Stormreach Community Chronicle - 4th May

[Smitey]

Your weekly look at what is happening around the forums! Guides, Events, Competitions, Community Spotlights, Latest News, Updates and More!

Foreword from the stand-in



Welcome back to your weekly edition of the Stormreach Community Chronicle – currently brought to you by Smitey

This edition’s sections include:

The latest news, The Forgotten Tales, hot threads, more video’s and DDO 1 liners, player guides, the weekly cross word, guild spotlight!

Lastly, should you want to catch up with the official Stormreach Chronicle from the US, it can be viewed here

Bringing you the very latest news and updates!

Dungeons and Dragons:Eberron Unlimited

Originally Posted by Geriant

So after a weird bug after updating Firefox, I lost all of my bookmarks and went into the history folder to get some of the webpages back and noticed that the DDO page was listed as "Dungeons and Dragons Online: Eberron Unlimited". As I'd never seen that before I checked over the webpage and noticed at the very bottom the copyright has changed from this:


Quote:
© 2006-2007 Turbine, Inc. © 2006-2007 Hasbro, Inc. © 2006-2007 Atari, Inc. All rights reserved. Dungeons & Dragons Online: Stormreach, Dungeons & Dragons Online, Eberron, Stormreach, Dungeons & Dragons, D&D, and Wizards of the Coast and related logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of Wizards of the Coast Inc. in the U.S. and/or other jurisdictions, and are used with permission.

To this:


Quote:
© 2009 Turbine, Inc. © 2009 Wizards of the Coast LLC © 2009 Atari, Inc. All rights reserved. Dungeons & Dragons Online, Eberron Unlimited, Dungeons & Dragons, D &D and Wizards of the Coast and related logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of Wizards of the Coast LLC in the U.S. and/or other jurisdictions, and are used with permission.

Notice there is no mention of Stormreach in the new copyright, so perhaps "Vast and Mysterious" is going to be us getting a more open world with more of Xen'drik to play around in. Of course there is a distinct possibility I missed something, www.archive.org only has DDO pages through September of '07 so hard to say for sure. Interesting to me nonetheless..

Lamannia taken offline until next preview

Lamannia Downtime beginning Monday, May 4th 2009

The Lamannia Preview server will be coming offline for scheduled maintenance with the rest of the worlds on Monday, May 4th 2000 at 7:00 AM EST (-4 GMT).

When scheduled maintenance is complete, Lamannia will remain offline until the next preview. If you've played on Lamannia, please be sure to visit the Lamannia forums to post your feedback!

Thank you for your participation on Lamannia, and stay tuned for more previews in the future!

Sarrivin on Massively.com

[/CENTER]

Originally Posted by Sarr

It's my brave and devoted paladin, Dantar of the Sovereign Host (one of religions to choose). Well, he was brave until now. As he's walking into an open-aired tavern in elvish House Phiarlan, a district of Stormreach, an ogre stands before him. It took wetting Dantar's underwear to realize that this monster is hired here to ensure customer's... security. Dungeon & Dragons Online's player base is growing bigger and bigger now (pretty unprecented, is DDO's golden age near?), so I don't think ogres will pose a threat in the times to come. Hail the Sovereign Host, and join our battle with monstrosities, brothers!

Tolero on the couch

On the Couch with Amabel, ep 5 - Tolero

This week, we have a very special guest - Tolero! Enjoy.

Amabel: Tolero, thank you for agreeing to join Amabel on the couch, I know the fans will be interested to hear from you. I also know that you're very busy, so I'll try to keep this brief.

Tolero: This is a mighty comfy looking couch.

Amabel: As far as I'm aware, you're in a unique position, having moved from being a player to being part of Turbine's team. How have you enjoyed the transition, some 18 months on?

Tolero: The transition has definitely been full of highs and lows. The lows was giving up my real life house, family, friends, pets, spouse for a brief time, and in-game giving up my guild, rping, etc to do what I do today. It was very difficult. But sometimes you have to make big personal sacrifices to do what you love. Even with all that, I'm happy that I made the transition. Now things feel less alien, and work and home both keep me busy with fun!

Amabel: Do you think you've been able to give Turbine an insight into its DDO community that it otherwise wouldn't have had?

Tolero: Having a player perspective to mix with your professional perspective helps you see and anticipate things that you might not have otherwise. One thing I've learned is that my love for DDO is not unique among the staff, which is a great feeling! There are team members who have been playing their characters and rolling their alts since life was first breathed into the servers (even LOTRO staff members)!

Amabel: Have you ever wished you were "just a player" again?

Tolero: Several times. I can't play the game as I normally would because too many people know my in-game mannerisms and voice. I've had to uproot my mains off my original server (and in some cases I can't play them at ALL now); can't talk on voice chat anymore; can't openly roleplay; can't run player events... I've found I can't join a guild even - people start wanting to talk friendly personal stuff. I can't share pictures, can't meet up for real world guild get togethers, etc. It's MUCH different than the way I'm used to playing the game. These days I strictly PUG, solo, or duo with Hirelings. I must say, when you don't have close personal friends/guildies to play with, DDO is a different game practically!

Amabel: What's the worst part about being DDO's community specialist?

Tolero: I love to sleep and I love my husband. Whenever something bad happens with the game - no matter what time of day it is - they wake me up, or I have to stay late and miss dinner etc. I've had some really whacked out sleeping schedules during bad times, or times when I don't get to see the hubby at all for a day (or more). Sleep and spouse deprivation are powerful motivators to fix performance/game issues when they arise. oO

Amabel: What's the best part about being DDO's community specialist?

Tolero: I'd say it's a tie between: helping players and getting to be an intimate part of the game I love! It's funny to be in a Dev meeting reviewing something new that's coming to the game and bouncing around like a spaz. It makes being the gatekeeper of information very tough because you constantly want to be like "HEY GUYS GUESS WHAT I JUST SAW!!!" Helping players never fails to be rewarding. It can be something small like a confused new player, or something tougher like an account problem, but once you've helped them and then they get to be in the game and have fun with everyone... nothing beats that.

Amabel: As Merlask, you were universally renowned and admired for your live server events. Fashion parades, Olympics, even a protest! The blowing up of the old marketplace tent was laggy, but was some of the most fun ever on DDO. Can you let us know if there is any chance of seeing more official live events in future?

Tolero: Definitely. We've been trying to work out some kinks in our Event Arena, and we also have learned a lot about the way our Event tech works with the game. For a big event like the tent it takes enough dev work to be dungeons, so we've tried to find ways to still bring cool events, but reduce the work load a little so it doesn't dig so deeply into dev time. I'm a huge fan of player made and dev made events, so around the office I'm always poking and prodding for more events ad nauseum.

continued on next page

[Smitey]

Interview with Tolero continued from page 1

Amabel: You probably have as good a grasp as anyone on the differences between the DDO and LOTR communities. Can you briefly tell us what, if any, major differences you think there are?

Tolero: I'll toss Asheron's Call in this answer also, because they're important too! I have great love for all three communities (though I'm biased towards DDO of course). DDO players definitely have different priorities on what they like to talk about on the forums. I'd say the DDO community has a little more in common with AC players, who have more customizable character builds like DDO does. LOTRO players I find to be very lore-centric vs DDO players. Might be something from D&D being very "open" to new things, homemade settings, GMs tweaking things to go with their game... nothing in D&D is set in stone really. It also amuses me that all three communities are acutely aware of each other (thanks to our multi-game players). It's like what having kids must be like... when one gets something, the other knows and wants it right away! The differences in the games sometimes makes that a challenge...but we try where we can to share the love.

Amabel: Obviously all DDO fans want to see a strong LOTR, and for Turbine to have success in all it does. It's good for us too after all! How much does it mean to you all at Turbine that your fans were prepared to mobilise and get Turbine voted in as number 1 again during Escapist Magazine's March Mayhem?

Tolero: It means so much! Especially for me, because the LOTRO and AC staff took notice of just how much our DDO players were leading the charge. They'd make comments about how mobilized and passionate our DDO players were, and I'd just beam and say "that's right, those are my babies! DDO forever!" We also got a lot of interest shown for DDO from outsiders as a result of our players' passion - people who may have been on the fence or not even bothered were suddenly extremely curious to see what all the fuss was about!

Amabel: Can you tell the fans why you think the DDO is so special, and if there's anything you'd like to see us, as players, do to keep it that way?

Tolero: Mechancially speaking, the combat definitely makes it stand out. Organically speaking, I think it's the community. As the Escapist's March Mayhem has shown ... as well as on any game site that talks about our game ... our players are passionate about our game. That enthusiasm is a magnet to draw people in, that sense of "well it must be worth checking out, all these people can't be excited for no reason". I love our players' grass-roots efforts to welcome in more people to the game, their creativity, and that aura of excitement. Don't lose any of that!

Amabel: And finally, when you're looking for a dose of forum drama, which server to you turn to?

Tolero: Any server can have its day really. All I have to do is follow the Cube. The Cube seems to know where to find it, like a gelatinous drama radar.

Amabel: Ahhh, very diplomatic. But seriously, thank you very, very much for taking the time out to spend half an hour on the couch. It's been great chatting to you and I wish you and all the Turbine staff all the best, especially with mod 9 approaching!

Hot threads of the Week

Here are the most topical and Hot threads from this week’s forums:

Discussion regading cleavage content on DDO.com and US forums

BEWBIES! - Are these tasteful?

Alwir concludes DDO Europe is dying/closing/merging

DDO Europe Shutting down?

Sleepactive is unhappy about AH prices for Menomic potions

Put a stop to overpriced Major Mem pots

Telwyn asks what folks are actually looking for from 'end game' content

Ideal endgame content for DDO?


Other Sources for the latest DDO News

• DDO REPORTS

Reporting live from Stormreach, Xen’drik, and the WWW, DDO Reports keeps you up to date on all the DDO-news and delivers it to you on the Web, IM, and on your phone. Follow DDO Reports now on Twitter and get instant updates how and when you want them.

• IN DEVELOPMENT AT DDO WIKI

An ‘In development’ section on DDO WIKI aims at listing all the official US developer’s comments on future updates of the game (as a kind of WDA replacement). It is a very interesting read and can be viewed here.

• DDO CAST

A fantastic weekly DDO Podcast about the World of Dungeons and Dragons on-line that carries news, interviews, guides, music and so much more!
Click here to listen to the latest episode!

Originally Posted by Mockduck
This week's show features an unlimited talk about the news along with an interview with the Legendary Knights of Mabar. Xiloscient talks PvP changes in "Xilo vs. Stormreach", Sorrowbladen looks at level 2 in "Kill on Command" and Mical the Wise wraps up loot talk on "The Caster Corner."

Your weekly interview with a member of the Community!

This weeks community interview comes from Eme – here’s their responses to the questionnaire:

What got you interested in MMO’s?

StarWars galaxies

How long have you been playing DDO?

Since Launch

What is your most memorable encounter / experience from DDO?

The first time MPP was initiated in the shroud ( Muppet Panic Plan). And the first time someone in a PUG shroud suggested using MPP for the tactics.

What is your favorite class too play and why?

Has to be Eme my rogue, only a 28 pointer but still going strong, although she has pretty much everything, when shes running round its like she has her own personal caster following her around zapping everything. Closly followed by Chunki Norris my monk thats just a blast to play.

Whats the funniest moment you have ever had playing DDO?

The first MPP.

What is your most favourite dungeon?

The one i have planned in my head for when the player development kit is realised to be an important addition to the game.
But in game ,Tempest Spine ( before i ran it a gazillion times), or Monestry solo on elite with Eme.

What music do you listen to when playing DDO?

i dont.

What is your preferred play style?

More haste on the haste-- the opposite to the ironic 'stop gather for haste please'

What is your least favorite dungeon?

The pit, or any dungeon where Kevin-aureon gets the good loot.

What is your favorite DDO Monster?

baby beholders.

What would you most like to see added/improved to DDO?

Player dungeon creation kit.

What is your least favorite thing about DDO?

No player dungeon kit.
D&D was the daddy of all games for player created content and using your imagination, without this ability in the game shows to me the developers 'dont get what D&D was about'

Whats your most treasures piece of Loot?

My Seeker Tap of Spellsight.

Lastly what advice would you give to a newcomer to Stormreach?

1- Blame Eme.
2- Dont follow The Eme.

Getting to know the guilds from both servers

This weeks Guild spotlight falls on the small Devourer Guild of Schrodingers cat sanctuary as reported by Rhob Anybody

Schrodingers cat sanctuary is a fun loving guild on Devourer. Its named after the famous Austrian Schrodinger and his experiment involving a cat, a box and a radioactive isotope (which I still feel was terribly cruel to the cat). We only have 2 guild rules which are 1) If a guildie needs help and your free your expected to help if you can, and 2) be nice to other players.

We are currently recruiting astro physicists, brain surgeons, rocket scientists or anyone else if they have a sense of humour. We specialise in helping new players, helping random strangers get flagged for raids, running raids naked (thats the players btw not the characters), running infrequently run quests (invaders,faithful departed etc) and (in my case anyway) getting drunk and singing badly in a scottish accent.

So if your new to the game and need help finding your way around or are an old hand that just fancies a laugh feel free to give a shout to any player in the guild and join us for some not so serious questing. If you enjoy yourself we'll be happy to have you onboard.

[Smitey]

Where all the fun stuff happens!

Got a treat for you this week - Sir Aggravator has produced this fine in-game video

Agg Aggerson in the 2nd Century :reloaded




Hitler fails the hound

http://www.overstream.net/view.php?oid=snsbudl7a6lc








Remember if you want to see more and visit the DDO 1 Liners home page click here

The Guild!

So ever wondered what Guild Life can be like? The Saga continues…



NEW DDO one liners



Forgotten Tales!


We have a Fantastic DDO comic brought to you by Buzzsaw and the Forgotten Legion.

The story continues…

DDO tale from Satureon


This is a fantastic story arc from Satureon…

(Press F11 to take browser full screen)


DDO Story Part 0

DDO Story Part 1

DDO Story Part 2

Weekly Community Crossword Competition

[/CENTER]


Each week there will be a Community Crossword Competition. The rules are very simple – the first person to post in the Stormreach Community Chronicle thread with the correct answers will win a prize!

“Antiques Roadshow”

We all know the folks who collect our bric-a-brac right?

This weeks Prize is 3 Large Shrapnel for the 1st person to post all the correct answers!

All prizes are available to both Characters on Devourer and Keeper!

Congratulations to last week winner Blackdagger

Want to try something special and have an idea for a character but you are not sure how to go about it?

I’d suggest posting here:
request a build – get a build
for a template as our experts will endeavour to help you build your ideal character around your requirements

The Ultimate:Monk The poll is up ready for voting for the builds put forward by

Esbee Dee

Iscaryte Vlodea

LittleBreez

Tellik

Dyd


Builds recently posted for your consideration on European forums:

Sinni posts his Fighter build that aims to keep mobs paralyzed/tripped/stunned at all times

Crowd Control Fighter

Sphinx splashes his cleric for versatility

The Enygma Cleric

Featured US Build: Swashbuckler

Featured US Build: The Spellforged Knight

[Smitey]

Guides, Q&A, help for both new and old players, find it all here at the Community Resource Center!

• Crafting planner version 2.6.1 available. Not just crafting, but maps; walkthroughs; puzzle solvers;raid timer and inventory management

• New to Stormreach? An excellent Newbie Guide can be found here so be sure to stop by and check it out!

• Welcome to all newcomers of Stormreach, you may not realize but we have an Q&A section of the forums where can ask the community anything you might not be sure of.

You can go check out this Q&A section of the forum here!

• There is also a fantastic Hint and Tips thread that can be found here!

• You can follow along with the latest Turbine talk on the Turbine fourms !

Visit: The Dev Tracker, News & Announcements, and The QA Lodge

Submissions


We are currently looking for new submissions for next week’s Chronicle, if you have anything interesting that you think would make a great addition, from an event you might be running to a story of a day in Stomreach please send them to me via PM or e-mail.


Chronicle Archive

Want to catch up with past editions? Well you can just take a look here!

What the future holds!

Interview with Satine

Yes you heard it right, we will soon be featuring an interview with Satine and the questions you’ve posed will be put to her in a future issue.

[Mockduck]

Sir Aggravator's video is funny stuff. Started off a bit slow until I figured out what the deal was. Nice editing on the transition! I loved that show as a kid.

[Mayce]

Agree with Jerry, Agg's vid was hilarious. Whatever happened to the actor who played Wilma? I'd say 30 years since the series aired will not have rendered her pleasurable to mine eyes. Although the outfit she had on that show though, damn!!

[Sarrivin]

Great issue Smitey! At first I didn't bother to read these chronicles, as I already knew most of what was in there, but now with all those additions it's really great .

Nice to see a mention about my screenie, thank you. Paradoxically, I didn't even think for a second I'll be featured in so many places. I thought that if it made to Massively, that's absolutely enough. I've waited a few days, during which there were maybe 2 or 3 "One Shot" installments which weren't mine, so I thought "ah well, maybe next week I'll try again". And all of sudden, a pleasant surprise. Although I felt a bit weird with such recognition, not sure I liked it .
I just like this game and Turbine, it's all pretty unique in our times. And it has a spirit, so keeps me interested. I grow bored very fast with almost everything (maybe that's why I like to be active?) but there are some "isles" that have those springs of passion. They're very few and far in between, but DDO + Turbine are one those at the moment. I don't know how long will I be playing, as DDO already consumes too much of my energy, but I'd feel bad if I had to leave. I just hope others will rise in my place to "spread the word" (sounds so serious that it's funny) about DDO, as it's always helpful. If DDO could advertise itself, then ok, but until then the power's mostly in our hands. Realize it, I do nothing exceptional, everyone can do better . Including me .

[Amaurea]

Yet again excellent work!

Special thanks also to Satureon, Agg and Harmen! Keep it comeing

[Morethan]

Heres a go at xword

1. Giles
2. Ravenspear
3. Maxon
4. Yannick
5. Mantakhan
6. Goldscuttle
7. Flashpin
8. Masei
9. Kipling
10. Skywhisper
11. Flintchip
12. Yarrowmill
13. Zolar
14. Verisgante
15. Bowdlin
16. Goodman
17. Chor
18. Pynoptis
19. Demodris
20. Clarice
21. Ninevah

/More

[Smitey]

Originally Posted by Morethan

Heres a go at xword

1. Giles
2. Ravenspear
3. Maxon
4. Yannick
5. Mantakhan
6. Goldscuttle
7. Flashpin
8. Masei
9. Kipling
10. Skywhisper
11. Flintchip
12. Yarrowmill
13. Zolar
14. Verisgante
15. Bowdlin
16. Goodman
17. Chor
18. Pynoptis
19. Demodris
20. Clarice
21. Ninevah

/More

Congratulations Morethan