The future of spirit beasts.

[swimgremlin]

I do realize that there will always be models out there that us hunters want as pets, so my hope for the future of spirit beasts is that they use these models.

Spirit Kodo? Sure... Spirit Frenzy (fish)? Why not! Spirit Sea Lion... well, you get the point.

I think it'd be a great way to incorporate untamable pets into a hunters stable. Don't need more spirit cats imo, but that Yak God model would make a nice spirit beast for example.

Opinions? Ideas?

[Zangor]

i think blizzard is going to stick with spirit versions of already tameable families. its alot easier to tweak existing pet models that are configured for tamed size than to try out a new model. also even though i like this idea it would be really wierd after having the current system for so many years.

[SpiritBinder]

i think blizzard is going to stick with spirit versions of already tameable families. its alot easier to tweak existing pet models that are configured for tamed size than to try out a new model. also even though i like this idea it would be really wierd after having the current system for so many years.

I'm inclined to agree with Zang on this one, but it's not to say your ideas are not good ones, just the reality of them.

While I agree we do seem to have a good amount of "cat" themed spirit beasts (though the original was a kitty and even the icon for the pet family is one, so you can't blame the too much ) the use of these other models are simply unlikely due to the technical side of things. Of the three things you suggested to be spirit beasts, maybe only the kodo would have close to enough animations attached to it to be able to become a complete hunter pet with all it's jumping, swimming, attack, death, etc. animations.

The creation of these "new" animations is actually rather time consuming, probably a lot more so than editing/creating a new model/skin. I still think wit all the current pets and models we have in game there is plenty of room for new and exciting spirit beasts to be created from existing pet families. It's just a matter of them deciding on one from the plethora available and making it "Shiny"

[Zangor]

i for one am still eagerly awaiting for more rare spawns to be discovered. I hope this expansion brings the focus back to spirit beasts. Cataclysm was actually more about the regular pet families getting flashy new members(Terrorpene,Madexx,Etc) this one i feel should bring our attention back to the spirit realms like it was during our stay in northrend. its sorta like when we go to i new continent i feel we should see new things but since cataclysm was a revamp/addition to the old world we got revamped/newish pets for existing families

[Slickrock]

I'm more concerned that they might wind up taking a back-seat to other pets in Panda. I think it's quite likely that their day has come and gone as the go-to BM pet for raids (especially if Mastery is still our weakest stat).

[SpiritBinder]

i for one am still eagerly awaiting for more rare spawns to be discovered. I hope this expansion brings the focus back to spirit beasts. Cataclysm was actually more about the regular pet families getting flashy new members(Terrorpene,Madexx,Etc) this one i feel should bring our attention back to the spirit realms like it was during our stay in northrend. its sorta like when we go to i new continent i feel we should see new things but since cataclysm was a revamp/addition to the old world we got revamped/newish pets for existing families

As much as I can completely relate to the Spirit Beasts hunting thrill, I'm not sure if we can ever go back to that in the way we experienced it in Wrath. The reason being now is that we now have a multitude of Spirit beasts out there to go and find/tame (Not that I'm complaining by any means)

The days of wrath, where there were only 1 or 2 Spirit Beasts in existence are over. The Idea of camping and taming a beast from a family that was so rare and so sort after created a much higher appeal, and in some circles even prestige maybe? To be one of the very lucky few to own a... SPIRIT BEAST!!! OOooOooo.

But now however... if anyone was to pull out a spirit beast, whether it be the very 1st in Loq, or the very last in Ban, most people dont even batter any eyelid at the fact you have a Spirit Beast. Like I said, imo this is not a bad thing, but persaonlly it's much hard to gain any kudos for having a SB than it was in Wrath.

If they introduce a new SB in MOP will it be sort after...? Sure it will, most avid collectors and hunters may give it a go if they like the model.
But will it carry that same amount of " OMG, wth is that?!?! A Spirit What?!?... Thats sooooo coooooool!" Sadly I don't think so as much.

I think if they just carry on the tradition of a new SB and some new unique skinned rares, I for one will be very happy to see what models they picked, and go for my favorites, regardless of their family or status.

[Zangor]

even though we are really over saturated with cat spirit beasts 2 models of cats still make me want them. I hope we somehow get the fire cats from firelands as a spirit beast and the new tiger god model should definitely become tameable. on a smaller scale i also want blizz to change the scorpions in the firelands into the model used by fandral's scorpid form.

[SpiritBinder]

Yeah that's one thing that is a very fine line to walk.

So far, pretty much every spirit beast look likes it's a Spirit of some sort, Ethereal, transparent, Ghostly.

The two exceptions are Loq and Skoll. I'd say Loq still fits the bill as he has the whole glowing eyes and mouth thing happening (but then so does skoll...), but for me Skoll is kinda the odd one out.

Skoll sort of has a "Lighting" element attached to him with the swirling static effect, but of all the Spirit beasts, (bar Skoll) None of them are overtly elemental in nature.

No Flaming Fire Spirit Beasts no Raging Earth Spirits Beasts, etc. Blizzard have been very careful for us to NOT cross that line. (in fact they where even more adamant back in earlier wow, with them going back on their word and removing the grim totem spirit wolves, saying they were too "Magical" or something, they did not even like the idea of ghostly pets back then.)

I can understand their concern considering we already have a class that communicates with the Elemental Spirits (Shammies) and uses them to aid in combat, and even Mages have been known in lore to summon and use elementals as pets/guardians. We dont want our "want for elemental beasts to tame" tread on the "lore" toes of others.

Again this does not mean I don't want a Fiery Spirit Beast, that would rock my socks off, but I just don't think and heavily themed elemental spirit beast is what they really what us to have. (and lets be honest, if they did, there are soooooo many things they could have lets us use/tame by now)

Of course I don't work for blizzard in any way, so I cant explain their choice in the small discrepancy's of this, such as Shale Spiders, Terrorpene, Fire Spiders, etc. My only excuse would be that they where introduced in an expansion that was very heavily elemental themed. Anyways, I just cant wait to see what and if the model/theme will be for a MOP SB.... can't WAIT!

[Wain]

Honestly, and I don't have any official word on this, I don't believe there's any hard set of rules. I suspect they go a lot on gut feeling. For example gyreworms were originally classed as beasts, the same as shale spiders. Perhaps if shale spiders hadn't been made tameable months previous then we'd have seen both of them be reclassed as elementals. Or perhaps if gyreworms had already been made tameable then they would have stayed as beasts. I just wouldn't spend too much time trying to find the set of rules behind it all, because I don't believe they exist, or at least they aren't static.

[Chimera]

i dont see any issue with them deciding to give us elemental themed beasts so long as they are solid and actually look like real beasts rather then a magical formation. The shale spiders are the big issue with me on that part, as cute as they are, they are too elemental and not enough beast. The rage that we couldnt get gyreworms too was tremendous.

So long as it looks like a real beast, such as Skoll's case, i dont think we're gonna have anymore of an issue with 'elemental' pets then we already are. Right now i think its a bit funky among people because blizzard has created a wave and not a straight line for a border, its not distinct enough, theres too much leeway for people to create these arguments. Imo, it should always be beast first, graphical additions second for tameable creatures. ^-^

[Zangor]

i really like where this thread is going the feedback is nice and to the point. also Wain have you asked when rare spawns will be implemented into the beta? it would be nice to know when we can expect to see them.

[SpiritBinder]

Honestly, and I don't have any official word on this, I don't believe there's any hard set of rules. I suspect they go a lot on gut feeling. For example gyreworms were originally classed as beasts, the same as shale spiders. Perhaps if shale spiders hadn't been made tameable months previous then we'd have seen both of them be reclassed as elementals. Or perhaps if gyreworms had already been made tameable then they would have stayed as beasts. I just wouldn't spend too much time trying to find the set of rules behind it all, because I don't believe they exist, or at least they aren't static.

I'm aware there are no "Hard Rules" per say, there are many things in wow that they said would not be there and now in game or available. Nothing is set and stone and the only thing one can rely on in this game is change. Who knows, one day there may be an "elemental" family that could blow all this discussion out of the water. I was just trying to link the common information about what the common trends/designs and decisions have been thus far, and create a small hypothesis as to why. It, as always is only my personal view on the hard information available to us (eg. pretty much all the Spirit Beasts so far have been Ghostly look in Spirits)

As for spending to much time trying to find the rules, I'm just enjoying the banter and discussion in the thread and putting my own point of view towards it, and find it a nice relaxed topic to discuss

So long as it looks like a real beast, such as Skoll's case, i dont think we're gonna have anymore of an issue with 'elemental' pets then we already are.

Oh I would Really like this as well, Beast 1st, Elemental Qualities/Shinies 2nd. I do however have my own selfish agenda wanting a darker styled Spirit Beast, that does not necessarily looking all that beastly (similar to Wains Sha Pet Idea).
Sad part is none of us can all be satisfied as there are way to many of us, and hell, even our own tastes as decisions change with time.... but I like your rule of thumb none the less.

[Chimera]

Oh I would Really like this as well, Beast 1st, Elemental Qualities/Shinies 2nd. I do however have my own selfish agenda wanting a darker styled Spirit Beast, that does not necessarily looking all that beastly (similar to Wains Sha Pet Idea).
Sad part is none of us can all be satisfied as there are way to many of us, and hell, even our own tastes as decisions change with time.... but I like your rule of thumb none the less.

Oh yea, im not saying it has to absolutely look like a real beast, like, blizz has some really funkeh critters out in the world by beast i meant more the ones blizz has and will in the future put out, something that looks feral and able to be subdued, rather then an elemental who gets bound or a demon that gets dominated, something that is primal, where it has intelligence but not complete sentience. Thaaaats what i'd like And speaking of shadowy dark spirit beasts, i would LOVE for an evil moth. Delicate, graceful, what better to become a dark and sinister creature? Ive always found the beautiful ones with the dark and sinister vibe to them to be the most creeptastic xD!

[Kalliope]

Honestly, and I don't have any official word on this, I don't believe there's any hard set of rules. I suspect they go a lot on gut feeling.

I get that feeling too. It's good; keeps things flexible, if a little harder to predict.

[Meggers]

i dont see any issue with them deciding to give us elemental themed beasts so long as they are solid and actually look like real beasts rather then a magical formation. The shale spiders are the big issue with me on that part, as cute as they are, they are too elemental and not enough beast. The rage that we couldnt get gyreworms too was tremendous.

So long as it looks like a real beast, such as Skoll's case, i dont think we're gonna have anymore of an issue with 'elemental' pets then we already are. Right now i think its a bit funky among people because blizzard has created a wave and not a straight line for a border, its not distinct enough, theres too much leeway for people to create these arguments. Imo, it should always be beast first, graphical additions second for tameable creatures. ^-^

I totally agree! The shale spiders get me a bit gruffy because they don't seem beast-like at all. XD

[Royi]

I'm more concerned that they might wind up taking a back-seat to other pets in Panda. I think it's quite likely that their day has come and gone as the go-to BM pet for raids (especially if Mastery is still our weakest stat).

Mastery is the strongest stat for a lot of classes, I know my prot pally would love to group with a BM Spirit Beast wielding hunter.

Maybe not individually the best, but maybe "to help the group" best.


SIDE NOTE

Look at the spell for a spirit beast blessing:
http://www.wowdb.com/spells/128997-spir ... t-blessing

Perhaps thats a icon of a new Spirit Beast in Pandaria? It looks somewhat like one of those 'Sha' or whatever they're called (haven't really played Beta at all)

[Myrrmi]

SIDE NOTE

Look at the spell for a spirit beast blessing:
http://www.wowdb.com/spells/128997-spir ... t-blessing

Perhaps thats a icon of a new Spirit Beast in Pandaria? It looks somewhat like one of those 'Sha' or whatever they're called (haven't really played Beta at all)

Nope.
It's an icon of the Celestial Dragon pet , the reward for getting 150 companion pets achiv.
See here: http://www.wowhead.com/item=54810/

[Crotalus Horridus]

I hope they make a Celestial Cloud Serpent Spirit Beast, would be amazing.

[Kalliope]

I'm more concerned that they might wind up taking a back-seat to other pets in Panda. I think it's quite likely that their day has come and gone as the go-to BM pet for raids (especially if Mastery is still our weakest stat).

Mastery is the strongest stat for a lot of classes, I know my prot pally would love to group with a BM Spirit Beast wielding hunter.

Maybe not individually the best, but maybe "to help the group" best.

*nodnod* Besides, they gave the mastery buff to monks too. We know we're going to be seeing a lot of them in MoP - it's gotta be pretty decent, just to keep them relevant.

[Royi]

SIDE NOTE

Look at the spell for a spirit beast blessing:
http://www.wowdb.com/spells/128997-spir ... t-blessing

Perhaps thats a icon of a new Spirit Beast in Pandaria? It looks somewhat like one of those 'Sha' or whatever they're called (haven't really played Beta at all)

Nope.
It's an icon of the Celestial Dragon pet , the reward for getting 150 companion pets achiv.
See here: http://www.wowhead.com/item=54810/

Ahh ok ty Maybe A Celestial Dragon spirit beast then??