As stated in the Under Dev page (http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/info/underdev/), patch 4.0.3 brings about The Shattering, a cataclysmic event that will forever change the face of Azeroth. As we prepare to raise the level cap and introduce two new races with the Cataclysm expansion, it's important to keep in mind that the game world is going through tremendous changes that will affect the availability of certain rare mounts and items.

Swift Zulian Tiger
Zul'Gurub is changing from a raid to a leveling zone in 4.0.3, and this mount will no longer be obtainable.

Swift Razzashi Raptor
This mount will also no longer be obtainable after the change to Zul'Gurub.

Razzashi Hatchling
With the change to Zul'Gurub this non-combat pet will no longer be obtainable.

Tome of Polymorph: Turtle
This tome will continue to be available through other means.

Crusader's White/Black Warhorse and Swift Alliance Steed/Swift Horde Wolf
As the attempt-based tribute system is being removed from Heroic Trial of the Crusader, the Argent Crusade Tribute Chest will no longer spawn, and these mounts will no longer be obtainable

Reins of the Blue Drake
This mount will once again be available from defeating 10-player Malygos without needing to use the Dungeon Finder. The Reins of the Azure Drake will only be available on 25-player Malygos.

Mimiron's Head
This mount will change to be a very low drop chance when defeating 25-player Yogg'Saron with no Keepers assisting you

Invincible
This mount will change to be a very low drop chance when defeating Heroic 25-player Lich King

Although we have no current plans to introduce new ways to obtain the Zul'Gurub mounts, pets, and the tribute mounts, they may return should we find a place where they fit in the future.

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Q u o t e:
Is this the full list of mounts/pets and items being removed in 4.0.3, or will it be updated as the shattering draws closer?

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This is the full list based on everything we've examined so far. We'll let you know if any other changes come up, but what you see now is likely the final iteration.

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Q u o t e:
What about the proto-drakes and frostwyrms from ICC? Will they still be available from achievements?

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Q u o t e:
Will the Reins of the Black Drake and The Reins of the Twilight Drake be changed as well?

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Yes and no (respectively). These mounts will not be changing, and they'll remain available through their current mechanics in 4.0.3.

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Q u o t e:
Can we get an update on the state of the dragon whelp companion pets (azure, crimson, emerald, and dark) given the coming overhauls to zones such as azshara and wetlands?

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We're in the process of finding new homes for each of these whelps. While we've not settled on where just yet, it looks like we'll be able to keep them as non-combat companions.

This is subject to change, of course, but the house-hunting appears to be going well. (We'll keep you updated should our relocation plans change.)



I'm still working on getting more of your questions answered, but I felt the above was worthy to pass along right away. :)

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Q u o t e:
Are recipes that use Primal Tiger Leather and other mats from ZG being removed?

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This is a really good question.

With the exception of a few recipes like Gurubashi Mojo Madness that either drop in Zul'Gurub or require reagents from the instance, we've decided to leave them as-is. The items from which the recipes are learned, as well as special reagents like Primal Tiger Leather, will no longer be obtainable in game—but, as of patch 4.0.3, players will still retain the recipe spells unless they drop the corresponding profession completely. This may be subject to change at a later date as we continue to make updates and add new recipes to existing professions.

(Does that make sense?)

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Q u o t e:
Will the [Razzashi Hatchling] still exist in game? Meaning, if you would like to save the item to teach to your goblin character, will it still exist after the patch?

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If you currently have the Razzashi Hatchling item in your inventory, it will persist past patch 4.0.3 and you'll be able to learn the pet spell at a later point. The item will no longer drop after the patch, however.

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Q u o t e:
Because the boss of Stratholme is changing, (Baron Rivendare isn't there on cata beta, replaced with a different boss), does this mean the drop rate of Deathcharger's Reins is going to change as well?

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Deathcharger's Reins will retain its current drop rate, but will be moved from Baron Rivendare to Lord Aurius Rivendare when that transition occurs.


I also forgot to mention previously that we will not be reintroducing the Reins of the Black Proto-Drake or Plagued Proto-Drake from Naxxramus (someone asked a few pages back, but I unfortunately cannot recall who).

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Q u o t e:
Will the Smolderweb Hatchling and the Worg Pup still be available? Currently, they are around for the BRD quests in the Burning Steppes. I'm not entirely sure if those quests are still present.

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Yup. The quests for obtaining them will be slightly different, but they'll still be available. :)



(Still slowly working through all the questions, by the way. I'll try to get all the major or recurring ones addressed if I can.)

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Q u o t e:
You are new and

I don't like you.

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Hm. I think I can live with that for now. One day, though, you and I will be friends, and it will be glorious.

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Q u o t e:
Your precise wording that all of this only applies to 4.0.3 worries me. Does all this also apply to Cataclysm retail release itself, or just 4.0.3 until Dec 7th? Obviously you can't speak for all of the future of the game, but from 4.0.3 to Cata retail is a short time, and I'd like some clarity for whether you're offering the real deal or somewhat false hope.

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It's the real deal. I've been including patch 4.0.3 as a reference point in my responses simply because this is when the noted mount and item changes will take effect. In situations where I've clarified that specific mounts or items will not be changing (here for example:Mounts and Items Removed in 4.0.3 ), it's only to further iterate that they will not be affected by The Shattering. It's just a way for me to keep everyone on the same page/same timeline.

As you noted, I'm unable to speak for the entirety of the game's future (even the bluest cannot see all ends), but we're definitely not trying to pull a fast one here. To my knowledge, the availibility of these* mounts and items after 4.0.3 will represent their availibility on December 7 when Cataclysm launches. Should this at any point change as the development process continues, we'll most certainly let you know.

In the meantime, I'll go back and double-check all the information I've provided with your concern in mind. If it looks like any of it is unclear or somehow misrepresented, I'll be sure to post a follow-up. :)


* the mounts and items I've addressed specifically