The wheel turns once more
For long time time readers of this space, you may recall the the time around March of last year when things changed drastically for myself and the guild. Back then, I was the offtank and the guildmaster and main tank was Demogar. Then, we started to stutter and stagnate, and some major shifts occurred. Including Demogar going on extended hiatus from GM-related burnout, leaving me to fill both pairs of his shoes.
Fast forward two months later and–once I had somehow gotten the guild back on track–we recruited a new offtank, Anafielle. She took over the job from two dps who would rotate offspeccing as tanks, but both clearly disliked it. They welcomed the relief, and I welcomed the addition of another dedicated tank.
We continued at our pace to the end of the expansion and ended on a particularly high note. In August, Demogar returned from his hiatus and resumed a spot in the raid corps as a humble dps, and initially just a rank and file raider.
Cataclysm rolls around, and we start off a bit slow thanks to the holidays, but we still begin moving. And then some dissatisfaction comes to a head and turnover follows. I’m sure you saw my various degrees of bemoaning here and on Twitter two weeks ago and wondered what was up. I’m not going to go too deeply into it, and because I’m terrible at putting words in the mouths of others, but the gist of it is that we had some folks that sought differently colored pastures. One of those was Anafielle.
Now, I should stress that the “break up” (if I can use such a metaphor) was very amicable–though, initially horribly painful. The decision was ultimately based on what was best for both parties. Ana and two others got to pursue their destiny in the hardscrabble, frozen north and I got the continue to avoid using waterboarding as a motivational tool. (I kid, Ana.)
But honestly, there’s really not much to it. Some people decided they wanted to be hares, the rest of us were content to remain tortoises. And so it was.
With Ana’s departure from the corps, we needed a new tank. And who better to fill the role than Demogar? So I’m happy to report the old tanking crew is back together, just like the good old days. I think the reunion was commemorated by angels coming down and playing “Guy Love” from Scrubs on argent harps.
We always made a great team and complemented each other’s strengths and weaknesses, so it’ll be fun to see how our dynamic works in this new content tier. It might take him another week to find his footing, but I think the guild is in a pretty solid place with regards to tanking right now.
But if he settles back into a “Pallies vs. Warriors” rut I swear I’ll just kill him and single tank everything. Even I have my limits!
WoW is constantly in cycle. It’s bittersweet when one phase starts and another one ends. I’m glad that the parting has been amicable. Even though people could tell there were changes afoot, I think you all were very classy and respectable towards each other.
Best wishes and good luck to all involved!
@Rhidach
4 February 2011 at 1:25 pm #
Bittersweet is definitely the word. I know this was best for all parties involved, so I’m content.
@hazmacewillraid
4 February 2011 at 1:36 pm #
In case Demo reads this, I think he’s been doing a bang-up job stepping up to be a primary tank for our 25s. He had a comparatively short time to gear up and learn fights, and I think he’s adapted well. Kudos!
In case Demo doesn’t read this, warriors stink.
@vosskah
4 February 2011 at 1:46 pm #
I’m not sure if non-tanks really understand the level of trust and communication that is needed in a good tanking team (Could be a good post topic actually). Yes, the skill must be there, but to be truly efficient, you need to know exactly what the other tank will do before he does it. When the tanks are really in tune, they can recover from really crappy situations rapidly.
I can’t tell you how happy I am that you’re getting your old partner back. And it’s not just that he’s a warrior and will teach you spiky haired punks how to properly tank again, of course. ;)
Congrats and good hunting guys!
@Rhidach
4 February 2011 at 2:51 pm #
You vastly overestimate my ability to learn things, Voss, haha. You’re so right about tanks and the important of being “in tune”. I can’t imagine tanking with someone I’m out of sync with.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by janyaa1 and Nobody Imp ;), Rhidach. Rhidach said: New post at RD! The wheel turns once more http://goo.gl/fb/T4IvS [...]
“complemented each other’s strengths and weaknesses”
What are these weaknesses you speak of?
No, its great being back. I can’t believe how much I missed tanking. I had to take a crash course in Cata Warrior tanking mechanics, gear up and learn the boss strategies in 6 days… Its been a great time so far.
Pleasure to be working with you again boss.
Demo for Guest Blogger!!
@HanaMoonfire
4 February 2011 at 1:59 pm #
I’m glad things are working out. :) I remember the last time my tanking corp underwent a shift and it really hurt to lose our prot paladin. The bear who’s since replaced him works really well with our DK and I’m glad they get along.
@Rhidach
4 February 2011 at 2:50 pm #
Thanks :) Like Voss said above, tank synergy is key. I’m glad your team has it as well!
Also, I am furious that I found out that a key Paladin ability offers them a .000365% edge over Warriors…
This cannot stand!
WoW Tanking Forums here I come!
P.S. If Antigen reads this then “You suck!”
If not “Thanks man!”
@Rhidach
4 February 2011 at 2:05 pm #
You and Voss should talk.
@vosskah
4 February 2011 at 2:56 pm #
I actually think that paladins are in their rightful place currently in this expansion: Under our hooves!
Really nice to see another warrior back to tanking again!
That song brought tears of joy to my eyes. I can only hope your duo with Demogar is that awesome!
@Rhidach
4 February 2011 at 2:50 pm #
Hahaha, that and more!
I still read your blog, Rhidach. And I know how The Tortoise and the Hare ends! Seriously, tho, grats on Chimmy. Its undoubtedly the new H LDW.
@Rhidach
4 February 2011 at 2:48 pm #
You said this so threatningly, haha. I know where you blog!
Thanks, man. At least all the yelling in that fight will be done by Zilga.
Best of luck with your progression in SP!
Yelling indeed. So uncouth.
I would say that a stern tone is as far as I go.
HA! Sparkle knights compared to us furious barbarians.
We are not even on the same level.
@_vidyala
4 February 2011 at 3:11 pm #
I’m glad to hear you are doing well and have a solid tanking team, Rhi. I know guild upheaval and departures are hard, but it’s good when everyone keeps it classy and stays on good terms!
Read the interview Rhidach linked for Demogar at the start of this post. Demo was asked to predict how many HP warriors would have in T14 heroic gear.
His answer? 80k
In his defense, he is a warrior. Math (and thinking in general) is not their strong suit.
@Rhidach
4 February 2011 at 4:47 pm #
Ha! Good spot, there.
Haha Rhidach’s answer to that question and seen in a comment on that post is 100k…
Looking back now obviously we were way off but I can’t imagine I would ever guess over 150k in mixed blues and purples without stacking stam. Insanity!
It’s alway sad to see comrades move on to other phases in their wow careers but its god to see you guys handled it like adults. Are there plans for Ana to continue posting here or resume his/her blog?
I was thinking this was all a little too much ‘b-romancy”, but then I remembered there are no male blood elves.
Congratulations on your nuptials! And Demo, even if paladins do get to wear pants this expansion, print this up and keep it next to your computer.
http://rhida.ch/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/untitled.jpg
So pretty…
/tear
Yes, single tank it. It is inevitable. Once the warrior dies the first time and the fight finishes like normal, there is a seed of doubt planted in their mind. There can be only one outcome!
I’m still around, and really, isn’t that all that matters?
I am going to have to go with… no. I am looking forward to seeing how the new tank team works out. I was not here doing that glorious era of tanking… But I am here now. AND that’s all that matters!!
@Orthien
5 February 2011 at 4:09 pm #
Its good to have friends back next to you tanking, after my guild issues back in ICC I have been running with DPS in offspec or PuG tanks and while they usually do the job there isn’t that kind of silent communication that two main spec tanks that know each other have.
Hopefully next weeks raiding fixes that with an ould friend returning to server and guild to tank for us not only giving those DPS the break I can tell they want but refreshing the Tank Corps that has been broken for so long.
Best of luck to you and your “new” raid team.
Also a little Bromance never hurt anyone.
@PinkRaidFrames
5 February 2011 at 5:40 pm #
Rhidach, I’m a bit upset to you didn’t try to recruit me. ;-)
Seriously though, love both ya guys (you and Ana) and glad to see Demo back.
@Rhidach
8 February 2011 at 10:04 am #
If Demo has any… unfortunate accidents… I know who to blame first, haha.
I’ll get you next time!
Next time eh?
Gonna have to sleep with a gun under my pillow.
Always hurts to lose a dedicated tank, but best of luck wherever you’re headed Ana! Don’t let yourself get discouraged :D
Very cool. :) I’ve been tanking with my brother-in-arms for over a year now, and we totally trust each other to a point where we barely need to speak. I think we’ve tanked 90% of the raids over the last year together, and the one week he couldn’t make it and we were in H:ICC back last summer, the entire night felt so off and even farm fights feel clumsy and awkward.
He keeps threatening to go Heals and giving me palpitations. Finding another really good player who didn’t have a giant ego seems like an impossible proposition.