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We did an alt run but I was drunk and forgot to log it. Al'akir drops helm tokens now, so he's actually worth farming.

Did another bear run: they're fun as hell. It's got just enough of the old speed run mechanic to bring back all the nostalgia but the super obnoxious stuff is all gone. Beat the timer by 5-minutes, got the ugly pink bear this time. horray! I'll probably fraps a run tomorrow so people who haven't pulled it off yet can get an idea how we did it. It's not exactly 'omg hard mode' content but if your'e doing at roughly appropriate gear it's going to be pretty tight. here's the log, yeah, I'm worthless. /excuse DoT classes suck on trash.

Just as a quick update - I've just gotten done putting together the very first version of the client and updating the parser class to enable live logging. Right now it's nothing more than an authentication and periodic uploader but the whole thing comes together to do a full live parse and replicate the data compared to the upload and parse system as it is. Since I'm not currently raiding it was a simulated log (I wrote a quick script to every 25 or so seconds write a random amount from an existing combat log to the log located in the wow directory) but it works exactly like wow does and shouldn't but any different in a live situation. *fingers crossed*

One question I do have is as of now I could probably do a version of the livelink system that would allow you to only see boss encounters live and not trash. So what would you guys rather see first, livelink for only bosses or wait until it can do trash as well? and would you want to watch trash live at all?

One question I do have is as of now I could probably do a version of the livelink system that would allow you to only see boss encounters live and not trash. So what would you guys rather see first, livelink for only bosses or wait until it can do trash as well? and would you want to watch trash live at all?

People in the raid don't even care about doing trash, I can't imagine people outside of it would. I'd almost consider it a feature not to have trash showing up

People in the raid don't even care about doing trash, I can't imagine people outside of it would. I'd almost consider it a feature not to have trash showing up

Well as it stands the parser ignores trash (not that it can't handle it, I just made an active decision to not output it) so I'll leave it out for now and just stick a sleeping lolcat in place when there's no boss data to play with.

Was noticing the client was for windows ... is it not possible to make it an Adobe AIR app, so it's useably across different platforms?

Honestly? I barely know C# and it's been a struggle to get this far with it, I don't dare start over in a language I've never looked at before. In the future if someone wanted to make a mac/linux version I'd be happy to share the API commands for the server to validate and upload with but personally it's not something I'd be interested in undertaking sorry.

The first version of the client is now available for testing, and if anyone is interested you can download it here:

http://www.recount.me/app/publish.htm

There may still be a number of errors and there is no real LiveLink system in place (yet), for now it's just a client for uploading logs as you raid. Over the next few weeks the live replay functions will be added and some work has already been done allowing you to view the raid members online in each encounter; hopefully by tomorrow the first damage/healing data will be made available via the link shown on the client.

If you have any problems at all just let me know and I'll get an update pushed out as soon as possible.

A minor change you could make: changing the way servers are selected when registering.

The fact that I have to remember that Shadow moon is an eastern time zone pvp server in the US server cluster is obnoxious. Why not just one of those fancy javascript auto-complete boxes or even a standard dropdown with options like

  • EU-Laughing Skull
  • EU-Lightbringer
    ...
  • US-Archimonde
  • US-Galakrond
    ...

Still waiting on a text message to find out if we're playing tonight but if we are i'll test it out.

EDIT: no matter what I do it seems to crash immediately after clicking the 'start logging' button.

Windows 7, pretty much bone stock except for wow, fraps, and ventrillo.

Hit level 40 with my new Warrior. First time tanking, I've played DPS for years. Ran my first 5 man earlier on Uldaman, went okay! Little bit frantic and messy but no wipes :)

Posted this on GAF, just shamelessly copying lol

I just ran my first 5 man tanking at 39, Uldaman was picked. Had to ask for a little guidance since I've only ever done this instance 1~2 times. No wipes and fairly straight forward. I felt I was a little messy though, a lot of spamming of buttons without much structure. Just spent most of the time focusing on keeping agro. Taunt > Rend > Shield Slam > Heroic strike was cycle, with sunder armor as an when. Used Thunder Clap on multiple mobs to spread rend around.

I tried to mark as well with the tips in here about assigning the marks to the numpad (large 0 key, etc).

The first dungeon being out of the way really does calm down some of the nerves of that first tanking experience!

Oh yeah, managed to pickup a Platinum Sword from the Uldaman quests :)

My character - http://eu.battle.net/wow/en/character/stormrage/arista%C3%A9us/simple

The question I have for you guys though is should I stick with Herbalism/Alchemy, or switch to Mining/Engineering? I've never really done Herb/Alc before so it's nice and new, but engineering always seems so much fun (not done it either). The bonus stamina from mining is good also. However my healing pots/elixers have been quite useful so far!

The question I have for you guys though is should I stick with Herbalism/Alchemy, or switch to Mining/Engineering? I've never really done Herb/Alc before so it's nice and new, but engineering always seems so much fun (not done it either). The bonus stamina from mining is good also. However my healing pots/elixers have been quite useful so far!

Gratz on the run :)

Well.. it kinda depends.. if you are willing to buy the herbs. Because you could stick with Alch and buy the herbs. Or find a supplier (and make some trades). That would allow you to pickup mining and not lose your pots/elixrs. Herbalism just gives haste and the healing. Also, you could sell your Mining mats you mine and make some money.. make enough to not lose anything on buying the herbs.

If you don't want to.. I'd pick up JC with your mining instead of Engineering as you will get some nice stam gems. And rings and such.

EDIT: no matter what I do it seems to crash immediately after clicking the 'start logging' button.

Windows 7, pretty much bone stock except for wow, fraps, and ventrillo.

I'll go on and do some testing on a live client now and see what I can find...first I've heard of it crashing though, sorry you're experiencing issues.

With respect to tanking: Taunt doesn't generate threat. It forces a mob to attack you, but if it's already doing that then it doesn't help at all. There are really only two times you should be using taunt:

  • The mob is attacking someone else and you want it to attack you
  • You're pulling mob and want to force something that is out of your range to attack you for a couple of seconds (ie: taunting a caster to line-of-sight pull when the healer is being an idiot)

Taunt doesn't generate threat at all, and if the mob is already attacking you it actually hurts threat because you've wasted a global cooldown that could have been used for a better ability.

The question I have for you guys though is should I stick with Herbalism/Alchemy, or switch to Mining/Engineering? I've never really done Herb/Alc before so it's nice and new, but engineering always seems so much fun (not done it either). The bonus stamina from mining is good also. However my healing pots/elixers have been quite useful so far!

It really depends on your goals.

  • If you just want to have fun: play the profession you find fun.
  • If you want to be competitive at end game (or even just carry groups a little better) then blacksmith/jewel crafting are the best options (by a very small margin, all crafting professions are good).
  • If you want to get rich and don't mind farming: double gathering professions are the way to go

The impact of a best-in-slot profession vs none at all is roughly equal to two gems. It's better to have good professions than not, but it's not going to be game breaking. Compared to 'good but not best' profession (ie: alchemy is worse than jewel crafting for tank) the difference is very small: a fraction of a green gem. Gathering professions are basically on par with not having a profession. For what it's worth, my paladin doesn't have any professions and it hasn't stopped me from clearing all the normal mode raid content.

Also, warrior tanks stack mastery, not stamina. Keep that in mind if you're trying to min/max professions.

With respect to tanking: Taunt doesn't generate threat. It forces a mob to attack you, but if it's already doing that then it doesn't help at all. There are really only two times you should be using taunt:

  • The mob is attacking someone else and you want it to attack you
  • You're pulling mob and want to force something that is out of your range to attack you for a couple of seconds (ie: taunting a caster to line-of-sight pull when the healer is being an idiot)

Taunt doesn't generate threat at all, and if the mob is already attacking you it actually hurts threat because you've wasted a global cooldown that could have been used for a better ability.

It really depends on your goals.

  • If you just want to have fun: play the profession you find fun.
  • If you want to be competitive at end game (or even just carry groups a little better) then blacksmith/jewel crafting are the best options (by a very small margin, all crafting professions are good).
  • If you want to get rich and don't mind farming: double gathering professions are the way to go

The impact of a best-in-slot profession vs none at all is roughly equal to two gems. It's better to have good professions than not, but it's not going to be game breaking. Compared to 'good but not best' profession (ie: alchemy is worse than jewel crafting for tank) the difference is very small: a fraction of a green gem. Gathering professions are basically on par with not having a profession. For what it's worth, my paladin doesn't have any professions and it hasn't stopped me from clearing all the normal mode raid content.

Also, warrior tanks stack mastery, not stamina. Keep that in mind if you're trying to min/max professions.

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated (Y)

I might go with JC then, where can I learn it at level 40? Thanks. I looked into Blacksmith, but it seems I won't make anything worthwhile till end levels, and even then, it requires loooots of mats. I like the way Alchemy currently feels like it's helping me even at level 40.

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated (Y)

I might go with JC then, where can I learn it at level 40? Thanks. I looked into Blacksmith, but it seems I won't make anything worthwhile till end levels, and even then, it requires loooots of mats. I like the way Alchemy currently feels like it's helping me even at level 40.

There is nothing forcing you to change.. you are only level 40.. could still with that through 85 and switch professions then.. As for learning JC.. you can do it at any major city.

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated (Y)

I might go with JC then, where can I learn it at level 40? Thanks. I looked into Blacksmith, but it seems I won't make anything worthwhile till end levels, and even then, it requires loooots of mats. I like the way Alchemy currently feels like it's helping me even at level 40.

What you can do is lvl 2 gathering professions untill 85 like mining and herbing, you not only lvl faster with gathering professions you'll have all the goods you need to lvl a crafting profession when your 85.

I might go with JC then, where can I learn it at level 40? Thanks. I looked into Blacksmith, but it seems I won't make anything worthwhile till end levels, and even then, it requires loooots of mats. I like the way Alchemy currently feels like it's helping me even at level 40.

take your pick.

You'll need a way to funnel ore into jewel crafting unless you've got a few thousand gold to fund it from the auction house. You might want to level as a miner to 85 and save all your ore, when you hit level cap you can drop mining and power-level jewel crafting.

Ok spent the last few hours testing the new version of the client and those that have been trying it have all reported it to be working during raids/target dummy testing, I hope you all find have the same!

Either open the client and it'll ask you to update or download it from here: http://www.recount.me/app/publish.htm

As usual, all feedback/comments are great!

Ok spent the last few hours testing the new version of the client and those that have been trying it have all reported it to be working during raids/target dummy testing, I hope you all find have the same!

Either open the client and it'll ask you to update or download it from here: http://www.recount.me/app/publish.htm

As usual, all feedback/comments are great!

I'll try it tonight: raid time is usually around 8:30 - 11:30 PST (roughly). With luck we'll clear heroic BWD so you'll have some entries for top-100 in omnotron/atramedes/nefarian

Honestly? I barely know C# and it's been a struggle to get this far with it, I don't dare start over in a language I've never looked at before. In the future if someone wanted to make a mac/linux version I'd be happy to share the API commands for the server to validate and upload with but personally it's not something I'd be interested in undertaking sorry.

I wouldn't mind taking a shot at creating a Mac client. Might finally give me some incentive to learn Objective-C and Cocoa.

Just decided I'll stick with herb/alch till 85, then consider changing then. Right now it gives me a little edge from the pots, I'm getting familiar with it, and it's my first time doing it. That and I'm leveled up so whatever area I go to to advance in level, I can pick the herbs. As opposed to having to track back to level up mining or something, wasting leveling time.

I can just be so indecisive in WoW it drives me nuts :laugh: That or I usually play it safe and fall back on old trends from the last few years, so at least sticking with these professions I'm doing something new. Doing something new with trying tanking as well, so it's all adding up!

Got some other build advice on GAF, do you guys think it's sound as well? (it seems so!) I usually follow a guide for talent tree points, but I have been kind of spending them on a whim!

Ditch those three points in Incite for now. It's a decent single target threat talent at best, and single target threat isn't at all your concern in low-end dungeons. Heroic Strike in general isn't very strong these days for how much rage it costs, and in aoe situations Cleave (especially glyphed) will wildly outperform it.

I'd recommend something like this at that level.

2/2 BnT will give you more reliable aoe threat, filling out Shield Spec provides more rage, Shield Mastery makes Shield Block something you blow on cooldown for better average damage mitigation and even more rage, Devastate is your primary rage dump when everything else is on cooldown, and Warbringer will completely change the way you play. Hold the Line is kind of a marginal talent that isn't going to do much for you at 8% parry. Gag Order is nice, but there are better places for the points right now.

Of what's left in the tree, you really want Improved Revenge, Shockwave, and somewhere along the way grab Last Stand. Heavy Repercussions and Sword and Board are both solid single target threat talents. Impending Victory is pretty weak. Vigilance and Safeguard have their uses, but primarily in raiding environments. Thunderstruck is kind of a marginal increase to aoe threat, but some people swear by it. And Gag Order and Hold the Line are both worth going back for at some point.

At your current point I'd pick up Improved Revenge first, but beyond that there are a lot of options and not many wrong answers.

Field Dressing is a requirement outside of prot, but again, beyond that there are a lot of decent options that mostly come down to playstyle.

Just decided I'll stick with herb/alch till 85, then consider changing then. Right now it gives me a little edge from the pots, I'm getting familiar with it, and it's my first time doing it. That and I'm leveled up so whatever area I go to to advance in level, I can pick the herbs. As opposed to having to track back to level up mining or something, wasting leveling time.

I can just be so indecisive in WoW it drives me nuts :laugh: That or I usually play it safe and fall back on old trends from the last few years, so at least sticking with these professions I'm doing something new. Doing something new with trying tanking as well, so it's all adding up!

Got some other build advice on GAF, do you guys think it's sound as well? (it seems so!) I usually follow a guide for talent tree points, but I have been kind of spending them on a whim!

Looking at that.. that seems pretty solid. If you aren't having too much trouble holding agro on single target.. you could even take the point out of devastate and toss it into improved revenge. Get that at max then do devastate.

As for the professions.. it's fully upto you. I find it's easier to go back and level a profession at 85.. especially if you have a flying mount and you will be able to ensure you can kill any mobs in the area you are farming.

Oooft, my 3rd dungeon to tank in was Dire Maul, pretty easy, then up next I got Scholomance.

I've never been in either of them before! I've played WoW for about 3 years on and off as well :laugh:

Scholo was quite a challenge and 2 wipes were arguably my fault, another not so much. Group all stayed to the end though, helped me a bit, and I got a load of good gear. Just shy of level 42 now! Also, Scholo is fairly big for an early dungeon! The wipes really were just inexperience with the dungeon itself, I fared fine in actual battle.

It's been a while so here's a minor update:

We took it easy for the last couple of weeks after getting Al'akir, monday was our first 'proper night' of raiding with all of the first string people online so we used it to kill hard mode nef. It looks like we're in a good position to get server first 13/13 - we're looking at banging on Sinestra this week, hopefully it's difficult (ie: chog'all) but not frustratingly so (ie: conclave).

Unrelated, I'm converting our alt run from 10 to 25-man for the purpose of getting easier content and to make a few more slots in the raid to play with friends. Looking for a couple of healers and a bunch of DPS. Get in touch if you're interested.

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