Update...The Amazing Race

Earlier this week Team Night Owls, Cori, Isaac, and Bailey finished DS before Team Best Friends and Team Life & Death. So yes, they did win the FIRST leg of the race, BUT it was also stated in the goals "The goal is for the babies to get their level 48 spells and pet, fight Malistaire in the Final Countdown quest, be able to access Celestia, reach Grandmaster so they can wear their gear then both wizards will fight through to become Legendary!" Therefore the race is far from over.

Team Best Friends, Sabrina, Alexis, and Tasha completed DS the day after Night Owls did and so far are in the District of the Stars. They are almost ready to head into the Stellarium just as soon as they defeat Sharkwave.

Last night, Kaitlyn of Life & Death defeated Malistaire with the help of Alric Ravensinger and my sisters of the Unholy Trio, Cassandra Dragonheart and Autumn Fireblade. Kait also got her Rebirth spell, Satyr pet named King Charlie, and attained Grandmaster status. Now Kait and Destiny are both ready to go to Celestia. Don't count them out of the race yet.

Still waiting to see which team makes it to Legendary first.

Follow Your Own Path
SorceressMiklai

Out With The Old...In With The New

2010 is coming to a close as we get ready to welcome the new year. This is the time of year when one looks back and reflects on the things they did and create resolutions for the things they want to do.

I have my own list of gaming habits that I want to throw "out" and new or better things I "in"tend to do for the coming year.

Out with the old:
1. No more starting thing and not finishing them because of frustration, distraction, or plain old procrastination.
2. To stop using the word "noob" even when I am referring to my own stupid mistakes. I will still be a twit or a dorkfish.
3. I will not be intimidated by things I am not comfortable with, such as PvP and certain towers or instances.

In with the new:
1. Learn to enjoy and give a chance to every aspect of the game and not judging it negatively so soon.
2. Update my blog regularly and get more readers.
3. Finish my Respawning Bosses Guide (which means I have to quest on Devin)
4. Pet train on all wizards before they quest and/or level.
5. Clear the quest log on all wizards once they reach Legendary status.
6. Join in on PvP and pet derby matches once a wizard's quest log is cleared.

Yes, this is a contest. I want to know what habits you want to lose and what things you would like to improve for your own gaming experience? Post your resolutions in the comment section and follow me on my blog. The winner will be chosen by random.org and will receive EITHER a $10.00 gift card that comes with a pet and 5000 crowns OR anything from the crowns shop that totals up to 10,000 crowns. Winner will be contacted via means listed on their follow. Contest entries end January 7th at 11:59pm CST. Winner will be announced Sunday, January 9th.

Since one of my resolutions is to get more followers/readers, I would appreciate it if you could help me by retweeting on Twitter or posting on Facebook!

Follow Your Own Path
SorceressMiklai

Celestia...A Whole New World

I have had plenty of time to explore, observe, fight creatures, die and conquer this wonderful new world. Since it's release six of my wizards dual-teamed their way through Celestia to become Legendary.

The world itself is a beautiful Greco-oceanic panorama marred by the technology of the Marleybonians. Everywhere you go, you see modern metal interspersed with ancient artifacts. These include the drillers, water pumps, teleporters, and "flying fish" that are scattered all over.

Your journeys begin at the Celestian Base Camp which is the central hub that grants access to the other areas. The base camp shows the decline of the Celestian architecture as most is buried in sand, crumbling, or inactive. This is being replaced by the metal ramps, huge driller, water pump and submarine type portals.

The first area you get to travel to is the Survey Camp, which seems to be inside a submarine. From here you can access the Pinnacles and the Grotto. The Grotto is completely submersed underwater and swimming is required so bring your bathing suits.

I loved watching how my pets and mounts interacted with this new environment versus the dry land they were accustomed to. So far my favorite pets to watch are the snake/serpents, who look as though they are trying to swim up to catch their breath. This is not surprising because, well, they are reptiles and not amphibians after all.

The second area of your journey takes place in the District of the Stars. If it weren't for the overpopulation of sharks, this area would be breathtaking. Scratch that. Even with the sharks, it is beautiful scenery to traverse.

The Chantry is on one side and the Hall of the Archivist on the other. Both have lush green grass. The Chantry also has a waterfall while the Archivist walls are covered with colorful artwork and assorted sculptures dot the lawn. The technology here suggests that the Celestians, although appearing to be an ancient civilization, may in fact be far superior to the Marleybonians.

Though the land is beautiful it is still full of treacherous enemies that must be vanquished. Selwyn must be defeated in the Stellarium before you will be granted passage to your next destination.

The Floating Land is a tropical paradise inhabited by many primitive(?) tribes. There is plenty of junglesque foliage to wander through. Exotic plants, wooden tikis, and wild creatures decorate this island as you make your way to a living waterfall that actually converses with you.

The next stop on your tour is Stormriven. When you first encounter this area, you will make your way across a galatic platform that is reminiscent of a disco dance floor (Electric Slide or Hustle anyone?). Again the new metal gratings of the chambers clash with the pure architecture of old.

When you feel brave enough, you can dive off the plank into Stormriven Hall and face the mysteries of the deep therein. Inside this underwater cavern is the Temple of the Kraken. Be careful where you step, though, because there is a sea monster that watches you. Periodically it will even try to take a swipe with its massive tentacle. Once you have bested the lord of this area, Tempus Stormfist, you will be admitted to the Lunarium/Portico.

The itinerary says its now time to head to the Science Center where modern technology takes over. This area is overrun with gadgets, thing-a-ma-bobs, and doo-hickies. Even the Celestians have donned their gear to fit in. The Steam Valets, Steam Winchers, Hydro-Mechs, Water-Matons, and Aqua-Bots have become almost cyborg-like. Is this a glimpse into Future Celestia?

The final area that your travels will take you to via the sub portals at the base camp is the Crustacean Empire. This is another underwater world co-inhabited by Greco-Roman crabs and pirates. Of course it would not be Celesia without the ever present sharks.

The most spectacular place in this area, albeit the entire world IMO, is Calypso's Cavern. The shipwreck is settled on the precipice of an abyss. Above you is a school of jellyfish that seem to watch as you battle Queen Calypso and her pirate henchmen.

It is now time to save Celestia from Morganthe as you brave the Solarium/Chancel. SURPRISE-or not, the place is swimming with sharks. And also not surprising, that cowardess Morganthe, will not face you herself. Instead she leaves her pet shark, Big Salgio to make short work of you. Too bad for him, you have much bigger fish to catch and fry. Oh well, he will make great bait-can you say "chum"?

Morganthe may have escaped this time, but you emerge victorious nonetheless. However, it is time to hone your skills and for that you must enter the Trial of the Spheres. Here you will be challenged by those in charge of the astral schools and learning. Astraeus, the Stellar/Star teacher is your first opponent you face after solving a few riddles. Ptolemos guards the Lunar/Moon passages before you face Mithraya in the Solar/Sun sanctum.

So if you think you are ready, then pack your gear and bring your best A-game. Celestia's beauty is equally matched by the numerous dangers and challenges you will encounter.

Follow Your Own Path
SorceressMiklai

Happy Holidays...and Merry Christmas Eve & Day to All!

I wanted to take time out from my gaming and wizard travels to wish all of the wizards of the Spiral a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Joyful Season!

I hope each gets to spend time with their families and loved ones and that above all everyone stays SAFE. There is still much to be done to conquer the forces of evil and I want you guys by my side fighting.

I realize Christmas is tomorrow, but for me, it has been celebrated all year. I have received the greatest gifts of all...friends, best friends, and more friends! I feel enriched just knowing each of you:

My sisters of the Unholy Trio, Lady Blade and Cassandra DragonHeart; my dearest friend Alric Ravensinger; the genius of petnome, Kevin Battleblood and the rest of his team; a great farming partner and fellow nightowl, @scarznstripez; my family of M4H without whom I would probably not know most of you; Ravenwood Radio and Leesha and Stephen for keeping all of us wizards informed on what's going on in the Spiral; all my fellow w101bloggers and #twizards ( too many to mention but you know who you are if I am following you :) ).

Finally, I would like to thank KingsIsle for giving so much this year despite the complaints, rants, trial and error, bugs and glitches, etc. I have enjoyed the pet update, the Selena Gomez sneak peek quest line, and the greatest gift of all-Celestia! Yes, there were other updates and like that fruitcake or the sweater that you can't really return, one of these days I will get hungry or cold enough to actually learn to enjoy them.

Until then, I hope everyone enjoys their holidays and remember sometimes the greatest gift is being surprised by what you get! So no peeking!

Follow Your Own Path
SorceressMiklai

The Amazing Race...Which Duo Will Be First?

As of right now, I have 3 teams of two of my own wizards who are questing in Dragonspyre. Each team consists of a Grandmaster from my first account and a Master from my second account. The goal is for the babies to get their level 48 spells and pet, fight Malistaire in the Final Countdown quest, be able to access Celestia, reach Grandmaster so they can wear their gear then both wizards will fight through to become Legendary!

The question is which team will be first?

Here are the teams, their current locations, and how they are played.

Team Best Friends: My Grandmaster Ice, Sabrina (50), and Master Death, Tasha (45) with my best friend's Balance wizard, Alexis (45). Just received the quest for the Obsidian Chests and already got the one in the Labyrinth.

We play when she gets off work or on the weekends and for a few hours. For street and tower mobs 'Rina carries Blizzard & Frost Giant (Leif) with Strong on them, & her Ice Blades. Tasha is trained in Ice as secondary and carries an Ice trap amulet, plus Curse, & Feint which she places before 'Rina hits. Alexis being balance will Balance and Elemental tri-blade 'Rina or place hex on the mobs.

Team Night Owls: My Grandmaster Myth, Cori (50) and Master Ice, Bailey (44) with Alric Ravensinger's alt Master Storm, Isaac (45). They are now in the Drake Hatchery ready to fight The Hoarder for Windhammer's reins.

We play when I can coax him into questing :P and for a few hours at a time. Cori carries her Frog, Olloch (from the Fablehaven stories :) ) boosted with Strong & her Myth blades. Bailey doesn't have much power, but she uses her Blizzard, Ice Blade, & Tri-Elemental Blade. Isaac will cast Storm Blade and Tempest to clean up Olloch's mess :-& .

Team Life & Death: This team is me only. My Grandmaster Death, Destiny (50) and Master Life, Kaitlyn (42). She just started in the Tower of Archives fighting the Loathsome Creepers.

I play on these when there is no one else online needing help with anything and after I have used all the energy on my 12 wizards training pets. Destiny uses Scarecrow to attack. While waiting for her pips to build up she will use Curse & Death Blade to buff her kill. She does have Death Shield & Empower in her deck when not fighting death mobs so she can get her pips faster and take off a weakness in one move. Kaitlyn doesn't have any Life attack AoE spells yet, but is trained in fire as a secondary so she will pack a few Meteors JIC. Mostly she just casts Tri-Spirit Traps & Blades for Destiny or will stick with healing.

I have set a time frame to have all 6 of my wizards; Bailey, Cori, Destiny, Kaitlyn, Sabrina & Tasha to reach Legendary status before the end of the year.

So even though it will be me playing the actual wizards, I would like to see YOUR thoughts on which ones you think would reach their goals first and why. Does the team have anything to do with it? The type of wizard they are? Will the kinds of mobs and bosses they face play a part in the race?

Also leave comments about how YOU would set up your deck to fight the mobs the fastest and I will test it out.

Follow Your Own Path
SorceressMiklai

Catching Up...And Then Some

It has been almost two months or thereabouts since my last post and I apologize profusely. Though I have not blogged, I have not been idle either. There has been much going on at my end of the Spiral. Let me catch you up:

I have four of my own accounts that I play and several others that I help people with. My fourth account has my challenge wizards on it. So far my Storm wizard Devin is at level 18 without having done a single quest, trained in a school spell, or visited Halston for her Storm assignments. She just pretty much tags along farming and gets her experience strictly from fighting and instances. Since power leveling has been nuked by KI, she will not be making legendary anytime soon. Then again I didn’t take her into instances JUST to power level her. She was farming so even though she has done Tree of Life and the Labyrinth several times, she gets zero experience for it now.

My third account has my death wizard, Devin ShadowHeart. She is now heading into Knight’s Court and will soon be on the tail end of Marleybone. Katz Lab, Counterweights, and Big Ben then heading into Mooshu. This wizard travels with my best friend’s storm wizard, Scarlet WillowBlossom. We found out when questing with her GM death wizard, Haley MistCloud and my GM storm, Brianna MoonCloud, that death and storm make an awesome team. Storm’s high power AoE hits and death’s ability to boost those with feint and curse. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to have a Necromancer who is willing to sacrifice themselves to keep a Diviner alive.

My second account, or what I call my baby account, has been the busiest. Trying to play catch up to my Grand account and running tag team with that same account. Most of my six wizards were stuck in Mooshu up to October with the exception of Jordan DuskFlame, my Pyromancer, who had just reached Grandmaster status. She and Alura HexCaster were my first duo to make it through Celestia in three days. They both earned their Efreet and Ra spells and the title of Legendary Wizards!

Vanessa StormCaller, my Diviner, was the next wizard ready to head into Celestia and my Theurgist Tatiana FairyGlade volunteered to accompany her. This journey was a little, more challenging-let’s say. Tatiana did not have any AoE spells to contribute to the battles. Vanessa was only level 48 when she began her Celestian exploration. ‘Nessa was able to help Tati with her level 58 quest to get Sassy, but was on her own when the time came to get Thanny. Poor ‘Nessa died 7 times before she finally claimed victory and earned that spell. A week after starting their journey, both became Legendary Wizards, as well.

Fiona Starbright, my Sorceress, on my baby account is also trained in storm so it was obvious from the start that she would team up with my grand Diviner, Brianna MoonCloud. Brianna helped Fiona through Mooshu then Dragonspyre before meeting up with my best friend’s fire wiz, Tara WillowBlossom. As of present the trio are in the Crab Empire and bars away from level 58 where they will each get Ra, Leviathan, and Efreet.

Tasha SpellWraith, my baby Necromancer, and my grand Thaumaturge, Sabrina FrostShard are also questing with another one of my best friend’s wizards. This time her balance wizard, Alexis. So far the threesome are finishing up the Necropolis in Dragonspyre and ready to face off with the Dean in the Labyrinth. Both Tasha and Alexis are looking forward to getting their Scarecrow and Power Nova spells and also their school pets.

My baby Thaumaturge, Bailey IceCaster, is currently traversing the Plaza of Conquests with my grand Conjurer, Cori WillowHaven, and good friend Alric Ravensinger’s storm alt, Isaac. With the three of them working side by side, taking Dragonspyre should be no problem and then it’s on to Celestia. Here’s to getting Alric his second Legendary wizard in-the-making! I will be right there beside him to keep him on task 

:) .

My final duo of wizards is a set that I have been playing when I have no one else online. My baby Theurgist, Kaitlyn SpiritSong, and my grand Necromancer, Destiny ShadowWraith. Kaitlyn just finished up Mooshu and is ready to take on Dragonspyre. With this team heals are aplenty and there is no threat of dying unless you are the enemy.

That takes care of what my wizards have been doing as far as their questing goes, but what about when they AREN’T questing?

Alura, Jordan, Tati, ‘Nessa, and Bri have done some farming at Calypso for gold and gear.

All of my wizards have been pet training much to my chagrin and Alric’s delight. Such a mundane task. I enjoy the rewards but hate the actual training. Actually, during this last Test Realm I used all the crowns from my four accounts plus donations from a few friends and stayed up with @scarznstripez to help find talents and derby skills for certain pets that were needed at petnome.

As much as I dislike pet training, it does have its advantages. I was able to catalog ALL my pets for ALL my wizards using pretty much the same template as petnome. I listed the talents and derby skill that they got at teen, adult, ancient, and epic. This helped me to decide how far I was willing to actually train my pet in the live realm. The database also will come in handy should I ever have another “accidental loss” on KI’s part where my pets go missing and they don’t remember what I had or how they were. It’s like a pet identity system. Lists their name, pet type, school, pedigree, cards that come with them, talents, derby skills, and any special notices about the pets (level 48 pet, hybrid, crown pet, etc).

I also tried out the gardening on the Test Realm. I am torn about it. I like it. And I don’t. I would love to grow my plants but not have them die on me so quickly (checks thumbs-yep not green; shakes head). If it comes down to using the energy globe for gardening or pet training, I would rather pet train. I just feel that the plants are WAY too needy for someone who is on a mission to save the Spiral. I am going to work on finding a spell to animate my mannequins and have THEM take care of my plants, while I traipse around fighting the baddies. I just hope none of the plants eat wood. Hmmm…Need to check into that.

Finally I have gone broke on all my wizards buying reagents to MAKE reagents so I can craft gear I want and things I don’t need for those crafting quests just to make Grandmaster Artisan. Yes, it happened. Alura HexCaster is now officially a Grandmaster Artisan! AND---less than a day after turning in her Seal of the Seven Seas she crafted her Level 55 Balanced Brimstone Tunic and is working on her Level 55 hat.

Brianna and Jordan are also working on getting their Grandmaster Artisan badges, also. Each of my wizards on my grand account have at least made it to their robe or the crimson bookstand quest so they are not that far behind. Kaitlyn just this morning started on her crafting and so far has made it to Felicia in Marleybone. Now if only I can remember to put what they make in their banks until the time comes to turn in the quest.

You would think after having crafted as many times as I have, I would have learned or remembered by now. Uh-uh. And I bang my head and yell each time I see the quest but don’t have the items. How annoying. It’s no wonder I loathe crafting as much as I do.

But, I can guarantee you one thing and others can vouch for it, too. As much as I may need those reagents, I am the first to offer them to someone else when I am questing with them. Especially to a client when I am leading their run. Only if they pass them by or say they do not want them, will I snag them. Also, I will spend hours making treasure cards for someone who needs them for their WatchTower Hall. Because, to me, forever friendship is more important than any minimal dislike for some menial task.

Well that pretty much sums up MOST of what I have been doing. Now it is time that I get back to it. Just when I think I am almost finished, I find something else that needs to be done. OOHH there’s a quest I didn’t pick up…Hey did you need this ore? Can I have it?...I wonder if I hatch this turtle with my FOG Unicorn if it will transfer this talent…Speaking of which, I need to add that to my database!...

Follow Your Own Path,

SorceressMiklai