Simucon: State of Elanthia Notes

[SashaFierce]

APM-Wyrom
Sanctum of Scales - Sea of Fire Capped Hunting Area
New way of getting to/from.
There will be Undead, not purely, there will be a mix.

4th Quarter Auction --



SGM-Galene:

Pay event: Briar Moon Cove - New City - Just South of Pinefar.
Hosting a Trading Conference, storyline related to Chronomages.

Merchant services, new shops, new items. "Very merchant heavy."
Jan 14th-17th
No ticket price yet.


GM-Liia:

Dates: October 16th - Closing Midnight October 30th.
Full week of shopping pre.
Games DURING pre-shopping week! (Shopping and games only pre-week, no merchants.)
On sale in 3 weeks, first part of September.
Same prices as last year!
Teaser: There will be hedgehogs.
Teaser: There will be a shop with witchy props & tools.
Teaser: Forehead gems
Teaser: Magic pots
Teaser: Caramel apples!
Teaser: Magical Arkati Boxes!
Teaser: Forged weapons enchanting
Teaser: Removal services
Teaser: Master quality instruments
Teaser: Demonology rune teachings
Teaser: Spike adding
Teaser: Elemental recharging
Teaser: Custom spell preps
Teaser: Flares & More
Storyline!
No conflict between live games & storyline! (You'll still have to choose.)
Finale on the 3rd night, must be present to receive prize on 4th night.
Egg related chaos! There will be hunting at EG! (5 different level ranges.) 3 nights of hunting!
(Monday through Thursday Evening.)
Must participate for prize.
Rare material cobbling items.
Sonic alterations!
Some feature concealing cloaks.
Some hair baubles.
Forehead gems.
Costume contest!
Rumrunner's Tavern expansion. (SUPERNODE!)



GM-Tamuz:
Looser restrictions on cloth armor alterations.
Robe-based armor that looks like a toga?
A few cloth-straps or fabric-straps.
An actual silk shirt.
Gowns! - For ASG1/Robes.

Has to remain cloth or fabric based. Worn on torso as piece of clothing, doesn't have to be a large piece of clothing, cannot be small like a badge. Armor can expand past the torso, can be head-to-toe.


GM-Estild:
ELR releases, once per day like Sorcerer releases.
Nerfs to Haste, Rapid and Immolate. (Expect cooldowns on 506, effects both caster and target.)
Warmages will still be a viable build, they will work to ensure it's viable.
Will be able to enchant flaring weapons, and tell how difficult the cast will be.

They want to tackle post cap-dev.

Mining & Smelting still in the works.

Potential idea for 450 in the works.

Thrown weapons - low priority.

Cone of Lightning becomes Cone of Elements.
(Specify element for attack!)

Possible changes to allow attunement changes.
(Most likely through an alchemy product.)

Possible 525 changes after ELR.


Solomon:
Server upgrades!!
Major upgrade, hopefully making things be quicker!
8 core CPU, with space for another 8 core CPU.
Starting with 1TB of ram, and space to upgrade more.
Also switching to SSD from HDD. (Mirrored/Striped/Don't know enough about this!)

Getting a marketing person to come in to help with marketing. (Facebook and Reddit)

Avalon is being worked on by GM-Ixix.
Wizard cannot be updated.
SF may be updated, suggest any changes.

Possible revamp of RPA awards.
Maybe pausing Gift of Lumnis.


GM Valyrka:
More nouns for armor concealers.
Adding more analyze information.
Add more materials.

[Soulance]

Thanks for this update. I was watching it a bit but had to shut it off right as Wyrom was finishing up. I like the possibility of Wizards being able to enchant flares! Course, it probably means another crappy potion.

[Androidpk]

I'm excited.

[Gnomad]

Marketing on reddit. Can't wait to see how well that works.

[Taernath]

Marketing on reddit. Can't wait to see how well that works.

Probably similar to how their subreddit is run: a post every few months.

[Androidpk]

Wonder if they're still working on an in-game mail system. And why can't wizard be updated?

[DaCapn]

Haha. I opened their RadioFreeSimuCon link yesterday and forgot about it. I was drawn in by a mysterious voice and subsequently took some notes as well. So here's mine if it fills any gaps, expounds, or helps to validate any of your take-aways. I re-organized a bit. Some stuff was asked as questions so vague points are usually from Q/A (usually accompanied by a "not likely" or "probably" sort of elaboration).


sanctum of scales
- new capped hunting ground (late 90s)
- near sea of fire (west side of elanthia)
- undead/living mix
- some kind of non-standard entry mechanism

new pay event
- near pinefar
- merchant service driven event
- chronomages involved plot-wise

ebon gate 2015 - misc
- in general, scheduling will be better (less choosing between RP, merchanting, etc)
- pre-merchant services shopping week
- games live during the first shopping week
- scrip-like currency system from digging game (for buying prizes)
- rum runner's tavern updates, supernoded

ebon gate 2015 - offerings
- pet hedgehogs
- witch props
- forehead gems
- carmel apples
- magical arkati boxes
- master quality instruments
- rare cobbling materials
- sonic alterations
- spiritual/arcange/elemental/mental charging
- enchanting services
- removal services
- demonology rune teachings
- spike/flare adding
- custom spell preps
- artisan tier improvements
- voln armor unlock - most likely not
- profession-specific raffles - possibly

ebon gate 2015 - storyline
- 4 nights, finale on 3rd night
- must be present for finale to get prize on 4th night
- hunting grounds (3 nights)

armor alteration restriction loosened
- cloth-based (dresses, series of straps, etc)
- must include torso-coverage
- can extrend from head to toe

spell systems
- e-lore review within next couple months
- many spell updates (will include some base functionality updates in conjunction with lore-based updates)
- cone of lightning -> cone of elements (wizard can specify element)
- change attunement is something they'd like to do (not in elore update, will probably include alchemy component)
- would like to update 525 (not in elore update)
- 925 will be updated with lore review - 735-like difficulty reading, likely enchant flaring
- no news on 750 (no solid proposal/idea)
- has an idea for 450 but too early to share
- 1212 (shroud of deception) - mostly coded, not completely, possibly this year
- noupdates planned for ranger base spells

506/515/519 down-tweaks
- spells will still be viable
- don't expect 100% uptime from 506/515
- potentially new spells to offset these down-tweaks
- will affect how haste can be cast on others or pure mages keep it up
- will go out of their way to make sure warmages are still viable
- haste affects ranged the same as all other combat methods
- expect cooldowns which affect both caster and target

interesting Estild quotes
- "would like to tackle post-cap development to give all players options for what to do at the cap" (not imminent but would like ideas/feedback)
- "post-cap development will certainly happen before savants because we're not even looking at savants"

major (major major major major major) server upgrade coming
- upgrade from hampster-driven to duskruin rat-driven system
- 1 cpu, 8 cores, up to 4tb ram, 4 ssds striped/raid1
- conspicuous lack of information about current server specs
- will roll out for DR, then GS the following week

marketing
- google adwords were not helpful
- have been trying some collaborative approaches (anecdote about someone at blizzard)
- looking at leveraging the facebook market
- interviewed people for new marketing strategies
- all current staff is of the old school and not savvy with marketing over social media
- tried to market on redit but ran afoul of their policy (policy has since changed)

mining/smelting - Coase still working on, was on backburner, some progress made, will be released eventually
thrown weapons - low priority, might happen soon, might not
F2P has been very successful, brought many people back
new duskruin art
pausing gift of lumnis (being looked into)
revamp of RPA system in general (has been in dialog for months)
armor concealers - adding materials, nouns, analyze info

FE updates (none planned)
- wizard will never be updated
- SF could get updates but is in GM-hands
- would like to have a room window toggle

[Taernath]

Starting with 1TB of ram.

Is that really necessary for a 25 year old MUD?

[Androidpk]

Is that really necessary for a 25 year old MUD?

It's for all of their content I imagine.

[Taernath]

It's for all of their content I imagine.

I seriously don't know though. I thought WoW servers were in that range.

Maybe FtP brought in that many people?!

[Silvean]

Marketing on reddit. Can't wait to see how well that works.

A friend of mine came over while I was playing Gemstone earlier and said, "God that looks awful. It looks like the same shit a computer programmer has to stare at all day while chained to his cubicle. I can't believe you do this for fun."

So maybe there's a slogan or advertising jingle in there somewhere they could use.

[Cereal Killer]

Some game must have gone under and had a fire sale for us to get servers like this.

[Androidpk]

"You won't believe what these people are doing for fun!"

[Androidpk]

I seriously don't know though. I thought WoW servers were in that range.

Maybe FtP brought in that many people?!

http://techcrunch.com/2009/09/18/blizzard-reveals-some-technical-data-about-world-of-warcraft/

[Taernath]

"Early 90's fun at an early 90's price."

[caelric]

ELR releases, once per day like Sorcerer releases.
Nerfs to Haste, Rapid and Immolate. (Expect cooldowns on 506, effects both caster and target.)
Warmages will still be a viable build, they will work to ensure it's viable.
Will be able to enchant flaring weapons, and tell how difficult the cast will be.

Uh huh, I'm sure they will, and I'm sure they won't fuck it up.

[Aganii]

I dont want anyone to be nerfed and hate that options are being removed BUT I have to ask: why are they going out of their way to make sure warmages are "viable" when they dont do the same for the other pures? They created an entire profession to make sure clerics wouldnt swing. Will warmages really be less effective than a sorc/empath/cleric with diminishing returns on haste? If anything this will probably be worse for all other swinging pures that relied on haste imbeds.

[SHAFT]

Let's be real; haste needs a nerf. Being able to fire a self ammo bow or swing a THW with 1 sec rt is OP.

[DaCapn]

Is that really necessary for a 25 year old MUD?
He said that the systems support up to 1TB of RAM. I didn't get the impression that there would be 1TB installed.

[Buckwheet]

Pausing XXX. Yes please.

[time4fun]

What specifically did they say about this "Q4 Auction"?

[BLZrizz]

Let's be real; haste needs a nerf. Being able to fire a self ammo bow or swing a THW with 1 sec rt is OP.

The whole point of the build is trading speed for survivability. Warmages have lower AS due to being able to train only once per level in their chosen weapon, and they are stuck in double for most of their career (with a theoretical max of cuirbouilli leather). So they are required to stand in offensive and dole the hits out as quickly as possible in order to avoid being hit at all. One solid hit, or an increase from one second of RT to two, changes the entire equation.

Now for other than self-cast, I agree with you.

[SashaFierce]

Let's be real; haste needs a nerf. Being able to fire a self ammo bow or swing a THW with 1 sec rt is OP.

It would be OP if Wizards had the same AS as squares. They have 100 less AS.

Nerf non-self-cast-haste all you want though.

[Nephelem]

Wyrom said very little about the auction. Q4 2016. Said save your silvers. When we asked about limited availability he demured other than to say he thought we would be "happy" with availability of ticketing.

[time4fun]

Q4 2016?? As in a year from now? *groan*

[Baerlynd]

Huh. Haste nerf will definitely drop me to one account only. Thanks for saving me money, Simu!

[Nephelem]

Yep

[Bluke]

Huh. Haste nerf will definitely drop me to one account only. Thanks for saving me money, Simu!

Probably the same for me as well.

[Brad]

I wonder for haste if cooldowns will be reduceable, so with training (part of lore updates?) it will basically be as it is now for selfcast warmages? That would nerf it for magical item usage and non-selfcast without necessarily hurting said warmages.

But that's probably me overthinking things. Hopefully all will be well, need to see all these lore changes. Has there been any details on how this is changing, whether just what each does or if the skills themselves are changing to not just be Lore Element X?

[Ceyrin]

Nerfing 515 is legit.

Nerfing 506(again) is BS. Especially self-cast 506.

[Fallen]

Geez. 3 announced nerfs before the E lore review even starts. Rough.

[Astray]

So, without Haste, what's the point of playing anything but a pure wizard?

[mgoddess]

Potential idea for 450 in the works.

I thought someone-in-red once said that the minor circles would never get 50th level spells?....


Any chance anyone said anything about the pre-EG EG shopping week being open to everyone? I thought I'd heard something about that possibility a while ago, but don't remember for sure..

[Androidpk]

You guys should probably wait for all the specifics before getting the pitchforks and tissues out.

[Astray]

You guys should probably wait for all the specifics before getting the pitchforks and tissues out.

To be fair, I had the tissues to start with.

[caelric]

You guys should probably wait for all the specifics before getting the pitchforks and tissues out.

Never stopped anyone before

[Androidpk]

To be fair, I had the tissues to start with.

Wanker.

[Aganii]

There will certainly be changes that will attempt to offset the nerfs. Im anxious to see what they have in store for wizards. However Im still shocked they are officially supporting a mutant build, though. Wizards are the single most played class so i guess they kinda have to.

[crb]

I thought someone-in-red once said that the minor circles would never get 50th level spells?..

first they would, then they wouldn't, now maybe would again?

I hope so.

[caelric]

I'd like to see all pure lists have an x50 spell, first.

[Donquix]

There will certainly be changes that will attempt to offset the nerfs. Im anxious to see what they have in store for wizards. However Im still shocked they are officially supporting a mutant build, though. Wizards are the single most played class so i guess they kinda have to.

warmage has also historically been the most common "mutant" build. Unlike with paladins / clerics, they aren't implementing a new melee elemental hybrid anytime soon to fall back on. Also, literally the only thing that has to happen to keep warmages viable is haste to not be completely gutted...the spell is that good. So it's not like they have to do much of anything to "support" it.

i mean melee clerics are still just as viable as they ever were for a large part of the game, it's not like that went away with the release of paladins.

[Donquix]

I'd like to see all pure lists have an x50 spell, first.

that feels like it makes the most sense... in a world with not hilariously long development cycles for single spells, i'd unequivocally agree. On the other hand, if they release 750 for example, only sorcs get it...see how well that's gone for hsn. If they do 450 and 150 first, every pure and semi gets a level 50 spell. Sorcs warriors and rogues get two! Lulz.

I think they should do professional spells first as well but hell... gotta be such a bind to be in when you can't really ever rely on getting things out timely.

[DaCapn]

There's always the possibility of misspeaking. 440, 550... Whatever. The main thing is that it was so vague, not imminent, and unclear even what the idea is that it's not worth the time to even speculate about alternative dev.

[Aganii]

warmage has also historically been the most common "mutant" build. Unlike with paladins / clerics, they aren't implementing a new melee elemental hybrid anytime soon to fall back on. Also, literally the only thing that has to happen to keep warmages viable is haste to not be completely gutted...the spell is that good. So it's not like they have to do much of anything to "support" it.

i mean melee clerics are still just as viable as they ever were for a large part of the game, it's not like that went away with the release of paladins.

The build is popular due to the significant strength of haste. They are supporting the mutant path by saying they will make sure warmages are still viable, something they have never done for other pures. Without haste at all warmages are closer in balance with all the other pures as it should be but it sounds like that Simu will go out of their way to ensure wizards maintain the sizable advantage they currently hold.

I dont like any options being removed or nerfed but you have to realize the imbalance there. Clerics and other pures can swing but its nothing compared to a hasted warmage. From what we know they only proposed limiting haste, not removing it, and people are getting riled up.

[SHAFT]

I'd like to see all pure lists have an x50 spell, first.

Amen to that.

[SashaFierce]

The build is popular due to the significant strength of haste. They are supporting the mutant path by saying they will make sure warmages are still viable, something they have never done for other pures. Without haste at all warmages are closer in balance with all the other pures as it should be but it sounds like that Simu will go out of their way to ensure wizards maintain the sizable advantage they currently hold.

I dont like any options being removed or nerfed but you have to realize the imbalance there. Clerics and other pures can swing but its nothing compared to a hasted warmage. From what we know they only proposed limiting haste, not removing it, and people are getting riled up.


I disagree that wizards are equal to the other professions. The only CS spell worth using is 519 (and really only powerful with 2x fire lore). Bolts are pretty lackluster when it comes to damage. It works, but it's boring. Hasted Warmage is fun. It's also popular.

I'm really hoping it's just a wicked cooldown on non-self-cast haste.

[caelric]

Also, hasted warmages are really only strong until about mid 60s. After that, they are viable, but...kind of like monks are 'viable' Hasted archer mages, on the other hand are generally considered OP.

[Fallen]

Hasted archer wizards seem quite strong at cap, but Immo wizards seem far more dominant.

[Lord Orbstar]

immolation is not an easy path or all that effective till you can train all the Lore. It is a great cap build but before, meh. I do not think it needs a nerf.

[Fallen]

immolation is not an easy path or all that effective till you can train all the Lore. It is a great cap build but before, meh. I do not think it needs a nerf.

Agreed. Definitely something you want to fixskill into 90+. That said, even with wracking and mana leech you're blowing through quite a bit of mana at 19 a pop. I don't particularly think it's overpowered, but IMO it is the most powerful wizard build.

[Aganii]

I disagree that wizards are equal to the other professions. The only CS spell worth using is 519 (and really only powerful with 2x fire lore). Bolts are pretty lackluster when it comes to damage. It works, but it's boring. Hasted Warmage is fun. It's also popular.

I'm really hoping it's just a wicked cooldown on non-self-cast haste.

Was only talking about warmage/archer mage vs the other mutant pures. Without Haste they are close to the other pures and when it comes to effectiveness and still not even the worst of the bunch. With it its no contest. I'm glad that they want to make sure that its still playable because mutant builds are fun but my point is why only wizards? If haste is reduced in effectiveness for non-wizards using imbeds or edibles this change will be even worse for the other professions mutants or not. We will find out soon enough, I guess.

Bolts, CS spells however are legitimate issues that I hope are addressed with the ELR

[Androidpk]

I think the biggest issue with haste is that it is such a powerful spell and yet it is so readily available to anyone.

[SashaFierce]

Was only talking about warmage/archer mage vs the other mutant pures. Without Haste they are close to the other pures and when it comes to effectiveness and still not even the worst of the bunch. With it its no contest. I'm glad that they want to make sure that its still playable because mutant builds are fun but my point is why only wizards? If haste is reduced in effectiveness for non-wizards using imbeds or edibles this change will be even worse for the other professions mutants or not. We will find out soon enough, I guess.

Bolts, CS spells however are legitimate issues that I hope are addressed with the ELR


The other professions may be worse at mutant builds, but that's because their primary builds are so good.

Look at Rangers and Bards, they both have melee builds, but play casters extremely well.

Why is it that Wizards should be reduced in ability to match the other mutants who don't do as well? That's the wrong direction to go.

[Pneumothorax]

And here I was debating the creation of a pocket wizard. Thanks for saving me the time/money.

[SHAFT]

Agreed. Definitely something you want to fixskill into 90+. That said, even with wracking and mana leech you're blowing through quite a bit of mana at 19 a pop. I don't particularly think it's overpowered, but IMO it is the most powerful wizard build.

Just nerf Methais. Leave everyone and everything else alone.

[subzero]

I thought someone-in-red once said that the minor circles would never get 50th level spells?....

That probably lasted until that GM/group of GMs were put to pasture and new ones came in. There is no such thing as 'never'.

[Wrathbringer]

That probably lasted until that GM/group of GMs were put to pasture and new ones came in. There is no such thing as 'never'.

So Poe lied? Figures. He was gay.

[Latrinsorm]

Getting a marketing person to come in to help with marketing.:O
Wanker.It's pronounced wanzer.

[crb]

I disagree that wizards are equal to the other professions. The only CS spell worth using is 519 (and really only powerful with 2x fire lore). Bolts are pretty lackluster when it comes to damage. It works, but it's boring. Hasted Warmage is fun. It's also popular.

I'm really hoping it's just a wicked cooldown on non-self-cast haste.

Do you know how much of a boner I have for cone of lightning, that spell that can destroy a roomful of 100 critters with extreme prejudice, while being completely player safe, only costing 17 mana, and fuck it, if you add 515 to it you can cast it 3 times in 3 seconds. Its so fucking powerful GMs regularly have to make invasion critters reflect so that invasions do not end too quickly?

You know what fucking sucks about CS spells? Invasion critters usually have TDs near 600 or some such bullshit, but bolts hit them just fine, and you know, if you're dealing with a critter with a really high bolt DS, you can knock it over with a nice ewave or something, not so easy with cs spells. Then of course, as the critters gets close to death, losing limbs, prone, stunned, does their CS decrease, no but their DS sure as shit does.

Bolt spells are so fucking awesome I primarily hunted with 111 before Balefire existed, a fucking minor circle spell with the same power as 908, but with a much higher mana cost.

Shit.



Bolts are pretty lackluster when it comes to damage.

You can also rub a blue crystal any time you need that extra oomph. Considering we have a 1d100 game, and between ewave and a blue crystal you can generate create an effective swing to your favor of 125 points, that is pretty fucking awesome.

Statistically, on average, wizards have lower fame than sorcerers, and do you know why? This has lessened some since the Adventurer's Guild opened, but there is still a trend. Underhunting paradoxically gives more fame per fry than overhunting. CS hunters are chronic underhunters because TD is a bitch. Wizards are chronic overhunters because DS is fucking easy, and the critters can't even stance up on you because parry DS doesn't work for bolts.

http://cdn.meme.am/instances/250x250/55976341.jpg

I mean seriously, I've spent the last ten fucking years pursuing ever more effective bolt/ball spell abilities purely because of how awesome they are.

[Jeril]

Something you missed in all that crb, bolt spells also get the DS reduction benefits of FoF. Not needed in everyday hunting but great during invasions. On the other hand, outside of invasions CS spells are pretty killer. A bit lack luster for sorcerers compared to clerics/empaths, I think, but still rather powerful.

[Jarvan]

Something you missed in all that crb, bolt spells also get the DS reduction benefits of FoF. Not needed in everyday hunting but great during invasions. On the other hand, outside of invasions CS spells are pretty killer. A bit lack luster for sorcerers compared to clerics/empaths, I think, but still rather powerful.

All I know is.. if a Sorc doesn't over train their Circle.. they can't ward dick with CS spells. Some new spells help now with CS.. but aren't they all gone to semis?

Heck, I have goofed around with my friend's capped cleric hunting time to time, and at 1x cleric spells, he can't ward things his level. Why in gods name it was designed that way is beyond me.

[Jeril]

They should have altered the CS formula for semis. And if you ever see or play a pure with 3x spells, you'd understand why it is the way it is. Although I suppose they could have went a different way with it altogether, it is what it is.

[Jarvan]

They should have altered the CS formula for semis. And if you ever see or play a pure with 3x spells, you'd understand why it is the way it is. Although I suppose they could have went a different way with it altogether, it is what it is.

3x as in 3x sorc spells? Yeah, I am sure that is great and all. But not possible till way later in life.

[Jeril]

3x as in 3x sorc spells? Yeah, I am sure that is great and all. But not possible till way later in life.

My sorcerer and one of my empaths are both rather close to 3x spells and have been since day one. Sorcerer is up to 75 and the empath is at 54. Both hunt rather well. Probably took to around 40 for both to really come into their own but I also have their stats set for capped growth.

[Geijon Khyree]

The 2nd recap encompassed a lot of extra info, but here might be some extra perspective yet.

*

Undead at the Temple of scales were clarified to be outside of the main area and would be level 90ish. The rest would be well capped.

The auction is 4th quarter of 2016.

EG will have hunting for atleast the first 3 days. It will be level 10, 25, 50 and 100 sections (might be a 5th one) and a totally new coded creature. It's not a reskin. Its a NEW creature. Haliste said if you aren't capped you better be grouped or it will kill you.

925 is going to have a similar difficulty check that 735 has. Wizards will also be able to enchant flaring/reactive weapons and armor after the changes.

More was discussed around marketing. Flyer art that Solomon says exists or Wyrom has been working for some time to create something official that we could print and handout at gaming groups, work, college campuses whatever.

Fusion is being looked at. The firebird shaman is probably going to remain closed. Duskruin introduced a lot of powerful enhancive items. EG will still have a fusion shaman chamber. Nothing concrete, but the rate and quality of enhancives entering the game requires a closer look was the gist.

[Geijon Khyree]

Also, hasted warmages are really only strong until about mid 60s. After that, they are viable, but...kind of like monks are 'viable' Hasted archer mages, on the other hand are generally considered OP.

I think this is more of a creature problem rather than the build.

[Jarvan]

Fusion is being looked at. The firebird shaman is probably going to remain closed. Duskruin introduced a lot of powerful enhancive items. EG will still have a fusion shaman chamber. Nothing concrete, but the rate and quality of enhancives entering the game requires a closer look was the gist.

If they seriously nerf the items coming out of Duskruin, then they need to up the scrip from the sewers. The fact that you could sometimes get decent items (Like 1/100 really) helped with the fact that on average, you were pulling half of what people in Arena pulled. OR, let us choose to not find any items at all and just only pull scrip.

I have obviously sold a bunch of duskruin items, I haven't gotten a single mind blowing item yet really. I am talking about something that could become a +20 or higher to stat or weapon skill item. On a scale of 1-10, I would say the average is a 4, with some being a 7. Rarely you get something really nice.

[Geijon Khyree]

If they seriously nerf the items coming out of Duskruin, then they need to up the scrip from the sewers. The fact that you could sometimes get decent items (Like 1/100 really) helped with the fact that on average, you were pulling half of what people in Arena pulled. OR, let us choose to not find any items at all and just only pull scrip.

That isn't what was said. Enhancives as a system are kind of a point of hmm. With the introduction of Duskruin and pay events a lot more enhancives are being generated is an interpretation of my understanding based on my original statement. It's not a change to duskruin look drops. Sewers seem to have better loot and less bloodscrip on average, but you can also do multiple sewer runs in the time we can do an arena. I got 3 enhancives in 45 runs of the arena and I'm seeing threads from sewer runners just littered with enhancive items. Sure we got 200-250 bloodscrip, but that seems to be the trade.

My original question to Wyrom was what about the firebird shaman. He said it's being looked at, but won't reopen soon. I then stated EG has a fusion shaman though and he said yep.

This has nothing to do with Duskruin. It's the new availability and balance of enhancive items in general.

[Jarvan]

That isn't what was said. Enhancives as a system requires a review. With the introduction of Duskruin and pay events a lot more enhancives are being generated is an interpretation of my understanding based on my original statement. It's not a change to duskruin look drops. I'm skeptical the sewers pull less than the 1 item arena gets considering there are massive threads from sewer people. I ran 45 arena runs and I got 3 enhancives total.

My original question to Wyrom was what about the firebird shaman. He said it's being looked at, but won't reopen soon. I then stated EG has a fusion shaman though and he said yep.

This has nothing to do with Duskruin. It's the new availability and balance of enhancive items in general.

I ran.. god.. 3000? sewer runs. I think the 25 or so items I sold is prolly close to the 1% of items pulled for me. At one point I had like.. 67 backpacks of junk to go thru. On average, a 50 count jar got me about 2.5 full backpacks, or about 40 items. So that is roughly 2400 items I pulled from the sewers.. with 25 worthy of selling.

Well.. if they nerf enhancive items in general.. it will nerf the sewers. If they limit the Shaman to 1 or 2 times a year, that isn't so bad really to me. If they don't bring back the spire because they don't want to make ungodly items... that will piss off tons of people. If they bring it back but really limit it, it is still nerfing enhancives in general.

Personally, I just really hate Nerfs.


Also.. if you had done 3000 arena runs, I am sure you would have gotten more enhancives then me. Technically, the sewer gets less items and less scrip the arena, since as long as you reach a certain point you always get an item. 50 sewer runs nets about 40 items, which is less then 1 every time obviously.

[Wrathbringer]

I ran.. god.. 3000? sewer runs. I think the 25 or so items I sold is prolly close to the 1% of items pulled for me. At one point I had like.. 67 backpacks of junk to go thru. On average, a 50 count jar got me about 2.5 full backpacks, or about 40 items. So that is roughly 2400 items I pulled from the sewers.. with 25 worthy of selling.

Well.. if they nerf enhancive items in general.. it will nerf the sewers. If they limit the Shaman to 1 or 2 times a year, that isn't so bad really to me. If they don't bring back the spire because they don't want to make ungodly items... that will piss off tons of people. If they bring it back but really limit it, it is still nerfing enhancives in general.

Personally, I just really hate Nerfs.


Also.. if you had done 3000 arena runs, I am sure you would have gotten more enhancives then me. Technically, the sewer gets less items and less scrip the arena, since as long as you reach a certain point you always get an item. 50 sewer runs nets about 40 items, which is less then 1 every time obviously.

Seriously? 3000 runs? What's that equate to in rl time? Did you really have nothing better to do? Wow.

[time4fun]

Seriously? 3000 runs? What's that equate to in rl time? Did you really have nothing better to do? Wow.

Says the guy who treats trolling on a game forum like a full time job.

[Wrathbringer]

Says the guy who treats trolling on a game forum like a full time job.

:lol: Touche'. Well done.

[Soulance]

My sorcerer and one of my empaths are both rather close to 3x spells and have been since day one. Sorcerer is up to 75 and the empath is at 54. Both hunt rather well. Probably took to around 40 for both to really come into their own but I also have their stats set for capped growth.
Only had trouble hunting early on with both my Cleric and Sorc and CS because I'd run out of mana. But that's sort of solved now with the free spell though I never used it. The only extra nice thing that Sorcs get that we Cleric and Empath don't get is the nice 425 boost.

[Jarvan]

Seriously? 3000 runs? What's that equate to in rl time? Did you really have nothing better to do? Wow.

I was helping a friend get scrip for an sk item. Then after that, I sold my services to other people. My job is very flexible and allows me to take time off whenever I need it and make up hours. So I can take a week off, and just do 10 hours overtime for 4 weeks.

I bet I spent about as much time in the sewers as some people spent in the arena. Sewers goes faster.

[DaCapn]

If they seriously nerf the items coming out of Duskruin...

Well.. if they nerf enhancive items in general.. ...


Fusion is being looked at. The firebird shaman is probably going to remain closed. Duskruin introduced a lot of powerful enhancive items. EG will still have a fusion shaman chamber. Nothing concrete, but the rate and quality of enhancives entering the game requires a closer look was the gist.

I emphasized a couple things here to clarify the post.

[Jarvan]

I emphasized a couple things here to clarify the post.

True.. but this is Simu. The only people that swing the bat more once something is in their view ports is Blizzard.

I'll wait and see, but I do know one thing, any items I get from next run, I am holding onto until the "review" is done.

[Buckwheet]

Any meaningful information about items/services coming to the Simucoin store?

[Roblar]

I don't think I heard anything didn't already know about (from postings or guesses), but I expect private property upgrades to be sold in store soonish and elemental attunement one day (probably with in game option as well).

[Latrinsorm]

More was discussed around marketing. Flyer art that Solomon says exists or Wyrom has been working for some time to create something official that we could print and handout at gaming groups, work, college campuses whatever.sigh

[Roblar]

If the sigh is because you think that is too old school, players requested it.

Also, OP: "Getting a marketing person to come in to help with marketing. (Facebook and Reddit)"

[Fallen]

Running ads in D&D magazines (they exist) and their like would be a good idea. Couldn't cost too much either.

[Androidpk]

I'm trying to get my older brother to try it out but I'm not having much luck :/

[leifastagsweed]

If the sigh is because you think that is too old school, players requested it.

Also, OP: "Getting a marketing person to come in to help with marketing. (Facebook and Reddit)"

That would have been me and my general answer to suggestions of OP are pffffft! :)

Related: I recruited the Chalet shuttle driver on my way to the airport. He plays paper and pen campaigns actively and knows a lot of RP games but had never heard of any Simu products except AOH. He is super excited to try F2P Gemstone. People can be turned.

[Roblar]

Haha nice work!

[Silvean]

I suggested making flyers for tabletop gaming stores on the Officials a while ago. I still think that makes sense since the tabletop gaming audience is the most receptive I can imagine. I'm not saying "att rat" isn't fun but if my life depended on selling Gemstone, I'd be selling its roleplaying and character customization options.

On the other hand, I have a friend who is obsessed with roleplaying. I think he's in four different games right now in addition to the Mage: The Ascension tabletop I run. I can't even get him to consider Gemstone.

Edit: Hmm. But if I had a flyer to print out, I could give it to the other people who play in that game. Maybe I'll print 50 and have one of those guys distribute it to the nerds at their LARP group. That might attract a few hits.

[SHAFT]

Who's gonna post the simucon pics?

[Taernath]

I suggested making flyers for tabletop gaming stores on the Officials a while ago. I still think that makes sense since the tabletop gaming audience is the most receptive I can imagine. I'm not saying "att rat" isn't fun but if my life depended on selling Gemstone, I'd be selling its roleplaying and character customization options.

I always really liked the exploration aspect. Getting into a new area, forming a mental picture of what the place looks like. Some of the rooms have really great writing.. except for that 'the view is so beautiful you can't describe it' one.

[Silvean]

I always really liked the exploration aspect. Getting into a new area, forming a mental picture of what the place looks like. Some of the rooms have really great writing.. except for that 'the view is so beautiful you can't describe it' one.

Definitely. That occurred to me after I wrote the post. I walked Silvean all over Elanthia when I first started up again to get that sense of exploration.

[leifastagsweed]

I suggested making flyers for tabletop gaming stores on the Officials a while ago. I still think that makes sense since the tabletop gaming audience is the most receptive I can imagine. I'm not saying "att rat" isn't fun but if my life depended on selling Gemstone, I'd be selling its roleplaying and character customization options.

On the other hand, I have a friend who is obsessed with roleplaying. I think he's in four different games right now in addition to the Mage: The Ascension tabletop I run. I can't even get him to consider Gemstone.

Edit: Hmm. But if I had a flyer to print out, I could give it to the other people who play in that game. Maybe I'll print 50 and have one of those guys distribute it to the nerds at their LARP group. That might attract a few hits.

This was discussed also. Apparently there used to be an official flyer that they should be posting on the website soon that we can share in coffee and game shops, etc.

[Alashir]

I think the biggest issue with haste is that it is such a powerful spell and yet it is so readily available to anyone.

This is part of it. Incredibly powerful but at level 6? Bards don't get Tonis until 35 and can't get the full impact until 75.

[Jarvan]

This is part of it. Incredibly powerful but at level 6? Bards don't get Tonis until 35 and can't get the full impact until 75.

With Lore enhancives sooner... and.. Haste isn't a group spell. Haste also doesn't add DS thru dodge. Of course, it costs a lot more mana, but the RT reduction is a lot smaller.

But.. group spell.

[Taernath]

This is part of it. Incredibly powerful but at level 6? Bards don't get Tonis until 35 and can't get the full impact until 75.

Bards are semis though, their spells should be weaker/harder to obtain. Plus, yeah, Tonis is a group spell which is why it's so high. If any changes are made, they should be done to self cast vs. non self cast mechanics.

[Archigeek]

Bards are semis though, their spells should be weaker/harder to obtain. Plus, yeah, Tonis is a group spell which is why it's so high. If any changes are made, they should be done to self cast vs. non self cast mechanics.

I keep hearing this. Unfortunately, in this case, it sounds like what they really have a problem with is the warmage build. Imbeds are already less effective than native casting of haste.

I think it was a big mistake in how change was presented on this. Saying that there's going to be a nerf without further explanation has had a very predictable Chicken Little result. This should have been kept under wraps until the positives could be shared.

[Silvean]

I think it was a big mistake in how change was presented on this. Saying that there's going to be a nerf without further explanation has had a very predictable Chicken Little result. This should have been kept under wraps until the positives could be shared.

I haven't made a spreadsheet or anything but the reaction to this on the Officials doesn't seem all that bad. People are talking but it feels like full outrage is being held in reserve for an actual announcement.

[Allereli]

I think it was a big mistake in how change was presented on this. Saying that there's going to be a nerf without further explanation has had a very predictable Chicken Little result. This should have been kept under wraps until the positives could be shared.

After players of my chosen game profession spent a decade being called the whining class, often by players of wizards, it is fun to see the shoe on the other foot, except nothing's actually happened to them and they have no idea what to expect, they just freak out.

[Allereli]

I haven't made a spreadsheet or anything but the reaction to this on the Officials doesn't seem all that bad. People are talking but it feels like full outrage is being held in reserve for an actual announcement.

I'd call writing super long posts about changes that haven't even been done in multiple folders a bit of an over reaction.

[Archigeek]

What's the point in making people worry? With SIMU, it could be another 3 years before any of this happens.

[Silvean]

In principle, it was a bad idea to announce an ambiguous nerf. No doubt about that.

People are always writing super long posts on the officials. If you can say it in a sentence, use one goddamn sentence.

[time4fun]

I keep hearing this. Unfortunately, in this case, it sounds like what they really have a problem with is the warmage build. Imbeds are already less effective than native casting of haste.

I think it was a big mistake in how change was presented on this. Saying that there's going to be a nerf without further explanation has had a very predictable Chicken Little result. This should have been kept under wraps until the positives could be shared.

Except that they specifically said they'd be taking steps to ensure the warmage build was still viable.

To Allereli's point- this has been nothing but overreaction. This is the kind of thing I would have expected back when we were all 16 and playing this game, but the player population is now in its 30s, 40s, and 50s. Step back. Count to 10. Wait for actual information before diving into speculation.

It's not like they're nerfing OHBs or anything.

[Taernath]

Except that they specifically said they'd be taking steps to ensure the warmage build was still viable.

To Allereli's point- this has been nothing but overreaction. This is the kind of thing I would have expected back when we were all 16 and playing this game, but the player population is now in its 30s, 40s, and 50s. Step back. Count to 10. Wait for actual information before diving into speculation.

It's not like they're nerfing OHBs or anything.

Some of us have had warmage characters for 15, 20 years, and when you announce changes to a system that's been around that long it's inevitable you'll be stepping on toes. I think the reaction is entirely justifiable, mainly because of how they went about doing it.

[DaCapn]

I keep hearing this. Unfortunately, in this case, it sounds like what they really have a problem with is the warmage build. Imbeds are already less effective than native casting of haste.

I think it was a big mistake in how change was presented on this. Saying that there's going to be a nerf without further explanation has had a very predictable Chicken Little result. This should have been kept under wraps until the positives could be shared.

I guess the way he said "we're going to go out of our way to make sure warmages are still viable" means the exact opposite to me.

Obviously we don't have all of the details, but it seems quite clear what to expect more-or-less. It sounds exactly like what they said about surge before they gave it a cooldown. The caveat I'd expect is that the cooldown for non-self-cast is hard, whereas the self-cast cooldown is soft (increased mana cost to cast during the cooldown). Basically, a warmage which is less mana-reliant can afford to keep it up, but a pure can not.

Personally, I don't really see haste or rapid fire as game breaking relative to any number of other spells. These spells could be totally removed and it wouldn't really make wizards any less viable. There's no need to be totally reliant on these spells. But I guess that they don't like the fact that some people allow themselves to be.

[time4fun]

Some of us have had warmage characters for 15, 20 years, and when you announce changes to a system that's been around that long it's inevitable you'll be stepping on toes. I think the reaction is entirely justifiable, mainly because of how they went about doing it.

And if they hadn't said "We will make sure the warmage build is still viable"- you'd have a point. But, they did. So you don't. You might in the future- once actual details are announced. But you don't right now.

[DaCapn]

Also for people whose vision fogs over with red the moment they see "haste nerf" there was this: "potentially new spells to offset these down-tweaks."

[SashaFierce]

And if they hadn't said "We will make sure the warmage build is still viable"- you'd have a point. But, they did. So you don't. You might in the future- once actual details are announced. But you don't right now.

They consider monks to be viable. And they're without a doubt the worst profession in gemstone.

If they turn Wizards into monks, I hope they plan for a mass cancellation.

[Taernath]

And if they hadn't said "We will make sure the warmage build is still viable"- you'd have a point. But, they did. So you don't. You might in the future- once actual details are announced. But you don't right now.

"Viable" is extremely vague. So yes, I do have a point.

[leifastagsweed]

https://i.imgflip.com/pe7bf.jpg

[rolfard]

Breakage, RSN.

[time4fun]

They consider monks to be viable. And they're without a doubt the worst profession in gemstone.

If they turn Wizards into monks, I hope they plan for a mass cancellation.

You sound like a Fox News Anchor.

"If the Government comes in and takes over all of our churches and then shuts them down, we will fight back!"

Voice of Sanity: Is there any evidence that they're planning on doing that?

"I never said they would, I just said we'd fight back!"

[Androidpk]

There isn't going to be any mass cancellations -_-

[rolfard]

Yeah, ill be busy pocket enchanting all my rare flare weapons. I imagine one proposed solution for war mages would be training down the cooldown on self haste (only) as im pretty sure they forsee warmage solutions.

[time4fun]

I believe the proposal is to allow mages to enchant only standard elemental flares.

[Methais]

GM-Estild:
ELR releases, once per day like Sorcerer releases.
Nerfs to Haste, Rapid and Immolate. (Expect cooldowns on 506, effects both caster and target.)
Warmages will still be a viable build, they will work to ensure it's viable.
Will be able to enchant flaring weapons, and tell how difficult the cast will be.

I bet they think enchanting flares will balance out the 506/515/519 nerfs.

Dicks.

[Archigeek]

Except that they specifically said they'd be taking steps to ensure the warmage build was still viable.

To Allereli's point- this has been nothing but overreaction. This is the kind of thing I would have expected back when we were all 16 and playing this game, but the player population is now in its 30s, 40s, and 50s. Step back. Count to 10. Wait for actual information before diving into speculation.

It's not like they're nerfing OHBs or anything.

You're kind of making my point. The entire exchange was vague. The only thing concrete was the list of spells that would be the nerf recipients. Is it any wonder that people are freaking out? I've been in business for 25 years, and I'd never go to a client and give them vague bad news, let alone do it without sharing the corresponding good news. They should have resisted the temptation to say something, and kept quiet till they had a better idea of what they were doing, or they should have said, "hey guys, we're thinking about making changes to address these issues but haven't decided on anything, what do you think"? Presentation and timing are both important.

Think of it this way: they've riled up an entire class, and for what? Absolutely nothing, since they clearly haven't taken this far enough to share any details.

[Taernath]

You sound like a Fox News Anchor.

"If the Government comes in and takes over all of our churches and then shuts them down, we will fight back!"

Voice of Sanity: Is there any evidence that they're planning on doing that?

"I never said they would, I just said we'd fight back!"

So who are you, the Iraqi Information Minister? Come on dude.

[Warriorbird]

They consider monks to be viable. And they're without a doubt the worst profession in gemstone.

If they turn Wizards into monks, I hope they plan for a mass cancellation.

I mentioned this in my post on the officials in slightly nicer terms.


Also for people whose vision fogs over with red the moment they see "haste nerf" there was this: "potentially new spells to offset these down-tweaks."

The problem here is they're about as vague as possible.

[Brad]

I think it was a big mistake in how change was presented on this. Saying that there's going to be a nerf without further explanation has had a very predictable Chicken Little result. This should have been kept under wraps until the positives could be shared.

Very much this. It wasn't presented in a way that won't lead to mass flailing. I don't think it'll be as bad as some are suggesting personally, though I'm betting it will be for non-selfcast. Wizards also have a few spots that could be adjusted to help balance out, too. One thing is attack power is lower and thus a need for more attacks, but they could also be getting additional attack boosts to possibly balance? Who knows, that's the problem for sure.

I'm just glad my Wizard isn't at a point where he's too married to any one spell or style.

[Latrinsorm]

If the sigh is because you think that is too old school, players requested it. Also, OP: "Getting a marketing person to come in to help with marketing. (Facebook and Reddit)"The sigh was twofold:

1. Continuing the ridiculous model of "have people do work for us for free", then being shocked when the results are terrible.
2. "working for some time" to create a flyer??? (see point 1.)

[DaCapn]

We're all a good 30 years old now, right? There's really no excuse for freaking out over this stuff.

[audioserf]

"Hey, guys. We have actually finally done the ELR. Yes, for real. Anyway. We're going to fuck Haste, Rapid Fire and Immo hard. There may be some improvements in there somewhere. Anyway, you'll have to wait and see I guess."

Literally no benefit to having announced the nerfs at all. Wait until you have the improvements to try and offset the nerfs. Shit, wait until you can actually unveil the true magnitude of said nerfs.

Poor planning and ill advised delivery of the message.

[time4fun]

Very much this. It wasn't presented in a way that won't lead to mass flailing. I don't think it'll be as bad as some are suggesting personally, though I'm betting it will be for non-selfcast. Wizards also have a few spots that could be adjusted to help balance out, too. One thing is attack power is lower and thus a need for more attacks, but they could also be getting additional attack boosts to possibly balance? Who knows, that's the problem for sure.

I'm just glad my Wizard isn't at a point where he's too married to any one spell or style.

Way to blame SIMU for its player base's lack of coping skills.

And I'm also going to point out that the "player base" in this case, is really like 5 people who are in over-post mode.

[Iovan]

Nerfs in general are a no win situation. I for one appreciate a little heads up that it may be changing. I'm not quite ready to go all chicken little because we have no idea whether we're talking a small down tweak or complete removal of the spell. Lets be honest though, in the end, the spell is being changed some how. I'd rather know ahead of time that it's being tweaked rather than waking up one day thinking I'm going to get some ELR goodness and being bitch slapped with a nerf.

[Fallen]

You guys are acting like nerfs in any online game don't come with angry players. Bitching about people bitching just leads to an endless bitch cycle, as this post demonstrates.

[Warriorbird]

You guys are acting like nerfs in any online game don't come with angry players. Bitching about people bitching just leads to an endless bitch cycle, as this post demonstrates.

Eh. There's way of presentation that reduce that though.

[Fallen]

Eh. There's way of presentation that reduce that though.

Agreed. It also helps when these types of statements are given by companies with better track records for maintaining balance and managing regular release schedules. Neither are among Simu's strengths, though recent efforts (last 2-3 years) have somewhat bucked that trend, monks aside.

[Kronius]

I feel the intentions of this "announcement", if you even want to call it that, were in the right place. During the time when upcoming changes were being discussed, it was prefaced that the ELR would bring a lot of things, and perceptions will vary by person. Let us also remember that the GMs doing the coding, announcing, presenting, etc are not professionals employed by a massive gaming company. They are essentially volunteers who have put a TON of work into the game over the past 2-3 years. Could it have been presented better? Possibly. I'd always take transparency over waiting until the last minute. Before anybody starts cancelling their accounts, why not be reasonable and wait until all the details emerge. You could be pleasantly surprised with everything else that comes along with it.

[rolfard]

That's just like your opinion man....

And I would agree

[Methais]

I hunt with rapid fire immolate and keep haste up constantly in Nelemar. I could do fine without rapid or haste and the end result would be the same but holy fuck can it get boring.

Walking into a swarming room and blasting the shit out of everything is much more fun.

I run out of mana all the same, so it's not like I'm killing more things because of it. I probably kill less actually since I run out of mana much faster with rapid fire.

Also, try hunting plane 4 or Scatter without rapid fire. It's boring as fuck and takes forever to kill anything. This is more of an issue with critter bolt DS, since you just end up plinking things to death, which makes rapid fire 901 almost mandatory due to its mana efficiency. Trying to 906/910 stuff down in the rift is going to obliterate your mana pool, and casting 901 10-15 times per critter without rapid fire isn't something you'll typically survive.

[Allereli]

"Hey, guys. We have actually finally done the ELR. Yes, for real. Anyway. We're going to fuck Haste, Rapid Fire and Immo hard. There may be some improvements in there somewhere. Anyway, you'll have to wait and see I guess."

Literally no benefit to having announced the nerfs at all. Wait until you have the improvements to try and offset the nerfs. Shit, wait until you can actually unveil the true magnitude of said nerfs.

Poor planning and ill advised delivery of the message.

Umm, wasn't a new spell mentioned?

[Androidpk]

Umm, wasn't a new spell mentioned?

I don't believe so.

[Taernath]

Umm, wasn't a new spell mentioned?


I don't believe so.

http://i.imgur.com/yLPjasS.jpg?1

[Jace Solo]

We all know they read the PC. I wouldn't be surprised if they wanted to see where we'd take it and what options we put on the table so they'd know just how far they could take it. Wyrom's smart. Almost...toooooooo smart.

[Astray]

I think the 'proper' way to handle a nerf of Rapid Fire would be something along the lines of this;

-Be able to set a spell from any known, castable, spell in the Wizards arsenal (similar to Cloak of Shadow)
-When a spell is chosen use the command, BIND 901 TO 515 (X). The X being up to 10 casts.
-The Mana must be available for 515 and the spell bound to it.
-Upon casting 515, the wizard will cast the spell bound to it (X) amount of times at target.
-Have a cool down.

Anyone else got thoughts?

[Fallen]

Add a tax to each spell being cast via Rapid Fire, which is modified by Mana control, spell ranks, etc.
Add a cool down period after each cast of the Rapid fire, modified by skills, which increases the cost of the spell itself and tax.

Balance the nerfs by adding % chance perks like double/triple casts, CS/AS flares, etc, tied into skills/spell ranks/etc.


Still a nerf, but not a hard cap on usage, and can be mitigated with training.

[Jarvan]

It's funny really. HSN for Sorc month had pretty much one thing a day, August has been dead. Practically no updates really. Seems like they are going to pound everything in while Duskruin is open or just before and be like "Look!! DuskRuin!!"

[Fallen]

Once they start the e-lore review it should be one release a day. That'll be nice.

[Astray]

MnE touches a LOT of classes. I'm very curious to see what changes the circle will go through.

[caelric]

Once they start the e-lore review it should be one release a day. That'll be nice.

One nerf a day? That will only last three days. ............

[Jarvan]

MnE touches a LOT of classes. I'm very curious to see what changes the circle will go through.

For some reason I am not expecting much from MnE.

[DaCapn]

I can't imagine a better time to have all of these revisions given Estild's record on spell systems. There was so much envy over the cleric dev that he worked on. I'd predict a net boost out of his involvement in this elemental lore and spell review.

[Androidpk]

I can't imagine a better time to have all of these revisions given Estild's record on spell systems. There was so much envy over the cleric dev that he worked on. I'd predict a net boost out of his involvement in this elemental lore and spell review.

+1

[Viekn]

I can't imagine a better time to have all of these revisions given Estild's record on spell systems. There was so much envy over the cleric dev that he worked on. I'd predict a net boost out of his involvement in this elemental lore and spell review.

Out of sheer curiosity, was Estild a former player like a lot of the current GM's?

[caelric]

Every GM is a former player.

[Narthsin]

Most? Some? still play, just not as often due to being busy with GS work, from what I understand.

[Methais]

I think the 'proper' way to handle a nerf of Rapid Fire would be something along the lines of this;

-Be able to set a spell from any known, castable, spell in the Wizards arsenal (similar to Cloak of Shadow)
-When a spell is chosen use the command, BIND 901 TO 515 (X). The X being up to 10 casts.
-The Mana must be available for 515 and the spell bound to it.
-Upon casting 515, the wizard will cast the spell bound to it (X) amount of times at target.
-Have a cool down.

Anyone else got thoughts?

Make it similar to multicast, but with offensive spells:

>incant 401 20
You gesture and invoke the powers of the elements for the Elemental Defense I spell...
Your spell is ready.
[You are limited to 9 multi-casts.]
You make a complex gesture, increasing the potency of your spell.
A silvery luminescence surrounds you.
Cast Roundtime 3 Seconds.

Make it to where casts don't get wasted if the target dies early. As long as you have rapid fire active, you can multi-cast offensive spells. You can still do a lot of burst damage, but can't do it infinitely without having to eat a cast RT.

I really don't think cooldowns are the way to go for this unless it can be trained away.

[Jarvan]

I think they should just make 515 act like 215 with lores. Self cast only, and with the right lore, castable on others for only 1 min, non stackable.

[Fallen]

I think they should just make 515 act like 215 with lores. Self cast only, and with the right lore, castable on others for only 1 min, non stackable.

Thing is, if someone had a Rapid Fire/Haste slave, this wouldn't stop them. I agree Rapid Fire shouldn't be stackable. That's just common sense.

Honestly, if someone wants to make a Haste/Rapid Fire slave, they shouldn't crack down too hard on that. MAing is damn near impossible to balance, and it doesn't usually end well for the general populace.

[Jarvan]

Thing is, if someone had a Rapid Fire/Haste slave, this wouldn't stop them. I agree Rapid Fire shouldn't be stackable. That's just common sense.

Honestly, if someone wants to make a Haste/Rapid Fire slave, they shouldn't crack down too hard on that. MAing is damn near impossible to balance, and it doesn't usually end well for the general populace.

And making it like 215 wouldn't really stop MAing, it would stop imbeds tho, which may be the bigger problem in some things.

Honestly, I think this all has to do with Duskruin.

[Fallen]

And making it like 215 wouldn't really stop MAing, it would stop imbeds tho, which may be the bigger problem in some things.

Honestly, I think this all has to do with Duskruin.

I guess they could make like a Haste time sickness for non-wizards. You can only speed yourself up so often before you start suffering ill effects.

[Methais]

http://i.imgur.com/eMPFKxb.jpg

[Androidpk]

:lol:

[Fallen]

lol Meth. You crazy.

[Warriorbird]

http://i.imgur.com/eMPFKxb.jpg

I KINDA suspected that one was gonna be vanishing.

Estild shouldn't have even started posting. It triggered that explosion. They should've come through with some concrete pluses and minus.

[Methais]

I KINDA suspected that one was gonna be vanishing.

Estild shouldn't have even started posting. It triggered that explosion. They should've come through with some concrete pluses and minus.

Especially when everyone knows that cocaine is Dave's drug of choice.

[Taernath]

I need to start reading the officials again, so much drama.

edit: uh, someone provide a link? I saw the terrible layout and remembered why I don't read them.

[Silvean]

Not long ago I said the recent uproar on the forums wasn't too extreme but it really turned a corner. I was going to say a lot more about the worst offenders and the probable smallness of their penises, non-existence of their sex lives, and overall sadness of their brief window of time on earth if they're this upset about a non-announcement concerning a game. But I decided against it.

Makes me want to stop reading the officials. And who the fuck wants to participate in a game or be part of a community where I'm trying to avoid 2/3 of the people?

[SashaFierce]

Not long ago I said the recent uproar on the forums wasn't too extreme but it really turned a corner. I was going to say a lot more about the worst offenders and the probable smallness of their penises, non-existence of their sex lives, and overall sadness of their brief window of time on earth if they're this upset about a non-announcement concerning a game. But I decided against it.

Makes me want to stop reading the officials. And who the fuck wants to participate in a game or be part of a community where I'm trying to avoid 2/3 of the people?


It didn't help that Estild basically shot down any idea provided, refuted every point made and offered no assistance in guiding the conversation.

[Fallen]

You have people who have invested decades into this game, sometimes primarily into 1 class that are feeling threatened. People overreact about stuff that barely affects them, it shouldn't be shocking that a potentially large change to one/the primary form of entertainment has some up in arms.

[Silvean]

I'm more annoyed than shocked. Bad writing annoys me. Some of those posts read like experimental poetry. But even if the GMs handled this poorly, it doesn't allow for name calling against the staff on the officials. Reading some of the direct attacks and knife twisting is a little shocking.

[Astray]

Reading some of the direct attacks and knife twisting is a little shocking.

Yeah... that shit needs to stop.

[Archigeek]

Considering the way the changes were presented, I thought the response wasn't all that bad, or unexpected. What was the expectation when the basic premise put forward was "we know we're going to nerf three of your spells but there will be some unknown buffs"? Estild needs to develop a thicker skin if he's going to lay it out like that, or better yet, develop the buff side of things a bit more before the reveal. In spite of e vitriol, there were a lot of good thoughts put forward. And this from a profession that, over the years has mostly seen nerfs: enchant, call familiar, wizard shield, and charge item.

[Soulance]

charge item.
Hey, least we now get some experience for charging stuff. :D

[Whirlin]

Considering the way the changes were presented, I thought the response wasn't all that bad, or unexpected. What was the expectation when the basic premise put forward was "we know we're going to nerf three of your spells but there will be some unknown buffs"? Estild needs to develop a thicker skin if he's going to lay it out like that, or better yet, develop the buff side of things a bit more before the reveal. In spite of e vitriol, there were a lot of good thoughts put forward. And this from a profession that, over the years has mostly seen nerfs: enchant, call familiar, wizard shield, and charge item.
It was less about changing spells that veterans rely on, and more the complete lack of tact by anyone on the staff in handling concerns, and just being completely dismissive of players' concerns. They managed to take something that a good quantity of players have been looking forward to for over a DOZEN years, and present it in such a way where the entire class feels like they're being redesigned, without input, into a vision that the GMs have of how they SHOULD play the class, rather than enabling the players to define what the class means to them.

[Geijon Khyree]

Viduus tried his best. Perhaps the players should take more accountability on what this all looks like? I've moved the spectrum from screw it, nerf them back to my kind of downtweak and implement an overall vision with ELR. Estild got pounced on immediately. I'd not be posting if I was met with that vitriol either.

[subzero]

the entire class feels like they're being redesigned, without input, into a vision that the GMs have of how they SHOULD play the class, rather than enabling the players to define what the class means to them.

Sounds like what happened to sorcerers. "Oh, you think you boys are hot shit, eh? Let's see how you like this new attrition model the 'game' is moving towards with you as our guinea pigs!" It's Growing Pains for Wizards, just eleven years late (or, maybe it was on time afterall)!

[Androidpk]

It was less about changing spells that veterans rely on, and more the complete lack of tact by anyone on the staff in handling concerns, and just being completely dismissive of players' concerns. They managed to take something that a good quantity of players have been looking forward to for over a DOZEN years, and present it in such a way where the entire class feels like they're being redesigned, without input, into a vision that the GMs have of how they SHOULD play the class, rather than enabling the players to define what the class means to them.

That is generally how game development goes.

[Methais]

My sincerest apologies to any heroin addicts that might have been reading the officials at the time.

http://i.imgur.com/mf3teb7.png

I don't care about the post, I just think the serious business tone from Aulis is hilarious.

[Methais]

Considering the way the changes were presented, I thought the response wasn't all that bad, or unexpected. What was the expectation when the basic premise put forward was "we know we're going to nerf three of your spells but there will be some unknown buffs"? Estild needs to develop a thicker skin if he's going to lay it out like that, or better yet, develop the buff side of things a bit more before the reveal. In spite of e vitriol, there were a lot of good thoughts put forward. And this from a profession that, over the years has mostly seen nerfs: enchant, call familiar, wizard shield, and charge item.

Don't forget Mana Leech!

[Archigeek]

Sounds like what happened to sorcerers. "Oh, you think you boys are hot shit, eh? Let's see how you like this new attrition model the 'game' is moving towards with you as our guinea pigs!" It's Growing Pains for Wizards, just eleven years late (or, maybe it was on time afterall)!

Maybe you missed the four spells I referenced in the post he was referring to. Those were all part of Growing Pains if I recall correctly: charge item nerf, enchant nerf, call familar nerf, and wizard shield nerf. But hey, a double dip at the poop trough is twice as good right? FWIW, I don't play a wizard and never have. It just seems to me that they've been getting the shaft for a while now, kind of like the order of Voln used to be able to claim, but they finally got some love.

On a positive note, I'm still hopeful that the e-lore review will produce great results across the board. I think this could have been handled a lot better, but I still have a lot of faith in Estild's abilities. I'm hopeful that he can objectively listen to the helpful solutions that were mixed in with the anger and find some gems.

[Archigeek]

Don't forget Mana Leech!

I wasn't even aware mana leech was nerfed! Shows you what I know.

[Methais]

I wasn't even aware mana leech was nerfed! Shows you what I know.

It was nerfed at the same time as Charge Item and given a cooldown.

I'm 90% sure I was at least partially responsible for those nerfs, since I was going nuts charging ruby amulets and mass mana leeching stuff in Shadow Valley for at least a year or two before the nerfs hit while Celtic QQ'd on the forums about it, despite having his own private workshop to rake in cash with, if I remember correctly.

Communists. :(

I think the lore review will turn out ok overall, assuming it doesn't become the new RSN breakage. The only reason I think this is due to Estild's track record with other professions' reviews.

I'm pretty sure Simu is fully aware by now of the riots that are going to take place if they fuck wizards over into late 90s sorcerer status, despite how out of touch upper management is, as evidenced by the mystery man who's over both Wyrom and Solomon that said the game needs to be slowed down.

Fucking heroin addicts.

[Taernath]

My sincerest apologies to any heroin addicts that might have been reading the officials at the time.

http://i.imgur.com/mf3teb7.png

I don't care about the post, I just think the serious business tone from Aulis is hilarious.

You triggered the shit out of Whatley.

https://blueollie.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/triggered.jpg

[Methais]

You triggered the shit out of Whatley.

https://blueollie.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/triggered.jpg

I actually deleted the post (because still having an AOL email address in 2015 is shameful, but I'm too lazy to update everything that's tied to it).

That said...

http://i1086.photobucket.com/albums/j443/asspussydestroyer/5779d1302125632-cocaine-bear-i-fucking-love-cocaine-cat-so-much-coke.jpg

[Androidpk]

Who is over Solomon?

[Methais]

As far as I know, just Dave Whatley. And wtf does he know about GS anymore?

[Androidpk]

I thought Solomon = Whatley

[Ardwen]

Solomon is Bubba not Dave

[Androidpk]

Is his name really Bubba?

[Ardwen]

Honestly no idea, all I ever heard him referred to as though

[Warriorbird]

Is his name really Bubba?

Yes.

[Roblar]

No

[Latrinsorm]

My sincerest apologies to any heroin addicts that might have been reading the officials at the time. I don't care about the post, I just think the serious business tone from Aulis is hilarious.Crazy. It's not like you accused them of doing reefer.

[subzero]

Maybe you missed the four spells I referenced in the post he was referring to. Those were all part of Growing Pains if I recall correctly: charge item nerf, enchant nerf, call familar nerf, and wizard shield nerf. But hey, a double dip at the poop trough is twice as good right? FWIW, I don't play a wizard and never have. It just seems to me that they've been getting the shaft for a while now, kind of like the order of Voln used to be able to claim, but they finally got some love.

I was looking more at the combat aspect and being told, "Hey, this is where we're taking your profession. Don't like it? Too bad!"

[Archigeek]

I was looking more at the combat aspect and being told, "Hey, this is where we're taking your profession. Don't like it? Too bad!"

I get that. Ironically, most of the wizards I know were most bothered by the combined changes to call familiar, along with basically everyone but squares getting a new/improved pet of some sort. What was something of a character defining skill got kind of watered down. A lot of things were changed in necessary ways then though, let's face it, we'd outpaced the game and it needed a reboot.

[Silvean]

About the heroin thing, of course Simu is going to act like a business. GMs are somewhere between being the customer service representatives of a business and a tabletop dungeonmaster. They err on the side of customer service rep. I mean, you knew that when you made fun of them, trolled them, poked a stick at them, whatever.

I'm drunk right now. Woooooo. Etc. So you were right about that part.