Hollow Victory

Gharu'ndim

Sho

Viamontians

Ispar History

Auberean History

Texts

Rumors

Event Teaser - From the Zone

Oct 2, 2000

Gideon looked around the Zaikhal meeting hall, nearly bored to tears. They had been ranting on about the dreaded Hopeslayer for hours. Who cared about the Hopeslayer anyway? If this Bael'Zharon was going to arrive, wouldn't he have gotten here already?

Gideon stood, throwing his hands up in the air in disgust. “Why don't you people live a little! Other things are out there besides those Shadows and their shiny floating crystals.” The chatter in the room stopped almost instantly. Shocked faces regarded Gideon incredulously.

“I imagine that most of you probably don't know this, but we do have other enemies besides them. Any creature with a weapon or spell can kill you, and I assure you, there are creatures other than Shadows capable of wielding both.

“The monsters all over Dereth are getting better organized. Little camps of mosswarts have begun appearing on the countryside, which means we may start seeing monster fortifications in the near future.”

Gideon shouldered his crossbow and began to walk toward the exit portal.

“And in case you've forgotten, it is harvest time -- grain and pumpkins are being harvested under the glowing, watchful eyes of scarecrows. There is a keg in every town, and a festive feel to the air. Speaking of which, I know it has probably been quite a while since any of you have seen a member of the opposite sex, but they are out there you know. Live a little.

“And it probably wouldn't hurt for you to dress a little better, too. I hear they have some new outfits that might even make scholars look good.”

And with that, Gideon exited the meeting hall, leaving a stunned silence behind him.


With the one-year anniversary of Asheron's Call fast approaching, we're set to open the next of our major monthly events. Look for “Hollow Victory” to begin October 10th! As fall colors arrive in Dereth, so too do other startling changes. Continue your part in this incredible on-going story, within the next of the world-altering events happening each and every month, and we'll see you in Dereth!
 

Roll Out Article - October 10, 2000

From the Zone

As fall colors arrive in Dereth, so too do other startling changes. Many autumnal additions have been more than welcome -- consider the pumpkin pie, the new dresses, and smiling jack-o-lanterns.  

Other changes bode far less than well. Scarecrows have been seen in Dereth, yet ones far more lifelike than any farmer has ever managed to construct. These scarecrows, like the snowmen before them, seem to have taken on a life all their own. What's even worse is that the Virindi puppeteers express a certain interest in the craft, and once the Virindi are involved, no season can be celebrated freely. . .

Continuing with the next of our massive monthly events, the lands of Dereth have changed with the seasonal opening of October's Hollow Victory. After the fall of Arwic and Tufa to the devastating attacks of the Shadow Spires, many a hero rallied to raid the ancient Empyrean storehouses, destroying three more pieces of Bael'Zharon's crystal prison. As if in appreciation, vendors of all remaining towns have begun selling festive steins, for use at celebratory kegs of beer. In addition, and in accordance with an old Isparian holiday, other vendors have begun to craft previously discarded monster heads into truly horrifying masks. Yet even with the loss of two towns, few have succumbed to lengthy mourning. Many have, in fact, put their energies into the resettlement of a previously abandoned town. . . yet resettled in such a way so as not to attract the high-level magic as might have caused the destruction of Arwic. Xarabydun prospers again, promising an oasis for travelers crossing the desert sands, as well as further mystery for those exploring the secrets lying beneath.

Still, can it be said that the season is truly joyous? One brave party claimed to have discerned the location of a mosswart hideout needing to be cleansed from the land. And yet, however prepared these adventurers seemed, with their maps and gear and careful provisioning, none have managed as of yet to find their way back to town.

After the defeat of the Vestibule crystals, the Shadow Spires continue their mercurial shifting, sinking slowly to the ground. Adding true danger to the rampant speculations, fearsome creatures have been spotted, and certain areas have gained an almost feverish increase in the rate of monsters spawning there. Even the mighty tuskers have begun sporting a new fall look. Heroes are advised to grab a beer, craft a mask -- and prepare for the dangers of Dereth this autumn!

Following is a list of the most interesting additions made to the game this update. However, please note that not all changes have been included -- that would spoil the fun of finding out everything that's been added or changed! Also, some changes provide ways for players to drive our evolving story forward, and thus we won't entirely reveal them here. As usual, though, the town criers, barkeeps, and scribes may know the latest news. Also, the trades of crafting and selling are always in flux, so changes to prices and abilities of items are not always listed here in their entirety.

Highlights include:

• Tuskers now look fiercer thanks to new art models.
• New monsters have been introduced, including scarecrows.
• An exciting new underground city has been discovered for those who are level 25 and under. Look for its location on the map in the desert of Southern Osteth near the Yushad Ridge. What lies below this city?
• Try carving a jack-o-lantern. They can also be wielded as fun weapons!
• There are now beautiful dresses available for each heritage group.
• New dungeons and quests have been introduced.
• Fear the white rabbit!
• Spell components now weigh less. Mages rejoice. Also, a revolution in component craft makes them easier to carry than ever before.
• Some monsters on the landscape seem to be gathering into little camps. Good hunting has become available to outdoor adventurers.
• Beer kegs and beer steins can now be found at your local taverns.
• There are now more ambient sounds for those running across the lands.
• Arrow and quarrel shafts have been greatly reduced in weight!
• There's more fun food to fit the season.
• More trees have turned to fall colors.

In order to learn the full scope of October's update, be sure to read the State of the Code and Developer's Notes, October. With the one-year anniversary of Asheron's Call soon approaching, take part in this incredible on-going story -- and we'll see you in Dereth!

Dev Notes - October 10, 2000

From the Zone

Here are just some of the additions made in the October 10 game update, Hollow Victory. The following list is comprised of detailed notes straight from the developers themselves. For a summary of things of most interest, be sure to consult the official event roll-out article, Hollow Victory. 

Detailed Notes for Builds 2440-2444:

• Components lightened from 5 to >4. Yippee!
• Atlan Stones are now on a 25 second respawn rate.
• Cragstone, Hebian-to, and Zaikhal librarians now buy back books. It's the book buyback program!
• Buy/sell rates for the Hebian-to and Zaikhal librarians have been updated.
• The trapped chest in Sylsfear wasn't working correctly. This bug was found and fixed.
• Sylsfear treasure chest now has the correct resist lockpick stat.
• Tufa bowyer now sells trade notes in non-reversed order.
• Aerfalle's pallium was covering players' heads when it shouldn't have been. This has been fixed.
• The floating shield in Trothyr's Rest dungeon has been moved closer to the wall. Also added some other decorations to that room to spice it up.
• Fixed the use-description of condensed chorizite oil so that players won't think it can be further strengthened.
• Switched Lugian hammers to use Axe skill instead of Mace skill. This fix will also affect all Lugian hammers currently in existence.
• Increased the awareness range for niffis and ursuin.
• Moved the menhirs in the Bethel dungeon closer to the walls. Players were getting stuck behind menhirs if they fell onto them from above or jumped onto them by accident.
• Placed edge-sticking Shadows in Caulnalain. They will no longer fall off ledges to pursue people.
• Relic Bones now cast summon portal spells to Aerlinthe.
• The Soul Fearing Vestry quest (other wise known as the South Dires quest) has been fixed. The generator link to the first lich was broken.
• Spires in Arwic and Tufa have been altered (some removed, some added).
• Ursuin heads now cause piercing damage. They had been causing bludgeoning damage.
• Updated the *bow deep* emote text to say: "bows deeply."
• Moved Aerlinthe navigation channel pylons another 1.5 meters out from the landblock boundary, eliminating the rare stuck player issue. This also eliminates a monster path-planning AI camping exploit.
• Quest flag for the Mage Academy key has been set to 7 days now, instead of 14 days.
• Humans now drink with their right hands. A VERY MUCH requested feature from our users ever since Jesse made mugs, etc., wieldable. For social occasions.

The Vestibule Quests - October 4, 2000

From the Zone

“Life has strange rhythms, especially in our new world. I recently took up a new hobby to fill my leisure time between experiments in alchemy and metallurgy. I began dabbling in the field of geomancy: the study of the land's magical energies. Little did I know that my amateur interest would become so central to my research so quickly!” 

So begins the latest text by Zarea bint Zia, “The Breaking of the Crystal Core.” The time for geomancy has never been more appropriate, as scholars have proven that the menhir rings indeed act as portals to the recently discovered Vestibule dungeons. And it is only natural, these scholars say, that the mystic forces of Dereth have chosen to appear in the form of crystals, long regarded as magical conduits. While the Fenmalain, Caulnalain, and Shendolain Vestibules truly glimmer, with strange growths of crystals and wisps of phosphorescent gas, their seeming beauty belies the utmost danger. Explorers entering the Vestibules unprepared will find themselves swiftly returned to their respective lifestones.

The adventurers of Dereth should be advised that all three recently launched Vestibule quests are still very much active. But beware! In order to fully access the dungeons, players must be fortunate enough to find those keys dropped upon the death of certain creatures. For the Fenmalain Vestibule, limited to levels 10-25, these keys can be recovered from both Shadows and Shadow Children. For the Caulnalain Vestibule, limited to levels 26-35, Shadow Lieutenants hold the keys. And for players level 36 and higher, keys to the formidable Shendolain Vestibule can only be found among the Grievvers.

In order to reach the dungeons, players must then find the appropriate menhir ring portals, located in the southern and northern mountain ranges, for the Fenmalain and Caulnalain Vestibules respectively, as well as on the Obsidian Plain, for the Shendolain Vestibule.

Although separated by level, no one quest should be taken lightly. Soloing is not advised and a coordinated effort by a well-balanced group highly recommended. Once in the Vestibule dungeons, adventuring parties should be prepared to face not only the Soul Crystals themselves, but also deadly arrays of Shadow guards and their undead henchmen. To continue beyond the latter half of the dungeons, players will require their keys -- which means that all adventurers who die beyond this point will require yet another key to return and recover their bodies.

While certain heroes did manage to shatter the original Soul Crystals within each dungeon, duplicates have reformed in their places. The destruction of these weaker, re-grown crystals does not generate news of the same world-spanning import as that of the Soul Crystals . . . yet valuable shards may still be recovered from their wreckage -- rich gems highly sought after by the craftsmen of Uziz. Already, successful adventurers have reported trading the gems for items both rare and wondrous. Shields, uniquely crafted arrows, even spellcasting orbs seem capable of being created, with these powerful crystal shards at hand.

Of course, even without the Vestibule keys, players may wish to test their mettle and explore the upper reaches of these dungeons. Truly, they are not a sight to be missed. Although, it must also be said: To proceed hastily is but to invite quick death!

(Update) Following the recent launch of November's event, “Should the Stars Fall,” certain aspects of the Vestibules have been made a little friendlier. The keys to the Fenmalain, Caulnalain, and Shendolain Vestibules can now be given away. Also, the final reward items not only weigh less, but are now less likely to be lost upon death.

Foreboding gates await those heroes brave enough to delve deeper into the Vestibule depths. 

Just one of the Vestibules' guardian Shadows. It can be assumed that countless more lie just around the next corner.

Signs of strange crystalline magic. 

Of mysterious symbols, skeletons, and mighty diamond golems. 

Press Release - October 11, 2000

ALL HALLOWS EVE DRAWS NEAR! NEW ASHERON'S CALL EVENT NOW UNDERWAY

Microsoft today announced that the "Hollow Victory" event is now underway in the dynamic world of Asheron's Call. After the fall of Arwic and Tufa last month, players raided the ancient Empyrean storehouses, destroying three more pieces of the evil Bael'Zharon's crystal prison. The October event promises more excitement, including the discovery of a new city and the mystery that lies beneath it. Jack-o-lanterns can be wielded as weapons, and the legendary white rabbit is now a fearsome threat to those that may cross its path.

Festive dresses, smiling jack-o-lanterns and pumpkin pies abound, as fall descends on Dereth. Although the gaiety of autumn brings joyous celebration, an ominous feeling fills the air. Looming Shadow Spires continue their mercurial shifting this month, sinking deeper into the ground. There are also reports of strange objects appearing in the skies over the isle, with many travelers claiming to have seen castles floating among the clouds. Scarecrows have also begun to appear in Dereth, but with eerie lifelike features never before seen. Still, the people of Dereth work to make the holiday season a joyous one, as vendors in the remaining towns sell festive steins and, in accordance with the old Isparian holiday, craft previously discarded monster heads into truly horrifying masks in keeping with the traditions of the holiday. Heroes are advised to grab a beer, craft a mask -- and prepare for the dangers and delights of Dereth this autumn!

Asheron's Call is a massively multiplayer role-playing game playable exclusively on Zone.com (http://www.zone.com/) that draws together thousands of players within a dynamic, 3-D online world. Players can create truly unique characters by choosing between extensive combinations of visual appearance, attributes and skill sets. Asheron's Call immerses players in an intense role-playing environment where they must compete or cooperate with thousands of other online players. An extensive system of allegiance and influence greatly enhances social interaction. The online nature of the game facilitates an evolving and dynamic adventure inside a consistent universe. The game will never be solved because there will always be more areas to explore and quests to complete.

For more information about Asheron's Call, please visit:
http://www.zone.com/asheronscall/

November Heaume Preview - October 17, 2000

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Attention heaume fans!
======================

In the November update, we'll be reverting all existing heaumes back to the way they were before the "Hollow Victory" event. If you prefer the newer, smooth style helms, they will be available as "armets." And, all newly created heaumes will be modified to look like the included pictures, but will still retain the character of the classic original heaume.

(click to enlarge)

Developer's Chat

October 18, 2000

nei@turbine> *casts a singular red eye about the room*

+Chaos@AC> Welcome to our Monthly Asheron’s Call Developer's Chat. With us today is one of the Lead Designers, Eri Izawa and Producer, Charles Bandes. A few reminders of the ground rules:

1. You must have your question typed out and ready to cut & paste when your turn is up
2. Limit one question per person will be strictly enforced.
3. The question *must* appear in the first line you post. If not, you will be moved back to watching.
4. You may support your question with up to 2 additional lines of text.
5. If the developer needs more information, we will move you back to asking.
6. Repeat Questions will not get a response other then “Asked and Answered”. Please watch for your question being asked before you.
7. As always, the Code of Conduct is in full effect during the chat.

This is all in an effort to keep the chat running more smoothly, make it more informative and give more people a chance to ask questions. With that, I will hand over the floor to Eri for introductions and we will be off to the questions.

rei@Turbine> I'm Eri "reijin" Izawa, lead designer for Asheron's Call and general spec shuffler. With me are: Jesse "Nei" Kurlancheek, game designer, scripter, general systems guy. David "Crowley" Javier, game designer, dungeon maker, and dialogue meister. Ken Troop, Martine's tormenter, is with us tonight. Cardell Kerr is the Mask Meister. Sean "artist extraordinaire" Huxter, lead artist, is also with us tonight. Charley producerly-figure, is with us.... And Jason, techno artist with attitude is also with us :)

As usual, I'd like to talk about how we answer questions. To give you an idea of our schedule, we are already hard at work on the November event. We generally cannot give you concrete dates or feature details for anything new that we're not pretty sure is going in. Also, because we have so much planned, new requests on the boards or from here may not be implemented til some time after the suggestion is made.

nei@turbine> if he's got attitude, what do i have? _<

rei@Turbine> A BAD attitude. But I want to assure you that we are listening! And here's one more announcement: We recognize the changes to heaumes significantly altered many characters' appearances through no action of their own, and further that many players found the change to be aggravating.

jason@Turbine> Hey, I'm working on top secret lunch picking technology.. Opps, now I'm gonna have to kill you..

rei@Turbine> In this case, we have decided to go ahead and revert existing heaumes to the way they used to be to rectify the situation. The new "smooth look" helms will still be available as "armets," and all newly generated heaumes will be upgraded with more detailed artwork. OK, I'm done. Let's get rolling!

LillithsJabber> Question: Could we see new portals to dungeons placed some where more interesting than out in the open?

LillithsJabber> i.e.Some Portals now are in Crypts, I know of one in a statue head, also know of another that is up a flight a stairs in the desert. Although this is not as important as the content inside a dungeon, the portal placement can create the mood(excitement)...

LillithsJabber> for what may lie inside. Could we please see more of this creativity? Perhaps a portal within the trunk of a large tree or one behind a waterfall (is that even possible?) - Shouts out to Nei but not to Devilmouse =P Done. GA.

Crowley@turbine> We can put portals in more interesting locations. There've been some good ideas bounced around about this.

nei@turbine> i put portals in my pocket to keep them safe.

Crowley@turbine> Having stuff inside a tree would be cool, and that's an idea we've thought of, but it requires more dev time that usually ends up going to other things.

Crowley@turbine> But yeah, we'd like to do more with "atmosphere" than just plopping stuff down on landscape.

Crowley@turbine> So your suggestion is noted, thanks.

Crowley@turbine> Done

Minuo_of_LC> What kind of love is lockpick looking at? Right now lockpick is only a minor convenience. No one needs to spend 6 skill credits to be able to lag through a door. There are no good chests that can be picked. Might you be able to make a switch that ...

Minuo_of_LC> can be picked and opens 10 doors? That way it would take a lot longer to lag through them.

rei@Turbine> Yes, we are thinking about how lockpicking can be helped....

rei@Turbine> Lockpick-requiring doors and chests are still part of the solution, but we are interested in interesting suggestions too :)

rei@Turbine> Thanks.

rei@Turbine> Done.

eedmond> Can you make more quest items a bit better? The Fenmalain shield is useless and so is the new crystal bow cause fragment pieces are so hard to get and so valuable nobody wants to waste them on arrows. I Like the new Gharu and Sho Masks. DONE.

Crowley@turbine> Sure. We'll make quest items "better."

Crowley@turbine> Done

fathercordell> Q: Will you please "fix" the trade skills so new items merge with similar items in the backpack upon creation?

fathercordell> It can't be that hard to do, it's the exact thing that happens when you pick an item up, surely you must be able to fool the client into thinking it's just picked the item up. I'm developing alchemy related RSI with so much clicking.

fathercordell> And a major shout out to whoever worked on the new underground city. It's gorgeous. Buy them all beer and charge my account. Oh, and my devilmouse wannabe wants cheese on his holtburger, please make an ingame cheeseburger. GA.

Crowley@turbine> please give us your account number and expiration date (jk)

Charley@Turbine> There actually is a fix to that already

Charley@Turbine> For some reason people don' t know about this, (even some of the folks here) but I use it all the time

nei@turbine> on the upside: in november, alchemists will save 200+ clicks/per 50 infusions made...

nei@turbine> it's not all that great, but it takes the pain out of the first step in the process.

Charley@Turbine> If you select an item, say an arrowhead, and hit the "f" key, it will stack automatically

Charley@Turbine> Not perfect, but it helps a lot.

Charley@Turbine> done

Miles667> Will you fix the Ranking System,( help us out ) its been a year and nobody can hang onto rank 8 let alone higher, It would be easier to have it go off the # of followers instead of a set structure. That way you dont have 600+ followers and are rank 5-6.

Miles667> Instead of rank 9, with the limited # of people per server due to lag issues. The chance of too many rank 9+ people is very minimal. Belag Strongbow- Leafcull

nei@turbine> rank system doesn't seem to be broken to me.

nei@turbine> if you can maintain a rank 8+ allegiance that means something.

nei@turbine> sure the tools aren't there, but i've known 1200+ groups... if they organzied right, they'd hit 10

nei@turbine> *shrug*

nei@turbine> done.

rei@Turbine> We are also kicking around ideas to make maintaining an allegiance easier.

rei@Turbine> Done.

Scutter_0> Well, me first question was jacked so here is one a friend wanted to know. What OS / Platform does AC run on? Hey guys, kudos for the absolute best game I have ever played. Ever. Period. Thanks! -Fizzlus Maximus of HG. (Shouts Paz, Erde, and Ghough!)*GA*

nei@turbine> ac runs on windows.

nei@turbine> color me confused.

nei@turbine> done.

+Chaos@AC> Robz, you're up!

Buffy_Becca> Q: What non combat skills and content are being developed and if you cant tell me that, what do you want to see in the area of noncombat skills and content. ( Petion lets get Sean a nickname . Bring back jesse, devilmouse stinks ;) Done )

rei@Turbine> There are no definite NEW non-combat skills in the pipeline.

rei@Turbine> We add non-combat material all the time (e.g., dresses, pumpkins, etc.)

rei@Turbine> We can't go into future specifics though :)

rei@Turbine> Done.

doh_jhed_con> Q: Can you *permanently* fix the Three Towers Quest in the Dires (the one where the Accolyte opens the portal on its death)? It's almost ALWAYS broken! I've run to the dungeon 5 times since it was put in, and only ONCE was it working...

doh_jhed_con> Every other time, something was broken. In fact just this week, a few of my friends and I were there, all of whom had completed it before, and we couldn't even get into the 2nd tower. We couldn't even complete 2 of the 3 things to get the

doh_jhed_con> dungeon portal open, and all the advocates said "we were told it is NOT broken" even though it clearly was (we'd all done it successfully before, some of us multiple times!). Maybe you'd consider changing it to a regular, dependable portal.

doh_jhed_con> Hail Doh Jheds! Buff the Skulker!! and Down with Sticky!!!!! Done.

Charley@Turbine> We are aware of a bug in that quest, but it's a tricky one. It seems that sometimes if players complete the quest out of order it will confuse some of the mechanics. We're working on a fix, but we have no ETA.

Charley@Turbine> done

Collosis> Can we get a key map option that allows us to put items in the first container after the backpack or last container selected(like the F key works for the main backpack)? Any empty container can be moved to the first slot after the backpack with ease.

Collosis> This would facilitate the speed at which loot can be organized and/or sold, for everyone. Great job on the masks :) and especially the game ;) done

rei@Turbine> It's something worth looking into, certainly.

rei@Turbine> Thanks.

rei@Turbine> Done.

jkircher> Q: Are there any plans for "Seeker" type spells? The existing bolt-style spells work for creatures standing still or charging at you, but are inadequate against targets changing their speed or going after a comrade. Even creatures attacking someone ...

jkircher> else can throw the lead of a "bolt" or "streak". See http://members.home.net/cdrradar/acspellseek.html for an idea on implementation. Don't worry, no java or anything, straight HTML. Suggestion: ...

jkircher> A *hug* social? (Tilt torso and head to the right, bring arms around, left high, right low, lean forward a small amount - just a thought) Ajianta on Frostfell. Done. GA. Whatever.

nei@turbine> no. simple as that.

nei@turbine> done.

ashputtle01> May we please have another way to earn skill points; either through a buy-back, a one-time quest, or simply purchase them with XPs? I love this game, but have too much time invested in this character to reroll. May we please have another way to earn s

ashputtle01> I’ll do what ever it takes to save my sorcerer; a trip to Aerlinthe or the heart of the Obsidian Plains, or even to the Turbine offices with a cooler of beer and a stack of pizzas. (done) I’ll do what ever it takes to save my sorcerer; a trip to Aerlinth

Charley@Turbine> What kind of pizzas?

nei@turbine> i was about to say no... until i saw the part about the beer.

rei@Turbine> There are no current plans to implement that, sorry... we also do encourage creating new characters.

nei@turbine> but no, the only thing i could see are one-time quests for at most a single point or MAYBE two.

rei@Turbine> Done.

nei@turbine> done.

Cravin1414> Are there gonna be anymore new servers and if so think its possible to have a RACE war server where say for instance sho are nonpk to other sho but are pk to the other races and vice versus? This is something me and a few friends would like to see! Done

Crowley@turbine> ewww, race wars, all sorts of creepy connotations there

nei@turbine> especially with our 3 human races...

nei@turbine> eegads.

rei@Turbine> We are not going to have racewar servers :)

Crowley@turbine> as for new servers... I don't think that's our row to hoe

rei@Turbine> Done.

Crowley@turbine> Done

cwpool> I am a level 64 Aluvian female mage without my dagger skill, I am a member of a very large Monarchy 2000+ and have found that many of us females are without our heritage skill...

cwpool> With the new quests: Atlans, Ravenous, Hollow and the new masks we are finding quests useless to us. I hear this is a bug and if it is will you be fixing it? TY GA

rei@Turbine> Hmm, that's a difficult bug....

rei@Turbine> We are looking into what can be done, but it's not an easy situation.

rei@Turbine> Done.

mike_henry> Q: Any ETA on when we are gonna be able to know where a monster hit us? I.E. "Drudge Skulker hits you on your abdomen for 64 points of electrical damage"...that would help alot and add alot more realism...

mike_henry> I would also like to say hi to my awesome monarchy that doesn't care about me, and all my cool friends who just use me as bait...kudos to the guy who designed Soul Fearing Quest...done

rei@Turbine> No ETA, but it's still in our want-to-do-list.

rei@Turbine> Done.

meolas> Competitive ( want to have a shot at montly events and drop ),OVER 3 months,30 bu knife slower then 135 cestus, atlan 2-8 *LMAO*,no doable monster loot weapons,we have waited long enough.what does this all mean, DAGGER... THIS YEAR?????? JUST GET IT DONE.

meolas> done

nei@turbine> well, if that was the "Dagger complaint"...

poll3975> Can Mentors and Items that permanently increase skills be added to the game? ex Raising my Alchemy skill with xp from killing skeletons....

nei@turbine> wait

nei@turbine> go back

nei@turbine> stop

poll3975> Are fleshless jaws clacking alchemy formulae? :) I'd rather quest for secret books on Entarra's Mystical Flying Potion. Such items pour X xp into a skill maybe lvling the char. Usable once/char. Mentors meet you weekly to teach...

+Chaos@AC> Hold on a sec Poll, ok?

poll3975> sure

+Chaos@AC> thanks!

nei@turbine> dagger fix: pt 1 in november... quick fix..

nei@turbine> pt 2 (the interesting one): "after that"

nei@turbine> pt 1 = tweaks to some weapons.

nei@turbine> pt 2 = something that will have other classes crying since dagger got something cooler than them =p

nei@turbine> done.

+Chaos@AC> Okay Nei, thanks :)

+Chaos@AC> Poll go ahead and finish out your question please :)

poll3975> their skill. Each meeting skill may go up by 5 pts. Limit char to 1 mentor, must pay NPC mentors appropriately. Mentor must have skill char & limited # of students. Done properly great use of patrons w/new Mentor skill. Thnx for the game & chat. Done.

+Chaos@AC> thanks!

rei@Turbine> It's a neat concept, probably difficult to balance, and not likely any time soon.

rei@Turbine> Done.

SmokeBuddha> Are there any plans to make Missile Def. a viable skill? Missile Def. is only an 8 credit arcane. I would like to see high lvl monsters shooting hard hitting missiles or the option to sell it back, as it is it is utterly worthless. Thanks for your time.

SmokeBuddha> Koji Miyamoto of Frostfell of TBU Monarchy.

SmokeBuddha> done

nei@turbine> (the conversation is being held presently)

rei@Turbine> It's certainly a good issue ... we'll have to look into it. There aren't current plans but that could always change.

rei@Turbine> Done.

shekoush> Q: r staff users going to get some luv soon? staffers r the only melee users that don't have a quest/special weapon, unarmed have Hammud, sword have SoLL; axe have SoC (u get the idea). pls don't tell me we have the atlan/rav/hollow cuz all melee have'm

shekoush> done

nei@turbine> *coughs something about the atlan...*

nei@turbine> but there's more staffing coming your way shortly.

Crowley@turbine> Staff (and spear!) are getting quest items some time soon

nei@turbine> done.

Crowley@turbine> Done

Fry9> Question: I was wondering if u can improve the platemail?... same burden, and armor level. however improve the protects like the superior helm. The reason i ask this...

Fry9> hang on

Fry9> platemail is ... well... horrible for darktide, and when i thought of knights, and armor, i thought of platemail... i'm not talking about store bought,

Fry9> it could be quest platemail, spread out around the land.... simular to that superior helm... [in difficulty to get, and in protects]

nei@turbine> talk to cheeseman...

nei@turbine> he loves his plate =p

Fry9> done.==== nei@turbine *casts a singular red eye about the room* sounds like og, never saids anything, just looks around.

nei@turbine> there exists plate that has GOOD ele prots...

Crowley@turbine> lol

nei@turbine> the problem is on DT, you'll be dropping it all the time.

nei@turbine> (instead ask for a price reduction in the metal armors.... *Hint*)

nei@turbine> done.

starchboy> Hello, I was wondering if you could add in some type of clothing that you could wear over your armor like a sircoat or a robe or something you could use for guild destinction Done.

rei@Turbine> That's an interesting question that has been kicked around for a very long time (before AC came out actually)

rei@Turbine> However, it is not currently possible.

rei@Turbine> We are not likely to do it any time soon.

rei@Turbine> Done.

+zParaduck> Hello! Do you plan to have a live destruction of a town on Thanksgiving by Giant Turkeys (or similar)?

+zParaduck> They could be 2-3 times as tall as a human and go around in packs stampeding Dereth and causing cahos among the land! A live destruction of towns would be cool! *Imagines seeing a turkey casting War Magic Inept. V on him*

+zParaduck> Stampeding Turkeys.....Turkey Feather Robes =) Chaos in Dereth rules! PS: Note to Sean to check your e-mail. Thanks for these chats and nice updates ^_^ Shootouts to those who asked :p Done

sean@Turbine> Ok, who's been leaking November's event?

Crowley@turbine> I've seen rampaging turkeys in the South Park FPS. Not going to repeat that here.

nei@turbine> turkeys? feh! who needs em when a single bunny can crush a town by himself?

rei@Turbine> Thanksgiving vs. Easter?

nei@turbine> moving along.

Polloc9> what is better against blunt attack.... olthoi helm 230al below, heaume 150al average, or superior helm 100 al above average, ..... [assuming no buffs] .... done

Crowley@turbine> I have some plans for poultry-based loving, but prolly not for Nov

Crowley@turbine> (done)

jason@Turbine> the bunny 0\/\/|\|5 j00!!!

nei@turbine> you want a real answer to that.... hmm... keep the chat going and i'll look it up

nei@turbine> bring up the next one

otakugolem> Will archers be seeing any luff whatsoever? Azile has brought up the idea of arrows that ignore vulns and buffs(ala hollows) yet have a much higher base damage, yet are more readily available than crystal arrows.

otakugolem> Exploding arrows ala Baldurs Gate/bg2? Perhaps arrows that case Slowness other on their target, or freeze the target alltogether for a set amount of time, while the archer switches to a normal type of arrow

otakugolem> And THE OTAKU GOLEM OWNZ j00

otakugolem> done

nei@turbine> yes. next month, archers get "faster"... no more of this "hold on, i need to switch modes... lemme go get a book while i do though..."

nei@turbine> done.

nei@turbine> yes. next month, archers get "faster"... no more of this "hold on, i need to switch modes... lemme go get a book while i do though..."

nei@turbine> done.

Dragonbaitorg> My question is on the new quest items being so high value and drop on death. Is there any plans on making these items (crystal quest stuff/island quest stuff) no drop or lowering the value so they don't drop everytime?...

Dragonbaitorg> i.e. It takes alot of work to get these items and with lag, disconnects, unrecoverable bodys a weeks work can be lost in a few moments. Hi everyone on Thisledown. ga

Crowley@turbine> Well, I'm definitely not going to make the items no-drop-on-death

Crowley@turbine> I may do other things to tweak them to make them "better" but they will be minor changes.

Crowley@turbine> Quest items are by no means meant to be the best items you could ever get.

Crowley@turbine> I'll see about making them drop a wee bit less on death, tho

Crowley@turbine> Done

Akye> I'd like to give a shout-out to all the people who use the word "carebear" and "Dorktide" to all the people that whine about Mages being Nerfed, to all the people still whining about dagger (it's coming in November, just wait) to all the people who say UI

Akye> Changes are so easy to make and then whine about alchemy being so time consuming (if the UI changes are so "easy" then it should be "Easy" for you to make a fletching macro) to all the people who attack devs on the dev board, You have the best set of Devs

Akye> Any MMORPG has had to date, and probably will ever have for a long time looking at the drivel that the mass marketeers have planned for us consumers over the coming years. Thank you all for ruining this game, plese sign the guestbook on your way out. Do

+Chaos@AC> I missed the question in there Akye

nei@turbine> there was none, he was being sweet.

+Chaos@AC> Elvis, you're up

Evil_Elvis_> Hello. I'm wondering if their is a quest timer for a person getting the Ashen keys that lady Aerfalle drops (like virindi masks or chorizite).

Evil_Elvis_> The other day we did the quest, and the person with the key ended up dying. We are probably going to redo the quest tomorrow, but we want the person who died to get the key again.

Evil_Elvis_> If their's a timer, we'll just wait a few more days, otherwise we can go ahead with our schedule. PS: while fixing shendolain stuff, take the drop-on-death flag off aerlinth items. Thanks.

rei@Turbine> Yes, a week (from Stormy)

rei@Turbine> Done.

Saffron_Dusk> pr0tal to Teth? No really. A very quick, technical question. Are there any plans to change the way requirements work on magic items? (The same MeleeD and MissileD values are assigned to similar items, yet Missile is inherently lower).

nei@turbine> btw, to the helm question vs bludgeon, ohelm and sup helm are worse than the 150 base stock

Saffron_Dusk> Therefore, most high-level items with MissileD reqs are unusable. Best game I ever played by the way. And Akye's right. To all the whiners, you got the best bunch of people in the business working for the game.

Saffron_Dusk> Shouts to the CoD IRC crew and the Crossroads Consortium. 40 acres and 4 mules, pre-owned. EpiK still sucks. Lin wants Pirate shields that scream Yarr! Done.

nei@turbine> oh yeah, so this came up awhile back in a .de chat, i think... looked into it.

nei@turbine> there's currently no difference between how missile/meleeD/melee diffs are calculated.

nei@turbine> if it's a weapon it gets the value, if it's armor-ish, it picks missile or meleeD and tags the number in.

nei@turbine> *scratches head* i suppose it could be changed... *launches official bug thingie into the matter*

nei@turbine> done

nei@turbine> oh yeah, so this came up awhile back in a .de chat, i think... looked into it.

nei@turbine> there's currently no difference between how missile/meleeD/melee diffs are calculated.

nei@turbine> if it's a weapon it gets the value, if it's armor-ish, it picks missile or meleeD and tags the number in.

nei@turbine> *scratches head* i suppose it could be changed... *launches official bug thingie into the matter*

nei@turbine> done

+Chaos@AC> hdlowrider? ga

hdlowrider2k> Q: The healing skill, could it be re-evalutated?

hdlowrider2k> I believe that it's the only skill that is difficulty based off of a current stat (ie current health). Could it be possible to make the skill checks vs the kind of kit you're using instead of your current health?

hdlowrider2k> Props to everyone at Turbine/MS for the work that they do

hdlowrider2k> done

rei@Turbine> Thanks... we are not likely to change healing at this point in time.

nei@turbine> no.... heal often and heal well!

rei@Turbine> Suggest raising your healing skill... and healing before your health goes down significantly.

nei@turbine> however: the speed at which the animation plays out....

nei@turbine> *does out speed to the archers and healers of dereth*

nei@turbine> done.

Dreadman7> Q: Can you make it where if for example you hit hotkey "#7" 2 times, the healing kit that is in hotkey "#7" goes ahead and targets yourself for a heal.

Dreadman7> Everybody wants more hotkeys, well this would at least eliminate the need to have a bag of yourself on a hotkey so you can heal yourself easily. Plus it's easier to hit the same number twice rather than say.. 7+8.

Dreadman7> Maces are too heavy and they don't even have the highest damage! (And a waazaaaap to all the "folks" under Hellhawk!) GA!

rei@Turbine> Hmm, thanks for the idea, but I don't think it fits into the UI design.

rei@Turbine> Done.

LionHe4rt> Q: where can I find the holy hand gernade? - the Great White Rabbit must attone for his murders! Oh, been playing since beta.. addictive game, I love it, getting bored of olthoi vault, can you make me a grivver vault? how bout melee d to dodge magic?=)

LionHe4rt> oh and where's our 1 key restock =)?

LionHe4rt> ga

nei@turbine> the bunny ate it.

nei@turbine> done.

Drakkar77> How about something that allows us to click a button, in the shop, and top off the spell comps to a predetermined amount we set at an earlier time? It allready keeps track of how many of each comp we have. How much harder would it be to subtract what we

Drakkar77> have from the total we want and add that number to the buy tab? If we had the right amount of pyreals needed of course. This would greatly increase speed for everyone buying comps, including fighters, and especialy DT Ppl. I'm not from DT btw. Done

rei@Turbine> I'm not a coder, but it doesn't sound trivial. I think we are more likely to use that dev time toward communication improvement coding.

rei@Turbine> Thanks.

rei@Turbine> Done.

sarasbaby> Question: Is there a chance we will ever get to see anything like the original matty robes or pre-patch greater shadow armor again...Perhaps a different kind of armor or robe but with some of the original quality?

sarasbaby> At times I feel my character was too young to quest for these items and now they are gone forever. :-(

sarasbaby> Thanks for your time and a big shout goes out to my patron Psion, Barthon Steelhammer, James Knighthawk, Poi, Cirvol, and my bro Arakk (I just know I forgot someone)! WOOT! - Zenaph on Leafcull Done.

rei@Turbine> No, there's a reason they are gone forever :)

nei@turbine> no.

rei@Turbine> Done.

nei@turbine> hoory robes 4 evah!

+Chaos@AC> DarkMarcus, ga

muleme> Any chance armor will be useful at high levels anytime soon? Every person above island level wears a robe variant or GSA due to buff time and elemental protection weaknesses in everything above studded leather (and its still poor for the most part)

muleme> If there is Plate with GOOD elemental protects, I don't have time to camp the overlord for weeks to get it, then loose it to my sorry ISPs discons. BTW 2 skill point would ungimp my pre-spec patch archer nicely. DONE

nei@turbine> i like my armor more than a robe, but that's cause i wear snazzy armor with critter spells so i don't sit around buffing all day long =p

nei@turbine> if you like your robe, keep it -- but i don't think you're going to get any 1 piece easy buff uber armor.

nei@turbine> done.

Rissa_> Hello, Is there anyway to make AC compatible for colorblind players? i.e. buying tapers, talismen, anything that involves a color related purchase? Not to mention trying keep up with a colorblind player in a fellowship; friend vs foe...

Rissa_> There are alot of players with this problem and it is a pain for them and a pain for those who try to play with them. They tend to go with the monsters more often than thier fellows. Thanks ...Done

rei@Turbine> Very good question....

ken@turbine> As a color blind player myself, I feel your pain...

ken@turbine> there have been discussions about being able to let players alter their colors on the radar screen...but this would be in the far future if at all

ken@turbine> We are also looking at ways to help people help their comrades in the fellowships

ken@turbine> which might address some of those other concerns

ken@turbine> done

BigPigg> Is there any way you can allow players to check the last time a quest was completed? I’ll tell you my recent scenario. - “Okay guys, we’ve spent the last 8 hours doing the Aerlinthe quest, time to use this key on the Lady’s chest and get some pHat l3wt

BigPigg> and that sweet robe! ..Umm.. guys there’s no robe here.” Well dude…someone got it 3 days ago at 5 am, weren’t you online to get the message? That robe only spawns once per week, duh you shoulda known." --- Let me tell ya’ it can really ruin your day.

BigPigg> Also… If Part 2 of “Dagger Love” is backstab (I’m willing to bet my mules on it) I really hope you are taking into consideration: level 20 dagger player + Oswald’s + BSD + 3 hours buffed by a friend = level 35 dagger. Done

nei@turbine> gimme your mules... it's not backstab =p

nei@turbine> so what server do i pick them up on?

nei@turbine> *chatter commences about making the quest table available to players*

nei@turbine> "we'll look into it"

nei@turbine> done.

RapturePoe> i would just like to say that i want the tremendous monougas back. becouse i want an enemy that is reall really big!!!i also want more quests for armor(that arent as hard as the shadow armor quest):)THIS GAME IS AWESOME!(and adictive)

nei@turbine> sheesh, no one ever loves paul.

nei@turbine> done

rei@Turbine> Thanks ... we'd like to get them back in, too, down the road :)

rei@Turbine> Done.

S_Chip> Hi! Im Subedei from DT and i want to know if their are any plans to make melee combat charecters more interesting to use, rather than making them autoattack slaves.

S_Chip> Mages gotta buff, and debuff, and drain...Melees just kinda wack wack wack wack....rinse..repeat..etc...

S_Chip> If I had it my way id have turbine create schematics and releae drivers for interefacing a Nintendo Power Pad (TM) controller for AC and forcing all melees to jump repeatadly on the A button to attack. That would sure make things ionteresting, Poor Zeke

S_Chip> In any case, Shoutz ta #dnn and the dt crew...this is the telesubby signing off.

nei@turbine> temuchin is a n00b killa

nei@turbine> there actually is stuff on the "kinda far radar" for making combat more interesting...

nei@turbine> but that's the "Far" radar....

nei@turbine> done.

S_Chip> Hi! Im Subedei from DT and i want to know if their are any plans to make melee combat charecters more interesting to use, rather than making them autoattack slaves.

S_Chip> Mages gotta buff, and debuff, and drain...Melees just kinda wack wack wack wack....rinse..repeat..etc...

S_Chip> If I had it my way id have turbine create schematics and releae drivers for interefacing a Nintendo Power Pad (TM) controller for AC and forcing all melees to jump repeatadly on the A button to attack. That would sure make things ionteresting, Poor Zeke

S_Chip> In any case, Shoutz ta #dnn and the dt crew...this is the telesubby signing off.

nei@turbine> temuchin is a n00b killa

nei@turbine> there actually is stuff on the "kinda far radar" for making combat more interesting...

nei@turbine> but that's the "Far" radar....

nei@turbine> done.

Crowley@turbine> Bah. I like being an intellectual lightweight when I melee.

Crowley@turbine> Done

JimDaisy> *I Love Babe! *Licks his lips* Q: Is there a "key economy" for sturdy iron keys? I've recieved a lot of flak over how many i've collected so far. Being accused of slowing down the spawn rate of sturdy iron keys by keeping so many out of circulation :/

JimDaisy> Thanks guys, fun game! GA

nei@turbine> no key economy

nei@turbine> keep em all.. hoard em...

nei@turbine> amass huge piles and dole them out like an evil overlord.

rei@Turbine> Have auctions.

nei@turbine> done.

chimchim_1> Q: Have you thought about making "cool" quest stuff rather than "uber" quest stuff? I mean like an orb that makes a mist appear around your body or mirror images you etc. I think a lot of players would like neato things like this...(more)

chimchim_1> ..and you dont have to worry about cries of unbalancing, crappy items etc...oh and Vajras & Dhaalamar of FF wants to know wtf "ga" means? ;) GO TITANS!

rei@Turbine> Actually, yes.

cardell@turbine> Well, the masks were intended to be "cool".

nei@turbine> my dress is cool...

Crowley@turbine> (ga means go ahead)

cardell@turbine> And somewhat useful. I sincerely hope to continue the string of "cool" items, and to be truthful, they kind of started with the shields that you could get with the Soul Crystals.

jason@Turbine> my dress feels cool on my ...censored...

rei@Turbine> The pumpkins aren't really a quest but I think they look cool.

cardell@turbine> Hopefully, this trend will continue, for though quest items are not the best, they are unique.

cardell@turbine> done.

ChardCorpse> Q: can you tell us if there is an AC2 and if so a little about it and why is there nothing on your web page?

ChardCorpse> I've seen some news about an asherons call II on a dutch web page. It was hard to translate but it was definatly about AC2 and I thouhgt I read something about being able to eport/import charictors from AC1.

Charley@Turbine> Neither Turbine nor Microsoft have announced anything about the possibility of follow-on projects.

Charley@Turbine> So there's nothing we can comment on here.

Charley@Turbine> Done

_hbd_> Seeings as the Ashen Key has a Quest Timer to be re-picked up... If you were to loot the key and then recall out then die on the mainland, would you be able to loot it from your own corpse?? That would make the 'Always-drop' tag suck even more then it

_hbd_> does as it is now... Comment Aerfalles Pallium spawns once a week? ahahahaha PS: Hire me for my designing wits :/

rei@Turbine> You would not be able to pick it up, no. (from Stormy)

rei@Turbine> Done.

DoS_CoRpSe> I was wondering if Turbine had a intrest in having a IRC Server? for allegainces so that we can better recruit and add more fun to the game, small dev chats at descrection of the Dev Team, and just everyday stuff so that we can set-up quests and stuff.

DoS_CoRpSe> I can have one set up in Westwood, MA on a Dedicated T1, if you have a intrest please icq me @ 22584677 or Email CoRpSe69@Bellatlantic.net In a Nutshell, it would be a easy and effective way for guilds to communicate

DoS_CoRpSe> and Staff to help out without being in game for other questions, if you arent familar with IRC, I can better explain at anouther time, but I belive it would be a valuable asset to the game. Thanks. - The Lord CoRpSe - LeafCull

Charley@Turbine> Um, this really isn't the right forum for a sales pitch. If you think you'd be a good addition to the team here, please check out www.turbinejobs.com and/or send a resume to our HR department.

Charley@Turbine> done

Zero_Blade> Hey great game,Q: I was just wondering why whenever you put a Major Atlan Stone into an Atlan Claw the stone looks blue. GA

nei@turbine> *scampers off to VSS to diff some files*

nei@turbine> oh, because i'm not calling the right color file =p

nei@turbine> consider me checking out and fixing that now...

nei@turbine> la la la

nei@turbine> done.

Aftershock23> Is there going to be any attempt at making other melee skills or weapons (Not UA) a little more uber? Or is the #1P of dagger also for other melee weaps? (First time asker, long time whiner) More...

sean@Turbine> Fastest bug-fix in history! Go Nei!

Aftershock23> Axe is the only weapon that comes close to UA and even it dosen't have all dmg types (That pick axe is kinda weak for an axe). I have been debating over making a new character but knowing they will always be competing...

nei@turbine> who says dev chats don't get anything fixed?

Aftershock23> with the latest uber UA template is annoying to say the least. And please don't say that I should play the character I want to, the servers are too crowded to do my own thing (Not your fault, but should be a factor)

nei@turbine> dagger then mace then done with the real weapon balance.

nei@turbine> further things can come in the form of content tweaks, but nothing major

nei@turbine> done.

SirSmokeAlot> Plz make swords higher base 8-16 isnt cutting it Im level 43 swords and every other melee skill of my level beats me to kills for any type of monster....there are barely any rapiers out there and a lvl30 UA can take a lvl43 swordsmens kills easy :)

SirSmokeAlot> also make backpacks 2 times the size im sick of 2 bags of charges and 2 bags of components :-p also we should have a "chaos" pk server where everyone starts at lvl 50 with good equipment and monsters invade towns daily

SirSmokeAlot> ......Buff the swords!!!! thats all thanks :) btw you guys ALL rule!! Shout out to massive , zol , karandras, wildfire, elb , gravlin, and all the gang on HG!! -Gandelf

nei@turbine> see the previous answer

nei@turbine> done.

TRA_JK_Racoon19> Q: Would it be possible to implement Amuli/Koujia/Celdon plated robes?

TRA_JK_Racoon19> I.E. AL 10 amuli, AL 20 Koujia, and AL 30 celdon robes with their previous forms protections.

nei@turbine> no.

TRA_JK_Racoon19> Buff the Oak Drudge! Sometimes it seems like it's not even fighting back ;( Oh and some guy says "Mad props to Pookie", Kuhbr Bohay lvl 40 sword...Done

rei@Turbine> No plated robes.

rei@Turbine> Done....

AirmailMars> No question, just two quick requests to make life easier: larger stacks for stam/health/mana potions (say, 50), and an extra column in the components tab (where totals are listed) listing the number of peas you have

AirmailMars> for the component (peas are really cool!). Thanks all. Ash Golembane, TD. done.

nei@turbine> the pea listing isn't far off...

nei@turbine> done.

jason@Turbine> neither is the lunch lister

nei@turbine> *goes to fix the claws*

Sin_Samash> Will we ever be able to use 2 weapons at the same time? 1 weapon per hand (i.e., 2 daggers, dagger/katar, etc...) I'd like to know if I would be wasting my time collecting 2 weapons for just such an event. I'm carrying too much now!

Sin_Samash> The trade off being more attacks, but less defense (no shield). Is my weapon saving useless? done

rei@Turbine> No plans are in the works for this right now, sorry.

rei@Turbine> I think Sean would kill us if we wanted to do that anyway ;)

rei@Turbine> Done.

sean@Turbine> Grrrrrrr.

jason@Turbine> so would teh UI team..

Sobe7> Will there be any attempts to move the dires crowd around in the next patch? Every level 30-45 and their roommate hunts in Teth or Wei Jhou. Ayan was ok but it's unsummonable and everything (save the rabbit) is in Wei Jhou (BSD - Metos)

Sobe7> BTW Fix the stone tool on FF all the silver rats are laughing as they crit me for 70 a hit with purple MSA L. GA

rei@Turbine> In the next patch? No.

rei@Turbine> Done.

Joreallean> Will you take a look at the xp reduction code? I have experienced xp loss when fighting Lugians and using the side step dodging of thier rocks. I calculated that I had to eat about 50% of the rocks to get full xp for the beastie.

Joreallean> Shouts out to the Twixle, Vladeron, and RJ on FF! EpiK Rulez! VIKINGS 6-0 BABY!

Crowley@turbine> booo Vikings

rei@Turbine> (Note for Sobe7: you might find some more fun stuff tho)

Joreallean> My understanding is this type of dodging wasn't supposed to be affected by the patch

Joreallean> Done

ken@turbine> We'll take a look at it...I fight rock heaving lugies all day and certainly havent noticed any xp reduction, but its something we can peer into

ken@turbine> done

JRPascucci> Regarding Randomness:SIK loot,mob loot and trophies appear to have a non-random component to their spawn:Is this the case, does loot quality entropy over time,or does camping change loot,or are trophys more likely in different parts of the world?

JRPascucci> Supporting Claim: SIK drops appear to come in clumps. Everyone has hunted Frags for hours and gotten nothing, and we have all taken a swipe at a passing frag and gotten a drop. SI chests will have many _many_ bad rolls, and on a different day ...

JRPascucci> two good ones in a row. Additionally, Loot in general seems to have gone downhill. Fizzle and Burn rates seem to have similar behaviors: Related? Done. GA

rei@Turbine> It is not the case.

rei@Turbine> Though I know some people here are cursed with terrible mote luck, and some seem to find them everywhere....

rei@Turbine> There might be an issue with some random number generation, but certainly nothing like entropy over time.

rei@Turbine> Done.

mmj15> Will there ever be a lifestone portal spell put in the game any time soon? That would help out all those people with no item enchantment skill so much, and makes getting around on Dereth ALOT easier! Thanks! -Kozah of Frostfell P.S. Masks are WAY too big!

mmj15> done

nei@turbine> foiled... to check this claw thing, i have to fire up my server and that's not happening while the chat is running.

ken@turbine> There are no current plans to add more ls/portal spells, although additional portal circles are being discussed

ken@turbine> done

EBWolfMiG> Could you add a spell to cast on wands that give a +% to magic defense? like defender gives a +% to melee defense on a weapon.

nei@turbine> no, this would be horribly powerful in many situations.

nei@turbine> done.

LifeguardAC> Please consider this: Double the time for buff spells, leave debuff at the current duration. The ratio of time spent buffing/fighting is too high right now and this would benefit everyone not just mages.

LifeguardAC> Splitters and Peas are awesome! As an incentive: I'm the General Manager of a Domino's and I bet I could arrange some pizzas... Shouts out to Nakita and Ghede and the rest of the Empyrean Guard!!! -Archeron GA

nei@turbine> if you don't like buffing: either buff less or get more items to buff for you.

nei@turbine> you don't need uber-buffs all day long.

nei@turbine> done.

Skitsoprenic> Hello :) My comment/question regards the xp/skill point curve at levels 60+, and its effects. As you probably know, after level 60/65, every single class type has hit 'the wall'. This is where the difference between levels is slim to none. Major skills/at

Skitsoprenic> one sec, copying/pasting

Skitsoprenic> Hello :) My comment/question regards the xp/skill point curve at levels 60+, and its effects. As you probably know, after level 60/65, every single class type has hit 'the wall'. This is where the difference between levels is slim to none. Major skills/at

Skitsoprenic> argh

Crowley@turbine> lol

Skitsoprenic> Major skills/attributes cost 2-3mil/point. Have you, Turbine, considered that you decrease this curve, for the following reasons... Major skills/attributes cost 2-3mil/point. Have you, Turbine, considered that you decrease this curve, for the following

Skitsoprenic> ...1)Bigger difference in levels. In the level 20-45 range, the difference between a single level is quite large. You can truly see an increase in your abilities during that level. Past 50, you only see differences every 5-10 levels.

+Chaos@AC> there ya go :) Remember next time to list the question first :)

rei@Turbine> Yes, we have thought about it, no current plans.

rei@Turbine> Done.

Shaliar> Will you ever place a "cap" on the amount of experience points it takes to raise an attribute, trained skill, or specialized skill one additional point? Please help, it now cost my fighter 5 mil to raise my strength one point. GA

rei@Turbine> It ties in with the above.

rei@Turbine> No current plans to significantly change it, given the rate at which XP can be earned at high levels....

rei@Turbine> Done.

chozen317> my question concerns the way the defenses work the higher melee and missle d gets the less damage u recieve & the more u evade why does magic d seemed flawed in this, it only ups odds to resist not lower damage, that is not right it should be fixed more..

chozen317> Can we atleast see the math go down from will+focus/7 to /4 or /3 mad shots to my mastah fletching mule made top ten for alchemy in TD and love to Enclave Sho-Zen X

chozen317> Bring the hoary back for on month please just wanna watch the dumbies who paid 300 for em on ebay cry Done;-)

nei@turbine> no, magic D isn't going to be made any easier formula wise.

nei@turbine> take away high monsters ability to hit you with magic and then the only option to dmg players is hollow... and do you really want that?

nei@turbine> done.

_AoA_Kiler> About how long till we see lvl 7 and 8 spells introduced into the game now that peoples skills are getting high enough to cast them? =) and nei you got 0\/\/|\|E|) By The Light and the Dark ;) DT 4 Life (Done)

nei@turbine> you got A LONG TIME before you see 8s...

nei@turbine> not as long for 7s.

nei@turbine> *trash talk: The dark and light haven't ever owned me =p*

nei@turbine> done.

Janos_Lin> Will the shadow armor ever go up in al again, possibly to it's pre patch status, or better than pre patch? 2 comments, PLEASE make the entire SoCS quest repeatable! Also, make it possible to put the black fire stone in the shadow armor and get a huge gain

Janos_Lin> in al and prots. Maybe make the post patch GSA to to al 230 from 150, and above average in all. The black stone is hard to obtain and would be worthwhile for those who had it.

Janos_Lin> done

nei@turbine> shadow armor is as is and as will be. move along, there's nothing to see here.

Crowley@turbine> I don't ever want to touch Shadow Armor again.

Crowley@turbine> Done

nei@turbine> done.

+Chaos@AC> Psycho86, ga

+Chaos@AC> Holy_Dragon. ga

GoD_FiNiXX> I wanna know when will u fix the bug with portaling its just insain im portaling and im hitting a monster with a lvl 1 spell,thats how long it takes we dont need the animation,also can u make some thing about pk timer that says when u can go npk after

GoD_FiNiXX> kill,Also u should make more quest for lower lvl people not some junky ones like some thing they good they can use till they reach a high lvl and will be able to get ther own items done. Isokilla FF shouts to Mac D ani nerf CW and all my firelion homies

GoD_FiNiXX> done

nei@turbine> um..

nei@turbine> erm.

rei@Turbine> Portaling is not just a gratuitous animation.

ken@turbine> Don't really understand the first part of the question, but I think October has a lot of stuff for lower levels to do, quest wise

rei@Turbine> It's also real live loading time.

rei@Turbine> Done.

Arcanine4> Are there ever going to be decent quest armor that you don't have to kill enemies the eat most people for breakfast? GSA is the only quest armor that I know of and that is almost

Arcanine4> impossible until higher levels. Great game, I love the new masks and dresses. Oh and Hello out there to all the Illuminati of Morningthaw reading this, from Starlet. :) Done GA

Crowley@turbine> If you want really cool armor, I wouldn't rely on quests to do it, because as a rule quest items should not be better than what is available through the loot-o-matic.

Crowley@turbine> Having said that, we're certainly going to put out some other quest armor in the future. There are no hard and fast plans for it as yet.

Crowley@turbine> Done

Granrot> Will it ever be possible to specialize skills post creation, say at a specific level? I suggest that you should be able to specialize freely (if you have enough skill credits) as soon as you hit level 100...

Granrot> This would motivate mid - high level characters like me (im almost 90 now), with designflaws to continue playing instead of starting over or selling on ebay. And please think more/faster about the skill cost cap, focus and self are at 11M each now. done

nei@turbine> no. no post-creation spec'ing.

nei@turbine> done.

DTrmn8r1> Hi all! I love the game, only beef is about sword. I have played every other char type, and tested extensively with friends of similar weapon skill, sword just does not compete. Is there any desparatley needed love coming for sword? Sword IS unpowered.

DTrmn8r1> can it at least be looked at?

nei@turbine> see the previous 2 answers...

nei@turbine> dagger then mace then done.

nei@turbine> done.

Kethlas_WIG> Q: Any hope that archers with 250+ bow skill might have a better then even chance of hitting a moving target? Now, archers have a difficult time hitting a target that is manuevering wildly. (eg. monster chassing a buddy, melee pk chassing a buddy).

Kethlas_WIG> Kudos on the masks! GA

nei@turbine> we're not going to change the pathing code for people of a given skill level... if we had the time (we don't) to improve pathing, it would be for anything missile-y (war, arrows, THROWN WEAPONS!, etc)...

nei@turbine> done.

Dasterdly> What are the spawn rates for the Aerlinthe Island quest items? *Waves to everyone in The Knights of Dasterdly Allegiance on Morningthaw!* The best group of people anywhere! Great Game Turbine! Get on with the housing and liege tools please. GA

rei@Turbine> Depends on the item... some only come once per cycle.

rei@Turbine> "The ones in the chest respawn very quickly"

rei@Turbine> So... it very much depends on the item.

rei@Turbine> Done.

+Chaos@AC> Dadown will be our last caller of the evening.

dadown> Will thown weapons ever be as effective as other weapons? While there have been some cute additions recently, they are still a joke compared to the power of other weapons. In particular, they are far too heavy compared to arrows, etc. done.

nei@turbine> an excellent ending question!

nei@turbine> one day, thrown weapons will be too powerful and cries of "nerf!" will fill the boards.

+Chaos@AC> Thank you all for attending this month's AC Dev Chat! Hope to see you all at the next one!! Special thank you

nei@turbine> but as to when that is....

nei@turbine> well... um... not for awhile.

nei@turbine> done.

+Chaos@AC> Sorry Nei

+Chaos@AC> sticky fingers

rei@Turbine> Thanks to everyone :)

rei@Turbine> Have a good night!

+Chaos@AC> Thank you to our great Turbine guests for being here to answer your questions!!!

nei@turbine> btw, have i ever told you about my good buddy shollos?

rei@Turbine> uh oh.

sean@Turbine> Night all. (Nitol?)

nei@turbine> you know... some people can really PK, but others... i mean come on, shollos...

sean@Turbine> Gotta go watch Law and Order now.

Crowley@turbine> uh, lemme give a shout-out to Pookie and *sigh* to Arcrist

Charley@Turbine> Gotta go level my mage :) Thanks for coming everyone :)

Crowley@turbine> (mind you, Arcrist is not some buddy of mine or anything)

nei@turbine> you think if anyone could regulate, it would be shollos, but i heard this nasty rumour coming from sawato that shollos was pre-owned.

sean@Turbine> TaperBowling's chat room - HI!

rei@Turbine> And a big thank-you to Chaos!

Crowley@turbine> thanks for coming y'all

sean@Turbine> Chaos RULZ!

sean@Turbine> Chaos keeps Order!

nei@turbine> *ponders the coming -m...*

Crowley@turbine> oh, and a shout-out to Roscoe's House of Chicken 'n Waffles, best fried chicken on the west coast

nei@turbine> *bides his time*

sean@Turbine> (Watches to see what mischief Devilmouse has in store to wind down the evening)

Crowley@turbine> Nei, you ain't going on for three hours with your little rodent hallucinations this time, cause I wanna go home soon.

rei@Turbine> *sigh* They're waiting for a nei soliloquy?

nei@turbine> no home, only redness

rei@Turbine> Go home and say hi to your SOs if you got one.

nei@turbine> *cleans his nails*

Crowley@turbine> about time...

A Gathering of Monsters - From the Zone

October 27, 2000

“What have you there?” his partner, Cuthbert, asked.

“A crudely written note, barely legible.” Cuthbert squinted at the scribbled words. “Go to big tree place,” he quoted. “Get swamp-stinkers to follow you, make big wanga on humans! Written in Banderling.”

Strong breeds of creatures have long been known to bully lesser ones. Consider the reed sharks many Tumeroks train as “guard dogs.” Banderlings, then, may have learned to do the very same. From somewhere in Osteth, reports have come of Mosswarts gathered under the banner of Banderling camp chieftains.  

Far more troubling may well be word of similar activities taking place on the Obsidian Plain. There, Virindi Masters are said to be marshalling Hollow Minions, Tusker Guards, and Drudge Raveners into fearsome legions.

One must wonder what sinister implications lie behind these reports, of stronger creatures training weaker. To better defend themselves. . . or to better assault humanity? Then, must not these training camps be stopped, at any cost?  

Those hunters looking for greater numbers of kills -- and resulting high rewards in experience -- would do well to seek out the monster training camps. The six currently in Osteth will surely prove a formidable task for any mid-level party of heroes. The four, far more dangerous camps in the Direlands, however, should not be faced by any but the most veteran of groups. While the dangers of these training camps continue to threaten the land, the work of such hunters is more in need than ever. To refuse the challenge is but to bring risk to all!

“The suggestion that creatures now organize against us heroes?”

Permabuff Bug to be Fixed - From the Zone

October 30, 2000

At this time, we are aware that a bug exists in the game allowing players to permanently buff (that is, to raise the attributes through spells of) their items. This bug will be fixed shortly, and will be retroactive; items affected by this bug will lose the positive effects of the bug.

In the meantime, as with any bug, please bear in mind that this is an untested aspect of the game. Players utilizing the bug's effects do so at their own risk. As such, they may find that exploiting this bug will result in undesirable permanent effects.

As always, our highest concern is players' enjoyment of the game. We do apologize for any inconvenience this bug fix may cause. However, the bug was never intended to be a feature of the game, and its removal will help even game play for all players. Be sure to check the State of the Code and State of the Network for further word on this important issue.

Annals of Dereth

The Asheron's Call Newsletter October 2000 (#11)

	Annals of Dereth

In this issue: 1 -- OUR SAGA THUS FAR 2 -- MAJOR EVENTS       HOLLOW VICTORY            Xarabydun            On Dresses, Jack-o'-Lanterns, and Masks       SECRETS OF THE QUESTS       TOP 10 LISTS       LATEST DEV CHAT 3 -- COMMUNITY HERALD       THE ALLEGIANCE HALL       RELATED LINKS       PLAYER CHRONICLES       PORTAL SPACED 4 -- GAME TIPS

ANNALS OF DERETH The Asheron's Call Newsletter October 2000 Play it on the Zone! http://zone.msn.com/asheronscall

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Welcome to the Annals of Dereth, the newsletter for the Asheron's Call online role-playing game! We bring you this bulletin every month to give you a wide view on Dereth's evolving community, events, and features.

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1 -- OUR SAGA THUS FAR...

3 -- COMMUNITY HERALD

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