Where does it come from and how hard is it to get?
Big Battle Bear comes from the World of Warcraft TCG (trading card game)
TCG Expansion: Drums of War (no official link just yet), releases late October 2008.
Card: Battle Bear (speculative)
Rarity: 1/363 booster packs (speculative)
Distribution: Drums of War booster boxes contain 24 boosters and cost approx $65 USD (inc. shipping), therefore the average cost of obtaining this particular loot is $923.00
How much would I expect to pay for one off eBay or similar?
Upperdeck the makers of the TCG have specified that all three loots in this expansion (Party G.R.E.N.A.D.E., Taunt Flag, Big Battle Bear) are as common as those in the previous set, so apart from the inital rush during release the price for this mount should average around $280USD. Mounts tend to be more collectable than pets, however there is a rumor of a bear mount that is obtainable via faction reputation so it is difficult to guage how collectable this TCG loot item will be become. Also, this bear mount is unlikely to fly (as entertaining as that would be), so this pushes its desirability a little further down.
Facts:
*
Both Horde and Alliance can ride the mount.
*
The non epic mount (10g) is colored unknown (likely light brown), and the epic mount (100g) is colored black. Both require applicable riding skill to use.
*
You can own both the epic and non-epic version at the same time with only one code required.
How do the Loot cards work?
Loot cards are special rare versions of WoW TCG cards found in booster packs, starter decks, and raid decks that have a revealable unique code. Once this protective layer concealing the code is scratched away, a 25 digit promotion code is revealed that can be entered into the Blizzard offical promotions page. These codes work for both US and EU servers.
I have the 25 digit loot code, now what?
All accounts from every region in the world use http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/misc/promotion.html to redeem any and all special loot. This webpage allows you to enter the 25 digit promotion code and also select the region and realm for the character that will receive the loot item.
Upon succcessfuly submitting the above information, you will be presented with an in-game code. Write this code down or print it out; you will need it to retrieve your item. Log into the game with the character that is to receive the item and travel to Booty Bay in Stranglethorn Vale. There, you will need to find a goblin by the name of Landro Longshot. He is located on the lower parts of Booty Bay on the docks, and should be easily recognised due to the fact that he has a distinctive purple shirt and two body guards next to him.
When you find Landro, he will first ask if you are here for a promotion, and then ask you which TCG expansion your item comes from (or Points Redemption); check your loot card if you are not sure which item that is. Ensure you have got bag space to hold the item!
