Hey RuBy, I spotted you a few times yesterday. Had no idea you were ns. <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' /><!--endemo--> Mostly noticed you because of your pet though, where did you get a blue/gray tiger?
Don't think I have mentioned my new character yet btw. It's Urek, lvl 14 Troll Hunter. My pet is a Taloned Swoop, which was not easy to tame because of its ability to disrupt spells. Was a little disapointed that it shrank significantly in size when it was tamed though, but it still pwns. Might post some screenies of us later.
I'm also having trouble with the NS channel. (Maybe the same problem that Talesin had?) I can see what you guys say in the channel, but WoW acts as if I wasn't really connected to it.. no commands work and I can't say anything. Is the guild up yet btw? How do I join? <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
<!--QuoteBegin-Injury+Nov 14 2004, 02:50 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Injury @ Nov 14 2004, 02:50 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Thus began our heroic charge into the jaws of enemy pirates to liberate the quest reward from their cold, dead hands.
<img src='http://evolutionarily.org/~injury/Images/boarding.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' /> <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd--> Then you find Ensuna and Sonic on the ship.. oh that would be perfect..
<!--QuoteBegin-Sinister+Nov 15 2004, 05:42 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Sinister @ Nov 15 2004, 05:42 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Hey RuBy, I spotted you a few times yesterday. Had no idea you were ns. <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' /><!--endemo--> Mostly noticed you because of your pet though, where did you get a blue/gray tiger? <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd--> I got it in the elven lands up north during a raid.
coilAmateur pirate. Professional monkey. All pance.Join Date: 2002-04-12Member: 424Members, NS1 Playtester, Contributor
Two more... I spent some time today playing in Aquatic Form.
First, I scared a fisherman. <img src='http://www.lunixmonster.org/hosted/coil/wow/19_fisherman.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
Then I swam from Orgrimmar to Ratchet, along the coast... this was the view coming into the bay. <img src='http://www.lunixmonster.org/hosted/coil/wow/20_shipwreck.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
<img src='http://sabasan.no-ip.com/bij/WoW/wow_8.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' /> Coil and I were waiting for Epidemic to show up, so I made us a campfire. Where the hell are the marshmallows when you need them. <!--emo&:(--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/sad-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='sad-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
The beta is over and I never got a mount!! <!--emo&:(--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/sad-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='sad-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
Was mucho fun while it lasted. Considering buying it.
Do you guys hear that? That's my screams echoing about the world because WoW is now closed <!--emo&:(--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/sad-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='sad-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
Blizzard end the beta in style by spawning Fel Hounds, Doom Guards, Dreadlords, and Massive Infernals in every capital city. I wanted to get into Stormwind, but I died about 7 seconds after the SS was taken <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/biggrin-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
one of last night raids on test17, horde stood no chance near crossroads <!--emo&;)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/wink-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wink-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
EpidemicDark Force GorgeJoin Date: 2003-06-29Member: 17781Members
Uh, I go abit fed of it at last but it was ok, especially at the start where I thought things were abit bigger and more exciting, just to find out it's pretty generic <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile-fix.gif' /><!--endemo--> Here's the last taken pic of my char, I managed almost to get to lvl 30 <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/biggrin-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin-fix.gif' /><!--endemo--> <img src='http://img118.exs.cx/img118/6250/WoW.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
coilAmateur pirate. Professional monkey. All pance.Join Date: 2002-04-12Member: 424Members, NS1 Playtester, Contributor
edited November 2004
And with that, the beta ended. Here is my last batch of screenshots...
Last night, Beegee (Bijiy) and I headed up to Ashenvale for some hunting. Here we are passing the west gate of Orgrimmar, the Orcish capital city, on our way north. <img src='http://www.lunixmonster.org/hosted/coil/wow/21_wyvern.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
Here's our full group heading down the road in Ashenvale... Beegee and I were indulging our druid natures and traveling in Cat Form. <img src='http://www.lunixmonster.org/hosted/coil/wow/22_transform_and_roll_out.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
On my way to the Orcish outpost of Grom'gol in Stranglethorn Vale, I stopped to really take a look at the Zeppelins we ride in. They're pretty impressive! <img src='http://www.lunixmonster.org/hosted/coil/wow/23_big_zeppelin.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
...but not as impressive as a Zeppelin with a hood ornament!! <img src='http://www.lunixmonster.org/hosted/coil/wow/24_hood_ornament.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
These last two are more awe at the world... first, a pristine pool in the heart of Ashenvale. <img src='http://www.lunixmonster.org/hosted/coil/wow/25_just_pretty.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
My last hour on the server was spent with about 30 other Horde members (including SmokeMasta) on our way through Ashenvale to Darkshore to beat up on some Night Elves. I was wondering if we'd be able to tell when we hit Darkshore, and boy, could we. The moonlight broke through the trees, and just... wow. <img src='http://www.lunixmonster.org/hosted/coil/wow/26_entering_darkshore.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
These last three are me, for memory's sake, since our characters are getting wiped. Here's me in Bear Form with just over 1000 AC. Not bad for a L23! <img src='http://www.lunixmonster.org/hosted/coil/wow/27_bear_form.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
Here's me in my final gear, including a pair of "Superior" gloves that I made myself! In fact, almost everything I'm wearing in this picture was hand-made by yours truly. <img src='http://www.lunixmonster.org/hosted/coil/wow/28_druid_form.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
And here's my login screen. Bye Cail! <img src='http://www.lunixmonster.org/hosted/coil/wow/29_login.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
EpidemicDark Force GorgeJoin Date: 2003-06-29Member: 17781Members
<!--QuoteBegin-Aldaris+Nov 12 2004, 06:47 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Aldaris @ Nov 12 2004, 06:47 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> My char's name is Asurman. Note that the kicking **** was done from the back......lets just say I was moral support for the NE, and had nothing to do with the fact it was too laggy for me to do anything. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd--> Forgot to post this one. Woooosh! <img src='http://img77.exs.cx/img77/2923/Wow2.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
Man what a fun beta <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
here's the very last thing I did before signing off:
coilAmateur pirate. Professional monkey. All pance.Join Date: 2002-04-12Member: 424Members, NS1 Playtester, Contributor
Some of you know who Onyxia is... the huge Black Dragon raid boss. Well, a Swedish (I think) guild attempted to take her down a little while ago, and one of their Warlocks filmed the battle.
<!--QuoteBegin-coil+Nov 19 2004, 12:40 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (coil @ Nov 19 2004, 12:40 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Some of you know who Onyxia is... the huge Black Dragon raid boss. Well, a Swedish (I think) guild attempted to take her down a little while ago, and one of their Warlocks filmed the battle.
Onyxia owns you.
<a href='http://en.wow-europe.com/downloads/videos/OnyxiaAttempt.avi' target='_blank'>http://en.wow-europe.com/downloads/videos/OnyxiaAttempt.avi</a> <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd--> I've heard of tough bosses before but Onyxia = <i>daaaaaammmmmnnnn!</i>
I watched that onyxia video.. damn that was hectic. I haven't played WoW but i'm definitely going to consider buying WoW when it comes out... amazing.
For those of us who aren't familiar with the battle system in the game - what would you estimate her HP at? Are different magics/battle styles more effective against her? Did she regen health because everyone attacking her died? Why couldn't they release their spirit? Was that a relatively large attacking party - could a bigger/better one killed her? What tactics would they use?
MonkfishSonic-boom-inducing buttcheeks of terrifying speed!Join Date: 2003-06-03Member: 16972Members
I have a few more screenshots, but their not what I would call..pg-13. PM me if you want to see them <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' /><!--endemo-->
coilAmateur pirate. Professional monkey. All pance.Join Date: 2002-04-12Member: 424Members, NS1 Playtester, Contributor
- what would you estimate her HP at? I can't even imagine. There are three major roles in a party, and I imagine that even in a battle of this size they are still intact: Healer, Tank (damage sponge), and Damage Dealer.
The Tanks are the warriors. They exist to keep Onyxia's focus on them, so she attacks them with their superior armor and hitpoints rather than the more fragile damage dealers. If they do their job well, the Healers don't even have to worry about the DDs -- they focus their healing efforts on the Tanks. The Damage Dealers are Rogues (melee) and ranged attackers - in WoW, that means Mages, Warlocks, Hunters, and Shadow-specced Priests.
The combat log in the lower right shows hits on Onyxia; I would guess she was taking about 200 damage/second over the course of the 4-minute fight. In that time, she lost about 10% of her health bar... 4 mins = 240 seconds at 200dps = 48,000 hitpoints. So Onyxia might have about 500,000 hitpoints (The player we were watching had less than 5,500 hitpoints, having died after taking 2000 and 3300 damage from two consecutive attacks). This is probably an understatement; I doubt all the damage Onyxia was taking showed on the combat log, and the camerawoman and other casters occasionally hit for 500-600 damage in addition to the DoT spells).
- Are different magics/battle styles more effective against her? Each class has its own tactics; I imagine that there are certain tactics that work better on Onyxia than others. However, the standard tactic is simple: Tanks hold aggro, Healers heal tanks, and DDs pace their damage to avoid pulling aggro from the Tank. The average rogue/mage is perfectly capable of doing enough damage to draw aggro; if you watch the chat log, you'll see occasionally a player shouting at the mages to "slow down the nukes" -- drop mage DPS to avoid pulling aggro away from the tanks. A tank also calls "all healers on me" at one point - presumably he's gotten Onyxia's aggro and is the current focus of any one-target attacks. You can see what happens when the plan fails; our caster quickly takes over 5,000 damage and keels over.
- Did she regen health because everyone attacking her died? Out of combat, all characters in WoW - players and creeps - regenerate very rapidly. It reduces downtime for players, and creeps do it as well so you can't run away, heal up, and then run back and finish them off. Basically, if you get into a fight you must either finish it or start from the top again.
- Why couldn't they release their spirit? Probably lag. It was an issue throughout the beta.
- Was that a relatively large attacking party - could a bigger/better one killed her? What tactics would they use? The press release on the european WoW community site said that the raid party consisted of about 30 players. When I read that before seeing the video, it struck me as a small number for such a hyped-up monster. I would bet 40-60 is a safer number, but obviously larger groups are exponentially harder to assemble.
However, there have been comments by Blizzard devs regarding difficulty level - in particular difficulty of dungeons and other instanced situation (like Onyxia). The dev's comment was that strategy is key in overcoming the difficulty, and that it generally took beta testers about a week of trial-and-error to come up with a smart, successful way to do dungeons that they initially whined were "impossible for a group of 5." I imagine Onyxia will be similar, and the first guild to beat her might even go so far as to pen up a tutorial on the battle. It might be perfectly possible for this same group to defeat her soundly in a later encounter, armed with additional knowledge of the scenario.
<!--QuoteBegin-coil+Nov 19 2004, 06:20 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (coil @ Nov 19 2004, 06:20 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> detailed response <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd--> Wow. Thanks heaps for the reply, coil.. The game sounds absolutely incredible. Now i really want to grab a couple of mates and go hunting for herd beasts in WoW <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' /><!--endemo--> I'm definitely going to try everything I can to scrounge up enough money to play this when it comes out. Thanks.
Comments
Don't think I have mentioned my new character yet btw. It's Urek, lvl 14 Troll Hunter. My pet is a Taloned Swoop, which was not easy to tame because of its ability to disrupt spells. Was a little disapointed that it shrank significantly in size when it was tamed though, but it still pwns. Might post some screenies of us later.
I'm also having trouble with the NS channel. (Maybe the same problem that Talesin had?) I can see what you guys say in the channel, but WoW acts as if I wasn't really connected to it.. no commands work and I can't say anything.
Is the guild up yet btw? How do I join? <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
<img src='http://evolutionarily.org/~injury/Images/boarding.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' /> <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
Then you find Ensuna and Sonic on the ship.. oh that would be perfect..
I got it in the elven lands up north during a raid.
Prettyness 1
<img src='http://mitglied.lycos.de/jumpingjoda/ns.org/wow1.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
Prettyness 2
<img src='http://mitglied.lycos.de/jumpingjoda/ns.org/wow2.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
<img src='http://www.applepics.com/50/userfiles/41998265b4abf.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
<b>feeling wee</b>
<img src='http://www.applepics.com/50/userfiles/4199827a7531e.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
<b>feeling mighty</b>
<img src='http://www.applepics.com/50/userfiles/419982720754e.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
<b>cookin'</b> <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/biggrin-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->:D
<img src='http://www.applepics.com/50/userfiles/4199825faae7e.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
<b>workin' my mojo</b> (she <i>totally</i> wanted me)
<img src='http://www.applepics.com/50/userfiles/419982828b2b0.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
First, I scared a fisherman.
<img src='http://www.lunixmonster.org/hosted/coil/wow/19_fisherman.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
Then I swam from Orgrimmar to Ratchet, along the coast... this was the view coming into the bay.
<img src='http://www.lunixmonster.org/hosted/coil/wow/20_shipwreck.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
Shockwave finds a cozy bed.
<img src='http://www.evolutionarily.org/~injury/Images/shockbearsleep.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
My fishing level is so high.. look, no hands!
<img src='http://www.evolutionarily.org/~injury/Images/fishrod.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
Redford, Duckling and I find the ruler of the world.
<img src='http://www.evolutionarily.org/~injury/Images/pimp.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
<img src='http://12.22.230.41/MicroTech/Hosted/Images/tabardshot.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
Lower left is Redford's succubus. Not sure what duckling is doing to that guy on the ground, though.. ask him.
<img src='http://evolutionarily.org/~injury/Images/priestexplode.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
Coil and I were waiting for Epidemic to show up, so I made us a campfire. Where the hell are the marshmallows when you need them. <!--emo&:(--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/sad-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='sad-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
<img src='http://members.cox.net/redford22/WoWScrnShot_111704_083300.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
Was mucho fun while it lasted. Considering buying it.
Here is a little screenshot to remember Wow by.
Oh well at least I can fallback to HL2........
I needs WoW!!!
<img src='http://216.66.69.60/nsfiles/blizzard-own.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
Here's the last taken pic of my char, I managed almost to get to lvl 30 <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/biggrin-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
<img src='http://img118.exs.cx/img118/6250/WoW.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
Last night, Beegee (Bijiy) and I headed up to Ashenvale for some hunting. Here we are passing the west gate of Orgrimmar, the Orcish capital city, on our way north.
<img src='http://www.lunixmonster.org/hosted/coil/wow/21_wyvern.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
Here's our full group heading down the road in Ashenvale... Beegee and I were indulging our druid natures and traveling in Cat Form.
<img src='http://www.lunixmonster.org/hosted/coil/wow/22_transform_and_roll_out.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
On my way to the Orcish outpost of Grom'gol in Stranglethorn Vale, I stopped to really take a look at the Zeppelins we ride in. They're pretty impressive!
<img src='http://www.lunixmonster.org/hosted/coil/wow/23_big_zeppelin.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
...but not as impressive as a Zeppelin with a hood ornament!!
<img src='http://www.lunixmonster.org/hosted/coil/wow/24_hood_ornament.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
These last two are more awe at the world... first, a pristine pool in the heart of Ashenvale.
<img src='http://www.lunixmonster.org/hosted/coil/wow/25_just_pretty.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
My last hour on the server was spent with about 30 other Horde members (including SmokeMasta) on our way through Ashenvale to Darkshore to beat up on some Night Elves. I was wondering if we'd be able to tell when we hit Darkshore, and boy, could we. The moonlight broke through the trees, and just... wow.
<img src='http://www.lunixmonster.org/hosted/coil/wow/26_entering_darkshore.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
These last three are me, for memory's sake, since our characters are getting wiped. Here's me in Bear Form with just over 1000 AC. Not bad for a L23!
<img src='http://www.lunixmonster.org/hosted/coil/wow/27_bear_form.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
Here's me in my final gear, including a pair of "Superior" gloves that I made myself! In fact, almost everything I'm wearing in this picture was hand-made by yours truly.
<img src='http://www.lunixmonster.org/hosted/coil/wow/28_druid_form.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
And here's my login screen. Bye Cail!
<img src='http://www.lunixmonster.org/hosted/coil/wow/29_login.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
might* 15 bucks a month isnt really what i call cool for a game i payed 50 bucks for already
Forgot to post this one. Woooosh!
<img src='http://img77.exs.cx/img77/2923/Wow2.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
here's the very last thing I did before signing off:
Onyxia owns you.
<a href='http://en.wow-europe.com/downloads/videos/OnyxiaAttempt.avi' target='_blank'>http://en.wow-europe.com/downloads/videos/OnyxiaAttempt.avi</a>
Onyxia owns you.
<a href='http://en.wow-europe.com/downloads/videos/OnyxiaAttempt.avi' target='_blank'>http://en.wow-europe.com/downloads/videos/OnyxiaAttempt.avi</a> <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
I've heard of tough bosses before but Onyxia = <i>daaaaaammmmmnnnn!</i>
For those of us who aren't familiar with the battle system in the game - what would you estimate her HP at? Are different magics/battle styles more effective against her? Did she regen health because everyone attacking her died? Why couldn't they release their spirit? Was that a relatively large attacking party - could a bigger/better one killed her? What tactics would they use?
.. Phew. Thanks <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
I can't even imagine. There are three major roles in a party, and I imagine that even in a battle of this size they are still intact: Healer, Tank (damage sponge), and Damage Dealer.
The Tanks are the warriors. They exist to keep Onyxia's focus on them, so she attacks them with their superior armor and hitpoints rather than the more fragile damage dealers. If they do their job well, the Healers don't even have to worry about the DDs -- they focus their healing efforts on the Tanks. The Damage Dealers are Rogues (melee) and ranged attackers - in WoW, that means Mages, Warlocks, Hunters, and Shadow-specced Priests.
The combat log in the lower right shows hits on Onyxia; I would guess she was taking about 200 damage/second over the course of the 4-minute fight. In that time, she lost about 10% of her health bar... 4 mins = 240 seconds at 200dps = 48,000 hitpoints. So Onyxia might have about 500,000 hitpoints (The player we were watching had less than 5,500 hitpoints, having died after taking 2000 and 3300 damage from two consecutive attacks). This is probably an understatement; I doubt all the damage Onyxia was taking showed on the combat log, and the camerawoman and other casters occasionally hit for 500-600 damage in addition to the DoT spells).
- Are different magics/battle styles more effective against her?
Each class has its own tactics; I imagine that there are certain tactics that work better on Onyxia than others. However, the standard tactic is simple: Tanks hold aggro, Healers heal tanks, and DDs pace their damage to avoid pulling aggro from the Tank. The average rogue/mage is perfectly capable of doing enough damage to draw aggro; if you watch the chat log, you'll see occasionally a player shouting at the mages to "slow down the nukes" -- drop mage DPS to avoid pulling aggro away from the tanks. A tank also calls "all healers on me" at one point - presumably he's gotten Onyxia's aggro and is the current focus of any one-target attacks. You can see what happens when the plan fails; our caster quickly takes over 5,000 damage and keels over.
- Did she regen health because everyone attacking her died?
Out of combat, all characters in WoW - players and creeps - regenerate very rapidly. It reduces downtime for players, and creeps do it as well so you can't run away, heal up, and then run back and finish them off. Basically, if you get into a fight you must either finish it or start from the top again.
- Why couldn't they release their spirit?
Probably lag. It was an issue throughout the beta.
- Was that a relatively large attacking party - could a bigger/better one killed her? What tactics would they use?
The press release on the european WoW community site said that the raid party consisted of about 30 players. When I read that before seeing the video, it struck me as a small number for such a hyped-up monster. I would bet 40-60 is a safer number, but obviously larger groups are exponentially harder to assemble.
However, there have been comments by Blizzard devs regarding difficulty level - in particular difficulty of dungeons and other instanced situation (like Onyxia). The dev's comment was that strategy is key in overcoming the difficulty, and that it generally took beta testers about a week of trial-and-error to come up with a smart, successful way to do dungeons that they initially whined were "impossible for a group of 5." I imagine Onyxia will be similar, and the first guild to beat her might even go so far as to pen up a tutorial on the battle. It might be perfectly possible for this same group to defeat her soundly in a later encounter, armed with additional knowledge of the scenario.
Wow. Thanks heaps for the reply, coil.. The game sounds absolutely incredible. Now i really want to grab a couple of mates and go hunting for herd beasts in WoW <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' /><!--endemo--> I'm definitely going to try everything I can to scrounge up enough money to play this when it comes out. Thanks.