If you haven't been sailing around Windward recently, and particularly around the seas of the Tasharen server, you may have missed some of the newly added content that has been in testing there recently. The kind of content that requires some planning, preparation, and patience. I am talking, of course, about creatures like these:
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=705711039
Added as a "let's see if it can be done" feature one evening, they've been flying around the Tasharen server for about two weeks now and players have been going after them relentlessly. Why? Well, the unique loot of course! Players lucky enough to defeat a dragon were able to harvest its essence -- a special ammunition type that changed the look and damage type of their cannonballs and their Inferno.
Speaking of damage types, new equipment can now be found in the world that gives improved resistances to elemental damage type ammunition -- which is what both dragons and pirates in heroic instances now use. Heat, cold, acid and shock-based ammunition have all been seen and acquired so far with more to come. These unique and hard to obtain items are still in testing -- so can only be acquired on the Tasharen server for the time being. Still, those that prefer to duke it out solo or with their own friends will be able to try their hand at it soon enough.
The Valiant faction has long been grumbling about the distinct absence of a flying ship that would be more suitable for their tastes. Recently they've gone as far as kidnap the legendary designer ViDanci, showering him with gold and asking him politely to design them a ship (or else). He happily obliged. Dubbed the "Flying Fortress", it can be found flying around in the worlds' more difficult regions for those that still seek its blueprints. Although there are rumors of the Valiant faction offering a cheaper, more affordable way of acquiring its new ship already in the works.
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=705710948
There have been more changes an additions, of course. Like always, the full summary can be found on google docs.
Happy sailing!