Circle of Blood Arena

The Circle of Blood Arena, also called Blade's Edge Arena, is an arena located in Blade's Edge Mountains, north of Thunderlord Stronghold. It was, along with the Ring of Trials arena, added in The Burning Crusade and thus among the first arenas added to the game. Unlike most arenas, Circle of Blood can be accessed in the outdoor world in addition to its instanced version, serving as a PvA arena. The arena is ogre-styled.
The arena received multiple updates, the latest and most substantial one in patch 7.1.5, improving its visuals while mostly retaining the layout.
==Arena layout==
This arena is rectangular shaped. The starting areas for both sides are on opposite corners. A bridge spans the middle of the arena with ramps on both ends. Under the bridge is a pit and 2 pillars. Deceased players may watch the fight from the pit. In addition, at the middle of the bridge there are two additional ramps.
Like all arenas, after five minutes, two Shadow Sight power ups appears, on the side of the middle ramps, that let the user see stealthed and invisible characters; however, it also increases the damage taken by 5%.
==Layout history==
The arena has received multiple layout updates since its addition to the game.
===Patch 2.0 - Patch 2.4.3 ===
The original version of the arena featured two platforms next on each side of the bridge which could be reached by jumping or running across the ropes leading from the bridge to them. The platforms had a number of spikes positioned upwards from the bottom of them. Moreover, it was also possible to, at ground floor, completely circle a number of the poles at the ends of bridge.
===Patch 3.0 - Patch 5.3 ===
The platforms at the middle of the bridge had a number of spikes removed, making circling them easier. Additionally, the poles supporting the bridge near the ramps were repositioned slightly such that none of them were possible to completely circle around, removing a number of player accessible spots providing line of sight protection from enemies.
=== Patch 5.4 - Patch 7.1===
In this version of the arena, the platforms and rope at the middle of the ramps were replaced by ramps, similar to the ones already present in previous versions at each side of the bridge. The Shadow Sight spawn locations were moved from the removed platforms to an area at ground level right below the new ramps at the middle of the bridge. 
===Patch 7.1.5 - Now===
The visuals were changed with the lighting made darker with lanterns emitting a dark orange light. In this version, High King Maulgar sits atop a throne overseeing the arena. He will taunt players with special voice lines, encouraging them to kill each other. A Nether Drake can be seen flying over the arena.
Moreover, the bridge has been slightly widened and lowered, allowing for less space between the ground floor and the bridge. While still closely resembling the previous version of the arena, most areas are slightly larger or smaller than previously, although no new trick locations, e.g., player accessible areas providing line of sight, were added or removed.
==Strategies== 
*Line of sight can be crucial here. For example, if someone is bombarding you from the bridge with spells, stepping under the bridge will stop them.
*The platforms, in addition to the ramps, can be strategically used in order to escape the line of sight of casters. Healers must be aware when their teammates are behind these pillars.
*If an annoying pet is attacking you, simply jump off the bridge. The pet will have to run around in order to reach you, giving you some time to drink or avoid abilities like Bestial Wrath or Spell Lock.
*A healer can jump off the bridge in order to channel spells like Tranquility or Divine Hymn (hopefully) without being interrupted.
*Dragging enemies down to the ground floor and using teleportation abilities to return upstairs can be an effective defensive play.
*Druids and Warriors can use (Feral) Charge for a quick transportation to the top of the arena.
*Don't get trapped in the middle of two or three players on the bridge.
*This can potentially be a very caster-friendly arena. If a caster controls the bridge and is facing off against a melee class, the melee class will have to make their way around and up to the bridge before they can do any damage.
==Gallery ==
File:Blade's Edge Arena loading screen.jpg|thumb|Loading screen prior to patch 7.1.5.
File:Blade's Edge Arena overview.jpg|Overlooking the original arena.
File:Circle of Blood Arena.jpg|The original arena layout from the floor.
File:Blood of Gladiators.jpg|Blood of Gladiators TCG expansion art.
File:Blades edge arena 54 .jpg|Overlooking the pre-7.1.5 arena, introduced the middle ramps.
==Patch changes==
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==External links==
Blade's Edge Mountains	Arena	Old arena
 	 	
Category:PvP
Category:Arena PvP
Category:Arenas