Test Update #11a - June 15, 2005

[Debillus]

(Note: Due to the launch of the Splitpaw Saga on June 28, Live Update #11 will be going to the Test server in two parts. These notes represent the first phase of the update, while the second phase will go to Test server the week of June 20.)


*** Headlines ***

- Experience the Splitpaw Saga now on Test server!
- Take 360-degree screenshots of your characters!

*** The Splitpaw Saga ***

- We invite our Test server players to venture into the new zones introduced for the Splitpaw Saga! All characters on Test can access the new zones and /claim their azure shard. Examine it, then venture into Sundered Splitpaw and face the rising gnoll menace!
- The entrance to the Upper Tunnels of Sundered Splitpaw is found in the southern reaches of the Thundering Steppes.
- This Adventure Pack is intended for characters that are levels 20 to 50. The new zones automatically adjust their population based on the average level of group members.
- Experience new styles of gameplay as you move objects and use explosive devices to solve puzzles and explore the depths of this deadly gnoll den.
- Many new items are available in the new zones. Players who don't purchase The Splitpaw Saga can buy these and other goods from adventurers who explore the caves below the Thundering Steppes.
- To download the files necessary for the Adventure Pack, run EverQuest II and click "Download Options" on the launchpad. Under "Optional Downloads," check the box next to "Adventure Pack #2: The Splitpaw Saga." If you wish to receive the files right away, check the box next to "Download Immediately." If you would prefer to let the files download in the background while you use your computer for other tasks, leave the box unchecked.


*** 360 Degree Screenshots ***

- You can now issue a single command to make the camera travel in a circle around your character and take a series of screenshots. Use them to make your own 360-degree mini-movies of your character or the environment!
- To take character pictures, go into third-person mode and set the camera the desired distance from your character. Then type the "/cl_screenshot_orbit" command, which will cause the camera to circle around your character and take a series of 36 screenshots.
- Use the "/cl_screenshot_orbit_count X" command to specify the number of shots you'd like the camera to take (where X is the desired number).
- To take environment shots, go into first-person mode and issue the "/cl_screenshot_orbit" command. This will cause the camera to turn in a circle and take shots of your character's surroundings.
- Take these shots and combine them into mini movies, just like we did on http://www.everquest2.com!


*** Zones and Population ***

- Wolves in Rivervale now drop corpse loot.
- The zone out from Drafling Tower should now be safer.
- The following NPCs will now remain about twice as long in their respective zones: Mangler (Rivervale); Grimfeather, Doomsquall, and General Linarius (the Thundering Steppes); Underwurm (the Commonlands); The Seraph of the Stags (Everfrost).
- Lord Gydak's companions in Stormhold should now go away after a time if Gydak isn't killed.
- Characters should no longer fall through the ground when running into doors in the Temple of Cazic-Thule.
- The cartographer's group in the Orcish Wastes should now stay closer together, thus the encounter should no longer break.


*** Quests ***

- Master training tomes now require killing "lavacrawlers" instead of "thoughtbleeders" as the latter were too rare.
- The mail kiosk in Temple Street no longer blocks one of the spawn points of a sabotage target.


*** Items ***

- Items that have a guild status cost will now refund the spendable status points when you sell them back to a merchant. If you're not in a guild when you sell the item back, the points will be available when you join another guild.
- Golden Efreeti Boots and Robe of the Invoker now regenerate 16 power at level 50 instead of 20. In addition, their regen effects no longer stack.
- The proc on Cryptic Pants and Ethereal Shoulder Pads should now trigger at a more appropriate rate.
- Items with base levels that aren't a multiple of ten now display their resistance values correctly.
- The Fishermans Walking Stick now has a rod graphic instead of a sword.
- Rod of Pollution is now one-handed instead of dual-wield.
- Epee of the Hatebringer no longer has a No Rent flag.
- Slippers of the Fleshripper now equip in the feet slot instead of the head slot.
- Stun procs on items should no longer affect epic raid mobs.
- Girdle of the Grudgebearer is now a waist item.


*** Tradeskills ***

- The guild level requirement on Wyrmsteel recipes has been lowered from 30 to 25.
- Loose Loam will no longer function as a dye.
- Acorns can now be harvested in level 10 to 20 zones.
- Apothecary, Geomancy, Weaving, and Timbercraft recipes will now designate in their names that they use one of these secondary tradeskills. This should clear up confusion on duplicate recipe types.
- The health damage on failed tradeskill events has been halved. The values used previously weren't very forgiving.
- Wash, Oil, Resin, and Tempers will now only produce pristine versions. The difference in quality is based on quantity.
- Store-bought harvest tools now carry a small skill mod to the appropriate harvesting skill.
- The spell "Torment" has been removed from tradeskill writs because it no longer exists.
- The misspelling of "tigre" has been corrected in tradeskill writs.
- The following culinary beverage recipes have changed to allow for a smoother progression.
- Jumjum Brandy changed from level 4 to 8.
- Pond Juice changed from level 4 to 5.
- Nutmeg Fizzlepop changed from level 6 to 5.
- Halasian Porter changed from level 7 to 5.
- Changed Vodka from level 16 to 15.
- Changed Orange juice from level 16 to 14.
- Changed Vanilla Fizzlepop from level 16 to 15.
- Changed Fayberry Juice from level 25 to 22.
- Changed Cinnamon Fizzlepop from level 25 to 23.
- Changed Oolong Tea from level 26 to 23.
- Changed Gin Tonic from level 23 to 26.
- Changed Gin from level 26 to 24.
- Changed Big Fayberry from level 24 to 26.
- Changed Fayberry Martinia from level 26 to 28.
- Changed Fayberry Wine from level 28 to 26.
- Changed Brown Ale from 27 to 26.
- Changed Rolled Oat Malted Milk from level 36 to 34.
- Changed Ambrosia from level 35 to 37.
- Changed Honey Liqueur from level 37 to 35.
- Changed Gnoll Bite from level 35 to 39.
- Changed Hog's Breathe Bock from level 39 to 36.
- Changed Wild Apple Wine from level 39 to 35.
- Changed Color Flux from level 44 to 49.
- Changed Absinthe from level 49 to 48.
- Changed Corn Malted Milk from level 45 to 44.
- Changed Stolen Epitaph from level 45 to 49.
- Changed Sea Foam from level 47 to 48.


*** Controls, Commands, and User Interface ***

- The target window now clears properly after a character has been resurrected.
- The tooltip that is visible when mousing over house decorations now shows the amount of status reduction provided.
- Mousing over an activatable item will now display the number of charges remaining.