upcoming duskruin

[Enuch]

Have they announced when they will be beginning to sell sewer tickets and dueling slips?

I know the event is last week of april to may 3rd but still haven't seen any duskruin stuff in Simucoin.

[Allereli]

Have they announced when they will be beginning to sell sewer tickets and dueling slips?

I know the event is last week of april to may 3rd but still haven't seen any duskruin stuff in Simucoin.

No, but in the past the day of. Why do you need it beforehand?

[Enuch]

Sitting on an account I want to close with simucoin on it haha

[Druhar]

A teaser e-mail went out from simu yesterday

Beneath Duskruin...

An Ancient Discovery!

Unearthed after thousands of years, an underground temple devoted to the Arkati, forged in combat and blood, awaits exploration!

Legend tells of a mysterious pendant, a divine Arkati artifact, fashioned from the rarest of materials: Moonshards! SHATTERED and lost to the great sewers of Bloodriven, it is now up to you to find and reunite the Moon Pendant. Enter the Arena, brave the dangers within, seek the Moonshards, and unlock the mysteries to become a Champion of the Arkati!

Prove yourself worthy in Duskruin Arena from April 22nd until May 1st!

More details on this brand new adventure will be coming soon! Keep on the lookout for what is happening this spring in Duskruin!

[Enuch]

Color me excited!

[Enuch]

Oh shit that's next Friday better get it going.

The arena scales to level right? Theoretically a lvl 20 could complete the arena gauntlet it probably just didn't happen a great deal (assuming this new one doesn't change everything)

[Druhar]

I play in the arena with my level 40. I don't have great gear, x4 armor and x5 weapon and still on average made 150 to 195 script per trip. I enjoyed it since it was challenging and fun. I think the better equipped folks do much better.

[gs4play]

I've never been to Dusk Ruin, what's the setup like?

[Maerit]

Duskruin has traditionally been about speed killing. Certain classes do extremely well due to the mechanics of their class, and then capped + geared players do extremely well.

At 70 on my Sorcerer, I was easily able to get between 220-250 bloodscrip per run with relative safety. Maybe 10% of the time I would fall victim to a wound that prevented me from casting, and resulted in me timing out for less rewards. I probably died less than 1% of the time.

I'd be tempted to try it on a young warmage because of how fast he can kick crap to death! Might just have to give it a go this time.

To answer the question about the setup, you basically enter and then fight a series of monsters 1v1. Every 5 monsters you fight a champion. The champion has your standard immunities to stun and such, but can be put into RT and stanced normally. There are trolls and golems as well that often need to be handled carefully since the trolls regenerate rather quickly and the golems are immune to certain special attacks and puncture resistant (sucks for archers). I think there are 5 waves, for a total of 25 monsters that start at -5 your level and scale up to around +10 your level by the end.

CS casters usually bring quartz orbs. The last time duskruin came I think we had the old rapid fire, and it was pretty easy for wizards to go in and decimate everything, but it might take some adjusting to figure out the best strategy with the changes. We also had the old Haste (506), instead of Celerity, and it was heavily used to accomplish the speed kill needs for weapon swinging classes. Lots of haste consumables were in use during duskruin!

[Dendum]

Can you hide and ambush in the arena?

[Menos]

My understanding is that you can hide but many of the room effects/critter abilities pull you out of hiding. I think they are supposed to try and make it a little more hide friendly.

[Enuch]

All excellent tidbits, so go in spelled up and be ready to tier up quick with UAC, I'm stoked!

Anyone else excited, or is this just another cash drop to people? Interested to see what the added thing is below the ruins or what have you.

[Enuch]

Also aren't there titles that can be earned? Or was that just for the first one? And if so what are the requirements for titles

[Allereli]

Also aren't there titles that can be earned? Or was that just for the first one? And if so what are the requirements for titles

when you defeat the entire lineup of creatures within the allotted time you get the title of Arena Champion, and I think there are some lesser titles, but they only lasts as long as you are logged in.

[Roblar]

Duskruin Arena Hero is the highest title, based on a perfect bloodscrip score of close to it, been awhile.

So 250 for sure but maybe 245 or something awards it too I forget.

Duskruin Arena Champion if you beat all 25 without timing out I think.

And the third one I forget as well but Duskruin Arena something (Contestant?) for just trying and not hitting the other two (timeout, loss, death).

Like she said, temporary so you need to reacquire if you log out or change your own title prename.

My memory has gotten hazy, we need runs more often!

[Zaigh]

I want to be excited, but the lack of information is keeping that feeling tamped down. It's one day away and other than the teaser email, some new stock rotations, and a bit about wounded wear and chaos jewelry we haven't heard anything.

Hopefully we hear about what the non-auction higher end stuff will be sometime tonight, or at least before the event opens. :/ RSN

[drauz]

I want to be excited, but the lack of information is keeping that feeling tamped down. It's one day away and other than the teaser email, some new stock rotations, and a bit about wounded wear and chaos jewelry we haven't heard anything.

Hopefully we hear about what the non-auction higher end stuff will be sometime tonight, or at least before the event opens. :/ RSN

This. Probably going back to the old way of merchants, you have to buy it and loresing to it to find out what the item does.

[Zaigh]

This. Probably going back to the old way of merchants, you have to buy it and loresing to it to find out what the item does.

I've always been of the mind that if I don't know what it is, I'm assuming there's nothing special to it and just not buying it.

[StrayRogue]

Did anyone else catch that promo run on the GS Facebook page for old timers returning this weekend get 500 Simucoins (most likely to buy entry into this event?) How do caster empath's tend to fair in the arena?

[Kithus]

From the officials.



Hey everyone. I know information has been lacking about this run, but the updates became a lot bigger than I anticipated. With Platinum's beta testing, I've been operating on about 3 to 4 hours of sleep for the last week because I've been sinking in some serious hours with the development of this event. I know you all want info, and I appreciate Platinum keeping a closed lip about it.

There is going to be a certain element to be discovered here. Not so much inventory. Most shops either have signs or things are obvious this time around. Lots of new inventory (or updated with new properties). The new collectible system has gone over very well in Platinum, but a lot of it is going to be for you to find out. The collectible system is a new layer to the arena and (mostly) sewers. There is no additional cost, nothing is lost or sacrificed to have this new system.

There are some new arena mechanics to help with resource (mana/stamina) management. The announcer has some new dialogue about this. We have 3 new champions, an orc, a tattooed maniac, and hallowed zealot (in game descriptions don't quite match these descriptions) -- the hobgoblin, mezic, and bendith have been retired. The goblin and stone troll in the regular matches have been replaced with a troll slaver and a vor'taz. Some descriptions have been updated. Stealth builds don't get the double whammy on being pulled from hiding with the dodge mechanics. You'll still get pulled when performing most the moves. Just not the actual dodge.

Two new NPCs are included with some history and questions they can answer. One NPC, a dwarven archaeologist, buys the new MoonShards that you can find in the sewers. This will make more sense once people start getting involved. The other is a rat catcher in the sewers that will buy your rats, should you not want them anymore. Both of these pay in bloodscrip that gets added directly to your character's TICKET amount.

There is a new area, the underground temple, which is across from the actual arena entrance where you use a slip to fight. It is part of the background of the area and houses the dwarf NPC. The temple has a direct tie in to the new collectible system.

There were a plethora of fixes on the GM side that helps with better tracking, better messaging, and more options for a wider variety of players to enjoy both the arena and sewers.

You all should be seeing a new email tonight with some of this information. The way we're handling the marketing and hype is a little different, hence my "soons" over and over. We're trying something new. It doesn't help those of you chomping at the bit for info here. I know I've been much more forthcoming with pre-event information. But I've really been working hard to get this out. I didn't want this to be just "another run." It comes with many new features.

See you tomorrow.


Wyrom, APM

[Enuch]

Sweet!

[Kembal]

Did anyone else catch that promo run on the GS Facebook page for old timers returning this weekend get 500 Simucoins (most likely to buy entry into this event?) How do caster empath's tend to fair in the arena?

Pure empaths do pretty well in the arena, though they're not the fastest (although with the changes to haste and rapid fire, that may change). Depending on which creatures you get, mana management can be an issue. (some require wither, and one, the steel golem, requires fire spirit). Quartz orbs are an extremely helpful boost, and 240 is basically necessary to get through the champions without losing too much time.

[StrayRogue]

Thanks for the tip. I'm probably going to have to fixskill if I bother to come back with the 'path anyway. I think he's old school brawl/bone shatter.

[Maerit]

I was thinking about trying the arena on my level 25 warmage, but I remembered he's F2P. This means I can't use the plethora of disable spells because they're all AoE...

912, 410, 909 -- all blocked for F2P.

Now, he does have 25 ranks of air lore, so I can Tonis Bolt with him (and eblade to 5x, and get decent air flares), and is almost 2x in spell aim (43/50 ranks). He's also UAC, and just kicks things to death because it works really well (generally). Given the above, what strategy would you employ going into the arena?

[Allereli]

I was thinking about trying the arena on my level 25 warmage, but I remembered he's F2P. This means I can't use the plethora of disable spells because they're all AoE...

Interesting issue and something you might want to post about on the officials. Maybe Wyrom can make it so F2P can use all spells in the arena without a pass.\

[Godsanvil]

How do Paladins do? How should i prepare mine to go in he is only 45? I can usually zealot with same lvl creatures without being hit. Will these hit a lot harder? Will i need to not zealot and stance dance? Also how much are the tickets per event?

[Roblar]

Here is info on the event

https://gswiki.play.net/mediawiki/index.php/Duskruin

Basically, it costs 100 simucoins to do a single run of either the sewers or the arena. The cost of a simucoin varies based on bulk purchasing or not and subscription type (premium gets discount), but it is basically under $1. You can get to the grounds though and explore/shop without costing anything. Only the currently two bloodscrip generating sites (sewer & arena) require admission. Shopping is only in bloodscrips and there is a link from that link for all the shops and wares, which will need updating once this run opens.

The paladin stuff can better be answered by a paladin or by trial and error/experience on your part when entering. Hey, we had to and it is more fun that way (for most)!

[Godsanvil]

Here is info on the event

https://gswiki.play.net/mediawiki/index.php/Duskruin

Basically, it costs 100 simucoins to do a single run of either the sewers or the arena. The cost of a simucoin varies based on bulk purchasing or not and subscription type (premium gets discount), but it is basically under $1. You can get to the grounds though and explore/shop without costing anything. Only the currently two bloodscrip generating sites (sewer & arena) require admission. Shopping is only in bloodscrips and there is a link from that link for all the shops and wares, which will need updating once this run opens.

The paladin stuff can better be answered by a paladin or by trial and error/experience on your part when entering. Hey, we had to and it is more fun that way (for most)!

Yeah that sounds ok. I had it in my head it was 7 dollars a try for some reason. A dollar sounds great.

[Donquix]

Yeah that sounds ok. I had it in my head it was 7 dollars a try for some reason. A dollar sounds great.

What a world we live in where "automated quest system that lasts less than 10 minutes costs a dollar" is "great"

[Menos]

I pay 26 bucks plus overpriced food to go see a pre-made movie for 2-3 hours. About the same price and I can drink my own lower cost beer.


What a world we live in where "automated quest system that lasts less than 10 minutes costs a dollar" is "great"

[Roblar]

Meh, its pretty comparable to the other quests, which averaged about $10 if you do 10 runs to equal

Killing 250 baddies and earning average of lets say 2,000 bloodscrip (decent mid level shop items that compare to quest prizes, some quests do not grant any reward unless you succeed), 20K coin, and 10 items over 1 hr 40 minute to the cheers and screams of your adoring admirers is..
sorry what was I saying?

[Menos]

How do Paladins do? How should i prepare mine to go in he is only 45? I can usually zealot with same lvl creatures without being hit. Will these hit a lot harder? Will i need to not zealot and stance dance? Also how much are the tickets per event?

Paladins can do fairly well in the arena. The takedowns are generally pretty hard compared to normal creatures but the ability to swap between spell, Cman, and high AS combat styles as a paladin makes them fairly manageable. It is sort of like dealing with grizzled trolls or grimswarm warchiefs and shamans. You will probably have good results if you are using THW or poles and are well trained for either 1615 or zealot (or both) and the best results if you also have mstrike or aiming skills.

[Taernath]

What a world we live in where "automated quest system that lasts less than 10 minutes costs a dollar" is "great"

Eh, it's the equivalent of a slot machine. Depending on the conversion rates you can use it as a silver shop.

[Maerit]

What a world we live in where "automated quest system that lasts less than 10 minutes costs a dollar" is "great"

Look at it this way though, if you know how to complete the automated system, your $1.00 + 5-10 minutes can earn you a net gain of right around ~$0.50 - $1.00. (After converting the bloodscrip to silvers, then back to cash). Alternatively, you gain rewards that can advance your character and buy items you really enjoy in-game.


Eh, it's the equivalent of a slot machine. Depending on the conversion rates you can use it as a silver shop.

Perhaps the sewers are like slot machines, but slot machines cannot be gamed. There is very little randomness in the arena, and you can control the outcome pretty effectively. In the end, if you know how the system works, then you can always "profit" (depends on whether you consider in-game currency of either bloodscrip or silvers a profit).

I see it as a win-win. The company gets money directly from the customers. The players get rewards that can translate into entertainment (in the form of in-game prizes / currency) or actual currency (by converting your in-game rewards into cash from sales to other players). All around, it's a pretty solid system. I've definitely seen blatant cash-grabs that are pure "casino" style in other games, and this is really a lot more within the player's control. Mystery box sales are rampant in F2P game companies because they know that will appeal to people with expendable income who spend $1000+ for a chance to get a rare costume or mount, and all the rewards are bound to your account, so there's next to no way to gain any return on that investment.

[Kalishar]

Mystery box sales are rampant in F2P game companies because they know that will appeal to people with expendable income who spend $1000+ for a chance to get a rare costume or mount, and all the rewards are bound to your account, so there's next to no way to gain any return on that investment.

100% correct there. Just about every f2p mmo I've played has some sort of mystery box in it, it's infuriating.

[Godsanvil]

Wish they didn't base the Arena on speed. Makes it suck for people who are specced to be tankish. My paladin is horrible. He doesn't get hurt but is way to slow to kill 25 mobs in 8 minutes.

[Roblar]

It was the opposite way the very first run, but that was a bit boring for spectators and contestants.

Scrips being based on how long you lasted per match (up the final countdown) meant many of us turtling and reading forums or something for 5 minutes (or munching herbs very often once the various unavoidable trap effects began 2-2.5 min into each of the then 5 matches). That also culminated in a hectic final ten seconds or so as the many traps each had separate counters and could chain fire at inopportune times! :) Especially for professions that could not unstun.

[Godsanvil]

It was the opposite way the very first run, but that was a bit boring for spectators and contestants.

Scrips being based on how long you lasted per match (up the final countdown) meant many of us turtling and reading forums or something for 5 minutes (or munching herbs very often once the various unavoidable trap effects began 2-2.5 min into each of the then 5 matches). That also culminated in a hectic final ten seconds or so as the many traps each had separate counters and could chain fire at inopportune times! :) Especially for professions that could not unstun.
Yeah i mean just like base it on how far you can get. Or some kind of other contest. Id have to totally reroll my guy to have any chance of killing 25 mobs in 8 minutes. With my mace and shield i can kill like 12-15. It just feels like i am wasting money even trying.

[Godsanvil]

All the matches i have watched it pretty much just someone spamming the same attack over and over. It wasn't anything great to watch like people lineing the arena walls to watch numbers race across the screen.

[Enuch]

Well I have enjoyed it and I don't spam the same attack. I have to stance dance the entire time and lead with jabs and tier up for grapples or kicks to bring down dudes. I like that there are some maneuvers to deal with but am glad it's not heavily maneuver based (low level is tough to avoid those things). And I think aside from high level areas (assuming 60/70 lvl and up) most of the time you are rinsing and repeating similar, so it holds its form for the game. I did play around with hiding and found it troublesome but that could be me and not having 625 can be troublesome for my ability to use other spells.

I do think it would be cool if we could attempt to utilize the same tricks as the AI. Attempting to push them into spikes and pushing them into steam that would be neat, and have it like everything rlse making the attempt subject to a roll and if it fails...well don't fail haha.

[Roblar]

Yeah i mean just like base it on how far you can get.

It is partially based on how far you can get, various things go into the scrip total.

Also, make sure are WATCHing them for trap defense. Mimic what you observe. That will help your score and provide defense and/or turn tables on them.

edit: it is another minigame within it, and the guy mentions it in the initial instructions when you 1st enter for the day (or after death/logout)

[Godsanvil]

Well I have enjoyed it and I don't spam the same attack. I have to stance dance the entire time and lead with jabs and tier up for grapples or kicks to bring down dudes. I like that there are some maneuvers to deal with but am glad it's not heavily maneuver based (low level is tough to avoid those things). And I think aside from high level areas (assuming 60/70 lvl and up) most of the time you are rinsing and repeating similar, so it holds its form for the game. I did play around with hiding and found it troublesome but that could be me and not having 625 can be troublesome for my ability to use other spells.

I do think it would be cool if we could attempt to utilize the same tricks as the AI. Attempting to push them into spikes and pushing them into steam that would be neat, and have it like everything rlse making the attempt subject to a roll and if it fails...well don't fail haha.

That sounds cool and UAC probably works pretty decent. Mostly i have seen bards and rangers casting the same spells back to back. Not that its wrong or anything just boring to watch. My RT is 5 and i dont have ambush. I dont have a problem killing them its just 3-5 hit to do it so i run out of time. Best i have got was 138 i think i killed two bosses that time.

[Godsanvil]

It is partially based on how far you can get, various things go into the scrip total.

Also, make sure are WATCHing them for trap defense. Mimic what you observe. That will help your score and provide defense and/or turn tables on them.

edit: it is another minigame within it, and the guy mentions it in the initial instructions when you 1st enter for the day (or after death/logout)

I did'nt know this. You Watch them and they do something and then you put that in to do it to? So you do not get rammed into the torch or spikes stunning you?

[Enuch]

Yeah can you show an example of that roblar? I'm curious! If you have a log that is.

[Jarvan]

I did'nt know this. You Watch them and they do something and then you put that in to do it to? So you do not get rammed into the torch or spikes stunning you?

You type watch. it says something like... xxxx is getting ready to push you into steam you should dodge it.

You type dodge, then IF the critter tries to push you into the steam, you dodge it, and they get hurt.. if you are not prone, stunned, or webbed or such.

There are a bunch.. dodge, duck, bob jump etc etc

[Godsanvil]

You type watch. it says something like... xxxx is getting ready to push you into steam you should dodge it.

You type dodge, then IF the critter tries to push you into the steam, you dodge it, and they get hurt.. if you are not prone, stunned, or webbed or such.

There are a bunch.. dodge, duck, bob jump etc etc

sounds like something i need to write a script for

[Jarvan]

there already is one..

arenawatch.lic

[Enuch]

wow I did not know that was a thing, this is a game changer, literally and figuratively

[Roblar]

Yep, that feature was introduced the last event run. Seems you got it handled and don't need clips but also should be some on the PC and maybe wiki linked from the Duskruin page from the last time around.

Now go kill something(s)!

[Enuch]

I did, and thanks to now knowing that I was able to get to 19 guys! Got my first ever toy in my bag of winnings! I doubt I will clear it in time but getting to / almost finishing 19 at level 12 is awesome, makes the event great and not feel like its meant for capped only

[blanks]

I did, and thanks to now knowing that I was able to get to 19 guys! Got my first ever toy in my bag of winnings! I doubt I will clear it in time but getting to / almost finishing 19 at level 12 is awesome, makes the event great and not feel like its meant for capped only

This is extremely impressive unless you are fully decked out in gear. You should feel accomplished !!

[Enuch]

spells and 4x -- with just my own spells and 4x I can get 7-13 depending on the draws