After a small operational hiccup, Blizzard has finally released the X-53 Touring Rocket mount as the new reward for its Recruit-A-Friend program.

This two-seat epic flying mount–the first of its kind in Azeroth–has replaced the pinstriped Zhevra as one’s prize for hooking up a friend in the World of Warcrackaft. Those who’ve taken out this rambunctious rocket for a spin have posted some hilarious antics that can be done using the mount, including passenger murder and airborne ganking.

Syraethia (Undermine US) summed up the possibilities nicely in a Blizzard thread named “X-53 Rocket Questions Answered Here.” Here’s an excerpt:

Q: Can you pick up people in mid air?
A: Yes, if they click well
Q: Can you kick people out in mid air?
A: Yes… *snicker*
Q: When you kick someone out do they get a parachute?
A: No, let the fun begin
Q: Can you hop on one in the air while in combat?
A: Yes, let the air ganking begin.

As the X-53 rocket becomes widespread,  expect a rise in mid-air skirmishes atop the Wintergrasp vendors and blitzkrieg paratrooper drops once Cataclysm allows flight in capital cities. And of course, the endless griefing of innocent hitchers who will be ejected from their seats by their naughty drivers.

Priests and Mages will avoid the costly repair bill since they have slow fall-like spells. Engineers and paladins can also land safely via their cloak parachutes and timely bubbles, respectively. But some classes and professions have less obvious ways of reducing fall damage.

Try googling–I’m sure you’ll run across a quirky forum thread like this one that teaches hunters how to avoid a plunging death. Good luck and enjoy the rocket ride!

Pics credit: warcraftmom.wordpress.com