02.26.02 - First AC2 Magic News

All the new info about AC2 is working me up into a frenzy about it.  I'm on pins and needles waiting for this thing now.  The great thing is that we have our very first tidbit about magic in AC2, here's the scoop

GameSpy: The Magic system was unique in the original AC, where high-level spells were individual to the player and had to be researched (or mathematically deduced, as several players managed to do). Are you looking to create a whole new magic system? Describe it to us!

Jeff Anderson: The magic system in AC is a good example of what we learned. Some of it was successful, while other parts of it just never really worked right. For AC2, we wanted a magic system that was more visceral and streamlined. A core tenet of the game is that nothing should ever be boring. To us, that meant that magic should feel a lot like melee combat. This moved us to the idea of a unified combat/magic system that doesn't use mana pools or ingredients. The result is a much more visceral gaming experience that places magic -- literally -- at your fingertips.

Lots of excellent info in this interview so go check it out http://www.gamespy.com/interviews/february02/ac2/

What do you think it will be like then? First News about AC2 Magic! 

02.23.02 - Mage Gathering Log

The gathering was a huge success, I want to thank everyone who showed up.  Opal herself even showed up so that was a pleasant surprise.  There were some really good discussions that went on during the event especially toward the end.  I recorded a log of the event and making it available here MageGathering3.txt

I divided it up into sections as much as I could and show you which ones were the most import since it such a huge log file. 

02.23.02 - Al-Sahir Rolls on

It's so nice to see this journal continue on like it has.  These should be required reading for any new Og mage.  He has done 2 new journal entries.  Please visit his threads and let him know what you think.

Al-Sahir's/Al-Sihar's 5th journal
Al-Sihar/Al-Sahir's Og Journal #6

I’d like to talk about BSD again. I know its boring but I feel 6s add a whole new light to BSD. I can now robe hunt. I know, I know, people say that your able to robe hunt without 6 level item spells. You know what I say to them? I say try and take on 4 or 5 tuskers at a time with level 5 items on your robe. Even with 6 life protects you take a beating. You really do take a beating. I do admit though you take a beating with 6 level items but it doesn’t hurt as bad and you have a bit more of a protection bubble. I hope my BSD days will be coming to an end. Once I get creature and life 7s I am out of there. It is starting to remind me of my EQ days. I used to stay at a place for 5 levels at a time then move on, rinse and repeat. Well, I’ve been at BSD since 30 or so full time. I may get a level a day but sooner or later I will crack. I’ve been having intense cravings for banana’s lately. Very strange...

You can of course find these and all the others in his section of the site Al-Sahir's Og Mage Journals

02.22.02 - 3rd Mage Gathering

I usually give better warning than this but we'll go ahead and try to have another mage gathering tomorrow. Here's the details

Server : HarvestGain
Place : Rithwic Fairgrounds (10.5N,  53.5.w) The fairgrounds are directly west of Rithwic a short easy run for anyone.  If you need help getting there message Dizzarian and I'll will arrange transportation.
Date : Saturday, February 23rdh
Time : 3pm EST, 2pm CST, 1pm MST 12pm pst

If you don't have a character on HG that's ok just create a new character and run him there.  It's just a time to get to know your fellow mages and discuss issues and get your questions answered.  We usually have a really good time so I encourage everyone to come out.

questions / comments on this thread Time for another gathering?

02.20.02 - What robe now?

With the advent of the hoary robe coming back the question that seems to be on a lot of mages mind is which robe do I use now?  There's really 4 robes that have AL on them so I did some calculations on them to try and shed some light on this topic.  The 4 robes are the Mattekar Robe - White (Hoary),   Mattekar Robe - Blue (Canescent), Mattekar Robe - Red (Canescent), Siraluun Dress

Hoary  Pro AL  w/6s w/7s         SirDrs Pro AL  w/6s w/7s ------ --- --- ---  ---          ------ --- --- ---  --- Base       40  250  290          Base       40  250  290 Blade  aa  56  500  580          Blade  aa  56  500  580 Pierce a   34  500  580          Pierce aa  56  500  580 Bludge a   34  500  580          Bludge a   34  500  580 Fire   ba  18  500  580          Fire   a   34  500  580 Fast   u   80  500  580          Fast   a   34  500  580 Acid   a   38  500  580          Acid   a   34  500  580 Light  u   80  500  580          Light  e   72  500  580 Can(Bl)Pro AL  w/6s w/7          Can(Rd)Pro AL  w/6s w/7 ------ --- --- ---  ---          ------ --- --- ---  --- Base       40  250  290          Base       60  270  310 Blade  a   38  500  580          Blade  p   9   466  620 Pierce a   38  500  580          Pierce p   9   466  620 Bludge a   38  500  580          Bludge p   9   466  620 Fire   a   38  500  580          Fire   aa  84  540  620 Fast   a   38  500  580          Fast   aa  84  540  620 Acid   a   38  500  580          Acid   aa  84  540  620 Light  a   38  500  580          Light  aa  84  540  620

 

I added the Siraluun Dress for completeness.
The tool I used to calculate these numbers is found here http://home.earthlink.net/~vtrii/armor.htm

My analysis
If you can only cast 6's or below find the robe that's easiest for you, most likely this is the Hoary or the dress. If you can cast 7's then it appears your really doing yourself a disfavor by not having the red robe. That is if the economy is playing into your hands. These numbers were generated with a 5% economy.  

For a refresher course on how to tell what the current economy is see the mage faq here http://dizzarian.com/acmages/ACMageFaq.html#6.2

If you like to supply your own input to this please stop by this thread vote or even comment
Which to go for with a Canescent Pelt?

02.18.02 - Forum Journal Highlights

I want to take the time to point out some great journals going on in our forums.

Critter first BM - Saviors Hand.  This journal could become a feature to the site so it's definitely worth the read.  He combines journal and stories all in one.

Saviors Hand - Journey walked by few, BM Creature First 1/04
Saviors Hand - Journey walked by few, Creature First BM 1/06
Saviors Hand Saviors Hand -Journey traveled by few, Creature First BM 1/15
Saviors Hand -Journey traveled by few, Creature First BM 2/08

OG mage Rez I'm looking forward to more of these

Og Rez's Journal #1 - 2.17.02
Og Rez's Journal #2 - 2.18.02

Critter first BM - Vorna the Witch Another excellent write up.

Vorna the Witch, a BM with creature at 20
Vorna the Witch, a BM with creature at 20, Part 2
Vorna the Witch, a BM with creature at 20, Part 3 

Mana Mage - A Mage With a Purpose by Saaber Al-Drgn For a template that's a little out of the ordinary check this out.  He's doing a very great job with these.

Mage with a Purpose - Parts 1-2
Mage with a Purpose - (Mana Mage) Parts 3-4

BM Journal - Kiddeth I really enjoy reading these, I can relate to almost every one of them

Kiddeath is Born (and he gets to know the ls) (BM Journal)
Kiddeath Learns to Avoid the LS (and by doing so gains XP)
Kiddeath Really Gets Going (BM Journal)

And these are only just a few of the journals going on in the Journals and Stories Forum So go check it our and tell your own story if you feel inclined.  Writing your journals here is the first step to getting featured on the site.

02.12.02 - Warrior Mage Guide by Yom is up

This is one of the best guides that we now have.  It's very thorough and is from the mouth of experience.  With that said I don't think it's a recommended template even though it looks like it could be a lot of fun.

A little over a year ago, I became somewhat discouraged with my current main and wanted a character with a bit more versatility. A combination of mage and melee seemed to fit that bill, but I also wanted early completion because I wanted to enjoy the journey the whole way. And so, Yom's template, something I call the Warrior Mage, was born. Permit me to tell you about the template and it's trials and tribulations in detail --

<< Dizzarian : I think it will probably influence a few to try it. Seems like a pretty fun template. >>

Egads, it wasn't my intent to persuade anyone to do it. But rather to make sure they understand what they might be getting into if they were inclined to try something like this.

It's a great read even if your not interested in the template.  Go check out the  WarriorMage

Also if you'd like to tell Yom what you think or if you have question please post them in this thread : Template Summary: The Warrior Mage (Warning: Very long)

02.12.02 - Valentines Patch Day

Now I know it's patch day and all but if you have a significant other don't neglect them for AC just because it's patch day,  I've already received warnings from my wife ;)

Well nothing much new has happened for us mages in a patch for a long time.  I've got my fingers crossed that this patch will be different.  If you find anything make sure you send it to me at dizz@dizzarian.com  

Also later today I should have a new starter guide up so be looking for it.

02.06.02 - Opal mage starter guide

The people who visit and contribute to this site never cease to amaze me.  Even though this site has my name on it, it's content is now largely yours. I and the rest of the mage community thank all of you. 

What prompted that little outburst of emotion is that I finally checked my email for this provider (sometimes I'm such an idiot, never did switch over my news reader to the new site).  In my inbox was an Opal mage starter guide, something we have been lacking for way to long.

You’re probably asking yourself, what is an Opal mage?  I personally have had to explain the template several times to people since it isn’t nearly as well known as the Og or Battlemage templates.  Make no mistake, this character can stand up against the best of em (but requires a tad bit of help getting on his feet).

This is an excellent template, if I were to roll up a new mage today this would probably be the template I used.  So go check out the guide here : Opal Mage Starter Guide

Also I've started a thread so that you can tell Shoto Khan of Frostfell how much you like it and if you have any suggestions for it.

02.05.02 - Into the depths with Devastator

Yah, yah, yah I know it's been forever since I have updated.  I'll try to keep it regular again, that is if there is any news.  These last few months have been so slow with mage news, I'll probably start making notes about important forum post etc. just to keep the news page up.

Anyways Battlemage Devastator has not been slacking off at all, he continues he dungeon dwelling and gives a nice write up on the new Elysa's Favor quest.  Here's an excerpt :

Are you nutz?? There's Hollow Minions on that quest!! Yep there sure are, but that sure as heck didn't stop me. My new pals Mr Magex II, Wannabe and Quazar'the brave' went on it. Pair up with your melee brethren...cuz it's the best way to survive this really cool and engaging quest. It's kinda a favor of a favor of a run check out so-n-so he's acting suspicious kinda quest...and on the way getting FREE XP and golem hearts...and oh yeah...a 1 in for chance for a Focus, End, Strength or Armor minor ring (adds +5 straight to skill/20% to Armor). So where do you go to get started????????? Yaraq!!!!!! No where else lest you contend with a nasty bug in the quest not giving you access to a crucial dungeon.

Comments : Battlemage Devastator's Advanced Guide to Dungeon Dwelling!

01.22.02 - Ahh my favorite time of month

Patch Day, I love 'em.  As always I will be bringing you the latest news that concerns us.  Everyone thinks this is going to be a big one so if you find anything please post it in our new forums.  I've started a thread so we can pool our resources.  

All new patch info here

01.16.02 - Another Og Entry by Al-Sihar

Not only do we have an excellent Og diary contributor but he updates often :)  And it appears he's inspiring others to do the same so we could have more Og diaries before you know it.  In this latest one he plays around at the walled portals, bsd and does a few quest.  And of course he has his run ins with the d00d's of dereth.

In between that incident and yesterday there wasn't any kill stealing. Just monsters running after someone else like they do for some odd reason. Then those people running around walled portals so you can never get a clear shot off. Its not their fault and it just gets on your nerves after a while. Then came another problem. I finish something off. I notice that someone is fighting something on the opposite side of walled portals. I figure its safe to jump down and loot my kill. I'm looting, I get done about to head up and this tusker starts bashing my puny mage body. I do not buff with protects at the portals so I run up the stairs. The tusker doesn't follow me around the outside but jumps in. I notice he has a sliver of life left so I finish him off. 

The latest entry is here and you please let him know what you think about it in this thread.

01.14.02 - Tokugawa's monthly update

Well that's what he called it so I'll do the same :)  He's changed up the style a little to try and not be quite as contriversal as he's been in the past.  It's still quite and exceptional column.

I just want to comment on an observation, one that was made by others on the VN boards also. When I go to the Hebian n00b LS I see a sword guy, maybe a mage, but mostly I see daggers and bow user n00bs. The variety of chars on Leafcull at least seems to be in deterioration. Also many players I know who had chars from day one of retail re-rolled, the ones that did not roll a BM used a dagger template. I went against the current trend and rolled a Quad Staffer, now that is a fun char to play, I can only advise people that think about rolling a melee to consider the not-so common weapons, like staff, axe, mace, spear. It feels kindoff special when you are the only non-dagger melee in the Cit. And they are great and powerful chars to play, I enjoy my Quad Staffer much more than the dagger I had before and I also have melee and life speced in addition to the weapon.

Journal of January 12th, 2002 Let him know what you think of the new article here 

Stratics is reporting that dat file that came with the December patch contains a set of new spells.  They've cataloged them here 

There's 3 types of spells portals, majors and minors.  The portal spells all lead to starter towns and seem to indicate that in the near future we will all be called to these outpost to defend them.  The major and minor spells are many and are layered spells of their big brothers  i.e. Major Bow Aptitude is a layered spell that adds 15 points to bow skill it's big brother is Bow Mastery. These spells appear to be npc spells or item spells of some sort as they are not researchable.

OH and Happy New Year :)