This week's WoW report highlights some different Cataclysm Beta updates released with the latest build this past week that include the new passive Mastery ability, Master Riding, new mount/companion panes, Cataclysm screenshots of some really neat new zones, mobs, and Ragnaros, and a Q&A session. This week's WoW Report is packed with a lot of info, links, and screenshots so be sure to read below the video. Please enjoy this Tarou Weekly WoW Report and if you have any questions or feedback, feel free to post them below in the comment section or on our forums.

• Tarou's Weekly WoW Report Episode 17 Sunday - 8/15/2010: In this Tarou weekly WoW Report, ingame news is once again pretty nonexistent so instead, I'll be continuing my Cataclysm Beta news coverage answering all your questions and searching out any random changes I can find. Make sure to post your questions on my Twitter, Facebook, or below in the comment section. As always, Blizzard news and a Q&A session will be included so let's get started.

Tarou's Weekly WoW Report Episode 17! 8/15/2010 | Cataclysm Beta News!

In Cataclysm Beta news, some more screenshots were released throughout the past week and they all look pretty awesome. I really like the shot they got of Ragnaros and glad to see him having a place in Cataclysm. These screenshots also introduce some new NPC models bringing a new flavor to the game that has yet to of existed in previous expansions. All in all some great screenshots below.




• Cataclysm Screenshots

















• Blizzard also posted a new Cataclysm page featuring a very nice Q&A about all the new changes to the Southern Barrens. While some questions are pretty specific to the Southern Barrens, others also give you some insight into the way other zones are redesigned and what is considered when making decisions. All in all it's a great read for anyone. You can read the whole story on the Cataclysm Southern Barrens Q&A Page


• Moving along to other Cataclysm Beta news, a new build was released and it included some much anticipated changes including the new Mastery passive ability that uses the Mastery rating to enhance something depending on which specialization you pick for your character. I've select Moonkin so it increases my Eclipse ability by 15% and 1.5% additionally for each Mastery point.
• Checking out some other Cataclysm changes, Master Riding, which gives you 310% riding capability, is finally here and while it says 4,000 gold, it will be free to whose those who already have a 310% mount. Although, I still am paying 4,000 gold while I sit on a 310%, it's because it hasn't been fully implemented into the beta yet. The coolest part about this is you can ride any flying mount you have at 310%. I timed and tested this lowbie Blue Wind Rider and it was just as fast as any other mount including flight form.
• As you probably already noticed, the panes for both mounts and companions have been redesigned and look a lot better than previously.
• Keep in mind tons of details and numbers are still being ironed out and anything can change before the final Cataclysm expac ships.

Tarou's Weekly WoW Report Episode 17! 8/15/2010 | Blizzard News / Q & A Session

• Alright, checking out Blizzard news, some great opportunities for artists, musicians, and movie creators have just been announced. Each group will have a chance at some pretty nice prizes especially the ones for movie makers which include a $5,000 grand prize and Virtual Blizzcon Ticket. Check these links for more info. Fan Art Contest, Original Song, and Movie Contest.
• That's not the only contest going on though. Blizzard along with NBC's "The Event" have a sweepstakes where you can win a pair of tickets to Blizzcon. Sweepstakes ends August 31st and you enter on the Blizzcon page.
• Finally I'd like to end this Tarou Weekly WoW Report answering a few questions you guys and girls have asked me over the last week.
• Q1. What does your bank and bags normally look like?

  A1. Well, it normally is super unorganized and pretty much a mess of random items but, here's a glimpse at what I normally have in my gbank at any given time.

• Q2. ... There is no Q2 or Q3 this week and instead I'd like to tell you about some exciting changes coming to my channel and videos. I just signed a deal to partner with Machinima.com since YouTube keeps putting it off and hope this will help me build a bigger community of players to interact with, make videos for, and ultimately help more players have fun in WoW. Anyone who uses my website to watch my videos will notice no changes beyond a Machimina.com intro and outro. My channel viewers will notice the videos I post will be favorited instead of uploaded. Basically, you'll be notified of my new videos just like you are now except the wording will be slightly different. I will also be adding some special things to my channel that will allow me to interact with all of you much easier. I'd like to build more relationships and get feedback to make even better videos everyone who plays WoW can enjoy. Finally, I want to take a second to thank all of my wonderful fans and viewers and let you know, I'm not going anywhere and plan to produce more videos, more often, with higher quality and better content!
• So that's it for this week of Tarou's Weekly WoW Report and I hope you liked it.

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  Thanks for watching/reading and see you next Sunday!

• "Now go ... tell me what you think of anything featured in this week's Tarou's Weekly WoW Report on my YouTube Channel or below in the comment section.

  For me, it's gotta be the new Mastery ability and rating. Damn that's hot.