Return to Black Swan Castle

[Originate]

Officials in Wehnimer's Landing have noticed an increase in troll activity in the Upper Trollfang. After sending several hunting parties to investigate, the source has been narrowed to the area immediately surrounding Black Swan Castle. The town is recruiting volunteers to venture into the Castle and investigate. Because of the danger involved, each hunting party has three hours to explore before being extracted by a rescue team and handsomely rewarded!

Black Swan Castle has a long and storied past. While it was once the pride of the countryside, resplendent with its pristine white marble walls and graceful swan-like curves, dark magic twisted it into its current form a century ago when undead hordes descended on it and the surrounding village. Vestiges of the battle are still visible both inside and outside the castle.

Rumors of dangerous booby traps inside the Castle abound. Can you get by them and discover the source of the trouble? Do you have the brains, guts, and heart to Return to Black Swan Castle?

Quest Details

Up to 10 players can participate in the Return to Black Swan Castle quest This is a heavily puzzle-based quest that relies on good party balance and a breadth of available party skills. Players are strongly encouraged to bring a diverse group of professions and races for maximum success. While there is limited combat, there are many things that can maim and kill unwary adventurers!

Tickets and pricing should be following shortly. Or soon. Presently? Pick your favorite word for "I don't know right now, but want to post anyway."

~Vanah

[Originate]

The prizes for the Return to Black Swan Castle Quest are grouped into six tiers. There are five checkpoints to reach in the progression of the quest in order to unlock higher tier prizes. You may choose from any lower tier, as well.

Exact details about item properties will be left to the winners. The attuning bonuses are in line with the enhancive prizes from the Academy Quest: big and short-lived.

All of the items are scripted.

Iron Tray (Tier 1)
Prize Purpose
Bloodjewel ring Enhances Harness Power, Mana Recovery, and Spiritual, Mental, and Elemental Mana Controls Bonuses (*)
Chicken foot Enhances Stalking & Hiding and Ambush (*)
Troll finger pendant Enhances Dodging, Agility, and Intuition bonuses (*)
White leather gloves Enhances Spell Aiming Bonus and Elemental Air Lore Ranks (*)
Black swan charm Enhances Mana Recovery (*)
White swan charm Enhances Max Spirit and Spirit Recovery (*)
Horned pegasus charm Enhances Stamina Recovery and Constitution Bonus (*)
Wolverine fur scarf Enhances Stamina Recovery and Survival Bonus (*)
Green alligator bag Self-closing large capacity belt-worn container
Kitten satchel Self-closing large capacity belt-worn container
Bronze Tray (Tier 2)
Prize Purpose
Troll hide bag Large capacity belt-worn container; Enhances health regeneration
Shimmering green orb One-use orb allows you to learn from your experiences faster!
Imflass close helmet Heavy critical padded helm with locking faceplate; Enhances Multi Opponent Combat Ranks, Combat Maneuver Bonus, and Strength Bonuses (*)
Black felt hat Enhances Dexterity and Perception Bonuses (*)
Orc hide hip-satchel Large capacity belt-worn container; has a skull clasp
Black leather gloves Trick gloves; Enhances Disarming Traps, Picking Locks, and Pickpocketing Bonuses (*)
Brown silk gloves Ensigiled gloves; Enhances Spell Aiming Bonus and Mana Recovery (*)
Silvery imflass lance Five-enchant weapon that telescopes between a cudgel and a lance; Enhances Multi Opponent Combat Ranks & Strength and Agility Bonus (*)
Gold and ruby bracelet Enhances Logic bonus
Cloth-of-vaalin gown Fully unlocked metallic gown
Steel Tray (Tier 3)
Prize Purpose
Crimson kelyn dagger Fully unlocked five-times enchanted Siolan dagger; Enhances Ambush and Combat Maneuver Bonuses
Troll-arm scabbard Squishy troll-arm scabbard that can hold one weapon; Enhances Health Recovery
Troll-leg backsheath Squishy troll-leg backsheath that can hold two weapons; Enhances Health Recovery
Thick leather blackjack Four-times enchanted blackjack with knockout flares
Golden skull ring Skull ring that attunes to a container to open and shut it; Enhances Perception
Drakar short sword Fully unlocked Thousand Cuts short sword; enchanted six times with fire flares
Vultite longsword Four-times enchanted expander weapon -- switch between a dagger, a short sword, and a longsword!
Orange yarn mugwump Disk Transformer with 500 charges; results in oil-coated disk
Marble prayerbeads Unattuned prayerbeads; Enhance Religion Lore
Pouch-lined harness Fully unlocked Cidolfhus bandolier with increased capacity
Platinum Tray (Tier 4)
Prize Purpose
Black linen harness Katana sash with special Black Swan Castle loresong; Enhances Edged Weapon Bonus
Spiked mace Unlocked Iasha white ora weapon with five enchants
White ora maul Unlocked Iasha white ora weapon with five enchants
Grey wolf fur satchel Fully unlocked Cidolfhus bundling skins and fur bag; Enhances First Aid and Survival Bonuses
Orase quarterstaff Six-times enchanted quarterstaff with a hidden katana inside
Shimmering violet orb One-use orb allows you to learn from your experiences faster!
White satin gown Nalea gown with Black Swan Castle loresong
Black ruic longbow Five-times enchanted somewhat-sighted longbow; Enhances Perception, Ranged Weapon, Dexterity, and Ambush Bonuses
Mykalin scale gloves Five-times enchanted unarmed combat gloves with Unbalance flares
Carved wooden troll Figurine that allows you to speak (but not understand) Trollish
Silver Tray (Tier 5)
Prize Purpose
Blackened orase runestaff Five-times enchanted fully unlocked wand stave with fire flares
Slim witchwood runestaff Standard enchant Heimer runestaff with rank five Mana flares
Loose white robes Four-times enchanted robes with fire flares and cold resistance; Vulnerable to fire
Troll spine Drop into your existing non-enhancive armor to add Health and Stamina Recoveries
Two-toned stone bead Fully unlocked hair bauble; includes braid and ponytail options
Leather kit Fully unlocked Gostahl gambling kit that unfolds into a table
Hooded white mantle Fully unlocked climatewear cloak with increased capacity
Black leather backpack Reduces encumbrance once per day; max light and deep
Cupped hands pendant Chrism holder that automatically applies the chrism effect to you; Enhances spirit recovery (*)
Dark blue potion One dose of fixskill potion
Gold Tray (Tier 6)
Prize Purpose
Gold double leathers Five-times enchanted double leathers with exceptional critical padding
Eahnor-trimmed leather Five-times enchanted full leather with exceptional critical padding
Golvern full plate Five-times enchanted full plate with exceptional critical padding
Eahnor-scaled armor Five-times enchanted brigandine with exceptional critical padding
Faewood runestaff Five-times enchanted runestaff with rank six Acuity flares
Quartz feather Forehead gem with Black Swan Castle loresong; unalterable
Troll flesh pin Infuses health once per day; Enhances health recovery
Troll magus fetish Infuses mana once per day; Enhances mana recovery
Opal ring Ring that creates magical ice
Grey leather pouch Pet hedgehog
WARNING: Selecting one of the starred (*) enhancive items will bind the item specifically to you. Nobody else. Period. Just you.

[Canon2470-4L]

tier 6 prizes made me drool...

[Fallen]

Wow. Hedgehogs just plummeted in value. I wonder if the 1x per day Troll flesh and Magus items are finite items.

[neimanz1]

Wow. Hedgehogs just plummeted in value. I wonder if the 1x per day Troll flesh and Magus items are finite items.

Thats what I thought at first too. But then I realize who would actually pick the hedgehog with that prize pool..

[Originate]

auto applied chrism holder seems pretty interesting. It is great to see new functions coming out. I wonder if they forgot to mention the padding is temporary?

[Ardwen]

based on those other tier 6 prizes I am thinking the padding on that armor is temporary

[Kitsun]

based on those other tier 6 prizes I am thinking the padding on that armor is temporary

From the officials...

Having made them, I can tell you that the padding is indeed permanent.

Link: http://forums.play.net/forums/GemStone%20IV/Quests%60Sagas%60Events/Black%20Swan%20Castle/view/23

[Ardwen]

Seems ridiculously overpwoered heh, but I can appreciate a way to mint more loot

[Originate]

..I'm in Ardwen's group..

[Ardwen]

group? hell bot 10 accts together and get free stuffs! Some people are going to love this event

[Archigeek]

Based on the tier six prizes, I'm wondering what the price of entry is, and just how difficult it is to complete the final tier.

[Buckwheet]

Maybe $75 or $100. Either way I am more wondering how many runs they are going to do. 20-30 sets of ECP armor into the system could be pretty wonky.

[Jarvan]

Kinda sucks that it goes from leathers to plate, no chain at all.

[Ardwen]

complain maybe they will add it

[Buckwheet]

Maybe there was a QC idea that the semis who wear the chain armor commonly would not get approved for ECP?

[Ardwen]

maybe semis are thought to not matter

[Buckwheet]

There is no thinking there. They don't!

[Originate]

Loot can and probably will change over the quest's lifetime.

SGM Sleken

[SHAFT]

I'd love to do a run. I can bring a 73 sorc or 50 bard

[Moonwitch]

Padding is perm. Nice.

[BriarFox]

Good God damn on the tier 6 prizes. I'll definitely be doing this event at some point. Maybe we can get some PC groups together.

[DCSL]

I'll field a level 88 pure bard. Might be level 89 or 90 by then, depending. Lemme in!

[BriarFox]

Sounds good to me. I'll probably send a capped ranger, but I could also do a 72 wizard.

[Buckwheet]

I would probably send Gob. But could come on a capped imo wizard, if not undead a hurling rogue or paladin, capped cleric, capped bard, capped sorcerer, or capped ranged ranger.

[Vrairdrick]

Put me in the group with 72 cleric!

[everan]

My God man, I need to join one of your teams! I need some ecp brig.

[BriarFox]

Looks like we've got a pretty good group forming up just here. Let's all touch base when the dates/times get released and we'll find one to sign up for.

[DCSL]

Yay!

[Latrinsorm]

I have been fascinated with (or at least intrigued by) Black Swan Castle since my earliest days, imagine my excitement when seeing an event associated with it. Now imagine my disappointment when it turns out it is instead Yet Another Big Ol' Ticket Event. (YABOTE.) Vanah, your performance on The Wheel has given me unfulfillable expectations, but I still blame you. I blame you. I blame you.
Lemme in!Like Kaley Cuoco's accent, your pillow talk needs some work. (Which is not to say that it is ineffective.)

[Jhynnifer]

I can bring a capped rogue as well, if you still have room Nuadjha!

Hell, I'll even fixskill back into picking/disarming just in case. ECP brig <drool>

[Manamethis]

It looks like level and profession won't be such an issue like it was in the academy quest. I don't have capped characters but I'm in if it really doesn't matter that much.

I can bring a cleric or wizard for support.

[Donquix]

So just between the tier 6 armors and the glove bows at CCF they're releasing what...conservatively...20k+ worth of items onto the market?

[BriarFox]

Awesome. PM'd everyone who said they wanted to form a group here. That makes 6 of us. Could use a warrior, paladin, monk, or maybe another wizard. Ardwen, Kerl? You up for it?

Manamenthis: I just saw your post, but you'll make 7.

[msconstrew]

Need a capped empath?

[BriarFox]

Need a capped empath?

Naturally. Silvean and Everan pm'd me as well, so that makes 10.

[Originate]

...I used to be a capped ranger, can I join? I've got a mere level 33 wiz and fierce level 12 bard. Have some pity for me!

[Androidpk]

5x ECP golvern plate? You know getting to tier 6 is going to be a bitch.

[Geijon Khyree]

I plan on going.

[Archigeek]

5x ECP golvern plate? You know getting to tier 6 is going to be a bitch.

That's my feeling on the subject as well. It's hard to imagine they would toss that out there unless it was pretty difficult to attain. On the other hand, it wouldn't be the first time they underestimated the player base.

[SHAFT]

That's my feeling on the subject as well. It's hard to imagine they would toss that out there unless it was pretty difficult to attain. On the other hand, it wouldn't be the first time they underestimated the player base.

10 smart people and vent/skype makes this very do-able

[Jarvan]

well, if they put chain in before CF, I will try to go and get the chain.

[Jarvan]

10 smart people and vent/skype makes this very do-able

Well, unless they are total bastards and make tier 6 available only if you do some random act no one would know to do at a specific point in time.

GM - "Oh, you didn't bow twice and spin around 3 times before jumping up and down in the foyer? To bad"

[Vorpodu]

Count me in. Capped ranger or 50 monk.

[DCSL]

Well, unless they are total bastards and make tier 6 available only if you do some random act no one would know to do at a specific point in time.

GM - "Oh, you didn't bow twice and spin around 3 times before jumping up and down in the foyer? To bad"

So.. we'll be trying that, right? Just in case.

[Jarvan]

So.. we'll be trying that, right? Just in case.

I would if I were you, just in case.

[waywardgs]

They implied a range of characters would be beneficial... I wonder if size (halfling/dwarf, giantman, etct) will come into play somehow.

[DCSL]

Okay, note: All sexy wiggling and OCD bowing and random kicking of objects is OOC for my character and will never have happened once the quest is over. >_<

[Kastrel]

Between this, CCF, and the Highman games, I'm pretty impressed by the sheer amount of events they are running.

That said, what the fuck is going on in the Dev side of things?

[Androidpk]

Between this, CCF, and the Highman games, I'm pretty impressed by the sheer amount of events they are running.

That said, what the fuck is going on in the Dev side of things?

Why do you think they're doing so many events. :)

[Candor]

I have participated in one quest of this type. The group was filled with players who had done the quest two or three times before, and they ran the group like a military outfit. Do as we say because we know what we are doing, and by the way shut up. Sure we completed the quest in pretty much record time and got our prizes, but big deal.

I will be sure to get into a group that actually wants to enjoy the quest and is not there just for the prizes.

[SHAFT]

The first runs will be for fun, the rest for loot. The loot > fun however

When some 5x ECP armor is the carrot, you go get it.

[Tolwynn]

The question becomes will that armor still be there for later runs of the event.

That said, depending on timing, I could field a 96 (probably 97 by then) wizard for a go or two at this.

[Kitsun]

I don't even know if trying to pre-form teams is even worth the effort. With the carrot being ECP armor, the tickets are just going to vanish. Just hope you get grouped with like minded people.

[Moonwitch]

I am hoping they run it like Night at the Academy where you can get your private groups. Otherwise, what chaos it could be!

[Jarvan]

The question becomes will that armor still be there for later runs of the event.

That said, depending on timing, I could field a 96 (probably 97 by then) wizard for a go or two at this.

I am betting they will put up say.. 5-10 runs, after that, if you aren't in those runs, no certainty you will get the armor.

From what it sounded like on the officials, the items can and will change over time, and likely if 20 sets of ecp plate come out in the first weekend, expect that plate to poof.

[Candor]

The first runs will be for fun, the rest for loot. The loot > fun however

For me the fun > loot

[DCSL]

For me the fun > loot

Spoken like a fucking bitch. Jesus. Go away already.

[4a6c1]

Haha. Dex is a mean drunk. That's USEFUL INFORMATION.

[Nilandia]

Between this, CCF, and the Highman games, I'm pretty impressed by the sheer amount of events they are running.

That said, what the fuck is going on in the Dev side of things?
I don't know for sure about Prime since I wasn't there, but Myasara announced in Plat that the Festival of Lumnea will be run again this year as well.

Gretchen

[Jace Solo]

I'm in with a 72 (at least) Wizard, 60 Warrior or 50 Empath.

Briar! PM ME!

I couldn't get it to post earlier when you said you were forming. I want in some sweet grouping action!

[Candor]

Spoken like a fucking bitch. Jesus. Go away already.

Wow. It must really hurt to be you.

[Zaigh]

I know Briar's group is probably set by now, so if anyone else wants a 56 or so warrior in their group get in touch!

[DCSL]

Haha. Dex is a mean drunk. That's USEFUL INFORMATION.

I'm actually a really giggly drunk. Problem is that I wasn't drunk.

[Fallen]

Has anyone pried more information out of them regarding the difficulty/limitations of the tier 6 prizes? I can't imagine they are willing to flood the game with 5x ECP armor.

[BriarFox]

All right. There're about 14 people here who want to group up. I'll send out another PM to everyone and we'll try to form 1-3 groups, depending on how things go. I'm up for 2 rounds, depending on the price. I expect it'll be limited to 1 run per account, at least for awhile.

Edit: From the officials, prizes are unlimited (at least for now) and tickets may go on sale tomorrow.

[Fallen]

Holy crap, at least there will be a lot of good armor circulating when I eventually get back. Good luck, guys.

[Kastrel]

I think they seriously underestimated how many people will just grab the high end armor.

[Ardwen]

you mean they think fluff is a major win? what gives you that idea? I mean just because they do it at every event doesn't mean they think we are all idiots ya know

[Vorpodu]

I'm flabbergasted that they think a hedgehog is in any way equal in value to ecp armor.

[Kitsun]

Hedgehogs topped out at around 30m. 5x ECP was like 50m? And this is pre-influx pricing. 10 suits hitting the market is going to do strange things to the armor market.

[Vorpodu]

Well I don't only mean monetary value. 5x ECP will make any character that already doesnt have boss armor, a lot better.

[Kastrel]

I'm sure there are a few people out there who barely hunt . . . you know, the types who have been playing for 15 years and they are level 40? They might choose the hedgehog. But thats a weird minority, and yeah, I don't think that they are in any way comparable, or even those health/mana sheaths.

[Vorpodu]

Two things may happen. Either the price of ECP will go down (unlikely) or the price of hedgehogs will go up (more likely) lol. Just to combat the, 'Oh I'll just pick the armor so I can sell it and buy a hedgehog and have money left over' people.

[Kastrel]

Two things may happen. Either the price of ECP will go down (unlikely) or the price of hedgehogs will go up (more likely) lol. Just to combat the, 'Oh I'll just pick the armor so I can sell it and buy a hedgehog and have money left over' people.

Hah! Brilliant.

[thefarmer]

I'm sure there are a few people out there who barely hunt . . . you know, the types who have been playing for 15 years and they are level 40? They might choose the hedgehog. But thats a weird minority, and yeah, I don't think that they are in any way comparable, or even those health/mana sheaths.

I don't hunt, haven't capped and I'd still grab the armor. Then stick it in a locker.

[petroglyph]

I don't hunt, haven't capped and I'd still grab the armor. Then stick it in a locker.

Yep.

I'd be interested in doing this as my level 37 bard, if anyone wants to put together a lower level group.

[Shimeria]

I have a capped sorcerer, any new groups still looking for team players let me know.

Thanks

[Originate]

"Think Academy quest for number of runs. In other words, a lot. They'll go up fairly slowly as we have to monitor the first runs for problems.

SGM Sleken"

[everan]

Hedgehogs topped out at around 30m. 5x ECP was like 50m? And this is pre-influx pricing. 10 suits hitting the market is going to do strange things to the armor market.

Wait, what? You're telling me there's 5x brig on the market for 50m? I'll just buy that.

[SHAFT]

Holy crap, at least there will be a lot of good armor circulating when I eventually get back. Good luck, guys.

There already is a ton of high end armor. If you can afford it, you have a nice set. They're definitely available.

With the ecp sets in the academy runs and CCF coming up there will be even more.

[Sile]

I have a mid 50's warmage I'll offer for runs, Sile could as well high 70's monk.

[Vorpodu]

All the sets available from Academy are SWCP I think.

[Wrathbringer]

So anyone who just got a ticket mind sharing the cost?

[msconstrew]

$13.95.

[BriarFox]

$14.99 before premium discount.

[Ardwen]

those went on sale much sooner then I assumed they would, figured Plat would guinea pig and they'd tweak

[Androidpk]

Depending on the date and group involved I have a 71 giantman monk that might be interested.

[BriarFox]

We'll email them and set up some special runs as soon as they allow it. These first runs are debugging, guinea-pig runs from what I understand.

[Jarvan]

2 runs sold out real darn fast.

luckily it is only 2. Personally, the first 1 or 2 runs are for fun, not loot really. Tho I still hope you all get tier 6.

[Gelston]

I have a pretty large vent server that can be used for this. Let me know if any of you all want to use it. I will probably do a later run... I did do NATA a billion times and only lost one.

[Originate]

wtf they open the tickets up at some random ass time without any heads up? Thats obnoxious

[Archigeek]

Oddly enough, I saw the announcement on facebook.

[Moonwitch]

I have a capped empath, capped wizard if anyone needs filler for a private run.

[Jarvan]

I am actually very surprised at the price for this. I would think it would be either much much more, or insanely hard to get tier 6.

Simu knows what silver sells for on the PC market. 5x ECP armor for about 2 mill is insane. Hell, 2 mill for a fixskills is nuts.

[SHAFT]

Just got home, that shit sold out

[Buckwheet]

Since its about fun and not loot, I will pay 3x the price of the ticket for group 1.

[Androidpk]

Since its about fun and not loot, I will pay 3x the price of the ticket for group 1.


:lol2:

[Canon2470-4L]

Since its about fun and not loot, I will pay 3x the price of the ticket for group 1.

LOL

[Jarvan]

If I was running in group one, i would be like sure, but then I get the loot since you just want the fun.

[Vorpodu]

Yea seriously. Sold out already. Such bullshit. Only 2 groups? Really? Give 20 people the oppurtunity to partake in a paid quest event, out of the hundreds that play? Way to go make that money Simu...

[Canon2470-4L]

Yea seriously. Sold out already. Such bullshit. Only 2 groups? Really? Give 20 people the oppurtunity to partake in a paid quest event, out of the hundreds that play? Way to go make that money Simu...

relax dude, there'll be more groups available at a later date...

[Roblar]

Yea seriously. Sold out already. Such bullshit. Only 2 groups? Really? Give 20 people the oppurtunity to partake in a paid quest event, out of the hundreds that play? Way to go make that money Simu...


While the quest is fully automated, I asked for quest times that I'd be available for in case anything goes wrong. I work full time and go to school full time, so the quest schedule may be light until I feel comfortable that nothing too unexpected will happen when I'm not around.

~Vanah

Is it possible to have an idea of how many runs/ tickets will be available? If there is a relatively small amount, can we be told what time they will go on sale?


Think Academy quest for number of runs. In other words, a lot. They'll go up fairly slowly as we have to monitor the first runs for problems.

SGM Sleken


Will you allow private runs as well? My house wants to do a run.

Velvette...bowcrazy


Yep. But not for awhile. As I said in an earlier post, we need to monitor these early runs and that'll depend on Vanah's schedule.

SGM Sleken

From officials

[everan]

I think what everyone is really worried about is that they'll change the prizes before they get their chance to run. Really though, it could go either way. The first groups may not make it to tier 6 but may provide enough information that future groups will succeed. On the other hand, they may make it easily, claim the great prizes and then SIMU says, whoah, we need to tweak this. It's a crap shoot, but I have to say the first group looks like a pretty capable bunch.

[Alafaya]

The first groups may not make it to tier 6 but may provide enough information that future groups will succeed. On the other hand, they may make it easily, claim the great prizes and then SIMU says, whoah, we need to tweak this. It's a crap shoot, but I have to say the first group looks like a pretty capable bunch.

If I'm in one of the first groups, why am I sharing information for anyone other than myself so they can use what I did, get further than where I gpt, claim the prizes I want, and then have them go away"?

[Wrathbringer]

If I'm in one of the first groups, why am I sharing information for anyone other than myself so they can use what I did, get further than where I gpt, claim the prizes I want, and then have them go away"?

They won't have to share information. These die-hard GS people will go on multiple runs for multiple prizes. By the fifth or sixth run, these people will have the quest figured out (unless Simu cycles the puzzles) and folks like me can join one of those runs, and coast to tier 6 with these people leading the group and get my ecp golvern plate for $15. Yay.

[everan]

If I'm in one of the first groups, why am I sharing information for anyone other than myself so they can use what I did, get further than where I got, claim the prizes I want, and then have them go away"?
Because I'll end up in the second or third run you do and I will benefit from your knowledge. A rising tide raises all ships.

[Tsk Tsk]

Gold Tray (Tier 6)
Prize Purpose
Gold double leathers Four-times enchanted double leathers with heavy critical padding and two fusion slots (down from 5x/ECP, added fusion)
Eahnor-trimmed leather Four-times enchanted full leather with heavy critical padding and two fusion slots (down from 5x/ECP, added fusion)
Golvern full plate Four-times enchanted full plate with heavy critical padding and two fusion slots (down from 5x/ECP, added fusion)
Eahnor-scaled armor Four-times enchanted brigandine with heavy critical padding and two fusion slots (down from 5x/ECP, added fusion)

And.... :(

[Gelston]

Also...


Platinum Tray (Tier 4)

Orase quarterstaff
Four-times enchanted quarterstaff with a hidden katana inside (down from 6x)[
Black ruic longbow
Four-times enchanted somewhat-sighted longbow; Enhances Perception, Ranged Weapon, Dexterity, and Ambush Bonuses (down from 5x)

[Jarvan]

really is kinda crappy. Knew it was to good to be true tho.

But this just shows they need to remove this stupid "fusion is a combat script" bullshit from services. The armors would still be decent to take to RtCF if you could get work on them.

[BriarFox]

Hmph.

[Androidpk]

Nice of them to do this AFTER the first two runs sell out. If I were you guys I'd be asking for a refund.

[BriarFox]

It's pretty annoying, but for the price of $14.99, I'm not complaining.

[Jarvan]

Technically speaking, 4x hcp armor itself is still worth the basically 2 mill silvers. add in fusion and it's still good.

Just not as good as 5x ECP, specially if RtCf doesn't allow fusion to be padded/enchanted.

[Androidpk]

It's pretty annoying, but for the price of $14.99, I'm not complaining.

You should be. This type of behavior is completely unacceptable for a company.

[BriarFox]

Eh. Mistakes happen. Mestys owned up to it. All good.

[Androidpk]

Mistakes seem to happen all the time with their events. I'm glad you're ok with this though.

[Wrathbringer]

Simu's QC must really suck. These "mistakes" happen far too frequently. Golvern armor that is 4x? That doesn't even make sense.

[zoraster]

HCP armor might be worth the 2m (or quite a bit more), but before the event it's hard to know what the chance of making it to Tier 6 is, so it's hard to know the expected value.

They're probably setting up the prize pool for long term too, so the people who signed up first are doubly screwed because their expected value is likely far lower than subsequent runs.

I mean, at $15 it IS hard to complain too much. Just I wouldn't expect the mere chance of getting a Tier 6 prize to be confused with getting it. ECP was reasonable if getting to Tier 6 (especially in the first runs) was incredibly hard.

[Fallen]

Pity. Padding doesn't get truly awesome until you go above Very Heavy.*

[Buckwheet]

If anyone wants to sell their ticket because of the change, let me know. I still want to get the damn RPA orbs.

[Androidpk]

Buckwheat has jokes.

[Archigeek]

That really is lame. Not the prizes really, but selling out the first run and THEN changing the prizes. Poor form. I think most of us were fairly surprised by the original offering. I expected it to be either a higher entry price with those prizes, or very difficult to achieve them.

[everan]

That really is lame. Not the prizes really, but selling out the first run and THEN changing the prizes. Poor form. I think most of us were fairly surprised by the original offering. I expected it to be either a higher entry price with those prizes, or very difficult to achieve them.
This is absolutely true, I was expecting something like $75. I just want the shot at something at that level. The new prizes are nothing to sneeze at though. These are a little better than forest green brig level with fusion added on. If FGB is 10m, these prizes are easily worth more, so it's a pretty good return assuming you can win tier 6 at least every 2-3 runs.

[Jarvan]

This is absolutely true, I was expecting something like $75. I just want the shot at something at that level. The new prizes are nothing to sneeze at though. These are a little better than forest green brig level with fusion added on. If FGB is 10m, these prizes are easily worth more, so it's a pretty good return assuming you can win tier 6 at least every 2-3 runs.

Honestly tho, to make these prizes (to me at least) on the level of FGB, they need to remove the stupid fucking "no fusion items" from service restrictions. Get a set of this armor, take it to RtCF, and win padding.. no wait, sorry, can't pad that, it has fusion. Win enchanting.. no sorry, it has fusion, TD, Nope sorry. Fusion.

[Moonwitch]

I'm highly disappointed with the change. I knew something had to be up though when I saw the price at $15.00. I have nothing equal to 5xs ECP brig and would have gone on the run multiple times trying to get a set for my rogue, even at a higher price point.

My biggest complaint is that something stupid always seems to happen with every event that Simu puts on. There is always something awesome that everyone wants and then you come to find out that there are so many restrictions it isn't worth it or 'OOPS I made a mistake' comes out and they nerf the original promised service or product.

It makes me wonder how they even come up with guidelines for items for events. There must be a total lack of communication between individuals involved with events. The mistakes just happen far too much for my liking.

[emo hero james]

I'm going to follow Simu's business model and go falsely advertise shit at work in an hour, see how far that gets me.

[Warriorbird]

I'm going to follow Simu's business model and go falsely advertise shit at work in an hour, see how far that gets me.

They've done this stuff before. It shouldn't surprise people.

[neimanz1]

well they did cover their bases this time. they did say the prizes might change

[Archigeek]

They've made a lot of similar mistakes in the past, but I don't recall them ever advertising a specific prize, selling the tickets and then substantially reducing the prize value. I wonder how many Missouri laws this violates.

[msconstrew]

I can't believe anyone is actually surprised at this. It is par for the course of the company. Total lack of QC, no oversight, the right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing at any time, and then when they realize a mistake has been made, they don't take responsibility for it. Instead, they just punish everyone who exercised reasonable reliance on their advertisement when purchasing the tickets, fail to issue any kind of meaningful apology, and expect everyone to take it. Worst. Customer. Service. Ever.

[Catts]

wow...that's pretty damn lame to see...

[audioserf]

Typical Simu. This is why I never do pay events. I don't like the idea of giving them more money than the price of my subscription. I feel like it would just encourage them.

[Jarvan]

well they did cover their bases this time. they did say the prizes might change

Yes, they said the prizes could change at any time, but they would give us notice. Technically, they gave us notice.

[Jarvan]

I can't believe anyone is actually surprised at this. It is par for the course of the company. Total lack of QC, no oversight, the right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing at any time, and then when they realize a mistake has been made, they don't take responsibility for it. Instead, they just punish everyone who exercised reasonable reliance on their advertisement when purchasing the tickets, fail to issue any kind of meaningful apology, and expect everyone to take it. Worst. Customer. Service. Ever.

I don't know.. I think Hammerpoint Interactive beats Simu by a few AU's.

Case in point. They released private servers for their game, said the price point would be between .60 and 1.00 per slot, Then charged 1.20 per slot, and a 25$ fee to put a password on it. When the community blew a gasket, they told us to not buy servers they were going to look at it and lower the price. The next day they removed the lowest slot server, increased the base price to the price of the server with a password, and made the password option free. Then told us based on their research, this was fair.

Then they doubled the price a few days later, because people were still buying them. Then 2 days later, reduced the price by 50% and said see, we fixed it.

BTW.. did I mention during this time they removed 50% of the public servers? This was because they were selling the public servers as private ones.

Not to mention they don't even bother to explain when they do something, they just do it.

So .. no, Simu isn't the worst. But they are in my Top 10.

[neimanz1]

Pretty sure its the gms that actually want to release some of these nice items but later end up having their hands tied. A lot of really great items and services over the last 2 or 3 years.

[Some Rogue]

Worst. Customer. Service. Ever.

And yet all you people bend over and take it time after time.

[msconstrew]

And yet all you people bend over and take it time after time.

Actually I canceled my accounts last month. They go through the end of March, and then I am done.

[Androidpk]

And yet all you people bend over and take it time after time.

Plenty of people speak out against Simu for this sort of behavior. Not everyone is a BriarFox.

[SHAFT]

The 5x ECP seemed a bit too good to be true.

Either getting to tier 6 was gonna be a serious long shot or they were gonna change it.

[Some Rogue]

Plenty of people speak out against Simu for this sort of behavior. Not everyone is a BriarFox.

I was mainly referring to the ones who buy tickets for every event and then bitch when simu is simu.

[stormcrow]

Prizes are still pretty nice. I have a problem when they release full plate made of Golvern being 4x enchanted. Either make it it's natural 5x or use another metal.

[Manamethis]

Is Mestys the person who decided to change the prizes or would that be someone else making that decision?

[Archigeek]

They've approved refunds for those who signed up prior to the downgrading of the prizes.

[thefarmer]

Simu's QC must really suck. These "mistakes" happen far too frequently.

Don't blame QC or the other GMs.

Blame Mestys for being the dumbass that didn't pay attention to what the fuck he was doing when he set down the guidelines.

[Moonwitch]

Is Mestys the person who decided to change the prizes or would that be someone else making that decision?

They said they were going to fix the metal.

[Androidpk]

They said they were going to fix the metal.

By turning it into some less desirable metal.

[Warriorbird]

They've approved refunds for those who signed up prior to the downgrading of the prizes.

I wonder when Solomon will pull these due to "bullying the customer service people."


They've made a lot of similar mistakes in the past, but I don't recall them ever advertising a specific prize, selling the tickets and then substantially reducing the prize value. I wonder how many Missouri laws this violates.

They have.

[Kastrel]

By turning it into some less desirable metal.

I think the problem was that AFTER getting over losing the enchant, people realized they'd rather have 4x rolaren/etc than 4x gimped golvern.

[Latrinsorm]

You should be. This type of behavior is completely unacceptable for a company.The term is "bait and switch", and it is fraud. They're banking on nobody wanting to go to all the effort of bringing a lawsuit against them. If only the government could be aware of everything without needing citizens to bring matters to their attention...
They've approved refunds for those who signed up prior to the downgrading of the prizes.
I wonder when Solomon will pull these due to "bullying the customer service people."Yeah.

[emo hero james]

I'm not surprised, personally, and yeah, they did cover their bases by saying 'prizes subject to change on a whim because fuck you, paying customers, you'll eat our shit and you'll smile between swallows' but it never fails to be just plain disappointing, even after sixteen years of shelling out for premium.

[thefarmer]

The term is "bait and switch", and it is fraud. They're banking on nobody wanting to go to all the effort of bringing a lawsuit against them. If only the government could be aware of everything without needing citizens to bring matters to their attention

Naw.

This isn't a matter of bait and switch. Not really.

It's Mestys fucking up and not doing their job properly.

[Androidpk]

Does Sirina or Whatley ever post on the boards?

[Latrinsorm]

Naw.

This isn't a matter of bait and switch. Not really.

It's Mestys fucking up and not doing their job properly.Or Mestys is Lee Majors IRL.

[thefarmer]

Does Sirina or Whatley ever post on the boards?

Whatley's too busy doing coke lines to post. He never has.

Sirinna is never around.


Or Mestys is Lee Majors IRL.

?

[Donquix]

Naw.

This isn't a matter of bait and switch. Not really.

It's Mestys fucking up and not doing their job properly.

Bait and switch through incompetence is still bait and switch.

Shit like this is why i'm currently not, and will continue to not, subscribe. If they open the freemium type stuff i'll play for free, but I won't give them a dime without some drastic changes in the (mis)management of the game.

So, never again, really.

[thefarmer]

Bait and switch through incompetence is still bait and switch.

If the intent to bait wasn't there, I disagree.

It's a fuckup, pure and simple.

[Fallen]

If the intent to bait wasn't there, I disagree.

It's a fuckup, pure and simple.

Posting the prize list isn't considered baiting? What was the purpose of posting it prior to the event, then?

[thefarmer]

Posting the prize list isn't considered baiting? What was the purpose of posting it prior to the event, then?

Sorry. I guess I should have said intent to bait AND switch. I was just too lazy to finish the phrase.

[Archigeek]

Batin!

[Fallen]

Sorry. I guess I should have said intent to bait AND switch. I was just too lazy to finish the phrase.

That's why Donquix stated "through incompetence" which I believe is the very reason why they are allowing refunds when they have been loathe to do so in the past. They know they're in the wrong here.

[waywardgs]

I love how the response is basically "awww, Well, you know Simutronics and their crazy policies! Always messin up!"

People should be fucking MAD.

[thefarmer]

That's why Donquix stated "through incompetence" which I believe is the very reason why they are allowing refunds when they have been loathe to do so in the past. They know they're in the wrong here.

I'm not arguing that they're not in the wrong.

My point is that it never crossed their minds to offer one thing, drum up interest/money, then change it.. Which is ultimately what 'bait and switch' is. Intent I think is important.

Since it wasn't intended to happen like it did, and it was someone not doing their job and paying attention, then to me, at least, it's not the 'bait and switch'.

[Jarvan]

Sorry. I guess I should have said intent to bait AND switch. I was just too lazy to finish the phrase.

Technically speaking, if a store posts an ad showing 2 liter cokes at .99 Cents ( I don't have a cents symbol) they can print a retraction, but anyone that shows up before they have one made, has to be given the advertised price. Which would in that case basically be 1 penny.

They can't make people that paid the advertised price pay more, or give them less then what they paid for.

Now.. in this case, the event hasn't run, but people did pay for the chance to get those items, changing them is kinda low. Specially when the GM involved pretty much said it's unlikely to get tier 6 right away. That being said, I am not on the runs, though of course I wish I was if they kept them as advertised. But changing it afterwards and saying sorry, you get a refund if you don't like the change is wrong.

Another example.. you see an ad for a Dyson vacuum for $99 that is normally $399, you go there and buy one, but it's out of stock at that moment. You Pay the full price, and are told you can pick it up in a week. They later call you and tell you sorry, we meant the Kison vacuum for $99. Come pick it up now, or if you are mad, we will give a refund.

[Donquix]

Sorry. I guess I should have said intent to bait AND switch. I was just too lazy to finish the phrase.

But you can't excuse that. Yes, we're humans and we have the capacity to use critical thinking for a specific given circumstance (and Mestys is good people), but in general you can't differentiate the two really. Otherwise you open the door for people doing it maliciously and then saying "timeout, i'm just really shitty at my job so this doesn't count"

It also doesn't help simu that this has happened REPEATEDLY. In fact...nearly the exact same scenario with their last paid event. At least with Droughtman's II: The Reckoning they didn't post a specific prize list before selling tickets. This is even worse.

[Fallen]

I'm not arguing that they're not in the wrong.

My point is that it never crossed their minds to offer one thing, drum up interest/money, then change it.. Which is ultimately what 'bait and switch' is. Intent I think is important.

Since it wasn't intended to happen like it did, and it was someone not doing their job and paying attention, then to me, at least, it's not the 'bait and switch'.


But you can't excuse that. Yes, we're humans and we have the capacity to use critical thinking for a specific given circumstance (and Mestys is good people), but in general you can't differentiate the two really. Otherwise you open the door for people doing it maliciously and then saying "timeout, i'm just really shitty at my job so this doesn't count"

It also doesn't help simu that this has happened REPEATEDLY. In fact...nearly the exact same scenario with their last paid event. At least with Droughtman's II: The Reckoning they didn't post a specific prize list before selling tickets. This is even worse.

The argument is largely semantics at this point. I think their admission of guilt, whether you wish to label it bait and switch or something else is fairly apparent. It is a damn shame, though, as those old tier 6 prizes were pretty awesome.

[Androidpk]

Who else is there at the top besides Solomon, Sirina, and Whatley?

[Fallen]

Mestys, in terms of game decisions.

[thefarmer]

But changing it afterwards and saying sorry, you get a refund if you don't like the change is wrong.

I never said otherwise.


But you can't excuse that. Yes, we're humans and we have the capacity to use critical thinking for a specific given circumstance (and Mestys is good people), but in general you can't differentiate the two really. Otherwise you open the door for people doing it maliciously and then saying "timeout, i'm just really shitty at my job so this doesn't count"

It also doesn't help simu that this has happened REPEATEDLY. In fact...nearly the exact same scenario with their last paid event. At least with Droughtman's II: The Reckoning they didn't post a specific prize list before selling tickets. This is even worse.

I'm not excusing anything. I'm simply assigning blame where I think it needs to be. The 'Bait and switch' phrase doesn't apply here. As far as Mestys being good people, well, not everyone agrees.

As far as DM2, I think that would be more an example of Bait and Switch if anything (recent) is.


The argument is largely semantics at this point. I think their admission of guilt, whether you wish to label it bait and switch or something else is fairly apparent. It is a damn shame, though, as those old tier 6 prizes were pretty awesome.

It is semantics, to a point.

But honestly, calling this 'bait and switch' doesn't allow for proper or accurate blame to be doled out on why this was wrong. At least in my opinion.

[thefarmer]

Who else is there at the top besides Solomon, Sirina, and Whatley?

Whatley doesn't do anything with GS but demand more profits from it.

Solomon doesn't do much of anything either but demand more profits of it.

Sirinna just doesn't do shit.

Mestys is in charge of probably 99% of the key things we care about and notice... like prizes.

[Fallen]

It is semantics, to a point.

But honestly, calling this 'bait and switch' doesn't allow for proper or accurate blame to be doled out on why this was wrong. At least in my opinion.

Where, specifically, would you place the blame? I am going to assume solely Mestys.

[Kastrel]

I'm not arguing that they're not in the wrong.

My point is that it never crossed their minds to offer one thing, drum up interest/money, then change it.. Which is ultimately what 'bait and switch' is. Intent I think is important.

Since it wasn't intended to happen like it did, and it was someone not doing their job and paying attention, then to me, at least, it's not the 'bait and switch'.

It may not be an intentional bait and switch, but a business with good customer service would honor the original deal even if it screwed them. Otherwise, they end result is . . . I don't know, the equivalent of "involuntary bait and switch". It doesn't make it any less there, and they are still choosing to do so.

A refund is a step in the right direction, but I think that for these first two sold out runs, they should honor the original prize listing. If they get to tier-6 (which they say is absurdly difficult anyway) let them have their awesome armor. Treat them like a customer who made an informed purchase, don't back out of the deal, and hell, reward them for being the first (and hence, least likely to figure out the puzzles).

[thefarmer]

Where, specifically, would you place the blame? I am going to assume solely Mestys.

Absolutely. He's the one in charge of prize approvals, among other things. This is his fuckup after the fact.

He even admitted it as such in his post outlining the prize change.

[Latrinsorm]

?Lee Majors played The Fall Guy on teevee.

[Jhynnifer]

I dunno if I'd consider it bait and switch or just yet another huge and epic fail brought to you by Simu's QC. I don't think Wyrom and Vanah should be taking the heat for this though, its something the onsite head honchos should be having to deal with.

[Aluvius]

Batin!

Shut uuup.

Oh and they just added a puzzle timer due to feedback from one person. Its to keep scripters from trying too many puzzle combinations at once. Every time you fail at one, you get sent back to respawn with an escalating timer. It should work great.

[waywardgs]

I dunno if I'd consider it bait and switch or just yet another huge and epic fail brought to you by Simu's QC. I don't think Wyrom and Vanah should be taking the heat for this though, its something the onsite head honchos should be having to deal with.

It's unacceptable on ANY level. You aren't dealing with people who call themselves Wyrom or Vanah on the "internet"... you're dealing with a business that at best jerks their customers around and at worst has committed fraud in this instance.

[thefarmer]

Lee Majors played The Fall Guy on teevee.

Oh. Nah. This isn't someone stepping up to be the fall guy.


I dunno if I'd consider it bait and switch or just yet another huge and epic fail brought to you by Simu's QC. I don't think Wyrom and Vanah should be taking the heat for this though, its something the onsite head honchos should be having to deal with.

You shouldn't blame QC or Wyrom or Vanah.

The person to blame for letting it happen, and the change after the fact, is the one who posted the notice of change.

[Jhynnifer]

It's unacceptable on ANY level. You aren't dealing with people who call themselves Wyrom or Vanah on the "internet"... you're dealing with a business that at best jerks their customers around and at worst has committed fraud in this instance.

I'm in no way arguing that fact, though I honestly think "at worst has committed fraud in this instance" is a little much. All I was saying is that Wyrom and Vanah shouldn't be eating this, Sirinia should be.



You shouldn't blame QC or Wyrom or Vanah.

The person to blame for letting it happen, and the change after the fact, is the one who posted the notice of change.

Mestys? Yes, well... perhaps its not so much QC in this case, but clearly the checks and balances that -should- be in place weren't. Let's face it. 90% of the playerbase caught how batshit insanely good the T5/T6 weapons and armor were. Yet, no one who touched Black Swan did? I mean, even the person who posted the prizes never read them? Because I'd of been like... "um... 5x ECP armor being released in potentially large amounts... this seems odd."

[Archigeek]

QC's job is mostly to make sure everything works. Not to check policy stuff. Sure they do that to a small degree, but they're much more likely to be checking to make sure something is in genre, in sync with history doc's, has correct spelling and grammar and basically is what it's supposed to be. Whether or not 5x ecp armor is an appropriate prize has zero to do with the QC folks.

[thefarmer]

Mestys? Yes, well... perhaps its not so much QC in this case, but clearly the checks and balances that -should- be in place weren't. Let's face it. 90% of the playerbase caught how batshit insanely good the T5/T6 weapons and armor were. Yet, no one who touched Black Swan did? I mean, even the person who posted the prizes never read them? Because I'd of been like... "um... 5x ECP armor being released in potentially large amounts... this seems odd."

You personally know how QC works. And how items are made. You also know how approvals are work.

Considering how long the prize list was up, and how many people commented on it, clearly the approvals were there in the beginning for all the prizes when the items were built, then QC'd, then listed.

Now.. they're not.

[Manamethis]

The prize list was posted on 3/2/13.

5 days later after tickets have sold out Mestys posts about the "mistake" he made.


The following GM's posted in the thread between the list being posted and then later revoked.
Vanah, Tamuz, Qortaz, Sleken (SGM), Solomon, Wyrom.



How did all 7 of these GM's fail to notice at the same time that something was wrong. GM-Qortaz even posted saying the padding is permanent to reassure people that it wasn't a mistake.



Just to be clear, if all 10 players complete the quest they can call choose 5x ECP armor? Is the padding permanent or temporary?




Having made them, I can tell you that the padding is indeed permanent.



In response to them changing the prizes, this is what was said.



Loot can and probably will change over the quest's lifetime.

SGM Sleken


In my understanding, future quests could and most likely would change, but not the original quests where you advertised and then confirmed that really nice armor was an option.

[Jhynnifer]

You personally know how QC works. And how items are made. You also know how approvals are work.

Considering how long the prize list was up, and how many people commented on it, clearly the approvals were there in the beginning for all the prizes when the items were built, then QC'd, then listed.

Now.. they're not.

There were very few paid events structured this way back then, so my idea of how QC went for this would be somewhat askew. That being said, I have a hard time believing -anyone- on staff thought that putting 5x ECP armor out into the game in (possibly) mass quantities was a good idea. It slipped through enough people's common sense meters that it made it to the final list and posted. So it comes down to whether I want to believe that Simu did try and dupe its customer base into buying tickets or that they didn't care enough to actually -think- about their prize list before approving, building and posting it.


QC's job is mostly to make sure everything works. Not to check policy stuff. Sure they do that to a small degree, but they're much more likely to be checking to make sure something is in genre, in sync with history doc's, has correct spelling and grammar and basically is what it's supposed to be. Whether or not 5x ecp armor is an appropriate prize has zero to do with the QC folks.

I don't mean specifically the QC group. I consider QC to be at least some small part of everyone's job when their company releases a product. I suppose I should have used Simu's approval process, but that reads as QC to me as well.

[FlayedAngel]

I rather feel as though I should be angrier than I am about this.

[Jhynnifer]

I rather feel as though I should be angrier than I am about this.

I'm disappointed, but not angry.

[Gelston]

I don't really have a reason to be angry. I didn't buy a ticket for it, so I didn't have a dog in the fight. I know some of the most pissed off vocal people didn't buy a ticket either for the first runs either. If I had bought a ticket and they made the prizes so shitty that I wanted a refund, and they didn't offer it, then I'd be a bit angry. Am I peeved that they got our hopes up and then dashed them? Well yes. The tier 6 stuff is still pretty nice though.

[Gizmo]

This reminds me of the great Droughtman's Maze Ticket ordeal too. Oh Simu..

[thefarmer]

How did all 7 of these GM's fail to notice at the same time that something was wrong. GM-Qortaz even posted saying the padding is permanent to reassure people that it wasn't a mistake.

Hi Inspire!


That being said, I have a hard time believing -anyone- on staff thought that putting 5x ECP armor out into the game in (possibly) mass quantities was a good idea. It slipped through enough people's common sense meters that it made it to the final list and posted.

This is exactly my point.

For this to have passed through so many people's hands, and eyes, means not that they lacked common sense, but because the approval had to have been there for all this work to have been done. And posted. And commented on. And verified. For days, no less.

Then, obviously, that approval was taken away. After the fact. (And again, not as some intended 'bait and switch' ploy)

This isn't a fuckup along parts of the chain (GMs and QC), or a lack of common sense. It's one at the top. Mestys fucked up. Plain and simple.

[Senglent]

Just cause I want to see people have a shit fit, refund my arse.


I am sorry that the changes were such that you this unhappy. I removed the ticket for the event and issued you a Box Office credit for $13.49.


Chris Metzener
Simutronics Corporation

I do not count "Store credit" and a limited store credit on top of it, as a refund. Granted I'll use it on RtCF instead but this is still shady and not what was posted by a GM yet again.

Edit: I did make a polite reply saying and quoting Mestys about a "refund" not a store credit, and a limited one at that. So I'll see what they say to that.

[Archigeek]

I can tell you that nothing demoralizes folks more than when they make promises to customers and management won't back them up.

[everan]

Why wouldn't they just offer a plain old refund? They'll sell the ticket in a second anyway.

[msconstrew]

Why wouldn't they just offer a plain old refund? They'll sell the ticket in a second anyway.

Because even if they sell the ticket in a second, they now have an additional $13.50. Peanuts, sure, but I think it's pretty obvious that nothing matters more to Simu than $$$$.

[Androidpk]

Because even if they sell the ticket in a second, they now have an additional $13.50. Peanuts, sure, but I think it's pretty obvious that nothing matters more to Simu than $$$$.

Bingo.

[Senglent]

I got my information from Solomon, but since that was posted on the forums, I guess we are doing refunds. I have removed the credit and issued a refund.


Chris Metzener
Simutronics Corporation

Well looks like my polite inquiry/rebuff paid off to the store credit line. All my annoyance is now absolved. :spaz:

It's nice to see a company known for not doing the right thing actually do it for a change.

[thefarmer]

Well looks like my polite inquiry/rebuff paid off to the store credit line. All my annoyance is now absolved. :spaz:

It's nice to see a company known for not doing the right thing actually do it for a change.

Wait until Bubba gets a hold of that one.

They can easily make Chris revoke that too.

[Senglent]

They might still say one thing and do another, It's not on my statement yet.

[Latrinsorm]

You personally know how QC works. And how items are made. You also know how approvals are work.Oh man, you and Jhynnifer are GMs??

nod

wink

smile

mychar IS RPING GIVE ME LOOT AND RPAS
This is exactly my point.

For this to have passed through so many people's hands, and eyes, means not that they lacked common sense, but because the approval had to have been there for all this work to have been done. And posted. And commented on. And verified. For days, no less.

Then, obviously, that approval was taken away. After the fact. (And again, not as some intended 'bait and switch' ploy)

This isn't a fuckup along parts of the chain (GMs and QC), or a lack of common sense. It's one at the top. Mestys fucked up. Plain and simple.James Harden's beard and I are not impressed. Would so many GMs really have believed that in clear contradiction of all previous history they were going to make it rain ultra mega armor? Or is it more reasonable to believe that so many GMs were 100% aware that it would not in fact happen? That, for lack of a better term, such armor was ephemeral baaaaiiiiiit for (somewhat) unsuspecting customers?
Wait until Bubba gets a hold of that one.

They can easily make Chris revoke that too.James Harden's beard and I weep sorrowful tears on the truth of this.

[thefarmer]

Oh man, you and Jhynnifer are GMs??

nod

wink

smile

mychar IS RPING GIVE ME LOOT AND RPAS

Lulz.


James Harden's beard and I are not impressed. Would so many GMs really have believed that in clear contradiction of all previous history they were going to make it rain ultra mega armor? Or is it more reasonable to believe that so many GMs were 100% aware that it would not in fact happen? That, for lack of a better term, such armor was ephemeral baaaaiiiiiit for (somewhat) unsuspecting customers?

If the approvals were in place beforehand, why would they believe there was a contradiction? Even discounting the approvals part, I can't believe any of the GMs that posted about the prizes (and a greater majority of staff) would ever consider using bait and switch.


James Harden's beard and I weep sorrowful tears on the truth of this.

Linsadness can team up with your sorrowful Beard

[Senglent]

All I want to say after doing the first run.....

They can keep the money, and the refund I haven't gotten yet for the second run I opted for a refund on after the prize change up.

I want the 3 hours of my life back I wasted instead tonight.

[Androidpk]

Tell us more!

[Senglent]

All I have to say is if you go back and look at the officials, it was stated by a GM that their QC group which some, half of them?,being the ones to code the quest almost didn't get it done in 3 and a half hours (a good 30 minutes longer then players get, and they know what they are doing supposedly they built the damn thing). That post made me wonder, and then the prizes got redone. I don't think they had anything to worry about as far as anyone in the first few runs hitting tier 6. They could have left it alone and laughed all the way to the bank, and redone it later saying "well since we had to make it a touch more realistic we dumbed down the prizes too".

Oh and did I mention it was still buggy and needed a GM's helping hand? (that more then anything is what annoys me, typical Simu style half ass release.)

Just overall a huge waste of my time imho.

[RSR]

We got to tier 2. Went through a bunch of different puzzles and apparently weren't anywhere close to being finished. Lots of puzzles that aren't intuitive at all and seemed more 'guess the obscure verb'. I doubt we'd get any farther if we were allowed to run it again tomorrow. It was very frustrating all around.

[RSR]

There was one confirmed bug that delayed actual entry to the castle. Unfortunately the time wasted on that wasn't added to our total time to solve the quest.

[Androidpk]

I'm not surprised it was buggy. Makes me wonder how they can justify selling tickets for the first couple of runs when you know that you guys are just beta testing it for them.

[Senglent]

that cost us damn near an hour, 1/3rd our quest time.

I wouldn't be surprised if there wasn't more they aren't owning up too. But wait it's Simu, They wouldn't do that! Would they....?

The response at the end of "it went about how I expected, you guys did great!" I think was the icing on the cake to piss me off finally.

[Senglent]

I'm not surprised it was buggy. Makes me wonder how they can justify selling tickets for the first couple of runs when you know that you guys are just beta testing it for them.

It's called get the dumbasses to PAY to test something for us this go around tactic.

[Androidpk]

Also, I'd like to clarify to the Platinum group that went tonight. There weren't any bugs, as some are claiming there were. There was a minor issue with one thing in the beginning, but it did not prevent any progress to happen.

The GM test group that went did not code this quest, nor were we the QC team handling BSQ (though some of us had a hand in helping with some aspects). We were simply the beta testers. I keep hearing that we were. But we weren't, not sure where that's cropping up.

Running a "scripted item test" script will not really get you anywhere, as it's not really a "guess the verb" quest. Each quest marker requires certain steps though.

Please keep the forums clean of the puzzles and their solutions though.

Post away!

[Originate]

Wyrom said the GM's that went weren't the ones that coded it. What kind of puzzles were there?

[Manamethis]

Wyrom said the GM's that went weren't the ones that coded it. What kind of puzzles were there?

I think it may have been Aulis.



I'm going to throw out here that tier 6 is pretty hard to hit in general. I've participated in a run with 5 other GM's. Several of which that have helped work with GM Vanah on various parts of the quest to make sure they work right and aren't buggy. We finished it, making tier 6, within the last 5 minutes. And technically we got 3 hours and 22 minutes to run it instead of the 3 hours.

Not to say the above in a bad light. But I will be very excited and surprised to see any groups making tier 6 within the first few runs. It will be a achievement well worth the hard work, time, and maybe even a little frustration at some points. But at the end I think you will be happy and smile at completion.


~Aulis
Forums Manager
QC'er

[Ker_Thwap]

I'm done with paid Simu events. Droughtman's is boring as hell, a complete waste of 30 minutes. Festivals make the assumption that you're going to spend 80 hours a week scripting games, or parking your ass in boring lines to get work done. There's minimal value to the casual player. The quests and puzzles are always non intuitive and just another time waster. A friend tried to get me to sign up for this one, screw that frustration. I'd rather just pay the black market prices and get an item that's actually useful to one of my characters.

[Wrathbringer]

Anyone mind posting the properties of the prize item you chose?

[Manamethis]

Any tips for tonight?

[caelric]

Anyone mind posting the properties of the prize item you chose?

I picked the close helmet from tier two, I think it was golvern or some other metal, but that part is unimportant. Properties are HCP, +10 bonus to strength, +20 bonus to cman, and +25 bonus to MOC. It attunes to you, so you can't sell it, and according to the boards, the amount of charges is low, so it won't last all that long. Also has some neat verbage when you put it on, open it, close it, or take it off.

[Archigeek]

If they're the same as the academy quest, I believe those had 3 charges. Impressive enhancive stats, but you won't have them long.

[caelric]

Yeah, I believe they said at one point that they were the same level of charges as the Academy quest. I am one of those people who religiously removes their enhancives immediately after a hunt, though, so at least I will get max use out of it

[DaCapn]

I'm never one to expect that these things work flawlessly out the gate but it seems pretty easy to deal with customer satisfaction to me. People wasted an hour with a bug starting the quest? Give them an RPA when it's over (maybe bump them up a treasure tier too). No big deal. I'm always a little surprised about the fact that there's a lot of customer dissatisfaction when Simu can always generate zero-cost virtual rewards to assure satisfaction. Obviously you can't be handing them out for every little complaint, but when it comes to an issue like that with a ticketed event, it seems like an obvious move.

EDIT: Okay, I'm late... quotes for context:

There was one confirmed bug that delayed actual entry to the castle. Unfortunately the time wasted on that wasn't added to our total time to solve the quest.

that cost us damn near an hour, 1/3rd our quest time.

I wouldn't be surprised if there wasn't more they aren't owning up too. But wait it's Simu, They wouldn't do that! Would they....?

The response at the end of "it went about how I expected, you guys did great!" I think was the icing on the cake to piss me off finally.

[Androidpk]

They could take a lesson or two from Amazon customer service.

[Kastrel]

I'm curious to know more about this entrance bug . . . the attendees insist it took up a significant period of their quest time, but the GMs keep saying "it didn't detract from your total quest time". Which is it? And yeah, if a bug cuts into your paid-quest time, it absolutely should be addressed. Either give them more time, or compensation like an RPA or quest tier.

[Archigeek]

What shocks me most is when they have staff offer a refund, and then billing doesn't follow through. Honestly I think "billing" is getting demonized, and the no refund policy is coming from higher up the food chain. Honestly, this was such a clear bait and switch, that I'd wager they're violating Missouri State Law, and are being really dumb by refusing to follow through on one refund request for such a tiny amount. Whether or not it was intentional likely doesn't matter.

[Androidpk]

Apparently it is Solomon telling billing not to do actual refunds and to instead do account credits. Which is why I find the suggestion of feedback kind of funny since I'm pretty sure Solomon is in charge of them too.

[Archigeek]

Definition of Bait and Switch, according to Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster:

http://ago.mo.gov/ConsumerCorner/blog/10488/Bait_and_switch_schemes/

[Senglent]

to clarify I'm actually getting the refund for the second run I backed out of, just might take a couple weeks to get. Yeah I got pissy cause it had been a week and I still had not gotten it. Billing is probably the best part of Simutronics, they are the best as far as dealing with them. GM's on the other hand tend to be dicks enough to make players wary. Don't get me wrong we have a lot of good GM's currently imho, but we also have a few who have no business posting, Sleken being one of them. He just comes off as an ass more often then not.

I think I put the C/P of billing saying Solomon told them no refunds, but when I told billing to look at the boards and qouted it they said they gave me the refund. It's just Solomon being his usual DR loving doesn't give a shit about GS self. That's the main reason I made the snarky post poking at him personally on the officials.

I didn't bother to threaten with a lawsuit, I mean come on it's 13.49... literally pocket change to me, and most I would think. Add in lawyer fees, add that to the lawsuit, my time away from work... just isn't worth the effort to me or them to pay their lawyer on top of it. Most likely I would nail them in court just would be a huge waste imho. One reason I never mentioned it, and honestly I'm amused people keep bringing it up as I'm the only one who opt'ed for the refund.

And if I remember right last person who got all legal on them ended up banded, so they won their point but got the perma-boot. Granted you could add that into the lawsuit too, but again just a huge waste in my eyes. And like I said there is a hangup, I'll actually get it instead of a box office credit. The thing that annoyed me was saying one thing while intending to do another.

The quest is doable I'm sure, just remember the head honcho takes 90 minutes, that's half the time allowed, and they know what they are doing. Expect to do the quest several times to be able to finish it.

As to our issues, you had to get an item to make another item work. Yet the verb was broken and it didn't let us get the item. So we searched for another one and another way into the castle. And I may have said a third of our time, but that was how long we spent outside before getting in, the bug I think cost us about 30 minutes. and in a timed quest of 3 hours that's a lot of time.

there are 2 ways in that only let a few people use before going bye bye, and the one that got us stuck was a one shot deal. I think that it is more of an intended time waster and would suggest not searching for an item but for a way a couple people can get in instead.

I'm not one to post spoilers like I said before but if anyone want's to PM me I'll gladly share what little we figured out to help others along. I understand completely some people only do things for the ending instead of how they get there.

[Fallen]

Perhaps just make a thread with a clear SPOILER label for the event. People will obviously wish to engage in discussion of the puzzles. That way people have an easy means of avoiding them if they wish.

[BriarFox]

Our team had a good bit of fun with this quest in the first Prime run, btw. We ran it from 8:38 to 11:38 tonight. One hassle over a verb, but we should have thought of it sooner. Ardwen finally thought of it and saved the day. We had everything just about figured out when we were ganked, and had we not wasted time on that one verb, well ... we might have gotten much further. As it was, we hit Tier 3.

[Zaigh]

Gratz on Tier 3!

[Archigeek]

Yeah we were a few seconds away from what I think was probably tier 4. It was a valiant effort. I think a bug tripped me up, where I had grabbed "the object" and was moving towards the place it needed to go, when I noticed that according to Stormfront, my hands were empty. Thinking maybe I didn't have it even though I'd grabbed it, I typed "get object" and strangely enough that caused me to drop it. So in spite of Stormfront I did have it in hand. But Tallman, who had yelled "grab it!" to get me going to begin with, came into the room while I was in RT and I told him to pick it up and run, which he did. Unfortuntely we ran out of time 2 rooms away.

[SHAFT]

Wizard FE ftw

[Moonwitch]

Wizard FE ftw

This.

[Ardwen]

Had a ton of fun, a couple of totally non-intuitive leaps got us as far as we got. the most annoying thing of course were the total time sink things, like 1 minute RTs some rooms or actions had. Tons of great old memories swimming in the moat again though. We had a great group, with some very good puzzle solvers, which helped a ton

[Sav]

I had fun... and I'd do it again... oh wait, I am!

[Manamethis]

I had a great time, we had a great team. I was prepared for a big disappointment and it was the exact opposite. The puzzles were a challenge, but they weren't impossible if you just kept trying.

[Shimeria]

I can't wait!

[Senglent]

I would imagine once Vanah deams it bug free and put's it on full auto like NATA it would be a lot of fun. I personally hate getting suckered into paying to beta test and find bugs, that's part of my annoyance with this quest.

I'm glad you guys had fun and am a bit jealous you hit tier 3 as that had the one item I wanted after tier 6 got redone. Congrats!

[Wrathbringer]

Will I need a certain amount of swimming training for this quest or no?

[Manamethis]

Will I need a certain amount of swimming training for this quest or no?

Yes, you'll need to know how to swim.

[Wrathbringer]

Yes, you'll need to know how to swim.

So you think I'd be good with my one rank of swimming training?

[Manamethis]

So you think I'd be good with my one rank of swimming training?

I have 20 ranks.

[Ardwen]

actually you dont need to know how to swim, you will just be mostly useless to start

[Originate]

Any input from those who ran today? I heard they reached Tier 4.

[Androidpk]

They did!

[FlayedAngel]

Any input from those who ran today? I heard they reached Tier 4.

We did! My first time, it was a lot of fun... despite a few odd setbacks, like being unable to depart or do anything when dead this one time, haha.

[FlayedAngel]

I had a great time, we had a great team. I was prepared for a big disappointment and it was the exact opposite. The puzzles were a challenge, but they weren't impossible if you just kept trying.

Word to that. Were you in my group? lol

[nocturnix]

So I had some friends visiting from out of town the past few days. Now all the tickets are sold. So i'm curious: what is your strategy to even get a fucking ticket to these god damned events? Check the events website 5x per day or what? Write a script that checks the website and sends you an email when something has changed on the page? I've yet to get a ticket to an event like this, theyre always sold out days before I check the page. And I check once or twice a week, but clearly thats not often enough...

Another bitching and complaining point: As a premium subscriber I would expect more "advantage" or advanced notification about events like this. Is it too much to ask to get an email when the tickets become available, and giving us a day window ahead of prime to buy? Considering how much premium costs, it doesnt really seem like we get any kind of useful benefit concerning events.

[Androidpk]

Supposedly the day they went on sale, the last batch that is, they put up "advance" notice that morning on their facebook page. For some reason they said they had to sell those tickets quickly but that they plan to give more notice next time.

[Originate]

They said there will be as many runs as BSC as there is interest, they just havent opened up all the runs yet. For CCF, I imagine they will give a precise date and time far in advance.

[Originate]

is anyone going on tuesday have previous experience? Or can anyone that ran yesterday provide me with some tips/ hints/ cheats? PM, please.

[Pereus]

Or can anyone that ran yesterday provide me with some tips/ hints/ cheats? PM, please.

Pussy.

[BriarFox]

I'll be a bit sad if people start just giving away the secrets. It's fun to do for yourself.

[Senglent]

not everyone does something for the fun of it, some only do it for the end result.

I could name forging, fletching, guild skills, alchemy, half the crap in the game...

[Latrinsorm]

For some reason they said they had to sell those tickets quickly...Quick score?