Patch Notes August / 18 / 2010
QUEST REGIONS OF INTEREST
Many quests will now highlight areas on the map to show where updates can be
obtained.
Quests must be active in the quest helper window for their RoIs to display.
Mousing over a quest in the quest helper window will highlight its corresponding
RoIs on the map.
Mousing over RoIs on the map will display info on the quest they are associated
with.
Quests in the following zones currently support this feature:
Frostfang Sea, Darklight Wood, Greater Faydark, Timorous Deep, Lavastorm, Kylong
Plains, Butcherblock, Steamfont, The Barren Sky, The Bonemire, Tenebrous Tangle,
and Sinking Sands.
USER INTERFACE UPDATES
The Default UI now ships with two color options; red and blue. Use the /loadui
command to change color schemes.
A clock and compass have been integrated into the mini-map window (the old compass
and clock UI elements were not removed and can be opened using Alt-N and Alt-C
respectively).
At the bottom of the screen you will now find the Nav bar, which replaces the
old experience bar and includes the EQII button and shortcuts to various UI
windows (you can right-click minimize/maximize the NAV bar to hide the various
shortcut keys, except for the SC and EQII buttons).
New tutorial windows have been created to help ease new players into the game.
The Marketplace window has been upgraded for easier browsing. An item preview
pane has also been added.
The Welcome window layout has been reorganized to make it easier to read.
The Inventory and Persona windows were merged to create the Character window
(the shortcut key for this new window is C).
Z is now the default for crouch.
The casting, breath and PvP immunity bars have been updated with a new look.
The hotbar has been reworked and is now easier to manipulate.
If a new spell is a newer version of an old spell on your hotbar it will replace
the older version rather than adding a new button on your hotbar.
Spell effects that are not able to crit will say �This effect cannot be
critically applied� in the spell description.
You can now freely move any UI window when viewing them in F10 mode.
You can now disable the confirmation when spending AA points under Options ->
UI -> Game Features.
CHARACTER CREATION
The character creation process has been reorganized for a better flow (models
will now default to their SOGA versions during character creation).
More classes are now neutral:
Neutral: Troubador, Dirge, Ranger, Assassin, Templar, Inquisitor, Fury, Warden,
Coercer, Illusionist, Wizard, Warlock, Bruiser, Monk, Guardian, and Berserker
Good: Swashbuckler, Mystic, Conjurer, and Paladin
Evil: Brigand, Defiler, Necromancer, and Shadowknight
SPELL FX REVAMP
We are updating, optimizing and standardizing every class spell visual in the
game. AA and Entertainment spells are next on the list and will be revealed
in a later game update.
The purpose for these changes are primarily to optimize and individualize as many spells as possible so there will be more uniqueness to each class. Also we would like for more players to have the ability to keep the spell FX active during group and raid content and still be able to tell what is going on.
We analyzed the text and effects of each spell and made every effort to standardize the type of damage being done or the type of buff, heal, summon, etc. Also since we picked a single name for the spells instead of getting a new name with every spell upgrade, we tried to give the spell a visual that not only matched the damage done, but also the name of the spell.
When you start a new character you will have Apprentice spells. This spell tier along with Journeyman will have a beginner level of FX in both size and quantity. Later when you acquire Adept or Expert versions of the spells the level of FX will increase. Finally when you acquire Master and Grandmaster versions of the spells you will experience the full FX force of that spell.
One of the unique features of spells in EverQuest II is the leveling of spell skills. As you cast destructive spells your skill in Disruption increases. Healing spells increase Ministration. Buff and debuff spells increase Ordination and Crowd Control and Summon spells increase Subjugation (see figure a in the Game Update Notes forum section). Other than the chat window there was no real indication which spells increased which status. Therefore we created the spell wheel. Mages, Bards and Priests will see the spell wheel spin while casting and the corresponding Rune will show up when that skill is used. Casting runes will all emanate from the caster�s feet as part of their traditional casting rings.
Finally we set up Icons for the various other buffs in the game to show players when they are getting an increase or decrease to Intelligence, Wisdom, Focus, etc. (see figure b in the Game Update Notes forum section)
TRAVEL
Inner zone travel locations now support path linking. This means when travelling
via sokokar/horse/balloon you will be able to select any location in the zone
that is an available travel point and let the mount do the rest.
The KOS cloud pads can now teleport you to any other pad within the same zone.
Cloud travel around KOS zones can now be done via the Overrealms Tour Agency.
They offer tour route services for Tenebrous, Barren Sky, and Bonemire.
The zone-ins for the erudin group instances have been reworked:
� All three zones are now reachable by clicking the appropriate object
at Marred Plateau.
� When entering these zones it should now zone your group in like other
group instances.
� Entering the Palace of Roehn Theer has not changed.
APPEARANCE SLOTS
Weapon appearance slots are no longer restricted to being the same wield style
of your equipped weapons.
Appearance slots are no longer restricted to levels 20 and higher.
GENERAL
Linkdead timeouts should now occur less frequently.
POPULATION
Lucan D'Lere has returned to Freeport! His Lucanic Knights have retaken the
streets of from the Dreadnaughts and Thexians.
The hooluk collector in the Barren Sky is now in the Windgazer�s Hideout
with the banker. The hooluks have also joined the wider trade community of Norrath
and installed a broker and mail kiosk.
New neutral class trainers have opened for business in Qeynos, Freeport, Neriak,
Kelethin, Gorowyn and New Halas!
ITEMS
The book, "The Case of the Lost Lute" is now available for purchase
from the Sage NPCs in South Qeynos, North Freeport and New Halas if player is
a troubador, level 80+ and does not already have the book.
The "Halasian Weapon Rack" now mounts properly in houses.
The Vambraces of plated ice have had their stats adjusted to be consistent with
similar healer shoulder items in Icy Keep.
The Band of the Corrupter�s effect Pure Corruption now also procs agility.
The "Bauble of Holidays Past" description has been made a bit more
specific, and the particles should be easier to see.
The appearance armor sets sold in Erronson�s Fur and Leathers shop in
New Halas are now heirloom instead of no trade.
It is now much easier to change which holiday-themed effect is triggered by
The Bauble of Holidays Past.
Swift Claws from the Claws of Jojo will no longer cause stacking issues with
Furious Blows.
The Seeker�s Disc of Darktruth is now usable by level 80 crafters.
AMENITIES
The "Guild Hall Kunark Writ Agent" now offers writs to Guild members
that are citizens of New Halas.
Guild hall harvester hirelings no longer spam you with a list of every item
they brought back.
Shiny Tinkerfest Cogs and raw vanilla can now be placed in supply depots.
PVP SPELLS
"Call of City" spells now properly apply their new reuse and casting
speed on PVP Servers.
CLASS PROGRESSION / ABILITY CHANGES
Fighters
Fighter heals can no longer critically heal.
Fighters will no longer automatically receive �Intercept� at level
6.
Crusaders will no longer automatically receive �Pledge of Armament�
at level 17.
Berserker
Berserkers will no longer automatically receive �Enrage� at level
8.
Berserkers will no longer automatically receive Mock and Mock II.
Berserkers now receive �Body Check� at level 8.
Berserkers now receive �Rupture II� at level 6.
Berserkers now receive �Reckless Aide� at level 21.
Berserkers now receive �Destructive Rage� at level 18.
Berserkers now receive �Abandoned Fury II� at level 16.
Berserkers now receive "Raging Blow" at level 3 and "Body Check"
at level 2.
Berserker �Perseverance� now has a 60 second reuse time.
The Berserker ability �Body Check� no longer requires a shield.
�Wall of Rage� no longer snares the caster.
Bruiser
Bruisers will no longer automatically receive �Slurred Insult� and
�Slurred Insult II.�
Bruisers will now receive �Pummel II� at level 6.
Bruisers will no longer automatically receive �Abuse� at level 8.
Bruisers will now receive �Shrug Off� at level 21.
Bruisers will now receive �Smoldering Fists II� at level 16.
Guardian
Guardians will no longer automatically receive Provoke and Provoke II.
Guardians will no longer automatically receive �Shout� at level
8.
Guardians now receive �Bash II� at level 8.
Guardians now receive �Overpower II� at level 6.
Guardians now receive �Never Surrender� at level 21.
Guardians now receive �Battle Tactics� at level 18.
Guardians now receive �Forward Charge II� at level 16.
The Guardian ability �Shield Bash� is now �Bash� and
no longer requires a shield.
�Hunker Down� no longer snares the caster.
Monk
Monks will no longer automatically receive �Silent Threat� and �Silent
Threat II.�
Monks will no longer automatically receive �Challenge� at level
8.
Monks will now receive �Tranquil Vision� at level 21.
Monks will now receive �Flow Like Wind II� at level 16.
All versions of Will of the Heavens can now be cast while the monk is feared.
Paladin
Paladins will no longer automatically receive �Clarion� and �Clarion
II.�
Paladins will now receive �Faith Strike II� at level 6.
Paladins will now receive �Wrath Stance II� at level 16.
Paladins will now receive �Crusade� at level 18.
Paladins will now receive �Resolute Faith� at level 21.
Paladin "Judgment" is now a Fist for the Heroic Opportunities.
�Heroic Dash� no longer requires a shield or symbol to be equipped.
Shadowknight
Shadowknights will now receive �Painbringer II� at level 6.
Shadowknights will now receive �Devious Evasion� at level 21.
Shadowknights will now receive �Unholy Strength� at level 18.
Shadowknights will now receive �Dark Blade II� at level 16.
Shadowknight �Unholy Strength VI� no longer has a casting time.
Shadowknight "Malice" is now a Fist for the Heroic Opportunities.
�Hateful Slam� no longer requires a shield or symbol to be equipped.
Scouts
Scouts will no longer automatically receive �Evade� at level 6.
Assassin
Assassins will no longer automatically receive �Murderous Design�
at level 11.
Assassins will now be granted Villainy at level 11.
Brigand
Brigands now receive �Mug� at level 6.
Dirge
Dirges now receive �Tarven�s Crippling Crescendo� at level
6.
Ranger
Rangers will no longer automatically receive �Primal Reflexes� at
level 11.
Rangers will now be granted �Hunter�s Instinct� at level 11.Assassins and Rangers now gain the new spell �Hilt Strike� at level 6.
Swashbuckler
Swashbucklers now receive �Double-Cross� at level 6.
Troubador
Troubadors now receive �Vexing Verses� at level 6.
Mages
Mages will no longer gain �Bind Sight� automatically. It is now
a fun spell and can be bought from the class trainers.
Dispel Magic is now Absorb Magic and now also drains a small amount of power.
It no longer has a power cost.
Summoners will now receive their first version of Vampire Bats at level 10.
Summoners: �Aqueous Stone� is now �Aqueous Soul� and
no longer summons an item that grants water breathing. It now simply casts water
breathing on the target.
Warlock
Warlocks will no longer automatically get �Nullify� at level 10.
Warlocks will now get �Vacuum Field� at level 4.
Void Contract now costs less health to cast below level 40.
Wizard
Wizards will no longer automatically get �Cease� at level 10.
Wizards will now gain �Ice Spears� at level 4.
Vital Transfer now costs less health to cast below level 40.
Coercer
Coercers will no longer automatically receive �Mesmerize� at level
1.
�Shift Mana� now has a lower health cost at low levels.
Illusionist
Illusionists will no longer automatically receive �Entrance� at
level 1.
�Extract Mana� now has a lower health cost at low levels.
Priests
Priests will no longer receive the spell �Summon Food and Water.�
Priests will now receive �Wrath� at level 6.
Clerics will now receive �Soothe� at level 30.
ALTERNATE ADVANCEMENT
Crusaders
Legionnaire�s Focus now is 2% heal potency rather than 2% heal crit bonus
per rank.
Paladin
Allied Prayers now gives 4% heal potency per rank rather than 3% heal potency
and 3% critical chance.
Coercer
Coercive Healing now affects Chilling Invigoration.
Necromancer
Lifeburn can no longer be dispelled.
QUESTS
The quest book "Remembrances - Tel'riia'mil'an'ane'ie" will now update
in any zone, not just in the Obelisk of Lost Souls, which should make evil eyes
easier to obtain.
The named nightbloods required for �The Mysterious Drafling� quest should now spawn automatically if you are on the quest, and will not appear at all if you are not.
New Halas writs have been added to the Moors of Ykesha.
Writ giver Ankinil Zo�Ro in Butcherblock now offers Gorowyn citizens city writs from level 20.
Neriak: Players of any evil alignment can now speak with Zintra for the quest "Eight Legs Are Better Than Two."
The quest �Exile to Neriak � Sun Dazzled Vamps� now allows you to use the sunstones on any of the T�Rethir vampires, not just priests.
Players tagging chokidai together for the quest "Keeping Tabs" will now receive updates as a group.
It is now easier to obtain quest updates for �Caustic Action�, �A Key To The Past�, and �Far Seas Requisition � TS0703-SCO�
A number of quests in the Sanctum of the Scaleborn and the Feerrott now have a greater chance to obtain the quest item when a creature is killed.
The quests �The Mystery of the Cursed Tower� and �Watching the Watchman!� should sort properly by current zone in your quest journal.
�Battle of Ages Past� should now give you the Jin�tu�s gift ability along with the item. If you already have the item all you need to do is use it to receive the ability in your book.
The quest �To Catch The Sky� now directs you to a new, safer location to catch the piece of sky.
Mist essences now only drop from cloudmist walkers when you are actually on the quest �The Inhabitants of Cloudmist Isle�.
The "Enervated Vel'Arek" guardian weapon can now call upon Vel'Arek to offer the quest "Revitalizing Vel'Arek" or progress it.
Halas Citizens with the quest "A Final Froglok Word" will now find they can converse with Lady Erillis.
Quartermaster Lewyn in Qeynos Harbor will now converse with New Halas citizens
if they have found the patterns she is interested in.
TRADESKILLS
Scholars can now make level 10-19 bracelets.
Representatives of the Ironforge Exchange and Coalition of Tradesfolke are now
stationed in New Halas and may have crafting work to offer to players tradeskill
level 10 or higher.
The Totem of Escape and Totem of the Great Chameleon are now usable at level
30.
Artisans of the 20th rank or higher who are interested in working for the Far
Seas Trading Company should seek out trade liaison Cordelia Galeston at the
Butcherblock Mountains docks for more information.
�Pristine� has been removed from all tradeskill equipment as the
name was a holdover from when you used to be able to make multiple qualities
of the same item. All tradeskill equipment should be title cased as well.
The tinkered weapons Troll Snot Flinger, Gnarmy, and Tinkered Turkey Launcher
now have improved visual effects.
The names of Vampire Bats, Raging Blow, and Body Check recipes have changed
slightly (e.g. Vampire Bats II is now Vampire Bats III) so tradeskillers may
wish to double check which level of these spells they are creating for customers.
Karalyn Cinderton in the Steamfont Mountains is seeking assistance from tradeskillers
level 30 and higher.
GOROWYN
Academy of Logistics engineers have completed their changes to the layout of
the city of Gorowyn. They sincerely hope that the improved city layout will
be easier to negotiate for Gorowyn residents, will promote more tourism to Gorowyn,
and will reduce the number of completely lost rangers that the guards keep finding
in obscure corners of the city.
GREATER FAYDARK
The Nursery in Greater Faydark is under attack! New characters starting in Greater
Faydark will have to help save the blooms of the Nursery and thwart the plans
of the Grobin clan of goblins. Can you help the Matron and her friends ensure
the safety of the unborn fae?
DARKLIGHT WOOD
Hate�s Envy has come under attack by Sablevein elementals! Adventurers
starting there will find themselves quickly enlisted to repel the assault before
all of Hate�s Envy is razed!
Thexian invaders continue to cause trouble within Darklight Wood. Members of
the Dread Guard are seeking the assistance of adventurers at T�Vatar Outpost!
Several Nerian citizens have gone missing from Wanderlust Fair. New adventurers
emerging from Neriak should speak with Malyl N�Vazin to look into this
matter.
FROSTFANG SEA
New Halas City Faction merchant, Mirva Kilgour, is now selling titles!
Pilgrims� Landing is under attack by Ry�Gorr orcs! Adventurers starting
there will find themselves being thrust into the fray, very quickly.
EMPEROR ATREBE�S LABORATORY: THE FABLED CITY OF KOR-SHA
The zone boss Ka'El Ka'Vrish should do significantly less damage when casting
Ravage.
NEKTROPOS CASTLE
"The Idol of Mor'Tael" book can now be obtained within Nektropos Castle.
BATTLEGROUNDS
Fixed an issue where sometimes characters could get stuck in a battleground.
Players who are reviving when a battleground match completes will still get
credit for completing the match.