[Bugalugs McScruffin]

Well this was unexpected. I just read this over at Games.on.net about the changes to the Diablo III beta.

Sauce

• Scrolls of Identification are no longer in the game

• The fifth quick slot button has been moved and is becoming a dedicated potion button

• The Mystic artisan has been removed, but may be included post-launch.

•The Cauldron of Jordan and Nephalem Cube have both been removed, as they detracted from the benefits of returning to town to sell items, salvage, craft, and interact with the townsfolk.

• The Blacksmith artisan will now salvage items, but common (white) items will no longer be salvageable.

• Character stats will now display directly on the inventory UI.

The Cauldron and Nephalem Cube removals surprised me. Can anyone tell me what the Mystic artisan actually did, and what their removal means?

The other change which was interesting, but I don't know about it's effects is the stats themselves. They have been reduced to Strength, Dexterity, Intellect and Vitality.

And last but not least this little tidbit...

Blizzard also revealed they are working on "major changes" to the skill and rune systems, but are tight lipped at this point in time.

I wonder what constitutes major changes? I was really looking forward to the system that Blizzard came up with, even if it did have a large amount of detractors.

So, fire away everyone with your wild speculation as to what effects these changes will have.