Double your alt Druid/Monk/Ret/War/Dk's leveling dps with archaeology update

I wrote about Spear of Xuen in October, you can now upgrade it. After it's upgraded it becomes ilvl 471, it can still be used by level 85 characters and retains it's BOA property.

Double your alt Druid/Monk/Ret/War/Dk's leveling dps with archaeology

If you're leveling an alt that can use polearms you should go do some archaeology first on your main. One of the new artifacts in Pandaria is the Spear of Xuen. This is already a good entry level lfr/raid weapon, but notice that it is bind on account and useable at level 85. When compared to an 85 equip like Kiril, Fury of the Beasts (lfr version in this example for ease to obtain), you see that the damage per second stat is nearly doubled. You will hit like a truck with this spear, a bit unbalanced for battlegrounds (Alterac Valley call to arms this weekend, you gain 6-11% of your Xp bar per win), so enjoy it while it lasts.

I recommend this agility weapon even for plate dps because most melee attacks do a % of weapon damage (crusader strike, mortal strike, obliterate). It really doesn't matter that agility is only good for a slight dodge and crit increase, the weapon damage upgrade over say Gurthalak, Voice of the Deeps more than justifies using it. You could use this at 90 just to get started on heroics but I would ditch it as soon as a comparable strength weapon drops.

This took me a few solves to get, it popped up right when I hit 600 skill level. It is a 180 Pandaria Archaeology Fragment rare solve, so try to focus on pandaren dig sites, most of the sites in Jade Forest yield Pandaria Archaeology Fragment.  Consider using Lorewalker's Map to reset dig sites if none are available in Jade Forest. Depending on your luck you may see it a lot earlier or later than me.

Notes about Hallow's End

Hallow's End started yesterday and runs through October 31st. You can queue from the LFD menu.

The Headless Horseman drops 4 rings:
Wicked Witch's Signet
Band of the Petrified Pumpkin 
Seal of Ghoulish Glee 
The Horseman's Ring

There is no tank ring, plate dps, don't be surprised if the tank rolls against you.

The Horseman does not drop The Horseman's Sinister Slicer and The Horseman's Horrific Hood. They have a chance to show up in the Loot-filled Pumpkin. This is obtained on the first kill everyday.

If you're working on The Black Prince rep or leveling up, consider picking up Unburdened or Grim Visage buff for 10% more rep and exp per kill.