07.18.02 - Patch Day

Huge patch day today.  Lots of mage info so bare with me here and I'll emphasize the important parts. Here are the important documents you need to read

Dev Build Notes,  Rollout Notes, Tinkering Letter to Players, Transfer Spell Changes Letter to the Players, July Letter to the Players

and here are some highlights that effect us

Also take a look at the July letter to the players there have been some updates

Life Magic Changes
We appreciate the feedback from players over these last few weeks with regard to our life magic changes. From your feedback and that of playtest groups, we have made a few changes to our initial proposed system:

Good stuff here should be interesting.  I'll try to bring you all the pertanant news that effects us.

06.21.02 - Dev Chat and Commentary

Well with all the changes coming about in the game there were some juicy tidbits in this month's Dev Chat.  Here's the most important information that effects us

Jff_1 in AsheronsCall asks: Will the war spell economy be put back in?
kentroop_turbine says: Our primary reason for taking the economy out was, with the duration changes, the vastly superior nature of creature/life buffs vs. arcane lore buffs.
With that in mind, we are working on implementing a system for putting a new "skill-based" bonus for War spells only.  This would be exactly like the system we had originally conceived of, detailed in the dev chat two months ago, but again, for War spells only.  The exact details are still tbd...but you should expect this change in August.
Dizzarian says: Now this is good news.

EvilMavi in AsheronsCall asks: Will Prismatic Taper Peas ever exist? If not, is there any chance that perhaps you could make Prismatic Tapers a part of monster loot so they drop like other components?
kentroop_turbine says: We are looking into increasing the stack size for the prismatic tapers to 500 or more. At this time, we have no immediate plans for prismatic taper peas to be sold. At some later point, we may introduce prismatic tapers dropping off of creatures.  The stack size change is occurring in July.
Dizzarian says: I don't really see why we need peas for them in the first place as even with only a 250 stack I just carry 5 stacks and go.  If we had peas they'd most likely be 100 in a pea which would take up more pack space.

Shiloh_MS in AsheronsCall asks: whats the reasoning behind the drain changes, don't you think it's a bit late in the game life ?
kentroop_turbine says: Primarily it was because Drain Health 1 should have been fixed a long time ago, and we finally decided to do it.
Also, while we were at it, we also wanted to partially address some pvp and macro issues, although we don't think our changes are a solution to either of those issues (macroing or balanced pvp) People should keep in mind that our end goal is to make a system that is fun and that works...and that we've shown that we're willing to continue to tweak the system if our changes require it.

Finally, one last note on the changes in general. If AC were to continue to stay the same, and never change, it ultimately would die.  We agree that unrestrained "nerfing" is a horrible idea. But we aren't doing that. We're attempting to create new systems and new forms of play, that hopefully will allow AC to continue as a fun game for far longer than it would otherwise. Of course, we continue to welcome feedback, whether positive or negative, to ensure we're staying on that course.
Dizzarian says: The verdict is still out we'll see next month what there is to complain about.  I'm never one to cry nerf you just have to figure out new play styles

LifeguardAC in AsheronsCall asks: Will creatures follow the same rules regarding the new drain spells as players?
kentroop_turbine says: Yes, although for right now, no creature will have the ability to cast the new life bolt spell. Also, keep in mind the new lifebolt spells have no prot/vuln, although they are resisted by Drain Resistance.
Dizzarian says:  Hmm then I think we should have a way to raise our "Drain Resistance"

There was also a lot of information concerning the new appraisal skills so make sure you go check the chat out.

06.19.02 - The Details are in

http://zone.msn.com/asheronscall/news/ASHEtransferspells.asp

To sum up this article

and the Biggest news

Make sure you check out the article for all the detailed information.  Then head over to this thread and give your comment They just made Life magic Deadly! It's no Life Nerf its luv!

06.17.02 - Heads Up! More Changes in Store

In a surprising move by turbine there are even more changes in the works.  This time they are going to tackle that controversial topic of drain spells.

And we're not stopping with this month's magic changes! Next month, in addition to the first stage of the Tinkering system, we will be making significant changes to the Transfer spell system. Transfer spells, such as Drain Health, will be altered substantially in July. (Look for more details to be posted before the July Event).

Scary stuff to be sure, make sure you read the entire letter to the players before passing judment.

Also check out the interviews on this site to see what well know mages say should be done about it.  Don't be surprised if some of these suggestions make it into production.

06.13.02 - Build Notes Summation

Yup the patch is on it's way to being live.  Check out the Build Notes and Rollout Notes.  Here's those things mentioned that effect us

This is going to be a big patch for mages, I'll be bring you all the important information to you as so it's becomes available.

06.06.02 - Dev Chat and Commentary

Well as we all know the new changes coming in may have stirred up quite a few questions.  The devs try to answer a lot of these in this months Dev chat.

Kithron_ac in AsheronsCall asks: Why was it decided to remove the spell economy all together instead of implementing a skill based personal economy?
kentroop_turbine says: There were a number of reasons....
The most important being that we felt that with the economy in place in conjunction with the new duration and other changes, magic was so far better than any other selection of skill choices. Magic-users already have so many advantages, that we felt the loss of the economy bonuses was needed to help balance things out

A secondary reason was that we felt that in the long-run, having consistent skill numbers, instead of numbers that varied according to the economy, would minimize players' frustration with such variation.

Finally, the economy was a vestige of a time before such third party additions that opened up spells to nearly everyone who used such applications given that the intent of our magic system changes was to truly open up the spell system to all who wanted it, we felt like the economy was a design system that no longer fit within its original intent
Dizz says : I've always said it was broken and I'm glad they're ripping it out.  I will miss the bonuses but I'll take reliability and day.

beanbaggirl in AsheronsCall asks: will the new level 7 scrolls still be tradeable?
Payson_Turbine says: Yes, they will be tradeable.

ShawnTooley in AsheronsCall asks: With the new magic system being implemented, will players who choose to stick with the component style of casting spells see a rise in burn-rates of components?
Payson_Turbine says: There will be no change whatsoever to the burn rates of the old component system.
Going back to the burn rate question, just to let you know how prismatic tapers will burn.  The chance for a prismatic taper to burn is roughly equivalent to tapers in the old system. However, for higher level spells, there are chances for multiple tapers to burn per spell.
Dizz says : Don't like the "roughly equivalent" answer but assuming that they mean it then this is a good thing.  Of course that means I'll still be carrying roughly1200 of these new tapers

Garrethe1 in AsheronsCall asks: With changes to economy, as a Darktide Plater we were wondering will war do less damage? Using the calculations for a level 7 vuln and level 7 protect it looks like war will cap at 180. Right now we do see some 200+ damages. Thx.
kentroop_turbine says: Yes, War spells will no longer have an economy bonus.  There are no current plans to change this.
Dizz says : Yes I know this this sounds like it sucks but when you get diminishing returns on that number so by the time you fire it several times you damage output will be the same as if you had an economy.

Terryboy82 in AsheronsCall asks: Why 50,000 pyreals for a level 6 scroll? Isn't that too expensive for the levels of people that will be needing these?
kentroop_turbine says: We felt this was an adequate price given the availability of pyreals in the world, including those characters who would be casting level 6s.  Also, level 6s will be dropping off of the same monsters that level 5 spells used to.  So there will be a number of different ways for mages to get these spells.

One unrelated note:  Just because level 6 spells will *cost* 50,000 pyreals, does not mean that they will sell for anywhere near that much wanted to clear up that perception
Dizz says : Verdict is still out on this one.  I also feel that it's a little costly.

Tandy71 in AsheronsCall asks: The skill level announced in order to learn spells...is that base or buffed skill?
kentroop_turbine says: It can be buffed skill.

There was more in the chat and it's really worth checking out.  Care to add your own comments? do it here: Dev Chat and commentary

06.04.02 - The Big Change is Coming

Well we all knew it was coming and it's going to complete change the game as we know it. There's so much to cover that it's really hard to tell what will happen.  For now I point you in the direction of the new Letter to the Players  Here's the subjects it touches and I suggest you read it thoroughly before coming to any rash conclusions.

How Players Cast Spells
Why did we add Prismatic Tapers?
What are the costs and burdens of the Foci and Prismatic Tapers?
If I want to cast spells using the old system of components, can I do so?
How Players Learn Spells
What scrolls are available? Where and how much do they cost?
The New Length of Spells
The Removal of Spell Economy
Changes to Spell Book Sorting
Detailed List of Scrolls to be Sold by Vendors

What say you about the new changes? Link to Letter to the Players, regarding changes

05.21.02 - What About Level 6 Scrolls?

Turbine answers a little Q & A about what's going to happen with level 6 scrolls

Asked by Girelle M''aloth on 05/21/2002
I and many other traders are concerned with the change coming regarding level 7 spell scrolls inside sik chests. Does this mean that all scrolls (lvl 6) that were currently have in our inventory will be useless? Should we liquidate our assets now? Will the essences go away?

Answered by Ken Troop on 05/10/2002
Level 6 scrolls will be useful for the month of May until the June Event. Then, it is very likely that new level 7 scrolls will be available through some fashion, leaving level 6 scrolls to be exactly what they are; no more, no less.

As for the Essences, you can wait and see in the June Event.

(Note, there is a chance these changes will be coming in the July Event instead of June; if that is the case, then Level 6 scrolls will still be tradable until July. However, to be safe, you should exchange your level 6s soon.)

Hmm now that's interesting.  We knew from the latest Letter to the Players that this is what will happen with level 6 scrolls, but what's this new information about the essences?  What do you think will happen to them?

05.15.02 - Patch Day and all the mages say W00t

Any kind of love is welcome and we got a little today.  From the Developer's Notes

Two new spellcasting tabs have been added, for a total of seven.

There's other really nice items in there so go check it out.  Also make sure you check out the Event Rollout 

Also give yourself some time to read through the Letter to the Players lots of information to soak up.  Of not

Once we do our changes to the Magic system, Level 6 scrolls will no longer be convertible to level 7 spells. We expect these changes to happen in either June or July, but players should plan for June if they wish to maximize the value of their scrolls. Post-June (or July), players will find level 7 spells directly in the Steel Chests.

Discuss amongst yourselves : Patch day goodness

05.14.02 - About Armor Self and the new Resistances

This will be of interest to a few.  A Q & A about base stats from the official site

Character - Base Stats
Asked by Kau Te-Pan on 02/15/2002

Armor self is described as ''Increases the target''s natural armor'' and i have always wondered what my natural armor/elemental resist etc. actually is(maybe also why i cannot see it as i do my attributes and skills). I have heard that is based on my strength. Is this true and if so are there any other relations like it?

Answered by Orion on 05/10/2002

Player's have a natural armor rating of 0. Resistances are a little more complicated and we can't pull the curtain all the way back, so those will remain a mystery. With the changes that have recently been made to endurance, there is now a "natural" armor that is based off of a formula that utilizes your strength and endurance. This is equivalent to an Armor spell of different levels being cast upon you depending on how high your strength and endurance are.

05.08.02 - Upcoming Changes to Aerlinthe Quest, This effects you!

Very important, if you have the staff and pallium from aerfalle make sure you have it where you want it permanently come next week.  Here's the scoop http://zone.msn.com/asheronscall/news/AerlintheChanges.asp

One important note: If you currently have a Pallium or Staff on an alternate character that you would not want there later, you should make sure it is moved back to the original owner before the May prop next week. After the prop, all existing Palliums and Staves will become permanent items for whomever is carrying them. They can be removed only by giving them to a town crier after that. They are no longer transferable on death.
The AC Team

There's other important and welcome changes coming up for this quest so I highly suggest you read the zone article.

comments : Important Aerfalle Quest Changes

05.03.02 - Thinking of Rerolling for Extra Skill Points?

Well my advice is don't do anything rash.  This is a dynamic game and devs change their mind on whim.  I know there's a lot of talk of rerolling BMs with appraise item spec'd to get the extra 2 skill credits that was mentioned in the dev chat but that doesn't mean it's set in stone.  Well don't take my word for it.  Here's what Ken Karl has to say about it.

One important thing to remember if you are rushing out and rerolling characters... THERE ARE NO GUARANTEES THAT HOW WE MENTIONED TINKERING WILL BE IMPLEMENTED, WILL ACTUALLY HAPPEN THAT WAY.

We may decide other ways of handling Gharu skill credits, we may decide to alter tinkering in a different way.

The only thing that is certain is.. in may.. Everything is IDable (no more appraise check) and the skills will be replaced with tinkering in the 4 areas outlined in the dev chat. The details are still a far way from being final. We mentioned how we are currently thinking of it, but are still forming the final plans.

So do not be too disappointed if you find out in 2 months your character doesnt get what you might have been expecting.

You can find the complete thread here : http://vnboards.ign.com/message.asp?topic=28899558&start=28934116

05.02.02 - Dev Chat... The most substantial one ever!

Well now, this was an unexpected dev chat.  I've been watching these things for 2+ years now and I can honestly say that this was the most substantial one I've ever seen.   And to top it off it's all about us mages :)  Here's the highlights and my comment

PyroINC420 in AsheronsCall asks: What is the "Mage Love" you were talking about adding soon last time?
kentroop_turbine says: Ok, the magic changes.. These are currently being planned for either June or July
There are 4 basic changes:

1) No more spell research. - All spells will be learnable through scrolls that are purchasable except for Level 7s, which will drop directly from the Steel chests

2) No more components - In order to cast a spell, you will need the appropriate level scarab, and a "spell backpack" associated with one of the 4 schools of magic. So if you want to cast spells from all 4 schools, you will need 4 backpacks, and the 7 different types of scarabs this system is an option. For those of you who wish to cast using components, that will still be available to you, or you can choose the scarab+backpack approach
Note that the "use scrolls to research spells" will not be an option you will no longer be able to research spells.

3) Buff times on level 1-5 will last 30 mins, level 6 will last 45 mins, and level 7s will last an hour

4) The global spell economy will be removed - In its place, will be a modified version of a personal spell economy which takes into account the caster's given spell skill level vs. the difficulty of the spell. 

We know that these are huge changes affecting the game play and balance considerations of most every aspect of the game. We will be making additional changes to take these balance changes into account and as we get closer to the actual implementation, we will sketch out some of these subsidiary changes as well ultimately, we are working on these changes because we feel it will make the magic system far more accessible to more players, and far more fun.  We are letting you know about these changes now, so that you have an opportunity to offer feedback and questions a month or two in advance. All of these changes are not set in stone and some of these specifics may change as we get closer to actual implementation

Dizzarian says: Ok to say I'm shocked is an understatement.  Most of this is good, and I see that this is probably a prelude to how magic in AC2 will operate.  Lets go through point by point

1) No more spell research. - I can see why this is coming and I guess it's a good thing.  Spell research was destroyed long ago and it's only gotten easier.  I'm glad they are facilitating this in game.  This will eliminate several apps.

2) No more components - I'm torn, I'm glad they left the option in for the use of comps.  It will be nice to never have to "comp up" or worry about running out of red tapers again.  But I'm not for sure this is a good thing.  Just because it makes it easier doesn't mean it's a good thing. 

3) Buff times - Holy Asheron! This is nothing but good.  The last bump was a good thing this can only be better.  Buffing is just tedious and this will reduce it so I'm hella happy about this.  You know I'll probably go out fully buffed and banned and full armor after this is implemented.

4) Global Spell Economy Gone - You know it's almost as if turbine read the interviews I put up.  Hope the door hits it on the way out. 

Care to add your own comments? place them here : Dev Chat, Important -MAGE- Related Information!

04.29.02 - Essence Shortcuts updated

I've updated the Level 7 Spell information again with the latest shortcuts.

Item Essence - There is now  an "Artifice Cottages" portal at the Arwic settlement portals that takes you very close to the essence.

War Essence - No longer do you need to get a ride to the Crater or Nydesia's Castle.  There's a "Snowy Valley" portal at the Tou-Tou settlement portals that puts you just as close.

04.26.02 - AC Mages named site of the week by Turbine

I'm completely floored by this announcement, I didn't even know if they knew I existed ;)  Thanks again to everyone who makes this site so great.  http://acdm.turbinegames.com

Fan Site of the Week!
It's time again to highlight one of the many fan sites from our links section for your enjoyment. This week we give the nod to AC Mages, a veritable fortress of mystical knowledge! Submit a link to your fan site today.

Turbine gives props to Dizz!!!

04.26.02 - Dizz is getting hitched

Yup Dizz is taking the plunge and getting married to Fantasy' on Morningthaw.   Everyone is invited, there will be food, drinks and dancing so a good time should be had by all.  The time and date is Tomorrow (Saturday the 27th) at 1pm est.

Since there will be those of you on different servers stopping in (Or at least I hope) We will start having Drinks at the Holtburg Tavern at 12pm est (11am cst/10am mst/9am pst) and at 12:45pm I will summon the portal to the wedding were everyone can get there. Don't be late, after 1pm I will not be answering tells and you will most likely miss out. So show up early and have some drinks with me at the pub.

If you do show up late the wedding is at 1pm est on Morningthaw at the Ithaenac Cathedral Wedding grounds, portal scrolls available at the wedding planners.

RSVP here

04.19.02 - Saviors Hand now online

I've been saying that I was going to put these up for months but the sheer size and complexity of these journals has made this quite a task, but a well worth it task.  Saviors Hand has been documenting his creature first BM with stories and normal journal writing.  His style is unique and it's great pleasure to have him as an official contributor to this site.  So if you haven't read these yet on our journal board go check them out now in their html form.

As a lot of people may know the route of a BM is rough, and dangerous. But one fact seems to alude most people is the fact that most players take Item first, not Creature.

However, I wanted to see what the other way was like. I had never made a Battlemage before, but I had looked up on them and decided that after all that I would make one. Item did not seem to appeal to me so I decided to take Creature first.

**Opening Music plays inspiring tune**

These are the journals of the great and gimpy Saviors Hand.

04.10.02 - What a Patch

You gotta love patch day and turbine has been really churning out some great ones of late.  Here's a summary of the mage love in this patch

Item Magic Portal Spells - This is probably the most significant change in game that we've had in a very long time.  I suggest you read the Letter to players for all the information but here's a quick run down of how it now works.  Note if you haven't learned portal tie you might as well do it now as there is no reason not to.  So now we have up to 5 different location that we can recall to.

Location Tie Recall  Summon
"Permanent" Lifestone  Double click on Lifestone @Lifestone n/a
Tieable Lifestone Lifestone Tie Lifestone Recall  n/a
Primary Portal Primary Portal Tie Primary  Portal Recall Summon Primary Portal
Secondary Portal Secondary Portal Tie Secondary Portal Recall Summon Secondary Portal
Last Portal Travel Through Portal Portal Recall n/a

I guess the only question is now is Where will you setup your lifestones and portals now

Also the changes to endurance seem to be stirring a lot of discussion.  Check out these threads : 
Discussion....Is a 100 End mage now more viable than ever
Still no "I told you End was better " posts-
how much STR/END for a new BM would

04.05.02 - Journals, Journals and more Journals

Man I've fallen behind.  I'll have to make one big update here on all of the journals that have been updated

Fahren Al-Heit

First up I'll point out Fahren's since his are updated less than the others.  What is really sad though is that this appears to be his last.  But what a way to go out, this one is exceptionally good, even for Fahren's high quality.

Let it be known the boy from Ispar is now the Battle Mage Fahrenheit. Let all the creatures know I am coming to call and will bring hell with me. -Fahren al-Heit (loyal follower of the Silver Citadel)

12 The roads ending - please let him know how much you have enjoyed his work over the last year.  I know this site would be incomplete with out his work.

Battlemage Devastator

Devastator has started work on his completion guide.  Some very good stuff in here and I recommend it to everyone no matter what type of mage you are leveling.

Welcome to my Dungeon Dweller Completion Guide. Are You Ready to Graduate? We are heading deep into the depths of Dereth to complete your Battlemage Template. Pack your Torches, it's dark down here.

This Guide is going to take you all the way from lvl 35-45 and picking off Aun Ralirea, the skill credit baddy. I'll be giving tips to finding him and where to go as we descend into the Dungeons of Marae Lassal and MORE!!!! 

Also he has wraped up his Advanced Guide so go check out the final entry in it.

Al-Sahir

Al-Sahir covers a lot of ground in his latest Og Journal, well I just let him describe it

I've done a lot of stuff since hitting 45. I got a Red matty robe, pulled chests, hunted BSD(again), hunted Aerlinthe, and scrwed around on the plateu after and before getting a legionarry pincer. I've also started a few secondarys. One being a dagger guy, and the other being a life spec xbow.

Good stuff as always Al-Sahir's/Al-Sihar's Og Mage journal #8

One last thing is that I've posted a small journal about dizz for those that are interested here Dizz takes lore, Quick update not a formal entry

Hopefully over the weekend I'll have time to put up even more journals and maybe even a new contributor who I continually promise I'll get up.

04.04.02 - Dev Chat

First let me apologize for the lack of updates, I went on a short vacation and have been in a programming frenzy of late.   Keep checking back today and tomorrow I have quite a few journals I need get up and I hope to get them online soon.

On with the dev chat and commentary by me http://cod.xrgaming.com/index.php3?library=logs/zonechat_020403

Crimson_SC in AsheronsCall asks: What type of "mage love" is instore for us in May?
kentroop_turbine says: Ok, well it really isn't going to happen in May.....
kentroop_turbine says: but probably sometime in either June or July....
kentroop_turbine says: we're going to be exploring a number of changes to magic in AC.
kentroop_turbine says: The 3 primary changes involve:
kentroop_turbine says: 1) The way people learn spells.
kentroop_turbine says: 2) The resources they use to cast them.
kentroop_turbine says: 3) The duration of those spells.
kentroop_turbine says: We want to make all of these aspects more fun for the general playerbase, and while magery is certainly the most powerful skill set in the game
kentroop_turbine says: it is also the most tedious
kentroop_turbine says: At the same time, these changes potentially alter AC in some fairly *fundamental* ways
kentroop_turbine says: so we want to make sure we're doing the right thing
kentroop_turbine says: as we get closer to the month in which these changes will actually happen
kentroop_turbine says: we'll delve into more detail about them, in order to get feedback from the playerbase
Dizzarian says: I can only deduce that that comps are going to change or go away, and that we might get an interface similar to ak in some way.  Very interesting, hell I'd be happy with just the durations going up

Mookey_555 in AsheronsCall asks: I have heard of lvl 8 spells in war, is this true? and if so what info can you tell me...
mrquazarr_MS says: No
mrquazarr_MS says: As stated last dev chat, Level 7 is as high as there will be in AC.
mrquazarr_MS says: Ever
mrquazarr_MS says: Ever
mrquazarr_MS says: Never ever Level 8
mrquazarr_MS says: oh... and probably no Level 8s
Dizzarian says: Some people really don't pay attention

KayL_AC in AsheronsCall asks: You are doing many things to increase the "fun" aspect of the game. One of the main things that ISNT fun is having to buff so often. People just want to go out and hunt without interuptions. Will we ever see longer buff times to fix this?
kentroop_turbine says: As mentioned earlier, we will be looking at extending buff times soon.
kentroop_turbine says: We agree that having longer buff times will be more fun for the majority of our players....
kentroop_turbine says: however, we also have to make sure that other play styles (melee/missile, people who use jewelry/clothing) also feel like they have valid playstyles
Dizzarian says: Nothing but good

jessielynn21 in AsheronsCall asks: Are Crystal Golems still gonna fizzle as much as they do? Right now, after 1 inept, it fizzles till it dies...
kentroop_turbine says: that will be fixed in a few days
Dizzarian says: Oh crap, that will make them a bit tougher for us

WobblyKnight in AsheronsCall asks: will the new item enchant spells be researchable?
kentroop_turbine says: The new portal/lifestone spells will be researchable.

BriOmega in AsheronsCall asks: Will the new @lifestone command be given a long animation like @house_recall? Meaning will Item users still have an advantage in that they can use recall to escape or will everyone have that ability?
kentroop_turbine says: Yes, the new @lifestone command will have a long animation. It will also cost half your mana, or a min cost of....
kentroop_turbine says: never mind
kentroop_turbine says: just a cost of half your mana
Dizzarian says: erm...

q640 in AsheronsCall asks: Will the spell econ ever be removed?
kentroop_turbine says: I think when we do the more sweeping magic changes in a few months, we will also be taking a look at the spell economy and its implementation and decide whether it is still working in a fashion that makes sense
kentroop_turbine says: For example, if magic lasts nearly as long as a recharge session of jewelry, does it really make sense for it to have a spell econ bonus?
kentroop_turbine says: And it might be simpler to just remove it all together
kentroop_turbine says: but we're still considering a number of options, perhaps even trying to tie a person's personal spell economy closely to their skill level, and getting rid of the global spell economy
kentroop_turbine says: So basically, the answer is....maybe
Dizzarian says: Oh dear god please change it.  I say just rip it out and be done with it.

Pretty good dev chat, I know there's a lot coming this month that didn't get discussed.  What do you have to say? New patch info post...