventh time! The holiday began as a modest one, but it has evolved into one of WoW's most elaborate. Over the years, it has endured more controversy and intrigue than any other holiday. Let's take a look back!

The first Hallow's End

The original incarnation of Hallow's End went live in October 2005. The files were included with patch 1.8. It was a far cry from the elaborate holiday we know today with its quests, achievements, vendors, masks, and ghosts taunting us with awful poetry.

Here is Blizzard's 2005 introduction:

When the decorations of Hallow's End light up Azeroth's cities, you know there's mischief afoot! Seek special vendors in Orgrimmar or Ironforge and get your hands on treats! Aid a sick orphan in a little trick-or-treating! Darkcaller Yanka, attending the Forsaken's Wickerman Festival, and Sergeant Hartman of Southshore are seeking your aid in keeping the enemy out of their holiday affairs - are you up to the challenge?

The first Hallow's End wasn't much to write home about. Towns were decorated with pumpkins. The inns got apple bobbing. In addition, the holiday made three quests available. The first was to collect candy from capital cities for your faction's kids. The other two were faction specific -- and were the focus of intense forum-griping.

Today is Halloween in the physical world and also the last day of Hallow's End in Azeroth. There is just no escape from costumes and candy, no matter where you go. For me, that's a good thing. This is one of my favorite holidays, being No. 3 of the four major chocolate holidays of the year. And I love the in-game version as well, with its silly achievements and delicious XP and/or cash for alts.

While most U.S. children will be trick-or-treating this evening, the bulk of the Halloween parties have already happened. In game, most of the dailies and achievement attempts have already occurred as well, but you still have time to try for your goals until tonight.

Do you participate in Halloween? If so, what did you and/or your child go as this year? Do you participate in Hallow's End? How close are you to finishing your goals?

Every Thursday, Shelbi Roach of The Bronze Kettle guides you in creating WoW-inspired crafts using real world mats with World of WarCrafts.

Hallow's End is almost upon us, and with that comes flimsy masks, a chance to be named The Hallowed, and a shot at looting something more cute than sinister. Even if you miss out on this seasonal in-game pumpkin pet, you still have the chance to befriend this small squashling IRL.

Here is what you will need:

• Small (Fake) Pumpkin
  
• Small Stick
  
• Fake Leaves
  
• Vine Wire
• Acrylic Paint
• Hot Glue Gun
• Wire Cutters
• Paintbrush
• Pencil

Click on the images below to view a gallery of step-by-step instructions.