Thursday, December 31, 2015

Happy New Year and Recap of 2015

The New Year is just around the corner and I'd like to wish everyone a safe and joyous celebration/day!


This past year has been a wild ride for pets and pet battles, at least for me. Through the awesome and not so great, I can definitely say that I created some memorable moments in WoD.

Here's just a teeny-tiny recap of some fun/interesting memories of my pet experiences this past year. There were A LOT of things that happened/changed; these are just a few events that stand out for me.

Friday, December 25, 2015

Season's Greetings - Sled Rides Are Best With Friends (And Pets!)

Wishing everyone a safe and wonderful holiday season!


Don't forget to loot the Gently Shaken Gift underneath the Winter Veil tree in Ironforge or Orgrimmar for your very own Red Wooden Sled. There's also new Perky Pug hats, "Merry Munchkin" Costume from Carefully Wrapped Present.

You can summon out a battle pet, target it and then use the sled to place your pet on top. Then click on the sled and pull it around for a fun little sled ride!

Or if you want to get fancy...


Combine a few toys together for even more shenanigans! Pepe + Pet Mirror + Fruit Hat + Skymirror + Sled = Are we doing it right yet? ;) Needless to say, I'm having a lot of fun with this new toy. At the expense of my OH, of course hehe.


Have a good one, everyone. Enjoy the new toys, hug your pets, and have an epic day!

Thursday, December 24, 2015

BMAH Thundering Serpent Hatchling Found! ...Maybe


Throughout all of Warlords of Draenor I've been wondering about the whereabouts of the Thundering Serpent Hatchling.

Originally, guilds could unlock it on the guild vendor after completing the MoP achievement, Challenge Conquerors: Gold - Guild Edition. However, the achievement was removed once WoD was released, and the pet was relocated to the Black Market Auction House. Or so the Pet Journal claimed.

Not once have I seen the Thundering Serpent Hatchling on the BMAH. Nor has anyone else that I've spoken with. So what gives?

It doesn't appear to be an error on Blizzard's part, as the topic of this pet has been brought to their attention a few times now. Is this pet just really, really rare. Is it even on the BMAH?

The answer is yes to both of these questions. Probably.

Recently I came across a comment on the WoW Pet Battle Forums that holds the best explanation as to why we haven't seen the Thundering Serpent Hatchling on the BMAH. It's because it's not actually physically listed. Instead, it's a possible drop from Unclaimed Black Market Container.

Talk about an "ah-ha!" moment, and "why didn't I consider that sooner?" lol. This makes the most sense to me, even though the logic behind it boggles my mind.

After researching a bit more into this, it turns out there are different versions of the Unclaimed BMAH Container, yet all named the same thing.


The one that will likely drop the Thundering Serpent Hatchling is the version that was released right after the achievement and pet was removed, in other words at the start of WoD.

How this pet was re-made available in-game is illogical to me, and I think it's fairly obvious why.

RNG #1: There are FOUR different boxes that you could end up buying. So there's no guarantee that you'll even end up with the "right" container that has an actual chance to drop the Thundering Serpent Hatchling. Note: The WoD version of the container is labeled "unique", but so are 2 other boxes. At least it cuts down your chances by one.

RNG #2: Winning the bid on the "right" container"? Good luck with that. Unless you have the time, energy, and gold to stalk the BMAH and win every single one, you'd best do a dance and tribute to the RNG gods.

RNG #3: The loot table is fairly large for any of the containers. It's unclear what the drop rate is on the items, nevermind the pet.

There is just SO MUCH RNG to contend with -- it's ridiculous considering the pet was not difficult to acquire originally. It was just a matter of joining a guild that had the pet unlocked, grinding reputation with them, and then buying the pet off of the guild vendor. Sure, some had to pay a hefty fee to the guild, but after that it was pretty easy to collect.

I suppose Blizzard is attempting to make the pet ultra-rare so those that collected it when it was relevant have a sense of superiority over others that came after. I guess? This just feels wrong, though. It's punishing newer players/collectors, more than it's rewarding veteran players. Something, something catching flies with honey rather than vinegar something, something.

Considering how large the BMAH loot table is, I don't understand why the Thundering Serpent Hatchling isn't just physically listed. It would still remain rare due to the enormous loot rotation, plus the gold tag on it could be made quite large to ensure only those serious about collecting it have a chance at it. There would still be RNG to contend with, but it cuts down a bit AND gives collectors peace of mind.

It would make collectors feel better if the pet was physically placed up on the BMAH, even if most seeking it might not be able to buy it right off the bat. Just seeing it available, and knowing it's guaranteed to the winner of the bid, is a psychological comfort. Look, it's there, it's not completely out of reach! We wouldn't have to speculate or wonder anymore.

I doubt Blizzard will do anything about the Thundering Serpent Hatchling, although we can hope for a change.

We can point out how silly the relocation of this pet is, since it wasn't all that difficult to get (for most) in the first place. How punishing newer players/collectors doesn't make anyone feel good or superior. And how it would be a comforting change to just see the pet up for sale, instead of fighting RNG (PLUS other players) for a chance at it. After providing constructive feedback, all we can do it hope that it'll be taken into consideration and something will happen.

In the end, hoping might be in vain though, and it's likely this expansion's Challenge Mode Gold pet, Deathwatch Hatchling, will follow suit.

So really, don't miss out on the Deathwatch Hatchling. Don't procrastinate collecting it. Seriously. Collect it while it's a straight-forward collectible. Because Blizzard's track record with Challenge Mode pets hasn't been the best or very favorable to collectors, the ones that the pets mean the most to, so far.

Thursday, December 17, 2015

PVP Exclusive Pet Possibly Coming In Legion?

I've always had a difficult time with PVP, both participating and mentally accepting the act of PVP'ing. So you can imagine the amount of dread that I feel when reading through the Legion PVP Preview blog that Blizzard recently posted. Specifically about the prestige rewards and "A unique mount and pet".

"All For The Prestige
However, once you've reached Honor Level 50, you'll have a tough choice to make. You'll be given the option to Prestige, which will reset your Honor Level back to 1, and once again restricting access to higher-level Honor Talents. However, in return, you'll increase your Prestige Level, which grants access to a number of other rewards, including:


  • A badge, based on your Prestige Level, which appears on the scoreboard in Battlegrounds and Arenas, as well as on your nameplate and unit frame.
  • A title, also based on your Prestige Level.
  • A wearable faction pennant
  • A new appearance for your Artifact
  • A unique mount and pet

The higher your Prestige Level, the better rewards you'll have access to. We see the Prestige system as a great way for players who aren't interested in pursuing higher rating, but still enjoy PvP, to have their own unique rewards to chase after."

They don't discuss in detail how/when the pet will be awarded, so it's still up in the air what the exact requirements to be eligible for the pet will be.

At this time, the only sure thing I can say is...NOOOOO does not want! I detest PVP (even pet PVP).

However, because I'm lacking further information and details on the pet as well as the process necessary to earn the pet, I'll wait to formulate a concrete opinion on the matter.

I mean, maybe it won't be all that bad? Perhaps the only requirement will be to reach Prestige level 1 (Honor level 50). That will just be a matter of grinding Honor until reaching cap, and only just the one time.

Then again, it could just as well be something like "reach Prestige level 20", which would mean reaching Honor level 50 multiple times (20 times)...and that might make me lose more than a few nights' worth of sleep and some hair.

I definitely am NOT hoping for the latter. As a pet collector, I will feel obligated to collect whatever this PVP exclusive pet will be. And I can only speak for myself, but PVP is not an activity that I actively seek out. It's just not my thing; I don't enjoy it and feel extremely stressed out when faced with PVP. So while this is all "optional", in the end I will still feel as though I'm being cornered into participating in an aspect of the game that I would rather not take part in.

I know some will thrive in this type of situation and are probably ecstatic that they will get to play two very different aspects of the game at the same time. And that's great! Everyone should be able to enjoy this game in their own way.

I just hope that Blizzard chooses the path of compromise between those that want PVP and those that don't want PVP. Prestige 1? Maybe even Honor level XX? Ok, I will buckle down, hold my tongue, and do it for the pet. That's not too much to ask of me so someone else can enjoy collecting while PVP'ing, right? We'll see.

I'm crossing my fingers for a quick and fairly painless process for the PVP pet. I mean, not only do I not want to be in a battleground, I'm sure avid PVP'ers will probably cringe at having my inexperienced and poor PVP skills in their highly competitive game space. The less time I have to spend "ruining" their games, the better...right? lol *is reminded of the Children's Week PVP achievement*

Anyway, until more information is given, I'll sit and wait. Anxiously wait. *stressed* Hope for the best, prepare for the worst? =\

Details I'm most eager to learn more about:
  • What the pet will be and if it's truly exclusive to this activity (PVP, or will it be available through some other means?)
  • Prestige level required to earn the pet
  • The rate at which you earn honor and time necessary to earn Prestige
  • Any possible limitations on the pet (Will the ability to summon it require you to maintain a certain honor/prestige level? Or is it yours to keep forever once earned?)

Monday, December 14, 2015

Pets Ready To Party With Mesmerizing Fruit Hat!

With the recent discovery of the Mesmerizing Fruit Hat, I just had to try it with the Magic Pet Mirror.

Since it's a hat-like feature, I figured it would probably work with Pet Mirrored pets that can also wear Pepe on their heads. And, ta-da! After testing, it turns out that most Pet Mirrored pets that can wear Pepe will also wear the Fruit Hat. The Cogblade Raptor sort of wears it, but not quite. It sinks too far into the pet model's head for it to be properly worn.

Here are some screenshots of a few Pet Mirrored pets + Pepe + Fruit Hat. To wear all three you need to use Pepe and the hat first, before using the Magic Pet Mirror.

   
   
(click for larger images)

I've tried using the Fruit Hat with other pets, but so far the rest refuse to wear it. I guess only those tolerant enough to put up with a little bird are willing to also put up with a fruit bowl lol.

One silver lining for pets that don't want to cooperate with stuff on their heads -- if the Pet Mirrored pet has a dance animation (Brightpaw and Unborn Val'kyr for example), the Fruit Hat will put you in a constant state of dancing haha.

I've updated my list of Pet Mirrored pet animations to note which pets can wear the Fruit Hat. Just CTRL+F (or whatever the search function is on your browser) to search for "Pepe" and it should highlight the results.

It's a shame that more pets can't have Pepe + hat! :P

Monday, December 7, 2015

Blizzard Store Holiday Sale - Pets 50% Off!

The Blizzard Store is having an awesome sale this holiday season -- 50% off most pets and mounts!


From now until January 4, 2016 nearly all pets are half off. Brightpaw is the exception, but 100% of her proceeds are going to charity. So yenno, it kind of makes sense that her adoption fee is full price. :P

The pets that are on sale are fully giftable, so send some pet love to a friend or family member. What better way to spend the holidays than adventuring with a loyal little companion? :)

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Let Brightpaw Brighten Up Your Life

Brightpaw has arrived! And she's all sorts of adorable. Blizzard's even fashioned a special promotional video for this adorable little kitty. Ahhh the cute, it's too much!


You can adopt this kitty from the Blizzard Store for $10. Through December 31, 2015 100% of the proceeds will go to the Make-a-Wish Foundation (charity). You currently can't gift Brightpaw but the option should be available again in the near future.

She'll interact with you in two ways. First is lap kitty, because c'mon. KITTEH.


Second, this energetic mana kitten loves to dance! Target Brightpaw and emote /dance for fun kitty dance time. It's even cuter when you use the Magic Pet Mirror and become her. Best dance partners ever? ;)


For Brightpaw's idle animation (and sometimes when you summon her out), she'll dash around very quickly, leaving behind what I can only call a "mana zoom-streak" and an audible dashing noise.


Breanni even warns you about Brightpaw's hyperactivity in the small message that's sent in the mail along with the pet.
"This energetic little kitten can't stop zipping around in a burst of arcane energy. She seems to have taken a liking to you, so I'm sending her your way.

I'm sure she'll need lots of attention!

--Breanni"
Good thing that I'm more than happy to ravish her with an enormous amount of love and attention. :)
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Perks N Peeves by Quintessence is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.