Inscription

From wow.incgamers.com

Inscription is the new profession that was introduced with the expansion: Wrath of the Lich King, which was released on November 13 2008.

The Inscription profession will allow players to permanently enhance their own spells and abilities and those of other players. We’ll provide more specific details on the mechanics of this new profession in the months ahead. - Source: Blizzard at BlizzCon 2007

The idea behind it is to give players even more specialisation options beyond the talent trees," explains Kaplan in a manner that would bamboozle the WOW-phobic to death." As a possible example, a mage could have their Frost Nova enhanced for either greater range or longer snare duration - our intention is to provide viable options rather than one 'best' Inscription for each modifiable spell or ability. - Source: C&VG Jeff Kaplan Interview

Inscription was released to live servers in the last content patch for the Burning Crusade expansion dubbed Echos of Doom (patch 3.0.2)

• Any player will be able to use items created by an Inscriber.
• Example: Unknown spell: Demonic Runes ~ Added during v2.4 PTR testing.

All of the above is subject to change as development continues.

How to get started?

In order to get started as a scribe, you must first learn the profession from one of the many Inscription trainers scattered across the worlds. In Azeroth, Horde and Alliance scribes can stop in at any of their faction's capital cities and ask a guard for directions to the nearest Inscription trainer. In Outland, aspiring and practicing scribes for the Horde should visit Neferatti in Thrallmar to brush up on their skills. Scribes among the Alliance should speak with Michael Schwan in Honor Hold in order to advance in the art.

Scribes should visit their trainer often as they progress in the art of Inscription. Once he has surpassed his current trainer's skill, the trainer will tell him where to go for further study. Lastly, when getting started as a scribe, a character should not neglect to purchase a Virtuoso Inking Set from an Inscription Goods vendor. Without this item in his inventory, a scribe will be unable to progress in his craft!

Lexicon of Power

Necessary for Imbuing your spells and abilities with Glyphs, the Lexicon of Power is an invaluable resource for everyone. These ancient tomes are always found near inscription trainers. All you need is to stand near the Lexicon of Power. You don't need to click it or interact with it.

Requirements and Costs

• Apprentice Scribe

Requires: Level 5 Cost: 90c Allows a scribe to create magical writings, up to a maximum potential skill of 75.

• Journeyman Scribe

Requires Level 10 Inscription (50) Cost 9S Allows a scribe to create magical writings, up to a maximum potential skill of 150.

• Expert Scribe

Requires: Level 20 Inscription (125) Cost 45S Allows a scribe to create magical writings, up to a maximum potential skill of 225.

• Artisan Scribe

Requires: Level 35 Inscription (200) Cost: 4g50s Allows a scribe to create magical writings, up to a maximum potential skill of 300.

Gathering Supplies

The first thing a new scribe needs to purchase is a Virtuoso Ink Set, available from vendors conveniently located near most Inscription Trainers. This ink set allows a scribe to create glyphs, books, tarot cards, and other items. Other items required are various herbs found throughout the lands which are milled into the inks required to inscribe with. There are two basic means of obtaining herbs, either choose Herbalism as your second Professional Skill, or be buy the needed herbs at auction (which can get quite expensive). You will also need different types of parchment (paper) which can also be purchased by merchants close to the Inscription Trainers.

(See Professional Skill Herbalism for more information on gathering herbs.

Milling Herbs into Ink

As part of the Inscription skill, you will have the ability to grind, or mill, herbs into ink. To be able to mill, you must have at least 5 of the same herb. The result will be 3-4 pigments, which then can be turned into ink using the Virtuoso Ink Set. Opening your Inscription profession window will give you access to the list of items you can currently make, and this is where you will take your pigments, turn them to inks, and then make your glyphs, cards, books, and other items.

Notes & Recap of Inscription Skill

As you progress through the skill, you will have the opportunity to learn to inscribe more powerful items. To learn how to make most of these items, you will have to pay an Inscription Trainer, but there are some exceptions. You will be able to learn how to create some glyphs through minor inscription research, and at higher skill levels, you will gain books as loot that will teach you how to make one new glyph each. (recap to be added soon)

Further Information and Links

El's Professions on Inscription