Patch 3.3 PTR: Speedier Northrend reputation grinds [Updated]

The official Blizzard World of Warcraft Twitter account made the above announcement today. It is great that they are thinking of increasing the speed in which Northrend reputation is gained, but they aren't saying much more than that. Blizzard is only planning (not promising) to test (not implement) the increased rep for many (not all or even most) factions. So, while this is likely to appear on the PTR sometime in the not too distant future, what factions it will affect and when (or even if) it appears on live realms is anybody's guess.

I love Twitter and it's great that Blizzard has been making use of their account for more than just their version of a Breakfast Topic, but I would prefer if they would link to more details when they release info like this. Perhaps follow it up with a forum post giving some facts or a link to a recent forum discussion of Northrend Factions.

Of course, this is still better than no information and I enjoy the little teases they give us, so maybe I should just stop the QQ. Feel free to admonish me for gift horse inspecting in the comments below. Or you could speculate as to which reps will be made easier. Any "I quested uphill both ways in the snow to get my [insert rep reward here]" rants are welcome, too.

P.S. You can follow WoW.com on twitter at @wowinsider and many of the blogger twitter accounts can be found in our WRUP posts. My personal twitter account is @cosmiclaurel, but don't follow unless you want to hear me blather on about The Spawn and tea.

Update: We spoke too soon, the latest version of the official patch notes give us a much clearer idea of how this is going to happen. You're still allowed to rant and rave and speculate further, but do so with these details in mind.

The following reputations have been sped up by roughly 30%:

Argent Crusade
Alliance Vanguard
Horde Expedition
Kirin Tor
Knights of the Ebon Blade
Sons of Hodir
Wyrmrest Accord


Sons of Hodir quests now give more reputation overall.

Top-level helm and shoulder faction-related enchants are now available as Bind-on-Account items that do not require any faction to use once purchased (they still require the appropriate faction level to purchase).

Reputation commendations can now be purchased for 1 Emblem of Triumph each.