I apologize to all the noobs out there.

[Baelspar]

Dear Noob,

I, Bael'spar Mon'tisto, as dictated to Yaen'gohl Due'maes, do hereby apologize to all the noobs that I encountered on International Noob Day (1/20/07). I was in an agitated state, and was not willing to provide all the assistance possible to help you fulfill all your questing potential.

J_____, if I had but known that you were directionally challenged, I could have taken the time to teach you left from right. After you had succeeded that course of instruction, we could have moved on to mini-map navigation: learning that if you point the arrow that represents your character to point to the "N"; then you are going North. After that, we could progress into how to complete a rogue quest. I realize that killing is so much a part of what a rogue does, that it seems easy to forget stealthing and picking pockets. Perhaps you're not yet ready for "Quest log reading," and I'm sorry that I didn't take the time to assertain that.

R_____, as an engineer, it is hard for me to believe that flying machines aren't in the hearts and minds of all Azerothians. For that reason, it was not kind of me to think that you could visually identify one in the South Barrens, especially one that isn't flying. To make things harder for you, they put it on a tower, which is not the preferred Horde building structure. You might have thought it some Dwarven tree. I failed you in not recognizing that you lacked rudimentary architectural arbor diagnostic protocols. In the future, I will have a test devised for this. Also, I would need to assess pattern recognition of words like "near" and "far" as they apply to terrain (i.e. - roads).

L________, I know that the Orcish language is hard. I still have trouble writing it myself. However, I don't believe that Thrall would find himself using phrases like, "u r going to Badlands" and "k". I apologize that I was not able to understand what you were saying, and unable to come up with an appropriate response. Words come out funny when 5 Mistvale gorillas are pounding your skull, but I didn't see any as we stood next to the swamp pool, perhaps they were invisible. I can't imagine some orc mother, matron, or other upstanding member of the Horde burdening a child with name that you are encumbered with. You might want to see someone about that.

I'm sure that there are countless other noobs out there that I was not as kind or giving as I could have been. I suppose that is why the great Noobfather passed my home with no gifts on this International Noob Day. Hopefully in the coming year, I can be a greater asset to all noob-dom.

~B

[Baelspar]

((I may have said some things that weren't for the best, but nothing too rude. It was like these guys could not read a map, at all. To one, after multiple failed attempts to get him to the right place, I advised that he go to Thottbott or Allakhazam as I was unable to give him adequate directions. He whispered that I was a dick, and then put me on ignore. I also was getting set to log off, so I told someone with an RP inappropriate name that I would only help them if they petitioned a GM to change it and typed real words when talking with me.

I'm a bad elf. ))

[Voltaere]

Bael'Spar, you must keep doing the good work, despite the pain. Does this mean helping people that are not as experienced? Unequivocally. However, there is a large difference to teach someone to help themselves, versus doing things for them where they really haven't learned anything . In this respect, I belive you are helping with tough love. With regards to the 'inappropriate' name - I believe you are helping keep the Emerald Dream alive. Odds are they have chosen the wrong realm. ((there is a great guide in the ED forums about RP-PvP, thats where I started before I chose ED. Not the disfunction, the realm, get your mind outta the gutter!)).

BTW - if you ever see me acting stranger than normal and not responding appropriately, my actions are not always my own. I have been often possessed by the spirit of a little human girl, five years of age. Its not something I discuss easily. You can imagine my embarrassment...one might even think I am a total 'noob'

[Baelspar]

I suppose that a bit of tough love might be called for in these situations. It seems unusual, though, that when asked for directions, some of these Horde members could not seem to find what they are looking for. This is not a problem that I have encountered to this degree in the past. In another life ((another server, another faction...the Other Horde, yeah, that's the ticket)) I had a reputation for helping people find things. Once, while in the midst of a fight, I saw: "I'm looking for <insert some random location here, I forgot where exactly>" followed by "Ask Baishan ((my name in that other life)), he's around and he'll get you there."

This time, it was the degree that I had to go to in order to help these folk. For the guy doing the rogue quest, I had to literally stand just out of aggro range of the contact. That's after leading him to the Sludge Fen and pointing to the tower, which was to the North; telling him to go to that tower to the North; and letting him know, via watching his progress on the map as I tried to return to questing that East wasn't North.

As for getting taken over, this is not the first time I've heard of such madness. I will treat you as my friend, Voltulio, though I know something not you is in control. You will wrest yourself back, in this I have the utmost faith. In the case I'm familiar with, there seems to be the need to speak Chicken. The individual would run up to someone, make chicken noises, laugh, and then go to do it to someone else. In moments of lucidity, the individual would thank everyone that did not put him to the sword, for his actions weren't his own. ((I hear that it's fun having children. Apparently this is but one symptom.)) So fear not should this unfortunate affliction take a hold of you.

[Necrosin]

Having been afflicted with both 5 and 2 year old girls, I feel Voltulio's pain and embarrassment.

[Eyesore]

I think virtually all of us are noobs in some situations.

Baelspar, I doubt you intended it, but I laughed throughout your post. I needed the levity and appreciate your writting style.

Thank you.

Eyesore

[Baelspar]

My good friend Eyesore, if ever I am able to bring levity to your day, then a Sin'dorei gets to sing or some such. I am glad that you enjoy my musings as I travel this world we call Azeroth.

As for my being a noob at some time or other, it is surely only at costume balls, for I would never allow myself to be presented in such a fashion. For using the high advances in mental sciences as devised by the Sin'dorei, I have forseen all the situations that will befall me, and choose the one I feel is most appropriate. When an extremely powerful member of the Alliance chooses to fall from the sky to cause my doom, in reality, it was I that chose his destiny. Imagine the pain and frustration that should occur were I not willing to endanger myself so.

I have never been in a group that has not wiped without my express purpose to do so. I know the location of all things. I am Metaluna!

Oh, wait, you're not supposed to know this...Sleep! Sleep! Sleep! <Baelspar is godlike, isn't he?> Sleeeeeep!

Not you as well, Necrosin?!? WILL...THIS...MADNESS...NEVER...END?!? ((The family that WoW's together, raids together.))

[Brinny]

you certainly have helped a lot of noobs out there and are allowed to have your patience crossed a few times. i for one have had my share of help and support from my family nyx even tho i am an old troll with senior citizen moments lol. the maps are sometimes hard to understand when your quest giver tells you one thing and your map says another. i found the new addon questhelper to be of great help all be it a little annoying because the arrows pointing the way sometimes get in the way during a fight. hang in there we all love ya