I think that they are just emulating the times in past warcraft lore where both factions stand together to beat up on something that they normally couldnt stand against.
As for what this means, I dont think it means anything. Just a way to go "Oh! I like that sword, but I dont recognize it. I wonder what it is." and then look it up w/o alt-tabbing out of the game to armory.

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While I'm indifferent about the new inspect feature (hell, we could just armory any player anyway), the idea of cross faction groups is interesting.

I'm in support of it if the situation dictates it. Like, if we eventually get to Sargeras. The situation should be epic, lore based, and give good cause for warring factions to unite.

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What I would love to see is the ability to gain reputation with opposing factions. Sure, you start off as an enemy, but maybe through time and hard work, an alliance player could "win the trust" of the Horde factions. Imagine the possibilities on a PvP server - tired of being ganked? Just grind enough faction with the Horde and suddenly that ass-wipe of a rogue CAN'T gank you because you're now a friendly target.

I think this kind of system would work, because it would allow certain players to RP as "peacemakers" in the midst of the ongoing conflict between Horde and Alliance. While most players would still be fighting/ganking each other, these specific players would actually have carte blanche to travel wherever they want. There could even be some sort of server-wide reward if enough players from opposing factions became friendly with the other faction...perhaps a massive raid instance that requires the cooperation of both Horde and Alliance?

Or maybe I'm just dreaming a little too big here.

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It might be nothing.

Could be just a tweak to stop nubs from accidently turning on their PvP flag from trying to inspect an opposing faction player.

Personally, I wonder how much life the Horde vs. Alliance thing has left. I'd welcome more collaboration between the factions... but since people always need an enemy then maybe we'd need a new player faction to be brought in before this could work.

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agreed. this change rocks. this is why i read this website all the time, because it notices things i don't.

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The only time this would be beneficial to me is in battlegrounds and I can't do it then apparently. :(

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I think that this is more “know your enemy” rather than “lets all get a long”. Blizzard is so lazy that they will use the same armor skin on several different pieces of gear. This can be very useful.

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In other words the new inspect, is usable only on PvE server and totally useless and PvP server.

As to cross faction rep and grouping, I would love it. I have BE pally i bascily had to abbondon when the guild i was with with blew sky high and now run with an allianace guild. I would love to be able to bring my BE over and play with my alliance friends.

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I'd really like the ability to communicate minimal things to horde. There are a few times when I'm out questing and I come upon a horde doing the same thing. I help them and all I can do is make motions that I'll help them if they help me. I'm not asking for the ability to group, just a way to say, "Hey, every other kill okay with you?"
I like being able to inspect now. It solves the "What is he wearing?" question.
An alliance with the other faction has interesting possibilities but wouldn't gaining rep with the other faction fundamentally change BG's?
Still, as an Alliance toon, I've never been in Orgrimmar. When is the next tour?

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Don't understand why there isn't a COT: Raid that allowed/required 15 horde players and 15 alliance players into the same space to fight the bosses. Not only would it require co-operation on everyones part to finish the instance but would add a new level of complexity (maybe even having a kinda of attunement quest that allowed players attuned to have a medium of communication between factions.

Would fit with the lore in my opinion!

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