Halls of Reflection

I was in the mood to play my priest yesterday. Determined not to let the game get the better of me, I set out with Manos to Heroic: The Culling of Stratholme and got the last few emblems I needed to purchase my (heal spec) gloves. That’s one piece down. Later on once my guild mates had set out to do their own thing, I decided I’d queue up for a random normal mode dungeon.

I was placed in Halls of Reflection, the single zone I’ve never done before. I vowed to myself that I wasn’t going to worry, and told the group that I’d never been here. The tank admitted that they’d never tanked it before (but had at least been) and a dps mentioned they were also new. I had no reason to worry. The group kindly explained what we would be up against, and how we had to hide for the first portion until waves started spawning. They instructed me to conserve my mana, and that it would be a long fight. They were right.

The first rounds went by flawlessly. No deaths, everything was great. It was a little hectic for me, I recently switched to a new spec on the priest (more about that later) and was still getting used to it. Then we made our way to the portion where you’ve got to escape from the Lich King. This involves running up to huge ice walls, dpsing encounters as fast as you possibly can, while an NPC brings down that ice wall, and making sure you get to the next section before the Lich King touches you or you’ll die.

Hectic didn’t even begin to describe this event. On the very last encounter two dps classes died because the tank couldn’t manage the aggro (they said as much in group) but by that time we had already beaten the zone. I was praised for my healing and practically did a jig in my chair.

Not only that, but I won a very nice mace, the Bone Golem Scapula. The group may not have been the most proficient, and half of us didn’t have a clue what we were doing, but they were understanding, and kind. Two things I would LOVE to see more of in this game.

Now earlier in the day, on my warlock, a shaman completely decked out in raid gear claimed that he was carrying everyone in the group because not only was he the healer, but he was parsing the highest in the group. He of course had to let us all know. I spoke up and said that I hardly considered that him carrying us. The zone was one of the easier heroics, and he was full of attitude. So the next encounter he decided not to heal at all. The tank died, and me second with aggro. Then he laughed and decided to provoke myself and the tank further. Both of us wished the group well, and left. There’s no reason to stick around and subject oneself to that sort of attitude. We were right at the final boss, but it simply was not worth it for me to continue on. Why on earth someone had to be so rude I’ve no idea, but that is exactly the sort of thing that makes me not want to group.

I think I’m developing a tougher skin when it comes to LFD. I can tune people out, and help when required. As I mentioned above I changed my priest spec, I went from holy to discipline and it seems to suit my play style MUCH better. I am much better at managing my mana, and that was always the main issue I had. I’m pleased with my decision to swap out, I still have a shadow spec for when I’m out questing as well.So far, so good.

Happy gaming no matter where you find yourself!