Better late than never! I just earned the [Level 110] Achievement! #Warcraft pic.twitter.com/ANP3WsAi3b
— Short (@AbilityPowered) September 5, 2016
World of Warcraft Expansions
Hello, Ability Powered gamers! Let’s talk a minute about World of Warcraft (WoW) expansions. Most of you guys know I spend the majority of my time in one place: Azeroth. I have been playing WoW for almost 10 years now. During my time in Azeroth, I have seen many expansions come and go. I was there through Wrath of the Lich King’s zombie invasions, Cataclysm’s elemental battles, and I have spent my fair share of evenings in Karazhan. An expansion always brings new things to see and opens your eyes to new adventure. Legion has been no exception.
Progressive Diseases
Everyone is discovering new lands, dungeons, and features. Getting your artifact weapon opens your eyes to new powers. For me, it’s been different discoveries. Expansions come out about every two years which can be a pretty big span of time in the world of progressive disabilities. I started playing during the Burning Crusade, so Wrath was my first expansion launch. We rushed to Northrend and hit the content hard. We were questing, running dungeons, and exploring. Soon the guild started seeing level 80s. I was number 5. The 5th we needed for dungeons. During Cataclysm, Mists of Pandaria, and Warlords of Draenor I was progressively falling behind a little every expansion, but always within the top 10. The raid team marker. This time though, I wasn’t.
Progressing Through Legion
Starting Legion in Highmountain, I decided I was dedicating the day to leveling. I started a few hubs of quests and after an hour or so I noticed my arm was tired. I thought, eh no big deal. I mean I was doing lots of clicking, it’s expected. I kept going. Another quest hub and even moving my mouse was becoming harder. My poor night elf druid was having to stand around in dangerous areas with rapidly respawning enemies while I sat there to rest. Thankfully, group tagging in Legion saved her a few times. I eventually finished the quests, and made my way back to turn them in. Next I did what any druid with hurt pride could do. I fished!
Legion’s definitely pointing out how much my disabled has progressed since WoD. Leveling slower & taking more breaks but my fishing skill
— Short (@AbilityPowered) September 1, 2016
Fishing. A Time to Think
Fishing gives one lots of time to think. If I am getting tired just questing, can I complete my dungeons? I mean, I am a healer, I can’t slack in a dungeon. What about raiding? I have had at least one boss I really struggled with for TWO expansions. Is this going to be the expansion I have to hang up my tier? While everyone else was discovering new zones, I was discovering how much my Spinal Muscular Atrophy had progessed in two years. You don’t really notice any changes day to day, but comparing expansion to expansion it’s pretty apparent.
You’re Not Alone
I don’t put this all out there to be a downer (I think we have had enough sad stories in Legion, right?) I do it because I know I’m not alone. I know people who are struggling with their own progression and game changes that are amplifying changes even more. If you are having problems in Azeroth, you aren’t alone. I understand how a new expansion can point out how things have changed in two years. I know it is borderline terrifying to start questioning your future in Azeroth.
Digital Fishing: New Age Meditation
I also write this because thinking and fishing aren’t always a bad thing. I made some more realizations between casts. This expansion is bringing new adventures for everyone, but even more so for me. It’s not the end of my adventure, it’s a more profound start. I am still going to complete my dungeons. I’ll just have to make sure I run with a group that doesn’t Leeroy Jenkins and force me to superman heal. I am still going to raid. But I’ll just have to really analyze mechanics and how to outsmart them. I am still going to quest and explore, but I’ll be spending a little less time keeping up with my own expectations of what I “Should” be doing. Instead, I’ll keep up with my personal pace instead.
We’re Together in This, We’re a Team
So, Ability Powered gamers, I hope if you are struggling with changes you do something for me. Take a moment to find a bank and cast your line. Use this time to think about your own adventure. Remember that an adventure can come in any shape or form. This expansion may be like a raid boss. How? Well, each of us may use different strategies to get through it. Some may go at a slower pace or faster pace. Some may even wipe a few times, but we will get up; rebuff; and adjust strategies. We are a team and you are not alone.
Find more of Short’s on-goings over on the Short Notes section!
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