One of the more interesting twists in the expansion is the introduction of two new, completely opposed factions: the Aldor and the Scryers. Players first entering Shattrath City are asked to choose one, and each has different rewards and recipes available. It's an intriguing proposition, and we'll probably see more effects of the decision (some have even speculated that eventually we'll have an Aldor vs. Scryer battleground, so Horde and Alliance will for the first time be able to fight side by side against players).

So this week on Phat Loot Phriday, we're covering a droolworthy Aldor weapon, and the Scryers will just have to sit back and be jealous. Next week, we'll switch. If you want more info on the Aldor/Scryer decision, WoWwiki is the guide to read.

Name: Auchenai Staff
Type: Rare Two-Hand Staff
Damage / Speed: 92-171 / 2.10 (62.8 DPS)
Abilities:

• +46 Intellect
• Improves spell hit rating by 19, spell crit rating by 26, and healing and damage by up to 121, so it's pretty darn amazing for almost any caster, especially damage-based
• Available only to people Revered by the Aldor faction

How to Get It: You've got to be Aldor-- hopefully you've caught that much already. To get Revered, you have to do quests labeled for Aldor rep-- there's a bunch of them in the Lower City of Shattrath, and quite a few in the Aldor area there. You can also turn in various Marks from around Outland (Kil'jaeden until Honored, and Sargeras after that) and Fel Armaments. Hit Revered, and then bring 56 gold and some change (so 57 gold, really) to the Aldor quartermaster to get this pretty stick o' power.

Getting Rid of It: Once you've got this thing, you probably won't lose it until you start rolling through the endgame instances in Outland. After you do find something nicer, though, a vendor will give you 11g 26s 53c for it.

While I haven't seen any details on how this is acquired, it's safe to assume (since this information was most likely data-mined from the patch 1.11 files we currently have access to) that it's going to involve Naxxramas.  I must say, these staves - different for different classes - look perfectly delightful and I would be happy to have one - though I can't say I look forward to the no doubt extensive efforts required to get it.