So how did the raids go?

As mentioned in a previous post, I joined a guild. In the past week, while I was leveling my Dwarf Paladin from level 72 to 80, we ran 3 old raid instances for the achievements. The 3 were Onyxia, Molten Core and Zul'Gurub.

First was Onyxia(apparently just in time). There were 5 of us, level 80 Paladin tank, 80 Shaman healer, 80 hunter, 73ish Paladin(me), and a level 60 Warlock. It went really so much easier than I had expected. And frankly, after seeing that one video that has made the rounds for years, I was terrified! The fight didn't even seem to take very long and before I knew it there my first ever raid achievement!

I wasn't too concerned about getting any loot, since it's all level 60 items(the 18 slot bag would have been nice!). I did come away with one item, Eskhandar's Collar. It'll go in the bank as a reminder of this occasion!

And then there was Molten Core. And this time I was REALLY scared. C'mon it's frickin Molten Core!

I'm not sure how it normally works, but the 80 Paladin had been clearing trash in the days leading up, so I'm guessing we skipped other bosses. We did have to fight a few elementals on our way back. And had to fight the big ugly Naga guy, General something or other, in order to summon Ragnaros. And Rag is just as terrifying as I had imagined! He's HUGE!

This time there were only 4 of us at the start, 80 Paladin, 80 Warlock, 78 Paladin(me) and a 66 hunter. And our first attempt was a wipe. I have to admit, I understood the strats, but just couldn't figure out how to land IN the lava. When the small fire guys came out, they came right for me and I couldn't heal myself through it and we wiped.
So they invited a level 80 Shadow Priest and 80 Shaman healer and we tried again. This time it went smooth! I stood right beside the tank and figured out where to land when getting tossed up in the air and down he went!

This time my souvenir was Dragon's Blood Cape (though he isn't a dragon, so...I dunno!). And another cool classic raid achievement down.


Finally, last Friday, just after I dinged level 80(my 6th level 80!), we decided to run Zul'Gurub. This time we actually spent 2 hours in there, having to clear all trash and all the other bosses. Our group was 80 Paladin tank, 80 Paladin(me), 67 hunter and 70 Death Knight. The bosses prior to Hakkar were all fairly easy, though we lost the DK or hunter a couple of times. And no, no mounts dropped for us on the Tiger or Raptor bosses.
Eventually we got to Hakkar. Problem with Hakkar is the mind control. Our first attempt went wonky when the hunter died right away and I couldn't keep control of the tank when he kept getting mind-controlled. Our second attempt was to all out DPS, forget about the Sons of Hakkar thing. This time I managed to control the tank each time he was controlled-or at the very least I would take over tanking and kite Hakkar away from him. And before we knew it Hakkar was down too! I think I came away with the plate gloves he drops, but I really can't remember now. And I went from just starting rep with Zandalar to 800/6k Friendly with them from all of the coins and things that the trash mobs drop. It was mostly fun!


So yes, I'm 3 years too late on getting excited over fighting these bosses. I do feel fortunate that I've finally gotten to see them in person. But the worry I've had over these fights has given me an ulcer! I'm really not sure I was cut out for raiding(not to mention the whole hearing problem I have which prevents me from using Vent). The guild wants to help me get geared up for level 80 raids. They are so nice and helpful but I'm just not sure I can do this. And I just don't have the time to play WoW in the evenings when most people are on. I know, excuses, excuses, but I really think I was just meant to be a soloer.