World of Warcraft's Cataclysm Classic expansion has reintroduced a wealth of content and features from one of the game's most transformative eras. Among the new accessories, pets, and mounts, the Sandstone Drake stands out as one of the most unique and sought-after items. Unlike many other mounts, the Sandstone Drake is not a rare drop from a boss or a reward for an obscure achievement. Instead, it is a product of the game's new Archaeology profession, requiring a combination of luck, skill, and resources to obtain. This guide will walk you through the steps to acquire and create the Vial of the Sands, the key to transforming into the impressive Sandstone Drake.

The Archaeology Profession

Introduced in the Cataclysm expansion, Archaeology is a secondary profession that allows players to uncover ancient artifacts scattered across Azeroth. Unlike primary professions, secondary professions can be learned by any character, regardless of their other profession choices. Archaeology involves traveling to dig sites, collecting fragments, and piecing them together to WoW Cataclysm Classic Gold  discover various artifacts.

Becoming an Illustrious Grand Master Archaeologist

To begin your journey with Archaeology, you need to visit an Archaeology trainer in any major city and learn the skill. As you progress, you will need to reach the skill level of Illustrious Grand Master (525) to maximize your chances of finding the necessary items for the Vial of the Sands. This process involves a lot of travel and excavation, but the rewards are worth the effort.

Dig Sites and Artifacts

Once you have learned Archaeology, dig sites will appear on your map. These sites are scattered across different continents, and you can survey them to find fragments of various artifacts. Each dig site can be surveyed three times, and the fragments you find will contribute to completing artifacts.

The artifacts you discover range from common items to rare and valuable pieces, including the canopic jar, which is crucial for obtaining the Vial of the Sands recipe. Digging in Uldum, the ancient desert region added in Cataclysm, is particularly important, as it is the only zone where you can find the Tol'vir artifacts, including the canopic jar.

Finding the Canopic Jar

The canopic jar is a Tol'vir artifact that has a chance to contain the recipe for the Vial of the Sands. However, obtaining the jar is a matter of both skill and luck. Here's how to maximize your chances:

Focus on Uldum Dig Sites

Uldum is the key area for Tol'vir archaeology. Since the canopic jar only appears in Tol'vir dig sites, you should prioritize traveling to Uldum whenever dig sites are available there.

Completing Tol'vir Artifacts

As you gather Tol'vir fragments, you will complete various Tol'vir artifacts. The canopic jar is one of the common artifacts you can discover. However, not every canopic jar will contain the recipe, so you may need to find several jars before you get lucky.

Persistence and Patience

The process of finding the canopic jar and obtaining the recipe for the Vial of the Sands requires patience and persistence. You may need to spend a significant amount of time surveying and excavating in Uldum. It’s essential to keep at it, as the reward is well worth the effort.

Creating the Vial of the Sands

Once you have obtained the recipe from a canopic jar, you will need the services of an Alchemist to create the Vial of the Sands. Here’s what you need to know about the creation process:

The Recipe

The recipe for the Vial of the Sands is a complex one, requiring several rare and valuable materials. Here is the list of ingredients:

• 8 Sands of Time

• 8 Truegold

• 12 Pyrium-Laced Crystal Vials

• 8 Flask of the Winds

• 8 Flask of Titanic Strength

• 8 Deepstone Oil

• Gathering Materials

• Sands of Time

Sands of Time are purchased from Yasmin, a vendor located in Uldum, for 3,000 gold each. You will need 24,000 gold to buy the eight required Sands of Time.

Truegold

Truegold is a crafted material made by Alchemists. It requires three Pyrium Bars, three Volatile Fire, three Volatile Air, and three Volatile Water. You can either purchase Truegold from the cheap WoW Cataclysm Classic Gold Auction House or find an Alchemist to craft it for you.

Pyrium-Laced Crystal Vial

These vials are purchased from Yasmin in Uldum for 5,000 gold each, totaling 60,000 gold for twelve vials.

Flask of the Winds and Flask of Titanic Strength

These flasks are also crafted by Alchemists. You will need to gather or purchase the necessary materials, which include Volatile Life and other herbs found in Cataclysm zones.

Deepstone Oil

Deepstone Oil is crafted from Albino Cavefish, which can be fished from certain Cataclysm zones like Deepholm.

Finding an Alchemist

If you are not an Alchemist, you will need to find one to craft the Vial of the Sands for you. You can ask in trade chat or check the Auction House for the service. Be prepared to tip generously, as crafting the Vial of the Sands is a significant task.

Crafting the Vial

Once you have gathered all the materials and found an Alchemist, they can create the Vial of the Sands for you. The process is straightforward, but the materials are expensive and time-consuming to gather.

Using the Vial of the Sands

The Vial of the Sands is a unique item that, when used, transforms the player into the Sandstone Drake. This mount is not only impressive in appearance but also functional, as it allows the player to carry another player on their back.

Transforming into the Sandstone Drake

To use the Vial of the Sands, simply right-click on it in your inventory. You will transform into the Sandstone Drake, and the mount will be added to your collection. As the Sandstone Drake, you can carry another player, making it a versatile and useful mount.

Selling the Vial of the Sands

If you are not interested in using the mount yourself, you can sell the Vial of the Sands on the Auction House. Prices can vary greatly between servers, but due to the rarity and effort required to obtain it, the Vial typically sells for a high price. This can be a lucrative opportunity for players looking to make a profit.

Conclusion

The Vial of the Sands is one of the most unique and coveted mounts in World of Warcraft Cataclysm Classic. Obtaining it requires a combination of Archaeology skills, persistence, and significant resources. Whether you choose to use the mount yourself or sell it for a profit, the journey to acquire the Vial of the Sands is a rewarding experience that showcases the depth and complexity of World of Warcraft’s professions and economy.

As you embark on your quest to find the canopic jar and gather the necessary materials, remember to enjoy the process and the rich lore of Azeroth. Happy hunting, and may you soon soar through the skies as the magnificent Sandstone Drake!