The Game begins at 60!!!!

That is a refrain I heard often during the grind to attain level 60. It became a motto, a mantra, and "carrot on a stick" all blended into that very simple, often stated emphatically declarative sentence.

Well, I have attained level 60. Has the game begun?

Yes, in a manner of speaking, it has. It has begun in several ways and changed in other ways. I no longer spend a ton of gold training to learn the abilities of a Shaman every even level. I am able to travel many places without having what seemed to be "epic" battles with mobs while trying to practice my trades of mining and blacksmithing. Until the expansion pack is released, I no longer have agonizing decision-taking sessions with myself as to where to place that most valuable talent point. Most importantly, though, my role as Shaman has been brought into sharp focus.

Life as a Level 60 Shaman often means being placed in the role of Healer in most groups. I have been fortunate because I have wonderful buddies on my realm who ask me "Lokaine, what do you wish to do -- DPS or Heal?"

Life at 60 means gathering, gathering, and more gathering. Life is not "cushy" in my world. Although we have brisk trade through lively Auction Houses and private vendors, some items either are just not for sale or their cost is way beyond my budget or they are "bind on pick-up."

Life at 60 becomes "The time of Reputation Building" in earnest. The equation becomes "reputation equals access" -- access to better food, to better drinks, to better armor, and to exotic places within the realm.

Life at 60 finds me traveling between two continents and sometimes swimming deep seas to have "meet and greet" chats with Lords (see above photo) and receiving yet additional herculean tasks to perform.

Life for the 60 is more challenging in ways I had not experienced prior to attaining the title of "Level 60 Shaman." The mobs are more difficult to defeat, and the battles are arduous. Yes, the rewards are even greater, but most important of all are the wonderful folks you meet along the way with whom you share the journey.

Lokaine