Server:Lightninghoof US

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Lightninghoof (RP-PvP) CST

Welcome to the RP-PVP server, Lightninghoof.

General History:

Lightninghoof launched in the fall of 2005, about two weeks after the 'big three' RP-PvP realms arrived on the scene in September. LH was not one of the three original RP-PvP servers (Maelstrom and Emerald Dream were the originals, both with morning launches, followed by Twisting Nether later in the day), nor was it the last (both Ravenholdt and The Venture Co. have both come since), making Lightninghoof something of a 'middle child.'

LH launched a few days after the first three RP-PvP servers, thus decreasing the number of disruptive individuals rolling alts to harrass RP-PvPers, at least for a little while. Blizzard's mistake in launching the first RP-PvP servers (and what ultimately doomed all of them with the exception of TVC and RH to having virtually zero RP) was that the servers debuted with no 'regular' PvP servers as escorts. A single 'normal' PvP server might have helped to bleed off a few of the large number of 'reroll no matter what server type this is' players who inevitably flooded Maelstrom, Emerald Dream and Twisting Nether, and eventually -- after a substancial delay -- Lightninghoof.

From a PvP View:

The early days of Lightninghoof consisted of the rush to achieve the vaunted level 60. The horde progression was led by the guild Enshadowed, who were entering Blackwing Lair before most players even dinged level 60. Enshadowed emerged as a major player in Battleground PvP, also being far more advanced gear wise did not hurt. They produced names which became common speak amongst the Alliance battleground brethren, such as Dukie, Kishra and Orcules.

Alliance progression was initially stagnated by the guild Imperial, led by the semi-famous priest 'Tavia.' Imperial would be one of the first guilds into MC (joined in short order by Fury, Awakening and a few others), but quickly collapsed under the dictatorial rule of Tavia. This arguably set Alliance progression back by at least a month, although Awakening would be quick to pick up the fallen torch, soon leading all progression on the server.

Early rank pushes were made. Sakaslan from the Thirteenth was the first horde to achieve rank 14, a warrior. He was followed by Dukie. Alliance side, the infamous Skarzor banded his Juggernaut PvP train together, and with the help of his guild, took the ride to rank 14. Kappah was soon to follow, with Nimmrod rounding out the Juggernaut trio of rank 14's. At any given time, one could view the top 20 ranked alliance PvPers and see a slew of Juggernaut members populating the front page.

Around the same time, the Horde balance of power started to shift, to a guild aptly named Atrayne. This was truely a train of sorts, as it proved with the countless high ranks of PvPers it churned out weekly. The names became legends in the PvP circuits: Tohknee, Babethe, Tinrah, Fellhorn, Zoticx, Grimmer, Kook, Leticia, and so on. With many alliance guilds focusing on gearing up to compete, the competition was not present in the late stages of Atryane's lifespan on Lightninghoof. As a result, the guild transfered, in search of more competition.

To battle the Horde powerhouse known as Atrayne, a couple of alliance teams arose. One, was a Fury team spearheaded by the pushes of Ozzie, Evryth, and eventually Drik. Behind the flag running of Ayya, Fury was able to come close to matching Atrayne step for step in Warsong.

The other team was a melting pot of PvPers. Known as "The Crew", this team was lead by Ayashi, and ended up producing its fair share of rank 14's. Guild tag had no meaning, as at anytime, numerous guilds would be represented in this crew. The Crew pushed, as Ayashi dinged 14 first, followed by Cupcakes, and then Sy and Avalanche in the final week together achieving 14.

More to come on PVP later

RP and Server Climate:

While the roleplaying on Lightinghoof could initially have been descirbed as 'diehard,' l337 kiddies and the like soon began to take their toll. Many of the dedicated RP guilds either disbanded or fled the server, giving rise to the RP rennaisance of Ravenholdt six months later.

RP purists should shy away from Lightninghoof. Once a strong server, it reeks of decay, and while snippets of hushed RPed conversation can occasionally be caught in the Goldshire Inn or The Crossroads, the general populace has come to regard roleplayers as a running gag. This is a 'lost' RP server in this regard, barely worthy of the title. There are still a few dedicated individuals who report crude or unbelievably offensive name choices, but otherwise, there is no story here. If you are looking for a strong roleplaying environment (or at least one where you can meet other roleplayers, and not fear constant harrassment), look up The Venture Co., or even better, Ravenholdt.

PvE Progression:

Awakening and Enshadowed battled (for a glorious 5 or 6 months) for the title of top dog on the server. The argument was by in large settled when Awakening, led by the since-retired Porom, opened the gates of Ahn'Qiraj, probably beating out a similar effort by Enshadowed by a matter of a few hours. Since then, much has changed. Many of the top guilds have either left Lightninghoof or disbanded. The mighty Awakening fell apart in late July, replaced by 'Reckoning,' a guild that has enjoyed far less success.

Currently, Alliance progression is led by the transfer guild Cadia, who, as of late August 2007, downed Lady Vashj, and were attempting Kael'thas. As of early January 2008, Cadia had progressed-to-and-killed Illidan - a major achievement for their guild, and a huge step forward for Lightninghoof. With the kill, Cadia pushed Lighninghoof back into the membership of an elite-few servers that have downed the self-proclaimed 'Master of Outlands.' Considering that fewer than 2% of WoW's population has seen Illidan, let alone killed him, this is a rare feat.

Horde progression has been slightly behind due to a number of guilds reforming, transfering or disbanding altogether. Of the few major Horde guilds, Fine Young Cannibals leads the way, having just Lady Vashj and Kael'thas left before being able to enter Mount Hyjal.

Overall PVE Progression on Lightninghoof can be seen on this website - http://www.webrender.net/rankings3, which was created and maintained by Moonmaster.

Rare Craftables and Enchants

For a list of crafters for rare craftables and enchants, please visit this page.

Guilds

Alliance

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Horde

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