WoW Insiderhttp://wow.joystiq.comWoW Insiderhttp://wow.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gifWoW Insiderhttp://wow.joystiq.comen-usCopyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/WoW Insider ShowEvery week, the WoW Insider Show brings you news and views from the World of Warcraft and the site that covers it all, WoW Insider. We introduce a panel of rotating guests, including bloggers from WoW Insider and other WoW blogs, and many popular personalities from around the WoW community. From the live listener chat and polls during the show, to the emails direct from listeners (reach us at theshow@wow.com), right on to the "meat" of the show -- in-depth discussion of the most popular news and posts on WoW Insider -- the WoW Insider Show is a terrific source of news and entertainment about what's going on with Blizzard and their World of Warcraft. Listen live every Saturday at 3:30 pm Eastern on our Ustream page (http://www.ustream.tv/channel/wow-insider-show) or subscribe to the feed and let us know what you think by reviewing the show right here in iTunes.Improved digsites in Mists of Pandaria archaeologyhttp://wow.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/improved-digsites-in-mists-of-pandaria-archaeology/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/improved-digsites-in-mists-of-pandaria-archaeology/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/improved-digsites-in-mists-of-pandaria-archaeology/#commentsFiled under: ,

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When I hit the new skill cap in archaeology on beta and achieved Zen Master, someone in my beta guild remarked that 600 skill points in archaeology sounded painful. But it's not -- it's actually better! Archaeology got some buffs in Mists of Pandaria.

There are only two new races to worry about, the pandaren and the mogu, and you get nothing but these two on the continent of Pandaria. As usual, players get four random digsites across the entire continent, though it's currently bugging out to three or even two sites only. But Pandaria is so huge, you say. We're restricted to no flying until 90. How can it not be painful?

Continue reading Improved digsites in Mists of Pandaria archaeology

WoW InsiderImproved digsites in Mists of Pandaria archaeology originally appeared on WoW Insider on Tue, 15 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>ancient hauntAncientHauntarchaeologydig sitedigsitelorewalkersmists of pandariamists of pandaria betaMistsOfPandariaMistsOfPandariaBetamogu fragmentsmogu statue pieceMoguFragmentsMoguStatuePiecenot-diablopandaren fragmentspandaren oracle bonePandarenFragmentsPandarenOracleBoneMegan O'NeillTue, 15 May 2012 16:00:00 ESTMists of Pandaria Beta: New archaeology itemshttp://wow.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/mists-of-pandaria-beta-new-archaeology-items/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/mists-of-pandaria-beta-new-archaeology-items/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/mists-of-pandaria-beta-new-archaeology-items/#commentsFiled under: ,

Players with the archaeology profession will get to experience some joy come Mists of Pandaria, according to a new post at MMO-Champion. All of the datamined items are directly related to Pandaria itself and allow us to start piecing together the history of the continent. Pandaria currently is such a new land to all of us that Matt Rossi and Anne Stickney have managed to condense all of the lore we currently know about it into a single post, which is truly an epic feat. The new items introduced through archaeology will help us paint more of a picture of what Pandaria's history was and who the major players were.

Items such as the Manacles of Rebellion, Cracked Mogu Runestone, and Petrified Bone Whip are relics of the depraved Mogu Empire, focusing on their love of torture and slavery. The Spear of Xuen and the Standard of Nuzao show us that the pandaren aren't the naive, comic race that some people are assuming; they've fought in and won their own wars. And in classic pandaren fashion, the Empty Keg of Bewmaster Xin Wo Yin and the Twin Steins of Brewfather Quan Tou Kuo highlight the race's love of beer.

As it's still beta; things are still subject to change. For one, I'm hoping Blizzard adds in more pandaren lore items. Beyond that, I'd like to see some new on-use vanity items like the Last Relic of Argus, as these datamined items all lack any on-use effects. Finally, I think Blizzard may want to revisit the rarity of some items; the Edicts of the Thunder King make very little sense as a common item when you realize they're essentially the same as finding the stone that holds Hammurabi's Code or the tablets of the Ten Commandments.
It's open warfare between Alliance and Horde in Mists of Pandaria, World of Warcraft's next expansion. Jump into five new levels with new talents and class mechanics, try the new monk class, and create a pandaren character to ally with either Horde or Alliance. Look for expansion basics in our Mists FAQ, or dig into our spring press event coverage for more details!

WoW InsiderMists of Pandaria Beta: New archaeology items originally appeared on WoW Insider on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>archaeologybeta-archaeologymists-of-pandariamists-of-pandaria-archaeologymists-of-pandaria-betamists-of-pandaria-professionsmogu-empirenew-archaeology-itemspandaren-archaeologypandaren-lorewowwow-betawow-mopwow-professionsJosh MyersTue, 27 Mar 2012 14:00:00 ESTThe OverAchiever: How archaeology could get a lot worse (and why we hope it won't)http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/the-overachiever-how-archaeology-could-get-a-lot-worse-and-why/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/the-overachiever-how-archaeology-could-get-a-lot-worse-and-why/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/the-overachiever-how-archaeology-could-get-a-lot-worse-and-why/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Every Thursday, The Overachiever shows you how to work toward those sweet achievement points. Today, we are really, really pissed off that we can't get the Crawling Claw.

There are two kinds of people in WoW: people who hate archaeology, and people who really hate archaeology. While it seemed like it was one of the more promising additions to Cataclysm, archaeology just hasn't worked out as well as everyone had hoped. Even the most dedicated lore nerds are guaranteed to wilt in the face of the game's most relentless RNG.

Whatever, right? Some experiments work, some don't, and it's ultimately more important that Blizzard's willing to take these risks in the first place. But ever since Mists of Pandaria was announced, I've been worrying more about archaeology's future. As Ghostcrawler once observed, archaeology was designed to be easy to add to, and it's reasonable to expect new races and new items to appear in the future. However, unless something fundamental about its design changes between now and Mists, it's the only profession guaranteed to become an absolute hell as it expands.

Why? Because archaeology suffers from two problems: It's too random, and it's not random enough.

Continue reading The OverAchiever: How archaeology could get a lot worse (and why we hope it won't)

WoW InsiderThe OverAchiever: How archaeology could get a lot worse (and why we hope it won't) originally appeared on WoW Insider on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>achievement-guideachievementsachievements-guidearchaeologyfeaturedguidehow-to-fix-wow-archaeologyimproving-wow-archaeologyworld-of-warcraft-achievement-pointsworld-of-warcraft-achievementswow-achievementwow-achievement-guidewow-achievement-pointswow-achievementswow-archaeologistwow-archaeologywow-archaeology-achievementswow-archaeology-civilizationswow-guidewow-pointsAllison RobertThu, 05 Jan 2012 15:00:00 ESTBreakfast Topic: How do you feel after spending time with archaeology?http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/breakfast-topic-how-do-you-feel-after-spending-time-with-archae/http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/breakfast-topic-how-do-you-feel-after-spending-time-with-archae/http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/breakfast-topic-how-do-you-feel-after-spending-time-with-archae/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Clockwork Gnome
This Breakfast Topic has been brought to you by Seed, the AOL guest writer program that brings your words to WoW Insider's pages.

Right now, I'm taking a break from archaeology. I spent the days between the U.S. holidays of Memorial Day and Labor Day digging from two to six hours, flying up and down Kalimdor, in an attempt to get the Vial of the Sands. I felt someone within my guild should have it. While I had other guild members doing archaeology, they weren't dedicated -- no, the proper term is "crazy" -- enough to spend hours doing this. By the end of August, I didn't care about the items that got me 100 or 200 gold when vendored (Cat Statue with Emerald Eyes and Silver Scroll Case). I just wanted the recipe. Finally, after my fifth canopic jar, there it was. I had all the mats ready, and the day I got it, I could become a dragon.

I almost never use the mount. If someone wants a ride, I transform and we go once or twice around town. But as my permanent ride? No. It's too big and awkward for my tastes.

Continue reading Breakfast Topic: How do you feel after spending time with archaeology?

WoW InsiderBreakfast Topic: How do you feel after spending time with archaeology? originally appeared on WoW Insider on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>archaeologyfacebookfeedgame-discussiongamer-discussionworld-of-warcraft-discussionworld-of-warcraft-topicswow-discussionwow-hot-topicswow-issueswow-topicsDeb MontagueWed, 16 Nov 2011 08:00:00 ESTPatch 4.1: Even more new archaeology itemshttp://wow.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/patch-4-1-even-more-new-archaeology-items/http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/patch-4-1-even-more-new-archaeology-items/http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/patch-4-1-even-more-new-archaeology-items/#commentsFiled under:

The last build rolled out on the patch 4.1 PTR introduced some cool new items, but Blizzard wasn't done there. The build rolled out today included even more! These items include: Technically, the turtle shell was in the last build, but we misinterpreted the item when we saw it on Wowhead. Our initial guess was that it would be a drop in Firelands due to a display bug giving it the heroic label, and we assumed its itemization was unfinished. However, we eventually came to the conclusion that it's extremely likely that the shield is actually an archaeology award -- it's bind on account. It will lose its current heroic label between now and when the patch launches.

These items are continuing Blizzard's effort to populate neglected research types. Trolls needed a little more love beyond the endless journey to find Zin'rokh, and fossils needed even more love. An epic shield, another pet, and the other additions from previous builds will go a long way toward making fossil dig sites less ... painful.
WoW Patch 4.1 is on the PTR and WoW Insider has all the latest news for you -- from previews of the revamped Zul'Aman and Zul'Gurub to new valor point mechanics and new archaeology items.

WoW InsiderPatch 4.1: Even more new archaeology items originally appeared on WoW Insider on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>archaeologyextinct-turtle-shellfirelandspatch-4.1pterrordax-hatchlingvodoo-figurineworld-of-warcraft-patch-4.1wow-patchwow-patch-4.1wow-patch-4.1-newswow-patch-newsAlex ZiebartFri, 25 Mar 2011 19:30:00 ESTThe Queue: There's a surprise at the endhttp://wow.joystiq.com/2011/03/21/the-queue-theres-a-surprise-at-the-end/http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/03/21/the-queue-theres-a-surprise-at-the-end/http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/03/21/the-queue-theres-a-surprise-at-the-end/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Welcome back to The Queue, the daily Q&A column in which the WoW Insider team answers your questions about the World of Warcraft. Alex Ziebart will be your host today.

Today's edition of The Queue discusses the nature of the death knight, the recent lack of creepy whispers, the nature of the vrykul, and ... something special. Enjoy!

Oscar asked:

Is it me or does it feel as if the whole "caster" part of DKs was just wholly abandoned and just being confined to Death Coil and a few other abilities?

Continue reading The Queue: There's a surprise at the end

WoW InsiderThe Queue: There's a surprise at the end originally appeared on WoW Insider on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>archaeologydeath-knightsfacebookfeedfeaturedguidekvaldirqaquestion-and-answervrykulwow-answerswow-daily-answerswow-daily-questionswow-guidewow-player-questionswow-q-and-awow-questionsAlex ZiebartMon, 21 Mar 2011 11:00:00 ESTBlues explain nature of archaeology cooldownshttp://wow.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/blues-explain-nature-of-archaeology-cooldowns/http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/blues-explain-nature-of-archaeology-cooldowns/http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/blues-explain-nature-of-archaeology-cooldowns/#commentsFiled under: ,

Several players and Community Manager Lylirra shared some discussion today on the official World of Warcraft forums about the cooldowns of novelty items crafted through the archaeology profession.

In the thread, the original poster suggested that the cooldowns of certain novelty items were too long in comparison to others and that Blizzard should consider fixing the discrepancies. The poster used Pendant of the Scarab Storm and Bones of Transformation as an example, noting that both items have a vanity effect that lasts 20 seconds but a cooldown difference of 90 minutes.

Lylirra responded, explaining that the cooldowns, though seemingly random, were chosen with specific issues in mind. She explains that with the Pendant of the Scarab Storm specifically, developers were concerned that the item's effect might strain certain players' computers.

Archaeology Items' Cooldowns
The current cooldown was chosen deliberately, but I can see why you might think otherwise (100 minutes is kind of strange for a cooldown time).

Anyway, summoning a harem of scarabs can be pretty taxing on some systems, so there were some initial concerns about putting the pendant on a short cooldown. Based on the feedback we've received, though, we're looking into reducing it. We agree that the effect is pretty cool and would be nice to use it more frequently.


Personally, a little lore logic behind the items might be nice as well. How is it that my character can summon a god every 3 minutes, but it takes 10 minutes to round up some sassy dwarven ladies?

WoW InsiderBlues explain nature of archaeology cooldowns originally appeared on WoW Insider on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>archaeologyarcheologyblue-postblue-postsbluescooldownsdevelopersdwarveslylirranaaruscarabvanity-itemsDawn MooreWed, 02 Mar 2011 18:00:00 ESTAddon Spotlight: Archaeology made easyhttp://wow.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/addon-spotlight-archaeology-made-easy/http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/addon-spotlight-archaeology-made-easy/http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/addon-spotlight-archaeology-made-easy/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Each week, WoW Insider brings you a fresh look at reader-submitted UIs as well as Addon Spotlight, which focuses on the backbone of the WoW gameplay experience: the user interface. Everything from bags to bars, buttons to DPS meters and beyond -- your addons folder will never be the same. This week, tol'vir rares never drop for Mathew, even though Mathew is a good boy who doesn't kill level 23 worgen while doing archaeology. Okay, I lied.

Now that archaeology has been buffed to a certain degree with new tol'vir digsites and a lower cooldown on Survey, it's time to get a little addon-serious about the secondary profession. A few weeks back, I talked about one archaeology addon that took some of the interface away for me, because it was a three-click pain in the butt to get to the artifact counter. Now, with the recent changes, that isn't the case. In that time, however, loads of new tools have come to the forefront of the archaeology community. Read on for archaeology made easy.

Continue reading Addon Spotlight: Archaeology made easy

WoW InsiderAddon Spotlight: Archaeology made easy originally appeared on WoW Insider on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>add-onadd-on-configurationadd-on-guideaddon-configurationaddon-guideaddonsarcharchaeologyarchyfeaturedguidetol-vir-digsites-can-kiss-my-buttwow-add-onwow-add-on-guidewow-add-onswow-addon-guidewow-addonswow-guideMathew McCurleyThu, 17 Feb 2011 13:00:00 ESTPatch 4.0.6 PTR: Sell prices for common archaeology artifacts changed (again)http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/01/25/patch-4-0-6-ptr-sell-prices-for-common-archaeology-artifacts-ch/http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/01/25/patch-4-0-6-ptr-sell-prices-for-common-archaeology-artifacts-ch/http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/01/25/patch-4-0-6-ptr-sell-prices-for-common-archaeology-artifacts-ch/#commentsFiled under: ,

After the hoopla that went on over a 1,000g sell price on the Word of Empress Zoe, Blizzard has changed the sell values on all of the common archaeology artifacts again on the PTR. Word of Empress Zoe's sell price to vendors has gone down significantly, but to compensate, many other commons have had their prices increased to even out the spread of money-makers in the profession. Thanks to Wowhead for the comprehensive list. You can check out the full table of common sell prices after the jump.

Continue reading Patch 4.0.6 PTR: Sell prices for common archaeology artifacts changed (again)

WoW InsiderPatch 4.0.6 PTR: Sell prices for common archaeology artifacts changed (again) originally appeared on WoW Insider on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>archaeologyarchaeology-commonarchaeology-grey-itemscommoncommons-archaeologycommons-sell-pricesell-priceMathew McCurleyTue, 25 Jan 2011 20:00:00 ESTThe OverAchiever: A guide to basic archaeology and its achievementshttp://wow.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/the-overachiever-a-guide-to-basic-archaeology-and-its-achieveme/http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/the-overachiever-a-guide-to-basic-archaeology-and-its-achieveme/http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/the-overachiever-a-guide-to-basic-archaeology-and-its-achieveme/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Every Thursday, The Overachiever shows you how to work toward those sweet achievement points. This week, we start digging.

You guys remember the Dalaran fountain, right? I loved that thing. It was a wonderful, idiosyncratic little peek into the thoughts of an array of Azeroth's lore figures, both the important and the obscure. It added a number of little touches to the game's story that we never would have seen otherwise, and Blizzard even gave you an achievement for getting all the coins. I thought that whatever mad genius came up with the Dalaran fountain should have been chained to a desk at Blizzard and left there until he came up with more ideas like it.

Well, they can finally let that guy off the lead. Archaeology is kind of like the Dalaran fountain, except instead of being crammed into a tiny corner of Dalaran, it's everywhere in the world, and instead of concerning 53 people who made wishes, it affords you a peek into seven civilizations and the world's fossil record.

Pretty sweet, eh? Well, you're going to have to work for it. If you're completely new to archaeology, I've included a short set of instructions here, but otherwise, we're going to head straight for the civilizations and achievements related to WoW's newest profession.

Continue reading The OverAchiever: A guide to basic archaeology and its achievements

WoW InsiderThe OverAchiever: A guide to basic archaeology and its achievements originally appeared on WoW Insider on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>achievement-guideachievementsachievements-guidearchaeologyarchaeology-achievementsarchaeology-civilizationsfeaturedguideindiana-jonesworld-of-warcraft-achievement-pointsworld-of-warcraft-achievementswow-achievementwow-achievement-guidewow-achievement-pointswow-achievementswow-archaeologywow-archaeology-achievementswow-archaeology-civilizationswow-guidewow-pointsAllison RobertThu, 06 Jan 2011 15:00:00 ESTGold Capped: Early Cataclysm economy tweakshttp://wow.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/gold-capped-early-cataclysm-economy-tweaks/http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/gold-capped-early-cataclysm-economy-tweaks/http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/gold-capped-early-cataclysm-economy-tweaks/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Every week, WoW Insider brings you Gold Capped, in which Basil "Euripides" Berntsen aims to show you how to make money on the auction house, and Insider Trader, which is all about professions. For Gold Capped's inside line on making money in game, check in here every Thursday, and email Basil with your comments, questions or hate mail! This week's gold-blogosphere post is Warcraft Econ's Pyrite prospecting results.

Normally, when Blizzard makes a change to the economy, it's not enough news to justify its own blue post. When I sat down and tried to decide what to write about this week, I realized that the most important information I could get out to you guys is news of all the economic tweaks that have come down the pipeline that are shaping these first few weeks of Cataclysm.

First up: Pyrite Ore is now prospectable at 500 skill, down from 525. This is a very expensive mineral on most realms, so it hasn't been prospected as much as, say, Elementium Ore. That said, based on the limited number of prospects we've seen numbers for, it looks like it may be dropping as many green-quality gems as Obsidium Ore, as many rare gems as Elementium Ore, and an additional one to three Volatile Earths. My napkin math indicated that if the additional expense for five pyrite is more than two earths, it may not be worth prospecting.

Continue reading Gold Capped: Early Cataclysm economy tweaks

WoW InsiderGold Capped: Early Cataclysm economy tweaks originally appeared on WoW Insider on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>alchemycataclysmgold-guidegold-making-guideherbalismjewelcraftingminingwow-craftableswow-craftingwow-goldwow-gold-makingwow-professionsBasil BerntsenTue, 21 Dec 2010 16:00:00 ESTArchaeology grants group-wide buffs in Cataclysm 5-man dungeonshttp://wow.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/archaeology-grants-group-wide-buffs-in-cataclysm-5-man-dungeons/http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/archaeology-grants-group-wide-buffs-in-cataclysm-5-man-dungeons/http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/archaeology-grants-group-wide-buffs-in-cataclysm-5-man-dungeons/#commentsFiled under: ,

Archaeologists have the ability to give a group-wide dungeon buff to all their party members upon entering Cataclysm's 5-man dungeons. Each buff is gained through a repeatable quest during which the appropriately leveled archaeologist turns in a specific keystone to activate the zone-wide buffs. The specific turn-in locations are near the beginning of each dungeon. Here are a list of the buffs available:
Thanks, Uriah!

World of Warcraft: Cataclysm has destroyed Azeroth as we know it; nothing is the same! In WoW Insider's Guide to Cataclysm, you can find out everything you need to know about WoW's third expansion, from leveling up a new goblin or worgen to breaking news and strategies on endgame play.

WoW InsiderArchaeology grants group-wide buffs in Cataclysm 5-man dungeons originally appeared on WoW Insider on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>archaeologybellooooooooccataclysm-gamecataclysm-guidecataclysm-newsexpansionexpansion-threenext-xpacthird-expansionworld-of-warcraft-cataclysmwow-4.0wow-4.0.2wow-cataclysmwow-expansionwow-guidewow-third-expansionMathew McCurleyThu, 16 Dec 2010 14:00:00 ESTLive Stream: Archaeology 101http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/12/13/live-stream-archaeology-101/http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/12/13/live-stream-archaeology-101/http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/12/13/live-stream-archaeology-101/#commentsFiled under: ,

Hello, class, and welcome to Archaeology 101. Today, we'll show you how to get started in this profession, as well as where to go, what to do and how to do it. I know I'm not as dreamy as Indiana Jones, so I won't be expecting apples on my desk or eyelid tattoos. But I'll also not be interrupting class to run after Nazis, so I've got that going for me ... which is nice. I will be taking questions and comments from the chat room, however, which is after the break.

Update: The stream is now over. You can watch the video replay by clicking the image above.

Continue reading Live Stream: Archaeology 101

WoW InsiderLive Stream: Archaeology 101 originally appeared on WoW Insider on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>101archaeology-101archaeology-trainerguidehow-tolive-guidelive-streamorgrimmaroverviewprofessionsstormwind-citystreamstreamingtipsRobin TorresMon, 13 Dec 2010 13:00:00 ESTThe Queue: Min-maxing archaeologyhttp://wow.joystiq.com/2010/12/13/the-queue-min-maxing-archaeology/http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/12/13/the-queue-min-maxing-archaeology/http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/12/13/the-queue-min-maxing-archaeology/#commentsFiled under: ,

Welcome back to The Queue, the daily Q&A column in which the WoW Insider team answers your questions about the World of Warcraft. Alex Ziebart will be your host today.

What does one do after hitting level 85? Spend three straight days digging up rocks, of course. Zin'rokh, you will be mine. Even if your model is upside down now.

MoarHeroisms asked:

What's a good time to use the green archaeology fragments to solve artifacts? Is it a good idea to use a handful at once?

Continue reading The Queue: Min-maxing archaeology

WoW InsiderThe Queue: Min-maxing archaeology originally appeared on WoW Insider on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>archaeologyfacebookfeedfeaturedforgemaster-throngusfossilized-hatchlinggrim-batolguideqaquestion-and-answerstormragevortex-pinnaclewow-answerswow-daily-answerswow-daily-questionswow-guidewow-player-questionswow-q-and-awow-questionsAlex ZiebartMon, 13 Dec 2010 11:00:00 ESTCataclysm 101: What to do first in Cataclysmhttp://wow.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/cataclysm-101-what-to-do-first-in-cataclysm/http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/cataclysm-101-what-to-do-first-in-cataclysm/http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/cataclysm-101-what-to-do-first-in-cataclysm/#commentsFiled under: ,

Cataclysm has already gone live in Europe, and it's only hours away now for those of us in North America. Are you prepared for it? Do you know what you need to know to hit the ground running when Cataclysm content becomes active on live realms? If you don't, we're here to help. Below are answers to some of the most common questions that have been asked about starting the Cataclysm experience.

How do I learn to fly in old Azeroth?

You can get your Flight Master's License in Outland or Northrend, but the much better options are Stormwind for the Alliance and Orgrimmar for the Horde. Horde players want to talk to Maztha and Alliance players want to talk to Bralla Cloudwing. Wowhead has excellent maps for finding both of them.

Continue reading Cataclysm 101: What to do first in Cataclysm

WoW InsiderCataclysm 101: What to do first in Cataclysm originally appeared on WoW Insider on Mon, 06 Dec 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>archaeologybelloc-brightbladeblackrock-cavernscataclysm-gamecataclysm-guidecataclysm-newsexpansionexpansion-threeflight-masters-licenseharrison-joneshyjallost-city-of-the-tolvirmount-hyjalnext-xpacold-weather-flyingstonecorethe-stonecorethird-expansionvashj-irvashjirvortex-pinnacleworld-of-warcraft-cataclysmwow-4.0wow-cataclysmwow-expansionwow-guidewow-third-expansionAlex ZiebartMon, 06 Dec 2010 19:20:00 ESTCataclysm Beta: Archaeology item Scepter of Az'Aqir hints at return of rideable qirajihttp://wow.joystiq.com/2010/09/09/cataclysm-beta-archaeology-item-scepter-of-azaqir-hints-at-ret/http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/09/09/cataclysm-beta-archaeology-item-scepter-of-azaqir-hints-at-ret/http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/09/09/cataclysm-beta-archaeology-item-scepter-of-azaqir-hints-at-ret/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The newest beta build just went live and included some amazing new archaeology information. Loads of new items are available for your perusal over at MMO-Champion's excellent database of archaeology items. Some of the more interesting items, which hint at the rewards available through the archaeology profession, include the cosmetic pet Mummified Monkey Paw and wearable Queen Azshara's Dressing Gown. But most interesting of all, to me, is the Scepter of Az'Aqir.

Why does the Scepter of Az'Aqir give me good feelings? First, it is an archaelogy mount reward that is not the skeletal raptors that we have already seen. I am glad that there isn't just one mount reward for the profession. Secondly, the mount's icon is that of the Ahn'Qiraj-bound rideable Qiraji Battle Tanks and the ultra-rare Black Qiraji Battle Tank. Could this be the return of some of the most awesome mounts in the game, allowing players to have another shot at using these mounts outside the gates of Ahn'Qiraj? Only time will tell!

WoW InsiderCataclysm Beta: Archaeology item Scepter of Az'Aqir hints at return of rideable qiraji originally appeared on WoW Insider on Thu, 09 Sep 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>archaeologycataclysm-gamecataclysm-guidecataclysm-newsexpansionexpansion-threenew-archaeology-itemsnext-xpacqirajiQiraji-Resonating-Crystalthird-expansionworld-of-warcraft-cataclysmwow-4.0wow-4.0.2wow-cataclysmwow-expansionwow-guidewow-third-expansionMathew McCurleyThu, 09 Sep 2010 22:00:00 ESTCataclysm Beta: Updates to archaeology and inscriptionhttp://wow.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/cataclysm-beta-updates-to-archaeology-and-inscription/http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/cataclysm-beta-updates-to-archaeology-and-inscription/http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/cataclysm-beta-updates-to-archaeology-and-inscription/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's not on the beta servers yet -- which means the facts are still sketchy -- but there's information from a new beta (build 12857) up on MMO-Champion that includes a number of new items for archaeology and inscription. Archaeology item descriptions offer intriguing hints of things that may be, without any solid details on the items. Some examples:
  • Bone Gaming Dice Dwarves love gold and dwarves love drinking, so gaming seemed like a natural fit for both. These dice appear to have been carved from sheep bones. What might be dried blood is still visible on the 5 pip.
  • Cloak Clasp with Antlers This clasp is fashioned of lacquered wood carved to resemble stag antlers. On the reverse is engraved the name "Pyramond" in Darnassian.
  • Fossilized Hatchling When you finished assembling this tiny skeleton through some eldritch magic, the little critter sprang back to life. He's a pretty good pet. Since he's a skeleton he doesn't eat much.
  • Wooden Whistle A small whistle carved from oak. It might have been used to summon a pet or mount or possibly used as a child's toy. It appears to have been chewed on by an animal or young dwarf.
While there are just as many nondescript inscription items listed, some have more detail:
  • Cataclysm Reclamation: Blacksmithing Allows you to rewrite blacksmithing plans from once-lost recipe fragments.
  • Cataclysm Reclamation: Enchanting Allows you to rewrite blacksmithing plans from once-lost recipe fragments.
  • Cataclysm Reclamation: Jewelcrafting Allows you to rewrite jewelcrafting plans from once-lost recipe fragments.
  • Cataclysm Reclamation: Leatherworking Allows you to rewrite leatherworking plans from once-lost recipe fragments.
  • Cataclysm Reclamation: Tailoring Allows you to rewrite tailoring plans from once-lost recipe fragments.
  • Felfire Inscription Permanently adds 130 Intellect and 25 haste rating to shoulder armor.Can only be applied to your own armor, and doing so will cause it to become soulbound.
  • Inscription of the Earth Prince Permanently adds 195 Stamina and 25 dodge rating to shoulder armor.Can only be applied to your own armor, and doing so will cause it to become soulbound.
  • Lionsmane Inscription Permanently adds 130 Strength and 25 critical strike rating to shoulder armor.Can only be applied to your own armor, and doing so will cause it to become soulbound.
  • Swiftsteel Inscription Permanently adds 130 Agility and 25 mastery rating to shoulder armor.Can only be applied to your own armor, and doing so will cause it to become soulbound.
Check out the full list of updated profession items at MMO-Champion.

WoW InsiderCataclysm Beta: Updates to archaeology and inscription originally appeared on WoW Insider on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>12857archaelogybeta-build-12857cat-betacata-betacataclysm-Archaeologycataclysm-betacataclysm-beta-build-12857cataclysm-inscriptioncataclysm-professionsinscriptionprofessionsworld-of-warcraft-betaworld-of-warcraft-cataclysmworld-of-warcraft-cataclysm-betawow-betawow-cataclysm-betawow-expansion-betaElizabeth HarperTue, 31 Aug 2010 12:20:00 ESTCataclysm Beta: Archaeology achievementshttp://wow.joystiq.com/2010/08/21/cataclysm-beta-archaeology-achievements/http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/08/21/cataclysm-beta-archaeology-achievements/http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/08/21/cataclysm-beta-archaeology-achievements/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It occurred to us here at WoW.com that we hadn't mentioned these lovely new achievements implemented for the archaeology profession. In addition to the standard "you have at least this many points" achievements, there are also three achievements with a bit more flavor to them.
  • I Had It in My Hand, which grants the player the illustrious title of Assistant Professor, is rewarded for finding a rare artifact.
  • Seven Scepters is granted for recovering, well, seven scepters. As you can see above, two are named, the rest are not -- so your guess is as good as mine.
  • The Lost Thanes is one you earn by discovering the names of the Five Lost Dwarven Thanes, apparently by discovering items they once possessed.
There are most likely more achievements coming for the profession, which is as yet not fully implemented on the beta servers (there are trainers available, but they don't actually train you yet) including, I can only hope, This Belongs in a Museum. Perhaps if I write on my eyelids.

WoW InsiderCataclysm Beta: Archaeology achievements originally appeared on WoW Insider on Sat, 21 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>achievementsarchaeologyarchaeology-achievementscataclysm-gamecataclysm-guidecataclysm-newsexpansionexpansion-threenext-xpacseven-sceptersthe-lost-thanesthird-expansionworld-of-warcraft-cataclysmwow-4.0wow-4.0.2wow-cataclysmwow-expansionwow-guidewow-third-expansionMatthew RossiSat, 21 Aug 2010 12:00:00 ESTInsider Trader: Profession hints from the press event; no pony, no moosehttp://wow.joystiq.com/2010/06/14/insider-trader-profession-hints-from-the-press-event-no-pony/http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/06/14/insider-trader-profession-hints-from-the-press-event-no-pony/http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/06/14/insider-trader-profession-hints-from-the-press-event-no-pony/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In case you didn't hear, there was a rather large press event over the weekend. All at once, a seeming floodgate of information spewed forth with Cataclysm goodness onto our waiting ears. Of particularly exciting note for us, the hammer-and-apron crafting crowd, we finally got some hints about what we're going to see -- and, painfully, some definites about what we're not going to see.

First, Path of the Titans is out. And while that does mean that Blizzard is going to focus on making other content as high quality as possible, that means that Archaeology is being ditched as a true profession. It will be focused on providing lore benefit instead, which I'll acknowledge is a pretty cool idea. I was hoping to have a Bones-like character ready to to engage in forensic archaeology and absolutely make a killing on the auction house with my squinty goods.

Continue reading Insider Trader: Profession hints from the press event; no pony, no moose

WoW InsiderInsider Trader: Profession hints from the press event; no pony, no moose originally appeared on WoW Insider on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>cataclysmfeaturedghostcrawlergold-guidegold-making-guideguideinscriptionmiddle-glyphprofession-guidewow-craftwow-craftableswow-craftingwow-crafting-guidewow-goldwow-gold-makingwow-guidewow-itemswow-makewow-professionsMichael GrayMon, 14 Jun 2010 16:00:00 ESTBreakfast Topic: Caught between a rockhttp://wow.joystiq.com/2010/01/20/breakfast-topic-caught-between-a-rock/http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/01/20/breakfast-topic-caught-between-a-rock/http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/01/20/breakfast-topic-caught-between-a-rock/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

For a while I wasn't sure if I'd continue playing World of Warcraft into the next expansion. I was by no means planning on giving up my gaming habit, but I really felt like I was ready for something new: either another MMO or one of the latest generation consoles. Many pros and cons were weighed, and I have decided to stick with WoW for at least one more expansion. It was a difficult decision for me but in the end it was the rocks that won me over.

Yes, the rocks.

Continue reading Breakfast Topic: Caught between a rock

WoW InsiderBreakfast Topic: Caught between a rock originally appeared on WoW Insider on Wed, 20 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>game-discussiongamer-discussionrockrocksworld-of-warcraft-discussionworld-of-warcraft-hot-topicsworld-of-warcraft-topicswow-discussionwow-hot-topicswow-issueswow-topicsDawn MooreWed, 20 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST