In the spirit of increased openness, I'm going to start keeping a "blog" of Dasaria2 development activity in this thread.
What a lot of people don't see is that there is a dedicated and unsung group of builders that are constantly fixing and changing things that OE (or Wired) breaks, bringing you everything from spellfixes to game balance fixes, new crafting capabilities, features like the custom gods override, new adventures and areas, and a lot more that's in the pipeline.
I won't be disabling posts to this thread, however please leave it open for developer posts, and start new topics in the 'state of the server' or 'bug reporting' forums (or PM me if it pertains to an exploit) as appropriate to talk about out your own questions and concerns. If it goes off topic for some reason, I'm just going to start deleting posts rather than lock it.
Announcements / Changes
Moderators: Dasaria Game DMs, A&SI Moderators
Announcements / Changes
Cum eos testibus arripuisses, eorum corda mentesque sequentur
10/2
10/2
Well, this week's update is a little shorter but much cooler than originally planned. I had been holding it pending some updates of my own which I haven't found the time to integrate yet, however one of our long-time builders here has run ahead and made a number of enhancements which I'm eager to share with you all.
This week saw some extensive rework of the treasure system, including an increase in dropped treasure associated with dangerous opponents and a thinning of lootable chests. Much of this will access new loot tables with quest-appropriate items, many of which are entirely new to Dasaria (yes, that means new magic items you haven't seen here before). New crafting components have been added to the game (yes, that means you will be able to make new things you never made before), as has a new high-level crafing loot pool available in one of the v12 PWC areas (yes, a merciful soul has resolved previously-noted issues with Martek's horde).
Respawning traps should also give long-time players a new perspective on some of their favorite areas.
Old news, but I haven't actually heard anyone mention the changes to Aucklorn Mill subsequent to the Harvest Festival Event, or having chatted up Venivere, who's been haunting the plaza in North Cear since the event. Those of you with the Dasaria Deity Override installed may find she has more to say to you than those who do not.
Short-to-medium-term new content development work continues on two fronts. First, there is an assassin's static quest (open to all levels and classes), which should be in-game within the week. Second, work continues on some large outdoor areas which are planned to be unveiled subsequent to a serverwide event early in December. Time and schedule permitting, there should be some very limited, top-secret beta-testing of that content occurring towards the end of November.
I am likely to update this thread over the weekend.
This week saw some extensive rework of the treasure system, including an increase in dropped treasure associated with dangerous opponents and a thinning of lootable chests. Much of this will access new loot tables with quest-appropriate items, many of which are entirely new to Dasaria (yes, that means new magic items you haven't seen here before). New crafting components have been added to the game (yes, that means you will be able to make new things you never made before), as has a new high-level crafing loot pool available in one of the v12 PWC areas (yes, a merciful soul has resolved previously-noted issues with Martek's horde).
Respawning traps should also give long-time players a new perspective on some of their favorite areas.
Old news, but I haven't actually heard anyone mention the changes to Aucklorn Mill subsequent to the Harvest Festival Event, or having chatted up Venivere, who's been haunting the plaza in North Cear since the event. Those of you with the Dasaria Deity Override installed may find she has more to say to you than those who do not.
Short-to-medium-term new content development work continues on two fronts. First, there is an assassin's static quest (open to all levels and classes), which should be in-game within the week. Second, work continues on some large outdoor areas which are planned to be unveiled subsequent to a serverwide event early in December. Time and schedule permitting, there should be some very limited, top-secret beta-testing of that content occurring towards the end of November.
I am likely to update this thread over the weekend.
Cum eos testibus arripuisses, eorum corda mentesque sequentur
10/2
10/2
The following changes should be available after the next server reset:
Some player-submitted books and lore (click HERE if you too would like to participate) made their way into the game, there have been some dialog tweaks to the Tharon quest, and *drumroll* Jenna Ironback has returned from her tropical vacation (hopefully for good), but I'll be keeping an eye on her nonetheless.
Please, please I know you're all in a rush all the time, but don't burn through her dialogs or those at the bank so fast, there's a lot going on and sometimes it takes a second for your flurry-of-clicks to make the round trip from the server. You risk losing things and causing issues, fair warning.
Release 1.0 of a new assassin's quest has quietly leaked into the game. If you experience any issues, send me a PM.
There have been some recent calls for additional hunting areas. Starting with the next server reset, access to the Bugbear area is no longer level-restricted (That means you can go there and hunt. If you're out-of-level you still cannot do the quest).
DM's WARNING: DO NOT let me catch you farming, camping out on treasure, trying exploit to get quest XP you're not entitled to, or "staking out" an open area against lower-level parties on the quest because I will just take it away again. If you want to hunt there, run it and get out, or come back when the server is quiet. Good etiquette would dictate that if you're just hunting, you yield the right of way to questing parties.
If this works out, we will consider opening access to other areas such as the tower and monks. Anyone found to be "rushing" low level players in areas these areas will be booted and probably banned. Recall that you only know if a DM is watching if they want players to know they're on, but be a citizen anyway, because it's the responsible thing to do.
Some player-submitted books and lore (click HERE if you too would like to participate) made their way into the game, there have been some dialog tweaks to the Tharon quest, and *drumroll* Jenna Ironback has returned from her tropical vacation (hopefully for good), but I'll be keeping an eye on her nonetheless.
Please, please I know you're all in a rush all the time, but don't burn through her dialogs or those at the bank so fast, there's a lot going on and sometimes it takes a second for your flurry-of-clicks to make the round trip from the server. You risk losing things and causing issues, fair warning.
Release 1.0 of a new assassin's quest has quietly leaked into the game. If you experience any issues, send me a PM.
There have been some recent calls for additional hunting areas. Starting with the next server reset, access to the Bugbear area is no longer level-restricted (That means you can go there and hunt. If you're out-of-level you still cannot do the quest).
DM's WARNING: DO NOT let me catch you farming, camping out on treasure, trying exploit to get quest XP you're not entitled to, or "staking out" an open area against lower-level parties on the quest because I will just take it away again. If you want to hunt there, run it and get out, or come back when the server is quiet. Good etiquette would dictate that if you're just hunting, you yield the right of way to questing parties.
If this works out, we will consider opening access to other areas such as the tower and monks. Anyone found to be "rushing" low level players in areas these areas will be booted and probably banned. Recall that you only know if a DM is watching if they want players to know they're on, but be a citizen anyway, because it's the responsible thing to do.
Cum eos testibus arripuisses, eorum corda mentesque sequentur
10/2
10/2
I received a PM today that the treasure piles in the Bandersnatch Lair were still respawning empty. This has been fixed but is in the update currently waiting for a reset.
In addition to the opening of the Bugbear Caves, the Tassalian tower will now admit players up to level 17. However, only players up to level 14 are entitled to the quest XP; Accordingly, the Planewalker will only spawn for parties of the appropriate level to be on the quest. Out-of-level players may return from the Dreamworld the regular way without completing the quest's final showdown.
This is likely to be the 'new way.' Open areas, level-limited quests.
The Cathedral of Tharon quest will now permit players up to level 20 to be brutally killed-until-dead while on a path that allows them to complete the quest. Let me know if I've gone too soft.
As noted above, please be a good server citizen if you're an out-of-level player in any of these areas. Really, I would appreciate it if you'd yield the right of way to players on the quest. Also let's do some self-policing here. If you see someone behaving badly, let them know why it's wrong. Don't go vigilante though, inform the staff of the problem -- Send us a tell, hit the DM channel, or PM us here on the forum.
In addition to the opening of the Bugbear Caves, the Tassalian tower will now admit players up to level 17. However, only players up to level 14 are entitled to the quest XP; Accordingly, the Planewalker will only spawn for parties of the appropriate level to be on the quest. Out-of-level players may return from the Dreamworld the regular way without completing the quest's final showdown.
This is likely to be the 'new way.' Open areas, level-limited quests.
The Cathedral of Tharon quest will now permit players up to level 20 to be brutally killed-until-dead while on a path that allows them to complete the quest. Let me know if I've gone too soft.
As noted above, please be a good server citizen if you're an out-of-level player in any of these areas. Really, I would appreciate it if you'd yield the right of way to players on the quest. Also let's do some self-policing here. If you see someone behaving badly, let them know why it's wrong. Don't go vigilante though, inform the staff of the problem -- Send us a tell, hit the DM channel, or PM us here on the forum.
Cum eos testibus arripuisses, eorum corda mentesque sequentur
10/2
10/2
Sittable chairs have been placed in the MistyVale Inn. They're not perfect, but if you mess around with them a bit, you'll figure out how to get your own character to sit reliably. It should improve in the next PWC, as the new chairs aren't exactly aligned with where the old ones used to be.
The probability of encountering the competition if you are incautious in executing the Assassin quest has been increased.
Several tweaks have been made to the Cathedral of Tharon quest in order to address balance/difficulty concerns. Included in these were some additional evil dialog options.
The probability of encountering the competition if you are incautious in executing the Assassin quest has been increased.
Several tweaks have been made to the Cathedral of Tharon quest in order to address balance/difficulty concerns. Included in these were some additional evil dialog options.
Cum eos testibus arripuisses, eorum corda mentesque sequentur
10/2
10/2
A great drought has been lifted, replenishing the dessicated reservoirs of the Empire. Rejoice! It might just be raining the next time you visit Dasaria.
The Kalem Caves are now open for exploration. Characters above level 10 are still inappropriate to be involved in completing any of the four quests associated with this dungeon -- Please don't even try. I'll have to close it back up if people won't behave responsibly.
Bad, bad, bad persons bungling the Assassin's quest should continue to be harried by Cear Town Guards without getting jumped by less-fearsome NPCs for revealing themselves in the midst of committing black deeds; or at least until they reach the safety of their handler.
A dozen GROOVY outfits submitted by Greyshore are making their way onto the shelves of the Singing Seamstress' store. I am predicting hotcake-like sales, possibly giving her edge on her armor-customizing competition.
Kikkelipoika has submitted some interesting lore regarding the nature of magic. Expect to see copies emerge in the more exclusive libraries about town.
The Kalem Caves are now open for exploration. Characters above level 10 are still inappropriate to be involved in completing any of the four quests associated with this dungeon -- Please don't even try. I'll have to close it back up if people won't behave responsibly.
Bad, bad, bad persons bungling the Assassin's quest should continue to be harried by Cear Town Guards without getting jumped by less-fearsome NPCs for revealing themselves in the midst of committing black deeds; or at least until they reach the safety of their handler.
A dozen GROOVY outfits submitted by Greyshore are making their way onto the shelves of the Singing Seamstress' store. I am predicting hotcake-like sales, possibly giving her edge on her armor-customizing competition.
Kikkelipoika has submitted some interesting lore regarding the nature of magic. Expect to see copies emerge in the more exclusive libraries about town.
Cum eos testibus arripuisses, eorum corda mentesque sequentur
10/2
10/2
All right, after the next reset, all those groovy outfits are going to be on-offer for Evlya's beautiful new assistant Elektra to model for your purchasing consideration.
Map points have been added for your navigational assistance in North Cear and Trades & Commons.
Map points have been added for your navigational assistance in North Cear and Trades & Commons.
Cum eos testibus arripuisses, eorum corda mentesque sequentur
10/2
10/2
Droppable gold has been added to the game. When you log in after the next reset, you'll find a gold pouch in your inventory. Activating the gold pouch will allow you to drop up to 50,000gp to the location of your choosing into placeable gold piles that scale to the size of the drop.
Special thanks to the kind-hearted builder who brought you guys this wonderful new ability. The terrible Wired wanted to enforce SRD 3.5 rules for gold weight (50gp=1pound), but was talked out of it by kinder souls.
Special thanks to the kind-hearted builder who brought you guys this wonderful new ability. The terrible Wired wanted to enforce SRD 3.5 rules for gold weight (50gp=1pound), but was talked out of it by kinder souls.
Cum eos testibus arripuisses, eorum corda mentesque sequentur
10/2
10/2
Randomly respawning projectile traps have been added to the game. More spells, more randomness, more fun! This is a feature which is currently, as far as I know, unique to Dasaria II.
The global weather system has been extended to all outdoor areas of Dasaria. There is a certain probability of rainy weather each time the server restarts, or an in-game DM can configure the weather to suit her choosing.
The Tersii Brotherhood will now allow all visitors above level 7 to enter the building, having the quest is no longer mandatory. The quest remains at the originally targeted level for the time being.
An OOC branch was added to Jenna Ironback conversation indicating the requirement of the optional override. Please point out to any fellow players who are confounded by Jenna's reluctance to speak to them that the need to download the necessary file.
The global weather system has been extended to all outdoor areas of Dasaria. There is a certain probability of rainy weather each time the server restarts, or an in-game DM can configure the weather to suit her choosing.
The Tersii Brotherhood will now allow all visitors above level 7 to enter the building, having the quest is no longer mandatory. The quest remains at the originally targeted level for the time being.
An OOC branch was added to Jenna Ironback conversation indicating the requirement of the optional override. Please point out to any fellow players who are confounded by Jenna's reluctance to speak to them that the need to download the necessary file.
Cum eos testibus arripuisses, eorum corda mentesque sequentur
10/2
10/2
Support for Heeds PC Tools has been enabled on the server.
Cum eos testibus arripuisses, eorum corda mentesque sequentur
10/2
10/2
The item appearance changer is being updated to the latest version. This is entirely on the server-side and there is nothing players need to do, the override file for the changer linked above did not change.
Cum eos testibus arripuisses, eorum corda mentesque sequentur
10/2
10/2
We have updated to the newest version of DMFI. This was a major change from a server perspective. I don't think there's anything you need to do as a player, other than continue to enjoy the tool, however I will update the link to a new override file, tomorrow or the following day, for those who wish to upgrade. I know my old override worked just fine in testing, so you need not do anything immediately.
As in the case of Heeds PC Tools, do not install the developer's HAK file. Dasaria does not currently require that you install anything other than the game in order to play and we don't support HAKs. I will make an override available for download.
As an experiment, I am going to allow DMFI languages. Your racial and class languages will be automatically granted, those of you with excessive INT will be permitted to select additional languages upon your next login, according to PHB rules. If you've sufficient Lore, you also stand a chance of understanding spoken sentences of a language with which you're not entirely familiar. Apologies in advance -- If this ends up eating excessive server resources, languages will be removed.
The gladiator quest now gives 1000xp, which is awarded incrementally as you progress. A condition where the Gladiator Quest and Barabus quest could interfere was alleviated. As was the Barabus quest failing to provide the final XP.
A new merchant has set up shop in Trades and Commons for all your adventuring needs. Currently he sells tents and tinderboxes for use with Heeds PC tools, torches, and thieve's tools. His product line will expand over time as we expand.
As in the case of Heeds PC Tools, do not install the developer's HAK file. Dasaria does not currently require that you install anything other than the game in order to play and we don't support HAKs. I will make an override available for download.
As an experiment, I am going to allow DMFI languages. Your racial and class languages will be automatically granted, those of you with excessive INT will be permitted to select additional languages upon your next login, according to PHB rules. If you've sufficient Lore, you also stand a chance of understanding spoken sentences of a language with which you're not entirely familiar. Apologies in advance -- If this ends up eating excessive server resources, languages will be removed.
The gladiator quest now gives 1000xp, which is awarded incrementally as you progress. A condition where the Gladiator Quest and Barabus quest could interfere was alleviated. As was the Barabus quest failing to provide the final XP.
A new merchant has set up shop in Trades and Commons for all your adventuring needs. Currently he sells tents and tinderboxes for use with Heeds PC tools, torches, and thieve's tools. His product line will expand over time as we expand.
Cum eos testibus arripuisses, eorum corda mentesque sequentur
10/2
10/2
A number of minor fixes have gone in, including fixing the oil pools in the Troll's area and making Cathedral 3rd easier to respawn.
A side note about respawns: NWN2 uses a trigger system for encounters. If you're waiting for a respawn, do not repeatedly transition out of the area and return, in all likelihood you're contributing to your own wait time. Without ruining anyone's sense of immersion, your best course of action is to a) wait {most respawns are on 5 or 10 minute timers}, and b) retrace your steps.
A side note about respawns: NWN2 uses a trigger system for encounters. If you're waiting for a respawn, do not repeatedly transition out of the area and return, in all likelihood you're contributing to your own wait time. Without ruining anyone's sense of immersion, your best course of action is to a) wait {most respawns are on 5 or 10 minute timers}, and b) retrace your steps.
Last edited by Wired on Thu Dec 27, 2007 2:42 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Cum eos testibus arripuisses, eorum corda mentesque sequentur
10/2
10/2
A new area has been opened up North of Thrall's Gate. This represents the work of several persons, including a substantial player-submitted contribution.
In campaign map terms, the area, known as the Two Bridges, is situated about 20 leagues North of Thrall's Gate along on the Talon Road.
The content was (roughly) intended for levels 12+ partied, and about 16-17 soloing. Most of the player-testers fell into that range. It includes eight quests of varying size and difficulty (actually a series of smaller quests, rather than one big one) and two hunting areas with very fast respawns.
Nothing is level-locked at the moment, however some kind of floor will be put in eventually, maybe around level 12.
If you encounter any exploits, please PM them to me.
Also a warning -- Your in-character actions (such as breaking oaths to powerful magical creatures) can have permanent in-game consequences.
In campaign map terms, the area, known as the Two Bridges, is situated about 20 leagues North of Thrall's Gate along on the Talon Road.
The content was (roughly) intended for levels 12+ partied, and about 16-17 soloing. Most of the player-testers fell into that range. It includes eight quests of varying size and difficulty (actually a series of smaller quests, rather than one big one) and two hunting areas with very fast respawns.
Nothing is level-locked at the moment, however some kind of floor will be put in eventually, maybe around level 12.
If you encounter any exploits, please PM them to me.
Also a warning -- Your in-character actions (such as breaking oaths to powerful magical creatures) can have permanent in-game consequences.
Cum eos testibus arripuisses, eorum corda mentesque sequentur
10/2
10/2