Tag: EQ2

A Horn of my Very Own

My little raki paladin is the proud owner of her very own unicorn horn. Perfect for stabbing those bad guys right in the face – oh wait, that wasn’t a very paladin-like thought. In any case, Kasul and I hit level 10 on the Isle of Dawn in Vanguard yesterday. The quest chains were a LOT of fun, and although we did die a few times there’s no death penalty until level 11 and that comes in handy. No doubt the temple would be littered with corpses other wise. The quests lead you along fairly steadily, and you get a LOT of nice gear. The end chains give you a cloak and then you have four bits of a charm that combine into some uber charm (that happens to be a diplomacy piece, so you can always wear it) that gives you a slight +5 stat buff to crafting and adventuring. It’s quite nice. So nice in fact that I wish there were some way to give this charm item to characters who did not / could not start on the island. 

Once we’d both hit level 10 I decided it was time to hit 10 in the other two spheres as well. I headed out to start crafting as a blacksmith. The quests lead you along to level 10 just like the adventure and diplomacy quests. Rewarding you with crafting resources and gear as you complete them. Without crafting anything extra aside from doing the quests – I also hit level 10 in that. Once I head to the mainland I can work towards level 11 and becoming an armorer. 

Now that I’ve hit level 10 in two spheres, it’s time to reach it as a diplomat. Then I’ll have my very first 10/10/10. We’ll see how that goes. 

I’ve been contemplating picking up WAR for a month to see what it looks like. I know there are already huge guilds out there but if anyone thinks they may have room for little ‘ol me some place, let me know so it makes my decision about buying it easier hrms? The last ‘new’ game I got was Guild Wars, and before that Vanguard (having decided to opt out of Conan) so maybe it’s time to add something else to the shuffle, just for a bit. I’m still very much undecided about this (and dealing with some RL issues that are making me some what restless) so I guess we’ll just see how it goes. 

I didn’t log into EQ2 yesterday, still waiting for the newest update to go live and I think it’s going to be a great one. I spent a good amount of time yesterday chattering to Ardwulf on Xfire (have I mentioned lately how much I love that little gem of a program? Well I do!) about all sorts of things. It was a lot of fun, not often that I get to just chatter away with a fellow blogger about totally random things and not have someone want to run away from me screaming.  *grins*

Anyhow, that’s enough of a ramble for today.

Quiet Nights

Didn’t get a chance to game tonight, but I did play some Vanguard earlier in the day and managed to hit level 9 in diplomacy. More about that tomorrow though.

I logged into EQ2 as well today, though just briefly to check sales (which were far and few between, though I can’t exactly complain as I don’t have much for sale). I was contemplating leveling Stargrace (who has been neglected for quite some time now) to 80 and to have her join the other 80’s I have, but the thought of RoK quest grinding just made me log out. Maybe another day. 

In the mean time, my latest bit of artwork. It’s titled ‘Reaching Beyond’ and I added a frame and some text to the final version of it, didn’t want it to be any larger then it already is though for this post. It looks way better in it’s original dimensions. If you’re keen on seeing it let me know. 

I hope everyone has a fantastic end-of-week no matter where you are.

Hodgepodge

Lately I’ve been doing a hodgepodge of things, between real life, gaming, and artwork. So here’s a summery of what I’ve been up to:

EverQuest2: I managed to complete the Everfrost charm quests on all of my ‘main’ characters. Thankfully with the update yesterday, there are now two instances of Everfrost up. I was beginning to feel sorry for those who were of the appropriate level to be in Everfrost while they tried to quest – having random level 80’s swoop in and take their encounters. Whether or not this is tied to the double North Qeynos’ also open, I’m not sure. I also decided I did not like Silhouette’s entrance to her home, it looked like a garden mish mash of crud. So I took the entire thing apart early this morning and rebuilt it into a sales display area. I’m still not exactly happy with it (I suck at building display areas) but it will do for now. I’ve got big plans to create a dining / kitchen area with a wall length fish tank in one of the Gorowyn home windows. I like to work in stages though and I need some rares, so it will be a while before I have anything to show. Short term goals are to work up my smaller crafters, maybe get some levels on my templar, or illusionist (poor Stargrace) or my necromancer. We’ll see how that goes though.

Guild Wars: I played for a little bit last night, traveling around the starter area on my elementalist. Since I have one character who’s left the starter area already without completing everything that was offered I decided that this one would stick around until I cleaned out all the quests. I still think for a game that has no monthly subscription it’s got some fantastic graphics. Could just be me though. Since I spend a lot of my time soloing anyhow, I don’t mind the fact that the game is not a ‘true’ mmo. I expect to play more either today or this weekend, depending on my mood.

Life: I’ve been posting on the Beckett MOG forums often, trying to bring a few readers over. I’m the EverQuest2 correspondence, and while it’s not especially difficult work it does take time to do. I’m super excited about Beckett MOG issue 15 which comes out on the 24th of September – should have my articles in it if all goes as planned (there are four of them). I’ve been learning more about DAZ Studio, and taking a small break from it so that I don’t get burned out. I have a request for a fairy I’d like to get done for a friend, but again it depends on my mood. You can’t force creations (which is why art will never be a job for me, because I hate to feel pressured into doing things). I’ve been debating getting ‘Spore’ since it seems to be all anyone is talking about lately. For anyone who has a PS3 and wants to add me to their friends network, my name there is Stargrace, feel free! I’m still back and forth on the WAR debate as well. Chances are I may buy it when it goes live and play for the first month, but no guarantees. I’m thinking of buying a laptop, I’d really like one and I’ve wanted one for a bit now. Then again, there’s also a new zoom camera lens I want badly, 75-300 (the one I currently have is only 14-45) which means there will be a slight gap between my two lens, but it shouldn’t make too much of a difference. The leaves are all starting to change colours here, and hopefully I’ll get out a few more times to snag some shots of it.

Anyhow, sorry for the rambling, some times, it just has to be done! Safe travels no matter what realm you play in.

GU47 Notes

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Station Voice is now available!
  • Equipment changes have been introduced to improve item progression from levels 1 – 59 worldwide.
  • Check out the sections below for details on these highlights and other details of “Storm Break” (GU47).

LIVE EVENTS

  • “Storm Break” (GU47): Librarian Feldarn of Freeport’s Academy of Arcane Science and Librarian Dungil of Qeynos’ Concordium are looking for volunteers to help battle the onslaught of darkness from beyond.
  • Qeynos and Freeport have broken ground on major construction projects just off of the coast of Antonica and Commonlands respectively.  Visit the docks to see the new activity!

STATION VOICE

  • A new Voice Bar will appear that provides options and indicates who is currently speaking and when you’re talking.  It can be docked with any chat windows.
  • A new Voice Users window will show all users in the current channel.  This window can be changed to be transparent and show only active speakers if you’d like.
  • Group and Raid windows have speaking indicators to show who is currently speaking.
  • Voice options are available in the Options Menu under the “Voice Chat” tab.
  • If you’re not currently in a voice channel, you will be placed in the first channel that becomes available.  Subsequent channels that become available can be selected through a dropdown on the Voice Users window, a button on the Voice Bar, or a link that appears in text chat.
  • Left Control is the default push-to-talk key.  You can change the key in the “Voice Chat” tab of the Options Menu.
  • If you need more info, do “/help vchat” in game.

Also, you can see a mini-feature on the EQII forums.

HELP

The help system has received an overhaul.  Many game windows now have a help button in the upper-right corner that will open the appropriate help topic.

ENCOUNTERS

  • The Tangrin and Avatar of Growth encounters now warn players three seconds before it’s time for them to start moving.
  • The Tangrin will no longer spawn a new beehive if any raid member already possesses one.
  • All Named and Boss NPCs in Kunark now drop Adept I and Master I scrolls equal to or lesser than their level.
  • Many of the named creatures in Sebilis, Chardok and Karnor’s Castle no longer have place holders, have a longer respawn time, and will now always drop legendary rewards.
  • The random Adept I and Master I spells you get while killing creatures in the level 1-20 range will now only drop spells you or your group members need.

QUESTS

  • Adventure writs now award 500 faction points per completion.
  • Adventurers working for the city of Neriak will now gain faction with the Agents of Neriak, Queen Cristanos’ eyes and ears in the outside world of Norrath. Gaining faction will lead to new city rewards!
  • Adventurers working for the city of Gorowyn will now gain faction with The Watchers of Timorous, a group of sarnak which stand vigilant in the defense of their homeland.  Gaining faction will lead to new city rewards!
  • A new shade of formal wear is now also available to those who are ranked as ally with any city writ faction.
  • Page 5 of “A History of the Vah Shir, Vol. I” is now tradeable.
  • The quests that awarded potions/elixirs from the Hand of Marr and Brethren of Night camps now award more.
  • The quest “Vision of Fear” should no longer continue to offer the quest when a player walks through the entrance tunnel in Feerrott. It has been moved to a nearby curious totem that can be clicked to obtain the quest.
  • The quest “A Calling in the Forest” should no longer continue to offer the quest each time a player walks over the Commonlands bridge in Nektulos Forest. It has been moved to a nearby skeleton laying on the bridge that can be clicked to obtain the quest.

RACIAL TRAITS

  • Dark Elves
    • Innoruuk’s Gift now grants the full 2% spell critical amount.

ITEMS

RoK Legendary Armor Sets:

  • The Wayward Moon set has been removed from the drop tables and replaced with the Sylvan Moon set which is only equipable by Furies and Wardens.  Those wishing to replace their Wayward Moon pieces for the new Sylvan Moon pieces should speak to Joonius Khristus in Teren’s Grasp.
  • The Enigmatic Sacrifice set has been removed from the drop tables and replaced with the Cabalistic Sacrifice set which is only equipable by Defilers and Mystics.  Those wishing to replace their Enigmatic Sacrifice pieces for the new Cabalistic Sacrifice pieces should speak to Joonius Khristus in Teren’s Grasp.
  • Adornments attached to Wayward Moon or Enigmatic Sacrifice set pieces will be lost in the process.

Epic Weapon Changes:

  • Wrath of Nature (Fury)
    • Now gives out damage and heal amount bonuses.
    • The mythical version now improves healing and damage spells based upon a percentage of your wisdom and intelligence respectively.
  • The Impact of the Sacrosanct (Templar)
    • The proc effect now lasts slightly longer.
    • Added a bonus to reactives based on the templar’s wisdom.
  • Cudgel of Obviation (Mystic)
    • The mythical version’s Spirit Tap will only be triggered by the mystic’s group members.  Also the heal and power bonuses have been reduced.
  • Dream Scorcher (Defiler)
    • This now gives heal crit instead of spell crit.
    • Now grants bonuses to both spells and heals.
    • Proc no longer drops when damage is taken.
  • Penitent’s Absolution (Inquisitor)
    • Improved the healing power of aftershock. In the vicinity of 75% of the heal.  Also added casting and reuse bonus of 15% and reduced the time from 2 seconds to 0.5 seconds.
    • The mythical version’s intervene effect has been replaced by a powerful group cure which will cure arcane, elemental, noxious and trauma effects.  In addition, when it cures an effect it will also heal the player for each effect it removes.
  • Dragon’s Temper (Berserker)
    • Adds an additional hate position boost to Insolence.
    • Changed the double attack bonus to melee critical chance.
  • The Truth of Marr (Paladin)
    • The delay is now 6 seconds.
    • Added a damage proc to the weapon.
    • Now gives both spell and combat art damage bonuses.
  • Sedition (Shadowknight)
    • The delay is now 6 seconds.
    • Added a damage proc to the weapon.
    • Now gives both spell and combat art damage bonuses.
  • Death’s Grip (Warlock)
    • The dumbfire pet bonus has changed to improve the warlock’s critical damage by 10%.
  • Eye of the Siren (Coercer)
    • Now gives a subjugation bonus.
    • The mythical version now removes the concentration cost of Possess Essence.
  • Mirage Star (Illusionist)
    • Now gives a subjugation bonus.
  • Havoc, Blade of Treachery (Brigand)
    • Proc now gives a bonus to double attack instead of haste.
  • Gorynn’s Fist (Bruiser)
    • The proc will now give the bruiser an additional chance to critical melee attacks.
  • Revitalized Vel`Arek (Guardian)
    • The mythical version’s proc will now only do 5% damage reduction.

In Other Item News:

  • Worldwide equipment, ranging from level 1-59 (including heritage quest rewards), have been increased to create a better progression from Timorous Deep to level 80 Rise of Kunark zones. This increase includes accessories, armor, and weapons, as well as many tradeskill items. Shields, items with special effects, and tradeskilled armor have not yet been changed.
  • House items now observe the ‘Lore’ flag, allowing only one of a lore item to be placed in a home.  The ‘lore’ flag has been removed from house items and pets that are primarily decorative in nature.
  • Non-ubiquitous adornments used to add damage to symbols (arcane ornament, viral ornament, noxious ornament etc) now affect combat arts as well as spells.
  • Crusaders can now wear the Mark of the Ankexfen.
  • The Jungle Bow should now properly equip when double-clicked.
  • The Supple Dogwood Staff now procs on melee attacks rather than ranged.
  • Bruisers and Monks can no longer equip Edgewalker Chainmail Leggings.
  • The mounted claw and fist of pestilence should now mount on a wall with the hand facing outwards.  The ornate spoon, fork, and knife should place more accurately on flat surfaces.
  • Protection values have been adjusted on Guard of Drelikus, Vioren’s Forcefield, and Brace of Corporeal Darklight.
  • Protection on the Shield of the Green Dragon was lowered.

POTIONS

  • The potions and elixirs from the Hand of Marr and Brethren of Night heal a more appropriate amount of health/power.

TRADESKILLS

  • The city tradeskill societies are dealing with a bulk order for some new formal clothing, and require some assistance.  Tradeskillers of the 60th rank or higher who have previously assisted their societies may speak to the Grandmaster for more details.
  • Tradeskillers who are skilled enough to see the tradeskill collection quests may find more rewards available in their travels.
  • Armorers now have a recipe for imbued devout ebon greaves.
  • The fuel requirement for imbued rosewood shields has been corrected.
  • The fuel requirement for ashen hearths has been corrected.
  • Imbued fulginate devout greaves can now be created.
  • Sparkling Cranberry Wine has been converted to Cranberry Cream Liqueur to avoid confusion with the existing Cranberry Sparkling Wine.

ZONES

Bloodline Chronicles

  • Adventurers may now zone into any of the Tombs of Night and the Crypt of T’Haen zones that a member of the group has access too. Previously, these zones were only accessible if everyone in the group were on the same stage of the quest.
  • Players can now zone into any of the Tombs of Night zones if anyone in their group is on the appropriate quest.

Sebilis/Chardok

  • New mid-zone respawn locations have been added to Chardok and Sebilis.

SPELLS

Faction merchants in Maj’dul courts are now selling a number of tier 5 Adept III recipe scrolls they were previously missing.

A stacking issue with stealth and group invisibility has been fixed to allow attacking from stealth.

  • Shaman/Druid
    • Spirit of the Wolf will now apply to the entire group within a 50m radius instead of being single target.
  • Shaman
    • Shaman’s wolves should now have slightly more health to help their survivability.
  • Fighter
    • Master’s Rage will now do a melee attack and debuff the target’s defensive skills.  It will also give an error if it is not useable on the target like the other archetype’s mastery skills.  The recast was also lowered to 30 seconds.
  • Berserker
    • The Blood Rage line will not expire until the berserker dies instead of having a 15 minute duration.
  • Scout
    • Sinister Strike should no longer debuff the target if it misses
  • Assassin
    • Fatal Followup should no longer be useable after Sinister Strike.
    • The Hidden Assault line of skills should no longer apply the Damage over Time portion of the attack if the primary melee attack misses.
  • Brigand
    • Safehouse now has a short cast time and can be interrupted.
    • Melee attacks which had secondary effects will no longer apply on a miss.
    • The Dispatch and Rake lines will now hit slightly more often.
  • Enchanter
    • Sever Hate can no longer be used to pull through a crowded area.

PVP

  • Assassin
    • Fatal Followup should now work properly in PvP based combat.
  • Swashbuckler
    • Reach will now suspend while in PvP combat.

My, What Large Axes you Have…

Another Vanguard / EQ2 split night – and Growlius and I managed to finally ding level 40! This is some what of a mile stone for me in Vanguard, and I’m very happy that we’ve finally reached it. Only one more tier to work through to finally reach the cap and end game. We hung around our typical questing hub and cleared out a few white quests and even some yellow ones – which rewarded us with far better experience then all of the green quests we’d been pushing out lately. I think we started the evening at 60% exp or so, and it took roughly 3 hours to get the 40% we needed to ding.

Also got to see a few more models of mobs in Vanguard, I’d not seen these giant axe swingers before. Still in Qalia though, with all the bright sand.

Figured out how to get the collection bags for the bits that are dropping now too. The easiest way is to head to Khal, and wander over to the bind stone just outside the city. You’ll find a herald there talking about the fair, hail them and they give you a quest. Head to the fair, talk to a gnome standing there, and presto, you now have a huge bag that carries both collection pieces and harvesting tools.

Wait a second. Why does it carry harvesting tools, you may ask.

Well, in Vanguard you’re blessed with multiple equipment tabs. No doubt the developers of VG wanted a nice easily convertible bag slot. So these new collection bags are two fold. Number one, they hold collection pieces, of course – but they will also hold your harvesting tools. Which means tab over to the harvesting equipment tab, and remove that 5-6 slot bag you were wearing before, and equip this far larger bag. Put your tools in there, and your collection pieces, and you’re set. Bag space (or lack there of) is something everyone in VG complains about. You really don’t get enough room for everything with only 5 bag slots (that includes saddle bags) and one of them being a very small general ‘inventory’ bag that you can’t get rid of.

Once our adventures in Vanguard were over I headed to EverQuestII to join up with my typical Runnyeye group – this time playing warden. Group make up was Mystic, Illusionist, Dirge, Conj, Shadowknight, and myself. I must be cursed or something – in all the times I’ve done RE 2.0 I have NEVER seen a fabled cloak drop. Not my class, nor any other class. Last night a few pieces of the black alloy chain dropped, of course I was not on my scout though. We transmuted 5 of the drops, a few went to be sold on broker (the tradeable shields that are going as cheap as 20g now) and other random bits. We did die once, again on the final pull where for some reason my ‘cures’ would just spam over top of one another and not actually land to cure anything. Annoying.

Today, hopefully, I’ll be getting Silhouette OUT of T6 carpentry and into T7 (which I am so excited about!) I have another house decorating order up but it’s going to be far slower then the previous one because I’ll actually be making all of the bits myself for once. I’ll need level 80 to make everything I want.

Happy 4th of July to all my friends in the states, I hope you have a wonderful day!