Onyxia: Back in Black

Blizzard has announced that as part of the celebration of the fifth anniversary of World of Warcraft, the Onyxia encounter will be re-released as a level 80 raid instance. The encounter should be available on the Public Test Realms relatively soon and will ultimately drop as one of many "big plans" to be revealed in content Patch 3.2.2. Check out the official announcement here.

According to information released thus far, the encounter will come in both 10 and 25 man flavors. Though the loot tables will be reworked for level 80 itemization, Blizzard plans to recycle many of the textures from the encounter's classic drops. The Black Dragonflight Brood Mother will also now have a chance of dropping a 310% speed Onyxia Broodling flying mount. Even if you choose not to tackle the new raid, players who log on during the month of November will find an Onyxia Brood Whelpling in their mailboxes as a gift similar to the Baby Blizzard Bear from World of Warcraft's 4th Anniversary.

Though it will be sad to see the classic 40 man Onyxia permanently depart, I am excited about the opportunity to head back to the Wyrmbog for some reworked old school fun. I am also curious whether or not the attunement quests will be back as well. At the very least, here's hoping for a new and improved Ancient Cornerstone Grimgoire. I would love the chance to bring my Summoned Skeleton out of retirement.

Isn't he precious?