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The Light and How to Swing It: Gearing your Retadin for Karazhan part II

Posted Jul 21st 2008 1:00PM by Zach Yonzon
Filed under: Paladin, Items, Analysis / Opinion, Guides, (Paladin) The Light and How to Swing It

Let's take a short breather from this whole flood of Wrath of the Lich King Beta news for a bit. I know everyone's excited to find out more about what's waiting for us in Northrend, but some of us would actually like to play the game right now, instead of waiting for *cough* a few months. As exciting as the new Paladin changes seem to be, players with fresh Level 70 characters would do well to focus on gearing up for now. After all, it'll make it so much easier to fight the numerous baddies in Northrend.

Previously, we discussed the weapons for a Retribution Paladin only starting to gear up for the ever-popular Karazhan. More than anything -- more than any piece of armor -- a Retadin must find the biggest, baddest 2-handed weapon she can find to strike righteous fear into the hearts of her enemies. Once she has that, everything follows. In this installment of The Light and How to Swing It, let's take a look at the armor pieces that every Karazhan-bound Retadin should be wearing.

Continue reading The Light and How to Swing It: Gearing your Retadin for Karazhan part II

All the World's a Stage: Dear Wrath

Posted Jul 20th 2008 5:55PM by David Bowers
Filed under: Items, Virtual selves, Expansions, RP, Wrath of the Lich King, (Roleplaying) All the World's a Stage

The art of roleplaying is like a field of tender soil. You only get something back after you put something in.

World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. But wait... before we get serious about this new expansion of our relationship, Wrath, there's something you should understand about me: I may be a hunter, druid, rogue, warlock, warrior, shaman, and even a mage, but above and beyond all these things I'm also a roleplayer. Yes, I love all those promises you're making me these days about how wonderful our life together is going to be, but something inside tells me that you don't really understand what I really want. You only understand the part of me that likes to shoot, shred, stun, fear, strike, shock and even blast my pixelated enemies into oblivion. But what about my artistic vision?

Oh sure, I see you smirking. What does artistic vision have to do with "Warcraft," "Wrath," and "Lich King?" ... well, you're forgetting the very first thing that anyone ever sees or hears about you: "World." You may have lots of violence, anger, and nasty enemies, but in the end what you really are is a world, a space, and a stage, where my friends and I can get together and have a good time. This is what you don't understand, Wrath: I'm a person, and I like to have things to do and talk about with other people that don't involve damage, threat, or recovering from damage and threat.

Okay okay, you have a point. It's not like you've ignored this aspect of our relationship completely; I'll give you credit for that. In fact, there are some new non-violent things I'm really looking forward to, which I wouldn't be able to do without you.

Continue reading All the World's a Stage: Dear Wrath

Buying spots in raids

Posted Jul 15th 2008 3:00PM by Mike Schramm
Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Guilds, Blizzard, Raiding

Adam asked how much a guild should charge for a spot in a ZA raid, but Lane on WoW LJ comes at the issue from the other side: how much should you offer? Personally, like a lot of comments on Adam's post, I'd offer nothing -- I'd much rather earn everything I wear rather than just paying out gold to be in someone else's raid run.

But certainly there are quite a few folks out there, who, for whatever reason, are either at their wits' end and ready to spend money, or just too lazy or busy to join a guild themselves. So what's the going rate for a boss? Adam's post landed pretty low -- 500g to 2500g definitely got the most votes, and I'm guessing that was mostly because there was no free option. So, depending on how well you know the guild you'll be running with, seems like a good idea would be to start at around 500g, and then head upwards from there.

Of course, especially on a relatively early dungeon like ZA, it's not really that hard to get 10 people together and run it every week -- even if you're not a hardcore raider, running just one raid instance a week is enough to get you learning how it works and building up your gear.

Guildwatch: The Robin Hood of Gurubashi

Posted Jul 2nd 2008 3:00AM by Mike Schramm
Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Virtual selves, Odds and ends, Humor, Raiding, Guildwatch, Bosses

Now that's a good looking website. There aren't many around, and while, sure, you don't really need a great looking website as a guild (it's probably better to actually be downing bosses ingame than building resources outside of it), a good-looking website doesn't hurt when getting your guildies excited about being a part of the group.

Lots more guilds and websites (including the drama, downing and recruiting news you're here for) in this week's GW, which starts right after the jump. Don't forget to send us your tips at wowguildwatch@gmail.com -- whether it's your guild or someone else's, we want to hear about it here!

Continue reading Guildwatch: The Robin Hood of Gurubashi

All the World's a Stage: What Blizzard seems not to see

Posted Jun 29th 2008 5:00PM by David Bowers
Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Bugs, Virtual selves, RP, (Roleplaying) All the World's a Stage

When you decide to roleplay, a whole new world of imagination opens up to you -- soon you realize that all the World of Warcraft is a stage, and all the orcs and humans merely players.

Blizzard definitely cares about roleplayers. They listen to us and there's a special place for us in their hearts -- which is natural, because in many ways, their whole world has its own story and background which means a lot to them, and while all players get to see that story unfolding through their activities in the game, roleplayers are the ones who participate in that story by making their own stories within it.

The problem is that Blizzard and its roleplayers are on pretty different wavelengths when it comes to what roleplayers want to receive and what Blizzard wants to provide. Blizzard wants to give us more neat toys and perfect places to enjoy, with lots of lore and story behind them -- and while this is all very interesting and everyone enjoys it, most roleplayers are wishing they had more sandbox-like tools, spaces and items they can easily bend or shape in their own ways, to use for their own purposes.

Blizzard may care, but do they really understand? Read on for insights Blizzard may be missing.

Continue reading All the World's a Stage: What Blizzard seems not to see

Armory updated with Season 4 gear

Posted Jun 28th 2008 10:30PM by Zach Yonzon
Filed under: Items, News items, PvP, Arena

The World of Warcraft Armory has just been updated with Season 4 Brutal Gladiator and Guardian -- or Honor-bought -- gear. This update comes hot on the heels of the new Arena season, which began last June 24. This probably isn't what Robin had in mind when she asked if the Armory needs more information, but it's a timely addition to Blizzard's extensive database and may help players plan out their gear.

For a more extensive overview of all the class armor sets, however, you can go check out WoW Insider's Season 4 gear guide.

Phat Loot Phriday: Hypnotist's Watch

Posted Jun 27th 2008 6:30PM by Mike Schramm
Filed under: Hunter, Warlock, Items, Analysis / Opinion, Phat Loot Phriday

The post about trash and trinkets earlier this week reminded me of this item that we've never covered on PLP before. It's very class specific (hence the "trash and trinkets" argument), but for the right situation, it's pretty useful.

Name: Hypnotist's Watch (Wowhead, Thottbot, Goblin Workshop)
Type: Uncommon Trinket
Damage/Speed: N/A
Abilities:

Use: Reduces your threat to enemy targets within 30 yards, making them less likely to attack you.
Cooldown of five minutes, which means you're meant to use it a little less than every other fight -- usually only in situations where you need it. A two-minute trinket is meant to be used more often obviously (and you already know by now that you should be using trinkets as much as possible, right?), but this one is a little more special.
Most people say it reduces threat by about 720, which isn't much (and there are a few other trinkets floating around that will do more). But this one is super easy to get, and in a few situations, 720 threat is all you need.
Like which situations? Pets, mostly -- Warlocks or Hunters who accidentally pull aggro off their pets while leveling can pop this one and sent mobs back to their mini-tanks. DPS Warriors and Rogues can also use it as a preventative measure in instances, though in most cases there, you'll want to stick to DPS trinkets and rely on your usual threat management abilities to keep things controlled. This trinket is more for when you want to mess around solo, not when you're in a group and other people are depending on you.
And one more thing: this trinket drops threat, but doesn't erase it. It won't make you lose aggro completely, like Vanish or Feign Death -- all it does is drop the threat numbers, and someone else (or your pet) has to be there to pick the mob up.

How to Get It: This is husky loot today -- most of the items we've done the past few weeks are hardcore endgame raiding items, so here's one everyone can get. Everyone that can navigate Hellfire Peninsula, that is -- you'll want to talk to "Screaming" Screed Luckhead, who is one of the goblins near the wrecked Zepplin in the southwest part of the peninsula. He'll have you do a quest to pick up zepplin pieces, and then run you far south to the Warp Fields, where you'll have to kill Voidwalkers and steal their essence (of course, this is right near the Ravager nests down there, and near the Human ghosts area, so you'll probably want to chain quests by this point).

Do the Voidwalker thing (the quest is called "Voidwalkers Gone Wild" -- cute), and then bring the essences back to Luckhead to claim your trinket.

Getting Rid of It: By level 68, there are a few other threat trinkets which will serve you better, and by then hopefully you've learned how to control your threat anyway and have a much better DPS or utility trinket to use. This one will disenchant into an Arcane Dust, a Lesser Planar Essence, or a small chance of a Small Prismatic Shard, and will sell to vendors for 74s 64c. You are getting very sleepy...

Season 4 Brutal Gladiator gear guide

Posted Jun 24th 2008 3:20PM by Zach Yonzon
Filed under: Druid, Hunter, Mage, Paladin, Priest, Rogue, Shaman, Warlock, Warrior, Items, Analysis / Opinion, PvP, Guides, Battlegrounds, Arena

Now that Season 4 has finally arrived, it would probably be good to take a look at the Arena gear you'll be purchasing with all those stored Arena points. Even though most people have concurred that the new Brutal Gladiator gear is appropriately brutally ugly, a lot of the pieces are excellent and many players will need to purchase them in order to stay competitive in the latest, harshest Arena season.

Most of the Brutal Gladiator armor sets and equipment require personal ratings in order for players to be able to purchase them, so the new Season 4 gear will not flood the community the same way past seasons did. Even Honor-bought items such as bracers, boots, and rings will require participation in the Arenas in order for players to qualify for purchasing them.

We've put together a review of all the Brutal Gladiator armor sets for you to review, with a brief analysis of each piece and an assessment of whether it's worth the Arena points and the bother to grind for the personal ratings. We've also compared Season 4 gear with their equivalent Vengeful Gladiator pieces so you can tell at a glance how much of an improvement each piece is from its predecessor. Take a look after the jump at our extensive gear guide.

Gallery: Season 4 Arms & Equipment

Continue reading Season 4 Brutal Gladiator gear guide

Brutal Gladiator's Aegis

Posted Jun 24th 2008 3:20PM by Zach Yonzon
Filed under: Paladin, Items, Analysis / Opinion, PvP, Guides, Battlegrounds, Arena

The Brutal Gladiator's Aegis is the armor set for Shockadins, or spell damage-based Paladins. It is a lamellar, or plate armor usable only by Paladins and is usually matched with Guardian's Lamellar armor pieces. The armor set can be purchased from Big Zokk Torquewrench in Netherstorm and Ontokk Shatterhorn in Shattrath City. The matching Guardian items may be purchased from Doris Volanthius in the Hall of Legends and Lieutenant Tristia in the Champion's Hall.

Brutal Gladiator's Lamellar Gauntlets
The Brutal Gladiator armor piece for the hands are the cheapest and easiest Season 4 Arena gear to obtain. With no personal rating requirements, most players will be able to purchase this piece and is the Arena gear likely to be most widespread as soon as the season begins. Arena gloves are also the only item with the exception of relics to have spec-specific bonuses, although Flash of Light isn't incredibly useful to the offensive-minded Shockadin. It is the same bonus as the Ornamented Gloves. The gauntlets have the following stats (number in parentheses are the improvements over its Season 3 equivalent):

1239 Armor (+98)
+50 Stamina (+6)
+34 Intellect (+4)
+34 Spell Critical (+5)
+19 Resilience (+0)
+40 Spell Damage / Healing (+5)
Increases critical effect chance of Flash of Light by 2%
Classes: Paladin

WoW Insider says: The gauntlets are a marked improvement from its Season 3 predecessor, with the exception of Resilience (Season 3 and 4 armor pieces have exactly the same Resilience ratings). If you have the Arena points for it, it's a good buy, but the on-equip bonus could have been better applied to Holy Shock.

Brutal Gladiator's Lamellar Legguards
The leg armor possesses a personal rating requirement of 1550, which isn't too difficult to obtain. For many players on median-ratings teams, it might take a few weeks to purchase at a cost of 1875 Arena points. While not as accessible as the gloves, the leg armor is highly visible on a character and is also likely to be a popular purchase. The legguards have the following stats (number in parentheses are the improvements over its Season 3 equivalent):
1735 Armor (+138)
+77 Stamina (+7)
+35 Intellect (+6)
+45 Spell Critical (+6)
+35 Resilience (+0)
+54 Spell Damage / Healing (+7)
Classes: Paladin
WoW Insider says: Although an improvement over its Season 3 equivalent, the lack of sockets mean that the only customization that can be done will be through Tailoring or Leatherworking enchants. Although the arena point requirement is relatively low, the chest armor is probably a better purchase if you can manage it.

Brutal Gladiator's Lamellar Chestpiece
With three sockets, the chestpiece is the most customizable Arena armor piece, and is the next best purchase after the gloves. Although the personal rating requirement of 1600 may be prohibitive to some players, it costs the same as the leg armor and should be sought after. In PvE, the chest armor is traditionally a drop from the final boss in a series (Magtheridon drops Tier 4 chest token, Kael'thas drops Tier 5 chest token, Illidan drops Tier 6 chest token, etc.). Arenas are different in this regard, but the item level of the chest is identical to PvE chest pieces. Sunwell Plateau breaks from tradition in that the final boss, Kil'jaeden, does not drop chest tokens or armor. However, the Brutal Gladiator chest armor is equivalent to the drops from Entropius and is the best combination of cost and restriction among all the armor pieces. The chestpiece has the following stats (number in parentheses are the improvements over its Season 3 equivalent):
1983 Armor (+158)
+73 Stamina (+7)
+36 Intellect (+5)
+44 Spell Critical (+6)
+31 Resilience (+0)
+37 Spell Damage / Healing (+6)

Socket Bonus: +4 Spell Critical
Classes: Paladin
WoW Insider says: A team and personal rating of 1600 isn't an impossible goal, although more difficult for Shockadins, who are sparse in Arenas. If you can manage it, however, the chest piece is the best armor piece you can get for its cost and low barrier of entry. Because of its PvE equivalent, obtaining the Brutal Gladiator chest armor is almost like killing Entropius in Sunwell Plateau. Well, ok not really, but if you don't raid, that's about as close to a raid drop as you're going to get.

Brutal Gladiator's Lamellar Helm
The helm is very likely the last Brutal Gladiator armor piece that many players will obtain. With the shoulders at an extremely prohibitive 2200, most players will only manage 4/5 of Season 4. At 1700 personal rating, some players will have a more difficult time obtaining this piece, which costs the same as the chest and leg armor pieces. With a personal rating attached to it, the Brutal Gladiator helm might be one helm graphic that players would like to leave on. It is also identical in model to the pieces that drop off Kil'jaeden in Sunwell Plateau. The helm has the following stats (number in parentheses are the improvements over its Season 3 equivalent):
1611 Armor (+128)
+77 Stamina (+7)
+34 Intellect (+6)
+34 Spell Critical (+6)
+33 Resilience (+0)
+50 Spell Damage / Healing (+7)

Socket Bonus: +4 Resilience Rating
Classes: Paladin
WoW Insider says: If you've managed to obtain the chest piece, there's little reason not to try and go for the helm, which has a Meta Socket. Although it is an improvement over its Season 3 equivalent, the disparity is not so great that players unable to obtain the helm can easily make do with the ratings requirement-free Vengeful Gladiator version.

Brutal Gladiator's Lamellar Shoulders
The 2200 personal ratings requirement for the shoulders are almost Gladiator-level for most Battlegroups, and will likely be a very rare sight in most realms. Although it is the cheapest item after the gloves, it is also the most difficult to get. Blizzard's reasoning for this is that the shoulders are the most "visually impacting" armor piece, confirming Blizzard's opinion that PvP achievements should be on display. The shoulders have the following stats (number in parentheses are the improvements over its Season 3 equivalent):
1487 Armor (+118)
+50 Stamina (+6)
+28 Intellect (+5)
+32 Spell Critical (+4)
+22 Resilience (+0)
+33 Spell Damage / Healing (+5)

Socket Bonus: +3 Resilience Rating
Classes: Paladin
WoW Insider says: Brutal Gladiator shoulders are purely for show. Aside from the gloves, the shoulders have the lowest point-for-point improvement over its Season 3 equivalent among all the Brutal Gladiator armor pieces. The shoulders are an item players only pick up if they reach 2200 rating levels, but not compelling enough to climb ratings for.

Guardian's Lamellar Belt
Because it is a visual match for the Brutal Gladiator's Aegis, and because it comes with no personal ratings requirement, the belt is most likely to be the most widely distributed Season 4 gear. It is purchasable with Honor points, so even players who do not participate in Arena PvP can obtain it. The belt has the following stats (number in parentheses are the improvements over its Season 3 equivalent):
1115 Armor (+88)
+49 Stamina (+6)
+35 Intellect (+5)
+34 Spell Critical (+4)
+26 Resilience (+0)
+40 Spell Damage / Healing (+5)
Classes: Warrior, Paladin
WoW Insider says: The belt is identical in every way to the Guardian's Ornamented Belt with the exception of +healing. Shockadins with a mind to stack more Healing for versatility would do well to explore the option of mixing and matching. That said, the accessibility and affordability of the Season 4 belt makes it an extremely good purchase.

Guardian's Lamellar Bracers
The only other Guardian piece with a socket is the amulet, which doesn't have a personal rating requirement. Coupled with the fact that bracers are visually insignificant, being hidden under gloves or robes, the urgency to obtain them is very low. They also have a modest 1575 personal rating requirement, necessitating participation -- and moderate success -- in Arena play. The bracers have the following stats (number in parentheses are the improvements over its Season 3 equivalent):
841 (+69)
+33 Stamina (+4)
+20 Intellect (+3)
+23 Spell Critical (+3)
+15 Resilience (+0)
+30 Spell Damage / Healing (+3)

Socket Bonus: +2 Resilience Rating
Classes: Warrior, Paladin
WoW Insider says: As with the belt, the bracers are virtually identical to Guardian's Ornamented Bracers, and players may want to try and forego +11 Spell Damage for a +27 Healing. There are much better purchases among the Season 4 items despite the mere 11,794 Honor cost. A minimal upgrade from its predecessor makes it a less compelling sale.

Guardian's Lamellar Greaves
The most visually important match of all Guardian items, the boots are a big jump from a 1575 personal ratings requirement and is as demanding to get as the head piece at 1700 personal ratings. It is also as expensive to purchase as the belt, which has no ratings requirement. The bracers have the following stats (number in parentheses are the improvements over its Season 3 equivalent):
1363 Armor (+108)
+49 Stamina (+6)
+35 Intellect (+5)
+34 Spell Critical (+4)
+26 Resilience (+0)
+40 Spell Damage / Healing (+5)
Classes: Warrior, Paladin
WoW Insider says: The greaves are the best Season 4 Honor-bought pieces that players can buy. Although players should probably purchase the belt first, achieving a 1700 rating is worth the grind for an armor piece that is a decent upgrade from its predecessor and a visual match for the rest of Brutal Gladiator gear.

Gallery: Season 4 Arms & Equipment

Looking for more Season 4 info? We've rounded up everything you need to know about the Brutal Gladiator season right here.

Brutal Gladiator's Battlegear

Posted Jun 24th 2008 3:20PM by Zach Yonzon
Filed under: Warrior, Items, Analysis / Opinion, Guides, Battlegrounds, Arena

The Brutal Gladiator's Battlegear is the armor set for Warriors. It is a plate armor usable only by Warriors and is usually matched with Guardian's Plate armor pieces. The armor set can be purchased from Big Zokk Torquewrench in Netherstorm and Ontokk Shatterhorn in Shattrath City. The matching Guardian items may be purchased from Doris Volanthius in the Hall of Legends and Lieutenant Tristia in the Champion's Hall.

Brutal Gladiator's Plate Gauntlets
The Brutal Gladiator armor piece for the hands are the cheapest and easiest Season 4 Arena gear to obtain. With no personal rating requirements, most players will be able to purchase this piece and is the Arena gear likely to be most widespread as soon as the season begins. As with other Arena gloves, the bonus is a significant reduction to the Rage cost of Hamstring. The gauntlets have the following stats (number in parentheses are the improvements over its Season 3 equivalent):

1239 Armor (+98)
+42 Strength (+5)
+59 Stamina (+7)
+37 Critical Strike (+5)
+24 Resilience (+0)
Hamstring Rage cost reduced by 3.
Classes: Warrior

WoW Insider says: These gloves are low-cost and have no rating requirements, making it a good purchase no matter how you look at it. The gloves are decent improvements over the previous season, but work very well for starting Arena players, as well.

Brutal Gladiator's Plate Legguards
The leg armor possesses a personal rating requirement of 1550, which isn't too difficult to obtain, specially for Warriors, who are well represented in Arenas. While not as accessible as the gloves, the leg armor is highly visible on a character and is also likely to be a popular purchase, even at 1875 Arena points. The legguards have the following stats (number in parentheses are the improvements over its Season 3 equivalent):
1735 Armor (+138)
+57 Strength (+4)
+77 Stamina (+7)
+18 Hit (+6)
+53 Critical Strike (+6)
+22 Resilience (+0)
84 Armor Penetration (+0)
Classes: Warrior
WoW Insider says: The lack of sockets mean that the only customization that can be done will be through Tailoring or Leatherworking enchants. It has improved +hit, which will free up yellow gem slots in other pieces, but it's disappointing that there's no improvement to Armor Penetration. Considering the same point cost, the chestpiece is a better purchase.

Brutal Gladiator's Plate Chestpiece
With three sockets, the chestpiece is the most customizable Arena armor piece, and is the next best purchase after the gloves. A 1600 rating is a realistic target for Warriors, and because it costs the same as the leg armor, players should try to obtain it. In PvE, the chest armor is traditionally a drop from the final boss in a series (Magtheridon drops Tier 4 chest token, Kael'thas drops Tier 5 chest token, Illidan drops Tier 6 chest token, etc.). Arenas are different in this regard, but the item level of the chest is identical to PvE chest pieces. Sunwell Plateau breaks from tradition in that the final boss, Kil'jaeden, does not drop chest tokens or armor. However, the Brutal Gladiator chest armor is equivalent to the drops from Entropius and is the best combination of cost and restriction among all the armor pieces. The chestpiece has the following stats (number in parentheses are the improvements over its Season 3 equivalent):
1983 Armor (+158)
+45 Strength (+6)
+76 Stamina (+9)
+18 Hit (+6)
+45 Critical Strike (+6)
+24 Resilience (+0)
84 Armor Penetration (+0)

Socket Bonus: +4 Critical Strike
Classes: Warrior
WoW Insider says: A team and personal rating of 1600 is a modest target for Arena Warriors. The chestpiece is the best Arena purchase for its price and rating requirement. Because of its PvE equivalent, obtaining the Brutal Gladiator chest armor is almost like killing Entropius in Sunwell Plateau. Well, ok not really, but if you don't raid, that's about as close to a raid drop as you're going to get.

Brutal Gladiator's Plate Helm
The helm is very likely the last Brutal Gladiator armor piece that many players will obtain. With the shoulders at an extremely prohibitive 2200, most players will only manage 4/5 of Season 4. Even at 1700 personal rating, Warriors shouldn't have much trouble obtaining this helm, which costs the same as the chest and leg armor pieces. With a personal rating attached to it, the Brutal Gladiator helm might be one helm graphic that players would like to leave on. It is also identical in model to the pieces that drop off Kil'jaeden in Sunwell Plateau. The helm has the following stats (number in parentheses are the improvements over its Season 3 equivalent):
1611 Armor (+128)
+45 Strength (+6)
+68 Stamina (+7)
+18 Hit (+6)
+41 Critical Strike (+6)
+25 Resilience (+0)
84 Armor Penetration

Socket Bonus: +4 Critical Strike
Classes: Warrior
WoW Insider says: The helm has a Meta Socket and a Yellow Socket, although some players would prefer Red. 1700 is a relatively easy goal, although the Season 4 helm is only a marginal improvement over its predecessor. If the personal ratings aren't a barrier, then go for it. If it's difficult to achieve, there's no harm in sticking to the Vengeful Gladiator's Plate Helm.

Brutal Gladiator's Plate Shoulders
The 2200 personal ratings requirement for the shoulders are almost Gladiator-level for most Battlegroups, and will likely be a very rare sight in most realms. Although it is the cheapest item after the gloves, it is also the most difficult to get. Blizzard's reasoning for this is that the shoulders are the most "visually impacting" armor piece, confirming Blizzard's opinion that PvP achievements should be on display. The shoulders have the following stats (number in parentheses are the improvements over its Season 3 equivalent):
1487 Armor (+118)
+38 Strength (+5)
+64 Stamina (+7)
+35 Critical Strike (+5)
+20 Resilience (+0)

Socket Bonus: +3 Critical Stike
Classes: Warrior
WoW Insider says: Brutal Gladiator shoulders are purely for show. The low improvement over its Season 3 equivalent and have no +Hit nor Armor Penetration. Although quite a few Warriors will likely be sporting these deep into the season, they aren't great improvements its predecessor.

Guardian's Plate Belt
Because it is a visual match for the Brutal Gladiator's Battlegear, and because it comes with no personal ratings requirement, the belt is most likely to be the most widely distributed Season 4 gear. It is purchasable with Honor points, so even players who do not participate in Arena PvP can obtain it. The belt has the following stats (number in parentheses are the improvements over its Season 3 equivalent):
1115 Armor (+88)
+40 Strength (+5)
+56 Stamina (+7)
+40 Critical Strike (+5)
+30 Resilience (+0)
Classes: Warrior, Paladin
WoW Insider says: No ratings requirement, purchasable with Honor points, and looks great. The belt is obtainable by any Warrior, and is the best belt for its level of availability.

Guardian's Plate Bracers
The only other Guardian piece with a socket is the amulet, which doesn't have a personal rating requirement. Coupled with the fact that bracers are visually insignificant, being hidden under gloves, the urgency to obtain them is very low. They also have a modest 1575 personal rating requirement, necessitating participation -- and moderate success -- in Arena play. The bracers have the following stats (number in parentheses are the improvements over its Season 3 equivalent):
841 (+69)
+28 Strength (+3)
+40 Stamina (+4)
+24 Critical Strike (+3)
+17 Resilience (+0)

Socket Bonus: +2 Strength
Classes: Warrior, Paladin
WoW Insider says: These bracers are harder to obtain than the Brutal Gladiator's Plate Legguards, but give little improvement over the old version. It has no special bonus and has no visual impact. It's a wonder why Blizzard pegged the personal rating for bracers at 1575, although many Warriors will probably not have a problem getting it.

Guardian's Plate Greaves
The most visually important match of all Guardian items, the boots are a big jump from a 1575 personal ratings requirement and is as demanding to get as the head piece at 1700 personal ratings. It is also as expensive to purchase as the belt, which has no ratings requirement. The greaves have the following stats (number in parentheses are the improvements over its Season 3 equivalent):
1363 Armor (+108)
+40 Strength (+5)
+56 Stamina (+7)
+40 Critical Strike (+5)
+30 Resilience (+0)
Classes: Warrior, Paladin
WoW Insider says: Because of the 1700 personal rating, only players who manage to get the helm will be able to purchase the boots. Of all the Honor-bought items in Season 4, the boots are the most visually impacting and players looking to have a matching set should strive to get to the rating.

Gallery: Season 4 Arms & Equipment

Looking for more Season 4 info? We've rounded up everything you need to know about the Brutal Gladiator season right here.

Brutal Gladiator's Dreadgear

Posted Jun 24th 2008 3:20PM by Zach Yonzon
Filed under: Warlock, Items, Analysis / Opinion, PvP, Guides, Battlegrounds, Arena

The Brutal Gladiator's Dreadgear is the armor set for Affliction and Demonoloy-specced Warlocks. It is a dreadweave, or cloth armor usable only by Warlocks and is usually matched with Guardian's Dreadweave armor pieces. The armor set can be purchased from Big Zokk Torquewrench in Netherstorm and Ontokk Shatterhorn in Shattrath City. The matching Guardian items may be purchased from Doris Volanthius in the Hall of Legends and Lieutenant Tristia in the Champion's Hall.

Brutal Gladiator's Dreadweave Gloves
The Brutal Gladiator armor piece for the hands are the cheapest and easiest Season 4 Arena gear to obtain. With no personal rating requirements, most players will be able to purchase this piece and is the Arena gear likely to be most widespread as soon as the season begins. The bonus is the same for both Warlock-specific sets, giving a bonus against spell interruption when casting Fear. The gloves have the following stats (number in parentheses are the improvements over its Season 3 equivalent):

306 Armor (+13)
+58 Stamina (+7)
+33 Intellect (+5)
+21 Resilience (+0)
+47 Spell Damage / Healing (+6)
Gives 50% chance to avoid interruption caused by damage while casting Fear.
Classes: Warlock

WoW Insider says: These gloves are low-cost and have no rating requirements, making it a good purchase specially for starting Arena players. These gloves have higher +Stamina than the Felweave Handguards at the expense of +Spell Crit.

Brutal Gladiator's Dreadweave Leggings
The leg armor possesses a personal rating requirement of 1550, which isn't too difficult to obtain. Warlocks, specially in the popular SL/SL build, can outlast their way to that rating. While not as accessible as the gloves, the leg armor is highly visible on a character and is also likely to be a popular purchase, even at 1875 Arena points. The leggings have the following stats (number in parentheses are the improvements over its Season 3 equivalent):
442 Armor (+18)
+85 Stamina (+9)
+39 Intellect (+7)
+33 Resilience (+0)
+67 Spell Damage / Healing (+8)
Classes: Warlock
WoW Insider says: The lack of sockets mean that the only customization that can be done will be through Tailoring or Leatherworking enchants. As with past Dreadweave items, the leg armor is loaded with Stamina, even higher than that of Warrior Battlegear. A good purchase even in comparison to the chest piece, which costs the same Arena points.

Brutal Gladiator's Dreadweave Robe
With three sockets, the chestpiece is the most customizable Arena armor piece, and is the next best purchase after the gloves. 1600 should be a relatively achievable goal for Warlocks, who are popular in many Arena formats. In PvE, the chest armor is traditionally a drop from the final boss in a series (Magtheridon drops Tier 4 chest token, Kael'thas drops Tier 5 chest token, Illidan drops Tier 6 chest token, etc.). Arenas are different in this regard, but the item level of the chest is identical to PvE chest pieces. Sunwell Plateau breaks from tradition in that the final boss, Kil'jaeden, does not drop chest tokens or armor. However, the Brutal Gladiator chest armor is equivalent to the drops from Entropius and is the best combination of cost and restriction among all the armor pieces. The robe has the following stats (number in parentheses are the improvements over its Season 3 equivalent):
476 Armor (+22)
+84 Stamina (+9)
+28 Intellect (+7)
+24 Resilience (+0)
+57 Spell Damage / Healing (+7)

Socket Bonus: +4 Resilience Rating
Classes: Warlock
WoW Insider says: Because of the sockets and massive Stamina which gives close to 1k Health, the chest piece is the best Brutal Gladiator armor purchase for most Warlocks. Because of its PvE equivalent, obtaining the Brutal Gladiator chest armor is almost like killing Entropius in Sunwell Plateau. Well, ok not really, but if you don't raid, that's about as close to a raid drop as you're going to get.

Brutal Gladiator's Dreadweave Hood
The helm is very likely the last Brutal Gladiator armor piece that many players will obtain. With the shoulders at an extremely prohibitive 2200, most players will only manage 4/5 of Season 4. Warlocks should conceivably have an easier time obtaining a 1700 personal rating to get this hood, which costs the same as the chest and leg armor pieces. With a personal rating attached to it, the Brutal Gladiator helm might be one helm graphic that players would like to leave on. It is also identical in model to the pieces that drop off Kil'jaeden in Sunwell Plateau. The hood has the following stats (number in parentheses are the improvements over its Season 3 equivalent):
426 Armor (+17)
+82 Stamina (+9)
+32 Intellect (+7)
+33 Resilience (+0)
+50 Spell Damage / Healing (+8)

Socket Bonus: +4 Resilience Rating
Classes: Warlock
WoW Insider says: Clearly intended for survivability, the Dreadweave Hood even at 1700 personal rating, is a good target. +82 Stamina from a single item is substantial, even if it doesn't have the fancy demon wings.

Brutal Gladiator's Dreadweave Mantle
The 2200 personal ratings requirement for the shoulders are almost Gladiator-level for most Battlegroups, and will likely be a very rare sight in most realms. Although it is the cheapest item after the gloves, it is also the most difficult to get. Blizzard's reasoning for this is that the shoulders are the most "visually impacting" armor piece, confirming Blizzard's opinion that PvP achievements should be on display. The mantle has the following stats (number in parentheses are the improvements over its Season 3 equivalent):
339 Armor (+16)
+55 Stamina (+6)
+18 Intellect (+5)
+21 Resilience (+0)
+20 Spell Hit (+4)
+44 Spell Damage / Healing (+4)

Socket Bonus: +3 Resilience Rating
Classes: Warlock
WoW Insider says: Brutal Gladiator Shoulders are peacock gear. The Dreadweave Mantle has a low point-for-point improvement from its predecessor and it also uncharacteristically doesn't have higher Stamina than an equivalent Warrior piece. However, it is the only Dreadweave item with +Spell Hit and among the few PvP shoulders to have a Blue Socket.

Guardian's Dreadweave Belt
Because it is a visual match for the Brutal Gladiator's Dreadgear, and because it comes with no personal ratings requirement, the belt is most likely to be the most widely distributed Season 4 gear. It is purchasable with Honor points, so even players who do not participate in Arena PvP can obtain it. The belt has the following stats (number in parentheses are the improvements over its Season 3 equivalent):
219 Armor (+11)
+56 Stamina (+7)
+37 Intellect (+5)
+31 Resilience (+0)
+47 Spell Damage / Healing (+6)
Classes: Priest, Mage, Warlock
WoW Insider says: Usable by all cloth-wearing classes, the Guardian's Dreadweave Belt might be one of the most popular Season 4 pieces. It has substantial +Stamina for a cloth item and has no personal ratings requirement, making it a great PvP starter purchase.

Guardian's Dreadweave Cuffs
The only other Guardian piece with a socket is the amulet, which doesn't have a personal rating requirement. Coupled with the fact that bracers are visually insignificant, being hidden under gloves or robes, there's little urgency to get them. A 1575 personal ratings requirement also requires decent performance in Arenas. The cuffs have the following stats (number in parentheses are the improvements over its Season 3 equivalent):
183 (+10)
+38 Stamina (+4)
+24 Intellect (+4)
+17 Resilience (+0)
+34 Spell Damage / Healing (+5)

Socket Bonus: +2 Spell Damage
Classes: Priest, Mage, Warlock
WoW Insider says: Although there are better purchases in Season 4, the Dreadweave Cuffs are the only pure +Spell Damage cloth bracers for all cloth wearers and is a good option for players who have no need for +Spell Crit.

Guardian's Dreadweave Stalkers
The most visually important match of all Guardian items, the boots are a big jump from a 1575 personal ratings requirement and is as demanding to get as the head piece at 1700 personal ratings. It is also as expensive to purchase as the belt, which has no ratings requirement. The stalkers have the following stats (number in parentheses are the improvements over its Season 3 equivalent):
253 Armor (+15)
+56 Stamina (+7)
+37 Intellect (+5)
+31 Resilience (+0)
+47 Spell Damage / Healing (+6)
Classes: Priest, Mage, Warlock
WoW Insider says: These cloth boots have as much +Stamina as the Season 4 Warrior Plate, and stamina is always good. Although the visual impact of these boots is irrelevant considering most cloth classes wear robes that cover it, it is the best choice for pure spell damage boots this season.

Gallery: Season 4 Arms & Equipment

Looking for more Season 4 info? We've rounded up everything you need to know about the Brutal Gladiator season right here.

Brutal Gladiator's Earthshaker

Posted Jun 24th 2008 3:20PM by Zach Yonzon
Filed under: Shaman, Items, Analysis / Opinion, Guides, Battlegrounds, Arena

The Brutal Gladiator's Earthshaker is the armor set for Enhancement Shamans. It is a linked, or mail armor usable only by Shamans and is usually matched with Guardian's Linked armor pieces. The armor set can be purchased from Big Zokk Torquewrench in Netherstorm and Ontokk Shatterhorn in Shattrath City. The matching Guardian items may be purchased from Doris Volanthius in the Hall of Legends and Lieutenant Tristia in the Champion's Hall.

Brutal Gladiator's Linked Gauntlets
The Brutal Gladiator armor piece for the hands are the cheapest and easiest Season 4 Arena gear to obtain. With no personal rating requirements, most players will be able to purchase this piece and is the Arena gear likely to be most widespread as soon as the season begins. Its bonus is the same as all other Shaman armor, an increase to the range of Shock spells. The gauntlets have the following stats (number in parentheses are the improvements over its Season 3 equivalent):

694 Armor (+55)
+38 Strength (+5)
+58 Stamina (+7)
+37 Critical Strike (+5)
+22 Resilience (+0)
Improves the range of all Shock spells by 5 yards.
Classes: Shaman

WoW Insider says: These gloves are low-cost and have no rating requirements, which is good. The gloves are a good purchase if only because of the accessibility and modest improvement over the previous season's gloves. The Shock range bonus helps Shamans who wants to get up close and personal with a well-placed Frost Shock.

Brutal Gladiator's Linked Leggings
The leg armor possesses a personal rating requirement of 1550, which isn't too difficult to obtain, even for the underrepresented Enhancement Shaman. While not as accessible as the gloves, the leg armor is highly visible on a character and is also likely to be a popular purchase, even at 1875 Arena points. The leggings have the following stats (number in parentheses are the improvements over its Season 3 equivalent):
971 Armor (+77)
+43 Strength (+5)
+74 Stamina (+7)
+38 Intellect (+5)
+17 Hit (+5)
+41 Critical Strike (+5)
+31 Resilience (+0)
84 Armor Penetration (+0)
Classes: Shaman
WoW Insider says: This armor piece is the one of the best for its spec, being the only Linked armor piece with +Intellect. The lack of sockets mean that the only customization that can be done will be through Tailoring or Leatherworking enchants, but it more than makes up for it with +Hit and Armor Penetration. At 1550 personal rating, Enhancement Shamans shouldn't have too much trouble obtaining it.

Brutal Gladiator's Linked Armor
With three sockets, the chestpiece is the most customizable Arena armor piece. In the case of Enhancement Shamans, it is the third best piece to get after the gloves and leggings, despite the 1600 personal rating requirement. In PvE, the chest armor is traditionally a drop from the final boss in a series (Magtheridon drops Tier 4 chest token, Kael'thas drops Tier 5 chest token, Illidan drops Tier 6 chest token, etc.). Arenas are different in this regard, but the item level of the chest is identical to PvE chest pieces. Sunwell Plateau breaks from tradition in that the final boss, Kil'jaeden, does not drop chest tokens or armor. However, the Brutal Gladiator chest armor is equivalent to the drops from Entropius and is the best combination of cost and restriction among all the armor pieces. The armor has the following stats (number in parentheses are the improvements over its Season 3 equivalent):
1110 Armor (+88)
+32 Strength (+5)
+71 Stamina (+7)
+17 Hit (+5)
+35 Critical Strike (+5)
+31 Resilience (+0)
84 Armor Penetration (+0)
12 Mana / 5 Secs (+2 / 5)

Socket Bonus: +4 Critical Strike
Classes: Shaman
WoW Insider says: Although a little harder to obtain because of the 1600 personal rating, the Linked Armor has everything an Enhancement Shaman needs. The +Hit and Armor Penetration all contribute to one of the best Brutal Gladiator purchases an Enhancement Shaman can buy in Season 4. Because of its PvE equivalent, obtaining the Brutal Gladiator chest armor is almost like killing Entropius in Sunwell Plateau. Well, ok not really, but if you don't raid, that's about as close to a raid drop as you're going to get.

Brutal Gladiator's Linked Helm
The helm is very likely the last Brutal Gladiator armor piece that many players will obtain. With the shoulders at an extremely prohibitive 2200, most players will only manage 4/5 of Season 4. The 1700 personal rating should be an achievable target for Enhancement Shamans. With a personal rating attached to it, the Brutal Gladiator helm might be one helm graphic that players would like to leave on. It is also identical in model to the pieces that drop off Kil'jaeden in Sunwell Plateau. The helm has the following stats (number in parentheses are the improvements over its Season 3 equivalent):
902 Armor (+72)
+40 Strength (+6)
+74 Stamina (+7)
+18 Hit (+6)
+39 Critical Strike (+6)
+33 Resilience (+0)
84 Armor Penetration

Socket Bonus: +4 Resilience Rating
Classes: Shaman
WoW Insider says: The helm is a decent improvement over Season 3's equivalent, if much less attractive. Players unable to obtain a 1700 rating need not fuss over it, as the old helm gives the same Armor Penetration bonus as well as a Meta Socket and a Red Socket.

Brutal Gladiator's Linked Spaulders
The 2200 personal ratings requirement for the shoulders are almost Gladiator-level for most Battlegroups, and will likely be a very rare sight in most realms, particularly on the shoulders of an Enhancement Shaman. Although it is the cheapest item after the gloves, it is also the most difficult to get. Blizzard's reasoning for this is that the shoulders are the most "visually impacting" armor piece, confirming Blizzard's opinion that PvP achievements should be on display. The spaulders have the following stats (number in parentheses are the improvements over its Season 3 equivalent):
832 Armor (+66)
+30 Strength (+5)
+58 Stamina (+6)
+31 Critical Strike (+4)
+21 Resilience (+0)
8 Mana / 5 Secs (+1 / 5)

Socket Bonus: +3 Resilience Rating
Classes: Shaman
WoW Insider says: Brutal Gladiator shoulders are purely for show, although the Linked Spaulders in particular have an extra bonus that some other Linked pieces do not have -- mp5. It is one of the few Season 4 shoulder pieces with a little extra, like Druid shoulders, but still of marginal improvement over its predecessor.

Guardian's Linked Girdle
Because it is a visual match for the Brutal Gladiator's Earthshaker, and because it comes with no personal ratings requirement, the belt is most likely to be the most widely distributed Season 4 gear. It is purchasable with Honor points, so even players who do not participate in Arena PvP can obtain it. The girdle has the following stats (number in parentheses are the improvements over its Season 3 equivalent):
624 Armor (+49)
+38 Strength (+4)
+55 Stamina (+6)
+28 Intellect (+5)
+37 Critical Strike (+4)
+21 Resilience (+0)
Classes: Hunter, Shaman
WoW Insider says: The Linked Guardian items have +Intellect, among the few sources Enhancement Shamans have to marginally enlarge their mana pool. At low Honor cost and no ratings requirements, the Linked Girdle is one of the best purchases in Season 4 among all the Enhancement gear available.

Guardian's Linked Bracers
The only other Guardian piece with a socket is the amulet, which doesn't have a personal rating requirement. Coupled with the fact that bracers are visually insignificant, being hidden under gloves, the urgency to obtain them is very low. They also have a modest 1575 personal rating requirement, necessitating participation -- and moderate success -- in Arena play. The bracers have the following stats (number in parentheses are the improvements over its Season 3 equivalent):
471 (+39)
+28 Strength (+3)
+37 Stamina (+4)
+17 Intellect (+3)
+24 Critical Strike (+3)
+12 Resilience (+0)

Socket Bonus: +2 Resilience Rating
Classes: Hunter, Shaman
WoW Insider says: Although more difficult to obtain that the leggings, It's not much better than its Season 3 counterpart, but if you have the Honor to burn and reach the 1575 personal rating requirement, it's worth the upgrade.

Guardian's Linked Sabatons
The most visually important match of all Guardian items, the boots are a big jump from a 1575 personal ratings requirement and is as demanding to get as the head piece at 1700 personal ratings. It is also as expensive to purchase as the belt, which has no ratings requirement. The sabatons have the following stats (number in parentheses are the improvements over its Season 3 equivalent):
763 Armor (+61)
+38 Strength (+5)
+55 Stamina (+6)
+27 Intellect (+4)
+38 Critical Strike (+4)
+21 Resilience (+0)
Classes: Hunter, Shaman
WoW Insider says: Is a +4 Intellect improvement worth the grind to 1700? According to our readers more experienced with Enhancement Shamans, no. It looks good with the rest of the gear, though. Too bad it's covered up in a kilt. Still, the other primary stats make the boots a decent purchase.

Gallery: Season 4 Arms & Equipment

Looking for more Season 4 info? We've rounded up everything you need to know about the Brutal Gladiator season right here.

Brutal Gladiator's Felshroud

Posted Jun 24th 2008 3:20PM by Zach Yonzon
Filed under: Warlock, Items, Analysis / Opinion, PvP, Guides, Battlegrounds, Arena

The Brutal Gladiator's Felshroud is the armor set for crit-based or Destruction Warlocks. It is a felweave, or cloth armor usable only by Warlocks and is usually matched with Guardian's Silk armor pieces. The armor set can be purchased from Big Zokk Torquewrench in Netherstorm and Ontokk Shatterhorn in Shattrath City. The matching Guardian items may be purchased from Doris Volanthius in the Hall of Legends and Lieutenant Tristia in the Champion's Hall.

Brutal Gladiator's Felweave Handguards
The Brutal Gladiator armor piece for the hands are the cheapest and easiest Season 4 Arena gear to obtain. With no personal rating requirements, most players will be able to purchase this piece and is the Arena gear likely to be most widespread as soon as the season begins. The bonus is the same for both Warlock-specific sets, giving a bonus against spell interruption when casting Fear. The handguards have the following stats (number in parentheses are the improvements over its Season 3 equivalent):

306 Armor (+13)
+56 Stamina (+6)
+23 Intellect (+5)
+26 Spell Critical (+4)
+23 Resilience (+0)
+44 Spell Damage / Healing (+4)
Gives 50% chance to avoid interruption caused by damage while casting Fear.
Classes: Warlock

WoW Insider says: These gloves are low-cost and have no rating requirements, making it a good purchase specially for starting Arena players. Although Destruction isn't as popular in Arenas because of comparatively lower survivability, these gloves give good burst potential to those specced for it. It is identical in all stats to the Mage's Silk Handguards.

Brutal Gladiator's Felweave Trousers
The leg armor possesses a personal rating requirement of 1550, which isn't too difficult to obtain, and Destruction Warlocks should find it an achievable target. While not as accessible as the gloves, the leg armor is highly visible on a character and is also likely to be a popular purchase, even at 1875 Arena points. The trousers have the following stats (number in parentheses are the improvements over its Season 3 equivalent):
442 Armor (+18)
+74 Stamina (+7)
+30 Intellect (+6)
+39 Spell Critical (+6)
+30 Resilience (+0)
+60 Spell Damage / Healing (+7)
Classes: Warlock
WoW Insider says: The lack of sockets mean that the only customization that can be done will be through Tailoring or Leatherworking enchants. Although it doesn't have as much +Stamina as the Dreadweave Leggings, Destruction Warlocks will find the +39 Spell Crit Rating (1.49% at Level 70) to more than make up for it.

Brutal Gladiator's Felweave Raiment
With three sockets, the chestpiece is the most customizable Arena armor piece, and is the next best purchase after the gloves. 1600 is a modest target considering the reward. In PvE, the chest armor is traditionally a drop from the final boss in a series (Magtheridon drops Tier 4 chest token, Kael'thas drops Tier 5 chest token, Illidan drops Tier 6 chest token, etc.). Arenas are different in this regard, but the item level of the chest is identical to PvE chest pieces. Sunwell Plateau breaks from tradition in that the final boss, Kil'jaeden, does not drop chest tokens or armor. However, the Brutal Gladiator