July, 2002 - Loot!
You've probably noticed the new weapons with 325 skill requirements.
I also believe Major Aptitude items are becoming more
frequently found. I've never
found anything other than minors since I started playing this game, but
today I killed 3 Titus
Lugians near Ayan and got a Amuli Coat with 181AL,
Major Spear Aptitude, Rank 5, dif 10, Melee D 176+. I know
Titus are the
toughest of their breed, but
I've never found anything near that quality of
loot. I also found a 4-14 damage nekode with +8% and +13% with
a 325 skill requirement.
I'm a level 49 archer who doesn't hunt much outside of Sanctuary, but that
kind of loot off of a Titus Lugian tells me that either the loot has gotten
way better or I was just the luckiest person of the day in
Dereth.
Eightball of Wrath IV - Thistledown
Level 49 Archer/Mage
Hi Eightball of Wrath IV -
The entire treasure
system has indeed been tweaked. Details can be found in
July's Letter to the Players!
- Maggie the Jackcat
July, 2002 - Callous
Heart
Hi Maggie!:)
First, thx for a great site:)
I have now played AC for 2 years, and
I have used
your site very much.
And for all those who say that a melee can't
do callous heart solo... I did it
:). Heh.
I used about 50 elixirs...
but still I
made it... so now I have health...
329 buffed. :)
Sincerely,
Jacques Starck of MT
Hi Jacques Starck -
Maybe we should just say *some* melees can't do callous heart solo. (Like
me! ;-) Congrats on your successful run!
- Maggie the Jackcat
July, 2002 - Changes
in Creature AI
Dear Maggie,
Let me start off (as always) by saying how much I love your site. Thanks for
making the ACPL pictures available as well; looked like everyone had tons of
fun. As a side note, please meet up with me in a dark alleyway of your
choice and make sure you have all your Beta account details on you. I
promise I won't hurt you. *grin*
Anyway, I am sending you a copy of a post I made on our Guild's message
boards (The Rangers of Dereth) concerning the seemingly changed spawn
density and creature AI. Hope this information helps!
I have not noticed any density changes, either on Vesayen near Cathedral or
in the South Dires near the Emissary.
What I have noticed, however, are two changes:
1) The respawn rate for critters on the Vesayen
Isles seemed to be much higher,
especially for the undead. I would kill a group, run away from them, and
before the spawn point even left my compass range there was a respawn. I am
not completely sure about this, however, might just be my faulty perception.
2) Creature AI has definitely changed, at least I can confirm this for
Sclavus and Undead near the Cathedral on Vesayen. Whereas their usual strategy
was to fire War spells and debuff you from afar and only run up to you after
a while, their current attack pattern is just the reverse. That is, they run
up to you first and then let off their fireworks display. Be aware of that
when you take your archers over there to hunt. :)
Cheers,
Alseyn T'seif
Rangers of Dereth - WE
Hi Alseyn T'seif -
Thanks for the info! In addition to the Vesayens, the Obsidian Plains have
definitely changed as well. They are the treacherous death traps of old, the
land of 40% vitae and permanent item loss! Whoo-hoo!
- Maggie the Jackcat
July, 2002 - Idle
Speculation
I know that your webpage is a place for hard information -- it's not a public
forum :P And I'm not trying to get this published -- I just wondered what
*you* thought of this possibility: since there is a portal to Ispar on top
of Gaerlan's... whatever it is, do you think that maybe Martine will finally
have a chance to go back home?
I'm guessing this from 1) the information on your page about the Ispar
Portal -- I could never live long enough to go see for myself!
and 2)
Martine is now being given a chance to "reform," it seems, and I'm hoping
that the Devs would be kind enough to give Martine's story a HAPPY ending if
possible. What could be better than Martine going home, after all these
years? Of course, I don't know how his wife would handle seeing a Humarindi
running up to her for a hug and a kiss, but... at least he could find out
what happened to her. That would be good, right?
Anyway... I bet you 2 pyreal that Martine is gonna at least TRY to go
through that portal!
Agent Blank of FF
Level 18 Pest
Hi Agent Blank -
I've always liked that Martine character, one of my faves. I'd be ok either
way, with an unhappy or happy ending. He reminds me of the tragic Greek
hero, his own misfortunes self-wrought by his own hand, his willingness to
walk away from his happiness with Melaney and Arrita to heed the call. At least
he has finally acknowledged that he had a choice and he made the wrong one.
Odysseus made it home, just in the nick of time. Maybe Martine will do the
same. Or maybe he'll get there too late! Melaney will be dead, or remarried,
or worse, and his daughter will be unforgiving with a heart of stone. And in
therapy! And even the dog hates him!
Of course he could dive through
that portal to Ispar and we may never know what he finds on the other
side. That would be oh so cruel, would it not? That's my vote!
- Maggie the Jackcat
July, 2002 - Gaerlan Attacked LC 5:00EST
He attacked first on sub, killed me. :)
Then in Shoushi
I almost caught
him!!!!!!!!! Then Holtburg,
I was WAY off.
Lol.
That's all that I know
of for
sure. I heard tons of places like Ayan, Stonehold, Rithwic, Teth.
I heard
someone say this: "Gaerlan is in jdhfdf."
I don't think that's a place but ok. lol
Matiko Ripter of LC
Level 30 Axe h0b0
July, 2002 - Gaerlan
Although Gaerlan seems invincible and many think that only Lord Martine
and Asheron can kill him combined, people also thought that Bael was
invincible, and look what we did to him. We must all pull together and work
as a team to build an elite army to destroy the threat. The time has come
to stop relying on Asheron and to start
believing and relying on ourselves.
We
must destroy this most dangerous and twisted Empyrean mage.
Krimson Blade of TD
Level 63 Tank Melle Sword
July, 2002 - The
Final General Attacks!
At approximately 4PM Eastern today, I saw the following global message as I
was trading in the Subway:
The towns of Fort Tethana, Ayan Baqur, Wai Jhou, and Danby's Outpost are
being attacked by Acid Elementals led by Corrosion!
We knew it was coming, and here it is. The fourth element. The fourth
general. Corrosion. Sent to attack the most heavily fortified towns in all
of Dereth, those located in the heart of the Direlands. We have no choice
but to destroy Corrosion, but in doing so, I fear we will give Gaerlan the
last component he needs to create the Harbringer, and possibly destroy us
all.
Matthew the Hawk of HG
Level 64 Blademaster
Hi Matthew the Hawk -
Luckily for us, he appears to have misplaced his vessel! ;-)
Oh, I know. It's unlikely to
keep a good evil-doer down for long.
- Maggie the Jackcat
July, 2002 - The
Mysterious Castle
The Mysterous Castle -- (my personal theory)
I noticed the SS of the Mysterious Castle and
I remember reading some lore
referring to Floating Ships constructed
by the Yalain after the Shadow
Wars.
This could be one of those ships.
It looks as though there is a 'Bow if it is
a ship. Well just my
two pyreals. Take it easy.
Seltor The Conquerer of HG
What I see keeps proving my point... Garlean's Citadel is in
fact a fallen
Yalain Flying Ship....... take care.
Seltor The Conquerer of HG
Hi Seltor The Conquerer -
I know I'm a little slow getting these letters up. The
teaser pics for the next patch do seem to support your theory!
- Maggie the Jackcat
July, 2002 - Summing
up Isparian Weapons
I've completed my tests on the Shimmering Isparian Bow. It buffs to 30
Bonus Damage (Blood Drinker VII on a normal bow gives you 22 BD) which
accounts for many people doing much higher damage.
However, it does NOT do "extra" damage to single-elemental monsters or
physical monsters; rather the damage bonus reflects the higher damage many
people are seeing.
The Bow does, along with the other Shimmering Isparians, the bonus 300%
damage to the dual and triple elemental monsters, such as those found on the
Quiddity Ingot and Decanter of Essence quests.
All in all, it is a wonderful bow that is well balanced and now is my
primary choice in battle!
Thanks!
Templar Nocturne, Leafcull
Hi Templar Nocturne -
Thanks for your on-going analysis of the new Isparian weapons!
- Maggie the Jackcat
July, 2002 - Screenshots
Hi I was wondering if it would be possible to post how to receive your
screenshots. I know how to take them, but I don't know where they are. So I
was wondering if either you could post on your kick ass site how to get the
screenshots (very simply) or at least e-mail me
the process. Thank you very very much.
John the Brave of MT
Level 44 Sword
July, 2002 - Sending
Screenshots
Hey Maggie,
I've been playing Asheron's Call for about 4 months now, and your
website is the main reason I've made it out of Holtburg West Outpost...
LOL. I'm sure you hear this all the time, but I figure once more every
now and then can't hurt... you're the best.
Now that I can ride without training wheels, I'm going to start
collecting some screenshots for your list. Just out of curiosity, what
resolution should I send them in?
Stoic of WE
Level 51 Swordmage Type Thing
P.S. -- Attached is a picture of me and my "guards" outside my new
cottage... with a little message for you in the chatbox.
Hi John the Brave and Stoic -
I get several letters a month asking me how to take screenshots. Almost 2
years ago, I wrote up an answer in the letters section, but it's kind of
buried away. I took a little time to put it on its own page, with a few
suggestions for taking pics and for sending letters.
Here is it:
Mail & Screenshot
Tips
I've also received a lot of
letters from people saying they're disappointed that I have fewer items on
the
Stuff I'd Like page
because they liked tracking things down for me. Rest assured, there's still
plenty of info missing and more sections I'd like to add to the site!! I
just really need to find some time to update the page! More coming soon! :)
- Maggie the Jackcat
July, 2002 - Level
VII Scrolls on Crystal Golems
Dear Maggie,
I'm a big fan, love the site. I just wanted to let you know the rumors are
true...Crystal Golems and Lords now drop Level VII scrolls. I was just out
hunting near the Nexus, found a Crystal Golem and quickly dispatched
him. Found a scroll of Nuhmudira's Blessing on it. Just thought you'd like
to know. =)
Alchy the Archer of HG
Level 60 OG Tank Archer
Hi Alchy the Archer -
Thanks for the info! One addition I'd like to add to the site is which level
scrolls drop off which creatures. (It's part of my ever-growing "on the
list" list!) Glad you like the site!
- Maggie the Jackcat
July, 2002 - mmmmmmmmmm
Best AC website
I have seen, by far. FAR and AWAY.
But maybe I just live a
sheltered life.
Nice site tho :)
hmmmm not enough to make the scroll bar move yet....
Did I mention its a good site? Exceptional. really... wooo
I have scroll bar
action :)
Now I can feel confident and secure in the content of my post as it is long
enough that I cannot read the whole thing without the wonderful scroll bar.
Very nice site. It even has punctuation....
If only I could find that dam
comma key again...
bye bye =)
Gwyndol of WE
Sword
Hi Gwyndol -
Thank you very much for the compliments. I will tell you a secret. I add the
punctuation in!! Sometimes I leave the letters just as written for effect,
but in most cases, I lean heavy on the edit button. Next, my goal is to
teach Turbine the difference between its and it's, the proper spelling of
raiment, and correct comma usage! ;-)
- Maggie the Jackcat
July, 2002 - Sweet
sweet thanks for the love
I've popped in and out of your site for some time now and almost
always get the info I need. (The site lacks a directory of pizza places
that deliver to my place.)
Anyway, You are the bomb! If you're ever in MN, drop a line and I'll pick up the tab. I owe you
that much!
Stay creative,
Gitnoff of WE
Level 59 gimp archer-who doesn't fear death. 519 times to date.
Hi Gitnoff -
Glad you like the site! I will see what I can do about the pizza directory!
;-)
- Maggie the Jackcat
July, 2002 - Thank
You
Your Web page has given me more help than I could imagine. I play Everquest
and Anarchy Online and Asheron's Call. I wish that there were pages as
thorough as this for the other two games. Oh well! Thank you so much. I am
canceling my other games because this one is just funner. I hope to see you
in the game sometime.
Epyoch of TD
Level 26 OG/Bow
Hi Epyoch -
I agree. This game is funner!
- Maggie the Jackcat
July, 2002 - Just
a Fan-Letter
Just wanted to say how much me & my hubby enjoy & utilize your site. You
are the first (and mostly only) authority we turn to when we need to know
what the heck to do w/the weird things we find (swamp stones?!? Siraluun
claws?!?), and also what quests we can actually complete (well, our highest
level chars are only 25/26 - whaddaya want?). Anyway, keep up the good work &
know that you are appreciated!
Coyote Bob of MT
Level 25 Sword-fighting Jack-Ass
Hi Coyote Bob -
In my opinion, there's no such thing as "just" a fan letter! I absolutely
never ever get tired of hearing that people enjoy and appreciate the site. Thanks
very much for taking the time to write.
- Maggie the Jackcat
July, 2002 - Dagger
of the Quiddity
Hi Maggie,
I was wondering if you'd be willing to update the Quiddity Weapons quest
page to state that the Quiddity
Dagger is capable of multi-strike. It came
as a great surprise to me to find out that I didn't go on that quest just for
the uber loot. ;p Upon testing it out on some hapless victims on Marae
Lassel, I immediately starting putting the smack on them with double slashes;
it is unknown at this time if it can do triple strike, because my dagger
skill isn't that high.
I figure it may be important to mention on that page because other dagger
users may choose not to go on that quest because maybe they'd think the
dagger would be useless to them (like I originally thought).
Thanks! Your site is the best!
Sintair of HG
Level 47 / Dagger Wielder
Hi Sintair -
Thanks very much for the info. I will try to get it added to the page soon!
- Maggie the Jackcat
July, 2002 - Bandit
Dagger with Weapon Tinker
Maggie,
While doing my frost dagger with my dagger toon (Hreathgrarm the Bold, Level 71 dagger) I attempted to hilt a frost dagger that
had been tinkered. Unfortunately,
I was unable to do this. As I was trying to attach
the Bandit Hilt, I got the message that one of my skills was not high
enough to attempt this. Sorry for not having the exact words. I logged
after saving the info and forgetting to paste it in a note. Just wanted
to let you know that the tinkering will not work with
Bandit Hilts.
Yours in Gaming,
Okuwinone of WE / Level 81 BM,
Hreathgrarm the Bold Level 71 Dagger,
Tusker Slaver Level 45 Bow
Hi Okuvinone / Hreathgrarm -
Thanks for the info! As soon as I have time to fluff up the
Tinkering section, I'll make sure to mention it.
- Maggie the Jackcat
July, 2002 - Mule?
I have no problem creating a mule, but how do I give him/her my stuff?
(Stupid question I know.) I just don't know "how" it works. Thanks.
Cyrriss of WE
Hi Cyrriss -
If you create a 2nd character to hold your extra stuff, you can mule in
one of several ways. If you own a house or residential quarters with a
storage chest, give your mule storage access, put your item in the
chest, log out, then log on with your mule to retrieve the item.
If you don't have storage,
you can do one of two things. You can either put the item on the ground
where you mule is logged out, then log out and log your mule in to pick
it up, or you can ask a trusted 3rd party to hold the item for you until
you can log your mule on. Both these methods involve risk. The item on
the ground could decay or could be picked up by someone else who happens
to see it lying there unattended. If you choose the wrong person to hold
your stuff, they may not give it back. You can minimize your risk by
muling in a secluded, out of the way location, or by choosing a trusted
friend to help you. Good luck!
- Maggie the Jackcat
July, 2002 - Orbs
Page Info & Monarchy Listing Question
Hello Maggie, would like to say that all of us in AC LOVE what you do with
your fabulous site.
So, now, the info. It's only a simple update about the "Essence Flare."
Difficulty is 100 and Magic Defense must be 100+.
I've also a question? What's the way to got my guild referenced in your
"Monarchies" page ? My guild is "Les Nomades de l'Osteth" and we're an
important Frostfell French Guild. Our Monarch is "Jedit Ojanen"... was in
the past "Loup Noir" who sent some info to you when he played to AC.
Hope you answer me.
Continue your great job for our pleasure :)
Kevin Kaldor of FF
Level 83
Hi Kevin Kaldor -
Thanks for the info on the orb and glad you like the site. To answer
your question about the Monarchy listing, I have a page which explains where people can
send preliminary information. After I receive the request, I will be in touch with the monarchies to
gather additional data a few weeks before I plan to feature that
particular monarchy. I intended to try and publish one a week, but
that may not be realistic with my current crazy work schedule. Right
now, as usual, I have an enormous back-log that I need to try and get
finished and up.
To have a greater chance of
getting yours up sooner, it helps if I don't have to spend a lot of
extra time tracking down the missing information myself. If you gather
screenshots, stories, testimonials up front, you will probably be
published sooner rather than later. Hope that answers your question. My
regards to Loup Noir.
- Maggie the Jackcat
July, 2002 - Front
Page Pic
Dear Ms. The Jackcat,
To those who would like to see a pic of you in a dress, I'm not sure it's a
good idea. This is because you are in fact TOO sexy. There are some things
that mere mortals should not see. It is probably for our own good. Besides,
the purple yoroi looks fabulous.
Sincerely,
Li Kwan Sho of TD
Level 54 Swordfighter
Hi Li Kwan -
Thank you very much. The updated pic was a big hit. I should have done
that a long time ago. Like right after I got a new graphics card! Ha.
But better late than never. I've neglected the fashion on the site
lately, and it's high time it got some attention again!
- Maggie the Jackcat
July, 2002 - Arcane
Pedestal & Dereth Map
Maggie-
Just a quick note to let you know the timer on the Arcane Pedestal & Map
is also 2 weeks just like the Silk for the Flag quest.
I re-did it again this weekend, two weeks to the day after I completed it
the first time.
Before that Slithe Tradittor told me to "Go away I already made you one."
: )
Again love your site and love the way AC Maps has added your quest links
to their maps.
Between you and them it makes questing FUN!
Elric of The Direlands-MT
P.S. Congrats on killing the "Lady"!! :~)
Hi Elric of the Direlands -
Thanks for the info. And thanks for the congrats on killing the lady. I was
very proud!
I'm also thrilled to cross link
in partnership with ACMaps,
another kick-ass fabulous independent AC site. Greeneye and his crew do
absolutely wonderful work!
- Maggie the Jackcat
July, 2002 - Lady
Killer
Dear Maggie,
First, let me congratulate you on your magnificent kill of Lady Aerfalle! It
was a pleasure to see you take her down in style! But not only that, it was
awesome seeing you kill the Behemoth and the Hellfire also. :) For it being
your first time on Aerlinthe, you sure had an eventful day. Oh, must not
forget that you leveled during the quest too! :) Our whole group had lots of
fun making sure that you made it to the end so you could
get the kill!
Again, it was a pleasure having you along and congrats on all that you
accomplished today!
Dacia of TD
Level 94 Sword
Hi Dacia -
Thank you again to you and to all the members of DaMonarchy for my big
day. It certainly ranks right up there with one of the most fun times I
have *ever* had in Dereth. Thank you also for giving me the cold sword I
borrowed from you to kill the Behemoth. I love the inscription you put
on it and will treasure it always!
- Maggie the Jackcat
July, 2002 - Awesome!
Maggie, I love the recent lowbie quest updates! I've been playing AC since
the Beta in June of 1999 - and I must say that the Platemail Hauberk is one
of my favorite quests (next to the Sword of Lost Light and Greenmire
Cuirass, of course!). Keep up the awesome work.
Do you plan on doing this in AC 2 as well? You are not only a great resource
for us, but an inspiration as well!
Nocturne of LC
Level 96
Hi Nocturne -
I've always been fond of the lower level quests myself. The Platemail
Hauberk one is very fun. And who doesn't remember the first time they
went through the Green Mire Grave?!
The AC2 site question is
still up in the air, but all signs point to yes.
- Maggie the Jackcat
[These are a few letters from
earlier in the month before the ACPL. I didn't have time to publish them,
but here they are anyway. They exemplify a little bit of the "whine about Beta"
campaign I had planned! ;-)]
July, 2002 - Asheron's
Call 2
Maggie, thanks for your wonderful site, and congratulations on Aerfalle!
My question: Is AC2 in your future?
Dragon Pu of FF
Level 46 /
Axe-Archer
Hi Dragon Pu -
Not so far.
*sigh*
- Maggie the Jackcat
July, 2002 - Continuing
the Adventure
Dear Maggie,
Sadly, I did not get *my* invite to beta either. It would be cool if I could
get a slot. I'd like to continue the Maggie/Ned partnership in AC2 beta!
Remember the fun we had in AC1 beta, watching the comet destroy the world?
Ahhh, those were the days.
Anyway, I thought I'd review my beta qualifications, just in case a Turbine
beta-picker is reading: 1) I provided wonderful, useful service in AC1 beta.
My thoughtful bug reports were specific and easily replicated. A few people
said so! 2) I have a cranky old-timey computer (Pentium II) with lots of ram
and a weirdo (ATI 32 meg PCI) video card and a cranky dial up connection.
All *made* for beta testing. Some good should come from such a pile of ...
Here's hoping we can continue our adventures in the new AC2 Dereth. Until
then, I'll be huddled in my house here in AC1 awaiting word. (Wiggles PCI
bridge connector to kick Maggie mail out to Internet.)
- Ned Cleversun
P.S. I really like the new photo of you on the Main page.
P.P.S. Do you think there will be a BSD in AC2?
Hi Ned Cleversun -
I remember those days fondly. The nostalgia prompted me to look back over my
old beta screenshots (taken with my old crappy system with my old crappy
graphics card in software mode) and the note your wrote on AC's first
anniversary:
"Dear Turbine and
Microsoft --
About a year ago I sat on a high cliff-edge by the sea, with my companion
and Monarch Maggie the Jackcat, and watched a comet descending, as we waited
for the world (of beta) to end. It was sad, but Turbine promised that the
best was yet to come."
It's certainly a
promise kept. Who would ever have thought those early days of beta, with my
crappy computer and my crappy graphics, would have inspired my kick-ass
fabulous AC site? I'm certainly looking forward to many more happy days with
you in the Dereth of the future. That is, if we ever get there. *sigh*
- Maggie
July, 2002 - ACPL
Hi Maggie,
I wanted to send you a short note to say it was a pleasure to meet you and
your vassal, Ned, at this year's ACPL! It was fun to meet the real-life person
behind the famous "kick-ass AC site."
I had a really good time at the ACPL, lots of fun !! It was fantastic to get
the AC2 Beta invite as well... woo hoo !!
Hope you had a safe trip back home. Have fun and see you next year!
Destiny Angel of SC
Level 76 Bow / War Hybrid
Hi Destiny Angel -
It was a pleasure to meet you as well! Even though we came up a day early,
it was still too short! Can't wait till next year!
- Maggie the Jackcat
July, 2002 - No
More Star Wars Galaxies For You!
It was nice to meet you at the ACPL.
We were chatting during the last
session and the Beta announcement. No more Star Wars Galaxies for you!!
:)
Again, I just wanted to say "THANKS" for your website, and maybe I'll see
you around in Beta. WOOHOO
Kilaban al-Sinf'an of TD
Level 97 Gharu Sword
Hi Kilaban al-Sinf'an
Nice meeting you too! It was fun meeting so many other AC players in person!
- Maggie the Jackcat
*waits patiently for her email
three weeks after the event and 2000 new Beta invites later*
July, 2002 - Thanks-n-Praise
Just saw the ACPL pics and stuff. Nice to see all the R/L faces! Will
you marry me? Ok ok, got that out of the way...*grin*... Always wanted
to compliment you on your fine website and this is a great time to do it
I guess. Thanks for all the good work and for the ACPL reporting. Best
wishes!
Kiijoh of FF
Hi Kiijoh -
Thanks very much for taking the time to write! The ACPL was tremendous fun.
If you get a chance to go next year, you won't regret it!
- Maggie the Jackcat
July, 2002 - Hi
Maggie...
You are a babe. And I thought you were really a snot nosed 14 year old
kid.
I am jealous of Ned. In fact I want to be Ned.
Anyway, take care. I enjoy all the stuff on your fab site.
Kared Tung-Po of MT
Level 71 UA / XBow
Hi Kared Tung-Po -
Thank you very much. I am definitely not 14! Ha. Out of all the letters I
got about the ACPL or the subsequent write-up, this was one of my favorites.
Ned thought it was very funny too! He kept repeating under his breath, "In
fact I want to be Ned," and heh-heh-ing to himself in a self-satisfied
manner. ;-)
Thanks again.
- Maggie the Jackcat
