Stormreach Chronicle (10-27-08)

[Tolero]

Welcome to the Chronicle - a weekly look at what's happening around the forums! Read on for tips, community spotlights, Turbine info, and more!

Letter from the Editors

"It's an exciting week in Stormreach as Module 8: Prisoners of Prophecy goes live this Wednesday! The heroes of Stormreach turn another page in the tale of the Stormreaver, while arriving travelers begin their journey anew unraveling the mystery of a snow-covered tropical island. Danger and excitement awaits new and veteran adventurers alike! Some of the Module 8 highlights include:

• Four challenging new dungeons, four breathtaking wilderness landscapes, and a new two-part public quest hub – all part of the new module 8 high-end content release!
• A brand new character generation system & starter area has been introduced to the game! Let the game help you get into the action quickly with the Path system. Learn the skills to survive in the Grotto. Help unravel the mystery of the White Dragon on Korthos Island!
• Beta DX10 support has been added to the game! Don't forget to take part in our DX10 screenshot contest, which is still going on as Module 8 arrives on the live worlds!
• Character slots for all users have been set to a new maximum of 10; no unlocking required!
• Hireling are coming! Watch for Hireling features, Compendium updates, and preview events as we get closer to their arrival in Stormreach!

We're very excited to bring you Module 8, and look forward to all the action and adventure that comes with it!"

- The DDO Community Team

The following guilds are looking for more adventurers. Learn more about them here!

The Everchosen, of the Argonessen server
Compendium Page: http://compendium.ddo.com/wiki/The_Everchosen

"Casual play with a real sense of unity. We are here to have fun, but we're also here to support each other and the guild. We play toons from all levels so there should always be someone available to lend a hand! Check us out and see if you too can be Everchosen!"

Sabbat, of the Ghallanda server
Recruitment Thread: http://forums.ddo.com/showthread.php?t=161160

"Sabbat enrollment now open to the public! If you are looking for a guild, do research. We may be right for you; we may be horrible for you. Our basic ideology is that we are power gamers - but many of us do not have the gametime to be the top 1% of the server - but many of us are top 5% (or will be soon for those returning from other games that have been gone a while). If you like to zerg and generally run quests efficiently and loot, this is the mentality we are looking for. Does this mean you have to be an uber player to join us? Not at all, actually. We will accept new players. The real question is are you open to advice and able to follow instructions. It is not our goal to be a large guild. It is our goal to be self-sufficient, and like-minded players are always welcome. Check out our recruitment thread for more information!"

Band of Brothers, of the Khyber server
Compendium Page: http://compendium.ddo.com/wiki/Band_of_Brothers

"Originally from Aundair. The core group has been associated for about 2 years now. The merger of WarlordsII and BoB in Nov 2007 reunited the core members of the original guild. We raid almost every day in some form or fashion. Feel free to look us up and we would be happy to see if we are a good fit."

Rest In Pieces, of the Sarlona server
Recruitment Thread: http://forums.ddo.com/showthread.php?t=161062

"We are not a “Power gamer” Guild. Light – Heavy RP is wanted! A guild for newcomers and old timers; a family like feel, for the DDO gaming experience. Most of our Alts in RiP are low levels 1-8 so perfect time to join! Higher levels are welcome too! Check out our recruitment thread to find out how you can join!"

Knights of the Silver Dragon, of the Thelanis server
Compendium Page: http://compendium.ddo.com/wiki/Guild..._Silver_Dragon

"This guild is based on a group of D&D players who have been playing D&D since the 70’s in Atlanta, GA who play every Monday night. The “Monday Night Game” is still going on strong after 20+ years! The DDO version is for friends, family, and new recruits who want to continue that traditions to D&D On-Line."

Over 500 guilds have pages available in the Compendium! Read more about guilds in the Compendium by clicking here!

Looking for a guild? Looking for recruits? Be sure to visit the Guild Matchup forum!

Looking for a character design? Unsure which feat you should take next? Seeking build feedback? Join other aspiring builders as we take a look at this week's user-created character builds!

• Featured build: Strength based TWF Ranger/Fighter/Rogue warforged
• Featured build: Draft Paladin Defender of Siberys
• Featured build: Warforged Battle Wizard

For more character builds, Be sure to stop by the Class Discussion forum

A continuation of the popular "Ask the Devs" segment of DDOCast,
we've taken our developers off the mic to answer some of the questions that didn't fit into the show recording.
Here is this week's Ask the Devs question!

"What is your favorite quest in the game as of right now?

- No name given"

Associated Producer Nanook says:

"STK. Definately STK... Though I definitely think it has a lot to do with being in good PUGs."

Community Specialist Tolero says

"Can I pick more than one? Ok my favorite low level quest is Irestone Inlet. The DM voice over of "YAAAAR Yar" is the funniest thing ever, and it's just fun in general. My other favorite is Prove Your Worth. I love that it's an obstacle course and it has the sort of puzzle that is different than a lot of other puzzles you encounter early in the game. And pirate jargon, it makes me snicker every time. YAR! Hmm I'm noticing a theme in my likes. High level is tough, but I'm going to have to go with the Shroud. I like that it's a very long raid with so many different "change ups" to it. You start off with a sort of Kobold Assault style survival, then a crazy strategy phase, then a maze where all the action is non-combat, and then the final two fights which are awesome. I especially like that the puzzle allows different ways to solve it. "

Community Specialist Clover_Luckyleaf says

"Definitely the Low Road! Me and my spouse do this quest constantly on our lowbies. When he heard that it was getting a make-over in Mod 8 he went "Nooooo It's my favorite!" We can't wait to see it though, but we're going to miss the old way. I'm also a huge fan of adventure areas. I love slayer quests and finding all the explorer points. "

Community Specialist Tarrant says

"So far as I've been leveling up my character, I think Kobold Assault is my favorite. Lots of action, very straight forward, but I always have liked those "survive and defend yourself for X amount of time" quests. I can't wait until I can try the Devil Assault, which should be pretty soon actually. "

Developer Eladrin says

"The Pit or Stealthy Repossession (actually done stealthily).

Stealthy Repossession, done "right", brings back memories of old games that I loved like Thief. Distracting kobolds with arrows bouncing off of walls, hiding behind columns, climbing up onto sacks to stay out of line of sight, and sneaking along behind a kobold as it patrols are great experiences.


The Pit is a "love it or hate it" dungeon. As I have mad platformer skillz, yo, I fall into the first category. I like things that are "different from the norm", what can I say? Not Purging the Heretics though. My main character is a Halfling paladin of the Sovereign Host. <sob>"

</sob>

Developer Keeper says

"Now that it's had a make-over, my favorite is Three Barrel Cove! I'm not even being bias since Django did so much work on that one."

Developer Zyrca says

"The catacombs now that the slimes are gone!"

Developer FlimsyFirewood says

"Out of those that I haven’t designed myself, I like Kobold Assault. It’s simple, entertaining, and very violent. Mmm, violence."

Developer Tharagrim says

"Enter the Kobold! One of the new high level Mod 8 dungeons. It's because despite being a systems designer, the first portion that is non-combat is my “test” dungeon I made when I first joined the team."

Engineering Director Runesabre says

"I know it’s a newb dungeon but I’ve always had a fondness for “The Butcher’s Path”."

Developer Django says

"Crucible is absolutely my favorite quest. It would be very possible to just end it with that period up there but I guess I’ll elaborate. The crucible, to me, is the total quest package. It has character skill challenges (talking to creatures when you enter, evading various traps), player skill challenges (swimming underwater through spikes), player knowledge challenges (solving the puzzle of the book, solving the maze), team work challenges (solving the maze, opening the door on top of the maze, various fights) and a good variety of cool events (falling floors, rushing water, cheering your friends on as they brave certain parts of the dungeon alone). So, over all, no contest, the crucible is absolutely my favorite dungeon. That and it’s worth a lot of xp!"

Developer Piloto says

"I’m not one to pick an absolute favorite on anything, but one of my favorite low level quests is the Redfang quest. I just like the layout, the variety of rooms and spaces, and how traps, monsters, and gating all mix together. That’s a fun low level quest."

QA Lead Thoon says

"The Shroud - interesting set of challenges and it's very repeatable. Plus you're doing a lot of different things. Vison of Destruction is my other favorite. It's an all-out-smack-down-drag-out battle royale the way Shavarath - the plane of BATTLE - should be!"

Design Director MadFloyd says

"The one I haven't played yet! The grass is always greener..."

Producer Glin says

"My favorite quest that I have replayed several times is Tangleroot Gorge, specifically the later half of the story arc from Whisperdoom on; it’s also been especially revived since the wilderness area has been built around the quest area. The dungeons that I have had both my best experiences on one run, and my worst disasters on another, are The Pit and Irestone Inlet. My favorite quest post launch is Rainbow in the Dark, but the new dragon dungeon Prey on the Hunter may be a new contender – Ice, Giants, and Dragons AND smashing things!"

Do you have a question for the developers? Be sure to visit DDOCast and send your questions to host Jerry Snook for a chance to get your question answered in the Ask the Devs portion of the podcast!

Game Tip of the Week

A reminder for new arrivals that DDO has built in voice chat! To turn it on, go to your Options panel and under Audio, select "Enable Voice Chat." You can set up your chat to capture sound automatically, or use a "push to talk" key. You can use mic test to help you adjust your volume.

Don't have a mic? No problem! You can still hear other users and they can still see you type in party chat. You can tell if your voice chat is enabled by the small green icon that appears on your party member's class symbol. When that party member is speaking, their name will be highlighted in green. If you don't see the small green icon in their class icon by their name, they haven't enabled voice chat. They might need your help to enable it, so be sure to pass this tip along to others you meet in parties!

• Module 8: Prisoners of Prophecy is coming to the Live servers this week!
• The DX10 screenshot contest is under way! Congratulations to the winner of week 1: Morgel! There's still time to get your entries in - for the complete rules, click here! Remember that the contest started on Risia, but will continue to run once Module 8 is available on the live servers!
• Get in the spirit of the season with two new spooky DDO wallpapers, now available on ddo.com under "seasonal wallpapers"!
• Are you excited about Hireling coming to Stormreach soon? Later this week get a first look at all the Hirelings when their profiles are introduced in the Compendium! Stay tuned to the News and Announcements forum for more Hireling announcements!

Looking for updates and information from Turbine?
You can follow along with the latest Turbine talk right here on the forums! Be sure to visit:

• The Dev Tracker
• News & Announcements Forum
• The QA Lodge

Tune in next week for the Stormreach Chronicle! Also visit the Compendium for an archive of previous issues of the Stormreach Chronicle!

[DaveyCrockett]

Well.. Yay for 10 character slots!
Yay for Wednesday!
Yay for Django picking a real quest for his favorite!

[Kistilan]

Woot Woot!

Hurray for the 10 character slots! whoa... deja vu

Hurray for well-stated purposes in the builds of the week! And good feedback in their respective threads! VERY useful info this week.

And hurray for Eladrin picking skill quests!!! I got mad skillz yo! I'm a jumping bean!

[Borror0]

My main character is a Halfling paladin of the Sovereign Host.

I think a lot of paladins will be surprised.

(I bet a lot of people will take it the way it's not meant 'cause it comes from me.)

[Borror0]

Given after reading and Legal Office

You're reply #2. :P Can't you count?

[geoffhanna]

I am pleased to see so many developers! More developers = more better! yay!

[Gratch]

Mod 8... huzzah.

All devs who answered Kobold Assault... go play your game some more... and apologize to your content designers. Simple kill X (Kobolds) is fun... but hopefully not the best example of what DDO has to offer... since it's offered in EVERY MMO.

[valorik]

hey! my build made it up there . Glad to see someone else enjoys the pit, though I doubt he has as mad o' mario skillz as me. Great news that mod 8 is confirmed for wednsday can't wait, even if hirelings won't be here for a little longer. I'm still really excited about the uber kobolds

[FlimsyFirewood]

I guess I owe myself an apology now... being a content designer and all.

[Gratch]

I guess I owe myself an apology now... being a content designer and all.

Try flowers AND cake. You might like that. Though as a backup I'd suggest gold bars.

[Kistilan]

I guess I owe myself an apology now... being a content designer and all.

*L* I apologize for the apologies of the apologizer that requested an apology be made to the apologizer by his apologetic self.

But I do have to admit I hate Kobold Assault with a passion and utilize level 16s to help my low-level groups complete it with minimal effort. Otherwise it becomes a game of "How many heal potions can I drink in one quest today?"

I enjoy the Archer Point Defense one however, which is satisfying and remotely violent.

And now... I present Fantasy Baseball - The New Game in Stormreach

[Borror0]

Hurray for well-stated purposes in the builds of the week! And good feedback in their respective threads! VERY useful info this week.

Wow. Totally missed that.

Thank you Tolero. Sorry if I gave you an hard time about it.

[Ghirmeshk]

This is very exciting. Trick or treat turned out to be treat this year. I am really looking forward to seeing the NPE go live and getting slot number 10. Oh yeah, and by the way, Happy Birthday, Tolero.

[Borror0]

I guess I owe myself an apology now... being a content designer and all.

I'd say that what is most boring about that kind of quest is that you can be faster than the respawns and you're stuck waiting.

However, I'll admit that one of my most fun time was soloing that quest (on Elite) on my Intimitank.

Personally, the quests I prefer are those who require "mad platformer skillz, yo". I think those exploit best the strengths of DDO.

[Gratch]

Okay... I'll call it even with Flimsy on allowing people to like kobold assault as the "best" quest... if you just add to the books a high level raid along the lines of tempest spine... where we get to attack a castle in the outdoors (with 12)... defeat the defending force... and then hold out against a giant attack to retake the castle. Castle assault and Defense. Oh... and give us some siege weapons please. Like catapults, ballista and such. To fling our dwarven party members at the enemy.

You can call it Kobold Assault++ or maybe Kobold Assault # (sharp) as is now the style of the times.

[hydra_ex]

You can call it Kobold Assault++ or maybe Kobold Assault # (sharp) as is now the style of the times.

I get the reference... I feel so smart/nerdy

[medielots]

yay another pit lover! i love that quest

and what no love for tempest spine? or are you not counting raid quest thingies

[Impaqt]

Anyone else find it ironic that many of the quests.. Maybe even the majority.... are quests being Replaced in the NPE?

The Devs favorites quests are the same ones that needed to be repalced with new more exciting content......

Classic..........

[Bubbahotepp]

Wow all the new players are sure to love the lag.

Please get your priorities straight. New content is awesome, unless your too lagged out to play it.

Attracting new players is good, unless you turn them off with the excessive lag.

[Gol]

Get in the spirit of the season with two new spooky DDO wallpapers, now available on ddo.com under "seasonal wallpapers"!

Still no high-res