Who is the Lushman? Part I

August 9, 2007. That is the day I got my first "hit." Realistically, it probably was a few days before, but the record books only tell of that day. It was when I first subscribed to Azeroth and all it has to offer.

My friend, Doublevision, separated by 160 miles between us, finally coerced me into playing WoW. It was a way we could "hang out," without actually driving three hours either way to do so.

Now, I'd been adamant about playing WoW since it first came out. As a full-time college student, going to one of the toughest business schools in the nation, the thought of dropping out of college on account of an all-consuming video game was very real to me and, as such, much opposed.

See, I have an addictive personality. :P

Suffice to say, I did get to see my fair share of Warcraft adventures. A good college friend of mine was very active in the game and I watched him play from time to time since launch. I would only sit and watch, never taking the reigns. In time I could carry on decent conversations with players, even though I was not a player myself.

Once graduated and three months into the workforce, on that fateful August day, Doublevision finally twisted my hand and I caved. I joined the ranks of Alliance and Horde to vanquish a common foe.

The biggest decision I had to make, of course, was what kind of character would I be? Double and I discussed this greatly. He was happy to inform me of the inner-workings of all of the classes. In the end, I had it narrowed down to three classes:

* Hunter
* Shaman
* Druid

The hunter interested me because of their pet. How cool would it be to sick Fido on a pack of killer crabs? Having a partner-in-crime as I leveled is a cool component of the class and I nearly rolled the dice on this class.

The Shaman was an easy choice for me. As a master of the planet's natural energy, Shaman's particularly connected with me. I grew up in a house that admired and respected the Native-American culture, and the Shamans embodied their spirits closely. I chose against the Shaman, though, because I fell in love with the following class.

The Druid. That was it. I knew instantly. Incorporating the natural angle of the Shaman (though to a different extent) and the unique hook of shape shifting, there was no doubt in my mind. And, of course, the ability to mimic any other classes' playing style (melee, caster, healz, or tank) only sealed the deal. In a lot of ways, the Druid mimics who I am. I am a vegetarian with strong values that acknowledges, appreciates, and respects the earth's life force. Some might be quick to label that as being a "hippie," but I wouldn't say that of myself. "Eco-nerd" is what I said once to a co-worker, and I feel that describes me pretty accurately.

And that is Part I of my origin story. Part II intends on detailing my venture into bear country and how I survived and only got a t-shirt. Tune in to see what happens next!

In other WoW news, I am totally digging Druid Tier 8 armor (male and female). Tier sets 1, 5, and 6 have always appealed to me. Their art style of incorporating various aspects of nature (and sixth's Native-American influence) embodies the Druid spirit. So, naturally, Tier 7 was a pretty big letdown for me (in addition to it just being a slightly modified tier 3). How does that have anything to do with druids, other than the snake on the shoulder pads and the green color? Seriously.

Tier 8's return to nature, complete with the Ulduar motif of creationism and stone golems, is a sight to behold. Bravo, Blizzard! I will wear Tier 8 with pride!

Until the next Faerie Fire pull...

-Lushious