Developer Transcript

[Akaran_D]

Groups of 4 minimum, up to 11,000 instances of the dungeons at once, GY type CR scenarios, no new aa's, item augmentation will be the way things go.

Live Chat with the Creators of EverQuest
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> Hey all -- and welcome to today's GameSpy Arcade special event: an exclusive chat with the dev team behind EverQuest: Lost Dungeons of Norrath AND best selling fantasy author, R.A. Salvatore. [GSI]Spiff pauses for thunderous applause
<[PEQ]Muskie> Shall we begin with Introductions?

<R_A__Salvatore> HI, I'm Bob, and I'm an EQaholic
<Rwaters-SOE> Hi, I'm Rich Waters - Design Director for EQ. Nice to be here, thanks for coming to the chat.
<SLord-SOE> Hello, I'm Shawn Lord - Lead Designer, EverQuest Expansions
<Hartsman-SOE> Hey, all. Scott Hartsman, aka Gallenite, Technical Director, EverQuest. Just here to see Bob talk, really.
<Osmith-SOE> Hello everyone. I'm Oliver Smith, Lead Designer of EverQuest Live and Legends.
<Rbarker-SOE> I'm Ryan Barker a game designer on EQLive. Also known as Rytan in game.
<Rpfister-SOE> Hey everyone.
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> Welcome, gents!
<Hartsman-SOE> (That'd be Robert Pfister, Producer of EverQuest, and apparently a man of few words...)
<Hartsman-SOE> (....today)
<Rpfister-SOE> ...edited... yes
<SLord-SOE> At least the "yes" made it through the chat filter.
<SLord-SOE> Good Job, sir.
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> Are you guys ready to take some questions -- and give away some games?
<Rpfister-SOE> I'd like some games
<Rbarker-SOE> yes please
<Hartsman-SOE> Sounds good.
<SLord-SOE> No questions, just games please.
<[PEQ]Muskie> So Would I!
<[Admin]Cobby> To ask a guestion, please type /msg Cobby question and we will post on your behalf (time permitting)
<[Admin]Cobby> Please keep your questions limited to LDoN
<Rpfister-SOE> Who would vote for Governor of California for? Me or Arnold?
<SLord-SOE> Mind the typing, he's using his feet.
<Rpfister-SOE> I can't type, he can't speak.
<[PEQ]Muskie> And I'm Just here to Look good.
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> Sounds like we've got all the bases covered then
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> Or something.
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> Anyhow, I know our moderator, the lovely Cobby, has a bazillion questions queued up for you guys
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> if you're ready to start answering.
<Hartsman-SOE> By all means.

<[Admin]Cobby> Ok - we ready?
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> Cool ... one last announcement -- please DO NOT private message our guests during the event
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> leave them in peace!
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> your questions will be asked here in the main channel
<[Admin]Cobby> Ok - here we go!

<[Admin]Cobby> *IcEmAn{10}* Hey,could you give us some info or just a small hint of what we can expect from the expansion after LDoN?
<SLord-SOE> It's way too early to talk about that, unfortunately.
<[Admin]Cobby> If you could please give me a <d>when you're done , I'll post the next Q
<[PEQ]Muskie> Translation:"If we told you, we'd have to kill you."
<Hartsman-SOE> At this point, we're focusing all that we have on making sure that LDoN is everything that it can be, while doing the same for our live game. We're really not in a position to talk about what's coming afterward.
<Hartsman-SOE> <d>
<SLord-SOE> Hartsman is working on a better answer... and there it is.

<[Admin]Cobby> *Mitri_Deephelm* Will LDoN allow for solo play, or will all content require at least 2 or more in a group?
<SLord-SOE> The focus of LDoN is definitely on group sized content.
<SLord-SOE> We'd love to hit all of the different playstyles, but it's not realistic in this case.

<[Admin]Cobby> *Polymer* What are you most proud of as the delvelopers of Lost Dungeons of Norrath
<Hartsman-SOE> I think everyone's got something for this one.
<Rwaters-SOE> I'm excited by the new technologies we've added to the game with this expansion. It will let us do some incredibly immersive and enjoyable content, both for LDoN and the future.
<R_A__Salvatore> Almost everyone....
<SLord-SOE> I love the fact that we're doing something that we didn't think would be possible in the existing engine. It's another example of how we can continue to push the game and add new layers of depth to a 5 year old product.
<Osmith-SOE> I'd have to say that I'm really impressed with the new technology that is going into LDoN - instanced adventure zones. The team has been working extremely hard to bring high quality content to the players of EverQuest.
<Hartsman-SOE> There's new technologies in this expansion? Erm... I should probably duck back over to our office and...uh...check on that.
<Hartsman-SOE>
<Rbarker-SOE> personally I'm excited about the idea of putting the feel of "dungeon crawling" back into EQ. It's been somethihng that a lot of players have been asking about for a while and it's also something that I enjoyed as a player. Being able to pull together a small group of friends and get something accomplished in an hour or two are some of my most ejoyable times playing EQ or any other game for that matter.
<SLord-SOE> We're one week into the five week beta process and I'm really happy with how well everything has gone so far.

<[Admin]Cobby> *ediien* will enchanters be return to thier glorious standing in the new expansion? Like they use be the toons that could take a massive pull and put up the stop sign and controll the crowd.
<SLord-SOE> Every class will have something to do. The focus is on making sure that everyone feels like they have to be on their toes while they work their way through the dungeons.
<SLord-SOE> Hartsman has a cool blue screen, so he'll be back in a bit.
<Osmith-SOE> Hartsman will be back shortly. Technical issues...
<Rwaters-SOE> A lot of the adventures in LDoN will be challenging situations where a well-played enchanter can make a lot of difference in your group. I think you'll enjoy what's coming up and the role enchanters will continue to play.

<[Admin]Cobby> *Soovu* What is Mr Salvatore's character choice in EQ assuming he plays and it's level
<R_A__Salvatore> From a player's perspective, the dungeons just look great... really great....they're not just boring holes int eh ground, but reall, though-out adventures chambers
<R_A__Salvatore> I've played a bunch of characters....currently working my 51 wizard, Kimmuriel, on Firiona Vie.
<R_A__Salvatore> Man, fat fingers tonight.

<[Admin]Cobby> *Darkfiend_Eci* Will any of the LDoN Dungeons require certain factions to grant access to them via their NPC's before we can access them?
<R_A__Salvatore> Sorry, don!
<SLord-SOE> Nope.

<[Admin]Cobby> *Glotis* How will the new EQ Lost Dungeons of Norath system work?
<SLord-SOE> Which system, there are several.
<[Admin]Cobby> (users cannot reply)
<Osmith-SOE> Hartsman is on his way in now to discuss some of this.
<SLord-SOE> We've added instanced zones, there's a new itemization scheme, adventure system, and a new means of modifying items.
<Hartsman-SOE> (Hi! back.)
<SLord-SOE> The itemization scheme is one that will allow players to earn credit towards certain items each time that they participate in an adventure.
<SLord-SOE> This is on top of the rare drops that can be found in the dungeons. These will appear in chests and other objects and on rare npcs.
<SLord-SOE> Also, there will be a means of adding "augmentations" to items.
<Rwaters-SOE> The adventure system is pretty exciting to a lot of the people in beta now. You form up a group and then get an adventure goal from the Wayfarer's Brotherhood. This sets you up with a dungeon exclusive to your group, where you can go and have a quick play session. The more adventures you succeed at, the better the Wayfarers lke you, and the better the rewards you can get from them.
<Hartsman-SOE> For the adventure system specifically, if you want the best explanation I've seen written up yet, you can check out the Dev Corner at http://eqlive.station.sony.com
<Hartsman-SOE> All of the new things we've added this time around are truly letting us get back to the idea of the serious, fun dungeon crawl experience. No matter who you are, 20-65, there's always going to be something for you and a few friends to do.

<[Admin]Cobby> *Sadista* EQ: Will there be more AAs introduced with LDoN?
<Ttaylor-SOE> Yay...my existence has been validated.
<Hartsman-SOE> Not this time around -- There will still be progression, but more in the sense of improvement via the brand new types of items and now item-Augmentations that can be found in the Lost Dungeons.
<SLord-SOE> Someone kick Ttaylor-SOE please. =)
<Hartsman-SOE> lol
<Hartsman-SOE> (done)
<Ttaylor-SOE> No abusing the Marketing guy.

<[Admin]Cobby> *Legosus_BB_ITSB_Bard* Does Salvatore plan to stay working with EQ developers? and What does Salvatore think of EQ?
<SLord-SOE> Marketing guy, now's your time to shine! =)
<R_A__Salvatore> Whew, 21 private conversations will take it out of you, ya know?
<Ttaylor-SOE> As far as I know Mister Salvatore has no current "Working" relationship with SOE. He's just a devoted fan like the rest of us. Correct me if I'm wrong, Bob.
<R_A__Salvatore> No current working relationship. But yes, I am a huge fan.

<[Admin]Cobby> *hylonomus* Describe a typical writing session
<R_A__Salvatore> I can't begin to answer here....
<R_A__Salvatore> Everytime I type a word, the PM screens start a'popping LOL!
<Hartsman-SOE> <laughs> That explains it.
<Hartsman-SOE> You had us a little curious.
<Hartsman-SOE> Looks like we're <d>on this one.
<[Admin]Cobby> GameSpy meu - options - chat - uncheck the open to change tabs automatically
<R_A__Salvatore> Sorry.
<Ttaylor-SOE> After this question Cobby, I'll ask a EQ Trivia question, to give away a copy of Lost Dungeons of Norrath. Also, please stop PM'ing Mister Salvatore.
<SLord-SOE> Thanks =)
<R_A__Salvatore> Okay, that seems to be better....worked this time, I think!
<Ttaylor-SOE> I'll explain how you answer the trivia question when its time.
<R_A__Salvatore> Can I jump in here for one sec?
<[Admin]Cobby> sure!
<R_A__Salvatore> Okay, anyone who has questions can get them to me easily, in two ways. First, my e-mail is rasalvtore @AOL.com (note the missing "A"")
<R_A__Salvatore> Second, at my message boards, http://www.rasalvatore.com, there's an interactive thread set up where I answer questions.
<R_A__Salvatore> Now I have no idea of how to answer the Direct Tells coming, in, but hey, I am reading them!
<R_A__Salvatore> Hehe, <d>
<[Admin]Cobby> Trivia Time!
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> rock!
<SLord-SOE> Nevada!
<SLord-SOE> I know all of these!
<[PEQ]Muskie> Area 51!
<Ttaylor-SOE> Allrighty...the first person to PM the anser to this question to Spiff, wins a copy of LDoN.
<Rwaters-SOE> I'm ready!
<Ttaylor-SOE> Employees are not valid winners
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> You'll need to type /msg [GSI]Spiff with your answers
<Osmith-SOE> doh!
<Hartsman-SOE> Rats.
[GSI]Spiff braces himself

<Ttaylor-SOE> What is the name of the place to go for training in Cabilis if you are an Iksar Warrior? No its not the Warrior Guild. Looking for the name of the building.
<Ttaylor-SOE> By the way. Iksars > All.
<Ttaylor-SOE> I think I hear hundreds of web browsers opening...
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> Scaley gets it
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> stop
<[PEQ]Muskie> Wow. we got a Big Iksar fan in the house!
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> Nice work Scaley!
<Ttaylor-SOE> Devs...is it true in the Lost Dungeons Expansion that Iksars take over Norrath?
<[PEQ]Muskie> Grats, Scaley!
<Ttaylor-SOE> Congrats Scaley.
<Rbarker-SOE> no
<Hartsman-SOE> Down, Tom.
<Ttaylor-SOE> :'(
<Ttaylor-SOE> On with the questions.
<[PEQ]Muskie> I feel your pain, Tom.
<[Admin]Cobby> *Geideger* Is it true that Pfister's office is only at 40 degrees? Also what will gnomes benefit the most from LDoN in your opinion?
<Hartsman-SOE> Hi, Ima.
<Hartsman-SOE>
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> correct answer was Fortess Talishan BTW ... lots of people got it, Scaley got it first
<SLord-SOE> The first part of that question is, yes.
<Hartsman-SOE> Yes, but Pfister isn't VIP'ed at the moment.
<Rwaters-SOE> Pfister's office is damn cold. <d>
<[Admin]Cobby> oopsey!
<Hartsman-SOE> We're set for the next one.
<[PEQ]Muskie> You forgot about the gnomes, Rich.
<Ttaylor-SOE> I think there's improved gnome punting in LDoN isn't there?
<Rwaters-SOE> oh, didn't think it was a serious question, sorry. Gnomes.. err.. I imagine gnomes will pretty much love it all. Gnomes are pretty happy. Could someone kick ttaylor-SOE? <d>

<[Admin]Cobby> *Soovu* What aspects from his books would Mr Salvatore like to see incorporated into EQ if any?
<Ttaylor-SOE> Ok ok...I'll pipe down.
<R_A__Salvatore> Drow! Oh wait....
<Hartsman-SOE> <laughs>
<Ttaylor-SOE> Why didn't we think of that?
<R_A__Salvatore> I think powries from DemonWars would be a wonderful(ly cruel) addition.
<R_A__Salvatore> <d>

<[Admin]Cobby> *leyor* a question to Mr. Salvatore. "I'd very much like to know how many drafts of a novel he makes before sending it to the publisher"
<R_A__Salvatore> As I'm nearing the end of a first draft, I begin rewriting. I try to time it so that I catch up on the second draft around the time I'm nearing the end of the first. Then I send it out, get the comments from the editors, and go back to work on the third draft.
<R_A__Salvatore> Then I get what's called "gallies" (typeset product), where I can make only small changes.

<[Admin]Cobby> *TzeeTzeetop* question to RAS : Do you feel its more artistic desire or commercial success that drives you to continue with your Forgotten Realms Novels?
<R_A__Salvatore> It's both, to tell the truth. People want those books - o boy, do they!
<Hartsman-SOE> (While we're holding on the answer, Cobby, could you please re-flag osmith-soe? Thanks.
<R_A__Salvatore> And I love writing Drizzt and the gang.
<Ttaylor-SOE> Next Trivia Question: "After a battle that left him mortally wounded, this king was "rebuilt" to become a clockwork cyborg who has ruled for centuries. Send a tell to [GSI]Spiff with the answer to win a copy of Lost Dungeons of Norrath!
<R_A__Salvatore> Also, WotC's giving me pretty much complete control over what I do, so it's not like they're tying my hands in any way.
<Ttaylor-SOE> Whoops..sorry thought you were done
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> Greiver got it
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> stop
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> dang that was fast
<R_A__Salvatore> I've come to understand that, no matter what else I do, even killing Chewie, I'm going to be known for Drizzt. That's very cool with me.
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> answer was King Ak'Kanon
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> lots of right answers
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> Griever was mr speedy
<[Admin]Cobby> lots of fans
<[Admin]Cobby> ok ready for a couple more Q's?
<SLord-SOE> Yep

<[Admin]Cobby> *Kendricke* Within Lost Dungeons of Norrath, it has been stated that a new item feature will allow special items which can augment the abilities of already existing items (ala Diablo 2?). Can you elaborate upon this system a bit more? Will the augmentation be permanant? What restrictions will be placed on the augmentation (as a general rule)?
<Hartsman-SOE> Gladly. These augmentations, unlike previous modifications to items (dyes), will both be permanent and attached to the item, as opposed to being attached to the slot that the item contains.
<Hartsman-SOE> A subtle difference, for sure, but one that's meant a gigantic pile of work as most of EverQuest's item system has had to be rewritten in the past months.
<Hartsman-SOE> In the end, we'll end up with a much better system that will hopefully, some day, allow for all different kinds of customizations.
[PEQ]Muskie remembers screaming in horror the first time he Saw a Rainbow-colored Barbarian.
<Hartsman-SOE> As for the restrictions, there are going to be specific types of augmentations. Some equipment in the game may be able to accept one or more different types of augmentations, as we described a little bit the other day on our web site.
<Hartsman-SOE> <d>
<SLord-SOE> Muskie, that's what happens when you go on blind dates.
<[Admin]Cobby> *Polymer* Are there new disciplines for non casters coming out with LDoN?
<Hartsman-SOE> (Rich is grabbing this one...)
<Rwaters-SOE> New features that cover class balance (like disciplines) are the kind of things we try not to tie to expansions. We definitely feel that disciplines need some updates and improvements, and it's something we'll be doing as a free live update instead of expecting you to buy a box to balance your class.
<Rwaters-SOE> <d>

<[Admin]Cobby> *leyor* I have a question for the LDON developers please:) "Seeing as LDoN consists of one group encounters, how do you plan on balancing it? As a group of high end players in plane of time gear will enjoy a vast advantage over more casual players. Which player will the content be geared towards"?
<SLord-SOE> We're balancing it with both in mind.
<SLord-SOE> Also, players have the ability to pick harder adventure types.

<[Admin]Cobby> *theron420* question for Salvatore, What do you think about the differences and similarities between the ranger class and what you invisioned for a ranger when you wrote the dark elf series, would you like anything changed about the class in EQ?
<[Admin]Cobby> oops!
<[Admin]Cobby> sorry
<SLord-SOE> No worries =)
<R_A__Salvatore> I'll wait for the <d>
<Rwaters-SOE> Also, with the new technology we've added with LDoN, all 48 of the zones in the expansion will work for anyone between levels 20 and 65.
<Rwaters-SOE> so, if you're level 32, you get 48 zones. If you're level 65 you get 48 zones.
<Rwaters-SOE> You can play in all of them, and they all have level appropriate content for you and your group.
<Rwaters-SOE> done
<SLord-SOE> <d>

<[PEQ]Muskie> What about Equipment? a level 20 decked in full rubicite might throw off the balance with a level 20 in Fine Steel.
<Hartsman-SOE> The Adventure system in general also has a setting that lets people who are slightly better off than others specifically request, "Hey, give me a harder adventure."
<Hartsman-SOE> That level 20, assuming he's in a group of his peers, would very likely find a much better experience (and suitable reward) by selecting a more difficult adventure.
<Hartsman-SOE> <d>
<[Admin]Cobby> Trivia Time!
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> w00t!
<R_A__Salvatore> Ranger is hardly my invention. Obviously, my ranger isn't as magically inclined as the EQ one (and actually, if Drizzt were to be an EQ character, I'd think of him more as a straight fighter. <d>
<R_A__Salvatore> So there! <d>
<Hartsman-SOE> Okay, as long \\\\as we don't miss out on Bob's answer - I'd like to hear it too
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> no worries.

<Ttaylor-SOE> Another Trivia question..."Don't lose sight of the Leatherfoot Deputy, who can be seen swimming from the windows of this tavern.
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> Morgrist got it
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> stop!
<Ttaylor-SOE> LOL.
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> answer was The Blind Fish
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> Congrats to Morgrist!
<[Admin]Cobby> time for a couple more questions?
<Rwaters-SOE> yes, please

<[Admin]Cobby> *Greiver* How many books have you written? (question for RA)
<R_A__Salvatore> Oi, around 40. That's less than it sounds when you consider that 17 (counting Lone Drow) are about one group of characters.
<R_A__Salvatore> <d>

<[Admin]Cobby> *Azure* How many simultaneous dungeons will be able to exist at once in LDoN?
<Hartsman-SOE> This is something that we've spent a lot of time figuring out recently.
<R_A__Salvatore> Does that depend on California's energy crisis of the moment? LOL.
<Hartsman-SOE> At this particular moment, we're adding enough new hardware to run... approximately 11,000 Adventure instances at once
<Hartsman-SOE> Or, enough Adventures running to hold well over half of the peak EQ audience at once.
<Hartsman-SOE> (In other words, 66,000 people at once). The way the system is being developed internally, adding more hardware on to the "pool" of machines that are servicing these adventures is incredibly easy as well.
<Hartsman-SOE> If it turns out to be not enough, it's really easy to add more.
<Hartsman-SOE> <d>

<[Admin]Cobby> *Karloft* Do any of the guests ever take time from thier fevorite high level EQ players to start and play a new one?
<SLord-SOE> Yes, but honestly with as much time as I spend at work, I'd rather keep on my main as much as possible. My guild maintains a pretty steady raid schedule.
<SLord-SOE> When I
<Osmith-SOE> Yes, I've tried playing a few other classes other than my main character. It gives me a different perspective into the world of EverQuest.
<Rbarker-SOE> Yes, I have serveral different characters ranging from level 10 to level 62 at the moment. Every once in a while I like to start up a new character to get to know another aspect of the game a little better.
<Hartsman-SOE> Absolutely. The last time I played wasn't on my highest level character, actually, but on a newbie on a new ruleset server entirely, completely anonymous, just for fun. Granted, there's not much time given the hours we keep around here, but it's fun to be a newbie erudite again. Especially now that most of the newbie experience has been revamped for many starting cities.
<R_A__Salvatore> I've bounced around, but keep going back to the wizard. No contest here. Wizards rock the house.
<Ttaylor-SOE> I sure do, I prefer lower level characters to higher ones, personally.
<Hartsman-SOE> <-- WIZ 65, /cheer RA
<Rwaters-SOE> I try to start a new character every few months, it's helpful to get a chance to meet some of the new players in the game and get a feel for how the gameplay is at various levels. There's a pretty wide spread on the main character levels on the team. There's many that do have a high level character as their main, but also a lot in the low to mid levels. We've got a large team, it covers a lot of different viewpoints and experiences.
<Rwaters-SOE> <d>
<R_A__Salvatore> Since I've never gotten above 51, I have yet to experience the real high-end game, but so far, I think the best levels are 15-35.
<[Admin]Cobby> *Morgrist* Question: Being one of Niami's little minions, the teaser bits on tradeskills from R. Hills have been interesting. Would you expand on what we'll be seeing with tradeskills and LDoN,and will it include the "customizable" item bits mentioned this week?
<SLord-SOE> It would explain all of the details in this forum. We are always concentrating on expanding tradeskills. We know that people enjoy them, so they'll always be considered when making an expansion or adding other content to the game.
<SLord-SOE> Errr.. add the word hard in there somewhere.
<SLord-SOE> I think that's a <d>for now.

<[Admin]Cobby> *hal9000* For Rick Waters: can you explain more about the gem slots? will their be recipes similar to Diablo II?
<SLord-SOE> They're wrestling over the keyboard. Someone will answer you shortly.
<Hartsman-SOE> (Shawn and Jake will be humming elevator music in the background while we wait.)
<Hartsman-SOE> (Jake will be making threatening gestures in my general direction.)
<Rbarker-SOE> It's similiar in that it allows you to upgrade a piece of equipment by combining items with it, but the new system is much more customizable in terms of what kinds of attributes you can adorn your equipment with.
<Rbarker-SOE> BTW, I'm not rich, but I'm answering >:)
<SLord-SOE> Wait! More specifics are on the way!
<Rbarker-SOE> Specifically there's types of armor that will only accept certain types of upgrades
<Hartsman-SOE> ("armor" == "equipment.")
<Rbarker-SOE> so you might be able to put adornment A on a certain piece of equipment, but not on a different piece of equipment.
<Rbarker-SOE> You'll also be able to remove the adornment from the equipment, but it will then be lost forever.
<Rbarker-SOE> So you'll want to be careful with which adornments you want to use, and on which items.
<Rbarker-SOE> I think that's about as much info as I can give without going into nitty gritty specifics.
<Rbarker-SOE> so <d>

<[Admin]Cobby> *Mad_Man* Will a group of two be able to enjoy LDON or will it require a full group to see the new zones?
<Rbarker-SOE> answering coming from Rich.
<Rwaters-SOE> The plan currently is to require groups of 4 or more. We'll likely provide future adventures for smaller groups, but when we roll this out we want to be able to have as many people using it as possible. As Hartsman said, we're expecting to be able to run 11,000 instances when it launches so if we require group sizes of 4 or more, we'll service at least 44k people.
<Rwaters-SOE> In the long run though, we all hope to make these adventures available for all players, regardless of group size.
<Rwaters-SOE> <d>
<Hartsman-SOE> One thing that we're noticing on the Beta server is that even those who generally aren't fond of grouping are finding it much easier to get into groups, now that there are central meeting places to hook up with others. That, and the /LFG tool is really coming in handy, and being used quite a bit. I suspect that even the ultra-casual will be able to hop in, find some people to group with, then get going without waiting long.
<Hartsman-SOE> <d again>
<[Admin]Cobby> *Iniarini* I would like to know if Mr. Salvatore has a website listing all his work. Thank you.
<R_A__Salvatore> My (official) website, http://www.rasalvatore.com (I sound like an ad campaign!) list all the books, lists signing tours and has a great message board gang.
<R_A__Salvatore> Also, we do e-signings, where you buy the books through the website and get them personally signed. It's pretty cool because people can order a book, say, for a friend that would be inscribed, "To Joe, Merry Christmas! Spend it with Drizzt! R.A. Salvatore"
<R_A__Salvatore> <d>

<[Admin]Cobby> Twofer: *Khan8156* Will there be anymore tales involving Danica and Cadderly? and *Raivan* Will we see more books that continue the adventures of Artemis and Jarlaxle?
<R_A__Salvatore> I intend to go back to Artemis and Jarlaxle as soon as I'm done the HUnter's Blades series. As for Cadderly and Danica, I hope to find ways to weave them in. I'm also thinking that a Jarlaxle/Zaknafein story set way in the past might be fun.
<[Admin]Cobby> *Glotis* What new engine are you using to recreate the old school dungeon andventuring?
<Hartsman-SOE> Hmm..
<Rbarker-SOE> Shawn answering...
<R_A__Salvatore> <d>sorry
<Hartsman-SOE> This really isn't a matter of a new engine. It's taking the existing core of EQ, diving into some of the scariest, oldest, parts of it. Surgically removing them, and replacing them with brand new systems that do all of the things that we need them to do.
<SLord-SOE> It's less a product of the engine and more a matter of placing people in complex dungeon environments. Each dungeon is roughly 3/4 the size of the ones you can find in Norrath at the moment. All of them have traps, objects to interact with (chests, barrels, etc), and plenty of monsters.
<Hartsman-SOE> (Translating my above answer after Rich mentioned me that he doesn't know what I said -- Essentially, it's all our game engine, still. We just ripped out lots of old stuff, and replaced it with some new stuff that rivals any 3rd gen game out there, as far as the instancing is concerned. And with that, I'll let Shawn say things that make even more sense. )
<SLord-SOE> <d>

<[Admin]Cobby> *zakupilot256* i got a good question, Who is Drizzt ?
<Hartsman-SOE> rofl
<[Admin]Cobby>
<Ttaylor-SOE>
<SLord-SOE> He was laughing at me, zakupilot.
<SLord-SOE> ...and he won't stop.
<Hartsman-SOE> <nods>Sorry, Zak - Was laughing at shawn's...er...brief, continuation. And he's right -- I'm not.
<R_A__Salvatore> Drizzt is....hmm, how do I answer that?
<R_A__Salvatore> He's the guy who started the dark elf craze, I think. Which has people loving me and hating me, depending on whether or not all their gamers want to play a twin-scimitar-wielding dark elf ranger with a 600 pound cat friend.
<[Admin]Cobby> *Iceblast* Is there a chance that when you try to Augmentation a item that you make it worse, rather then better?
<Hartsman-SOE> When you examine the augmentations, you'll be able to check out all of their stats, as if they were their own standalone iteme.
<Hartsman-SOE> Or "items," if I could type.
<Rwaters-SOE> Augmentations can have both positives and negatives, so you may be able to attach an augmentation that has +10 strength and -10 agility if you wanted to. You'll be able to see what you're getting before you decide to use it.
<Hartsman-SOE> It's really not a matter of, "Surprise! It's got -10000 HP, and you're in a death loop!"
<Rwaters-SOE> <D!>

<[Admin]Cobby> *Vashan* For Mr Salvatore Have you ever written under a Pen name?
<R_A__Salvatore> Nope. But I have a book that I want to write which, if published, will come out under a different name. I don't want anyone reading it with preconceived notions! <d>
<[Admin]Cobby> *Jureld* If you have time please question for RAS "Do you forsee any of your novels becoming movies?"
<Rwaters-SOE> I'd cast Chris Rock as Drizzt!
<R_A__Salvatore> I hope so. There's certainly been a lot of interest for both Drizzt and DemonWars. I think that Peter Jackson's excellent work has opened the doors for fantasy movies that don't make fun of fantasy - I jjust hope they stay open.
<R_A__Salvatore> Keep your fingers crossed. Mine certainly are! <d>
<[Admin]Cobby> *sweets_eq* what kind of new quests will be given in the new dungeons... will there be more interesthing,fun,or hard ones???
<Hartsman-SOE> "Yes!"
<Rwaters-SOE> I think all three of those things are important.. so if the question was "which of those are we focusing on?" then we're trying to hit all of those qualities. If the question was "Will any of your quests be interesting, hard, or fun?" ... I hope so
<SLord-SOE> There will be several different adventure types. Everything from saving a hostage or assassinating the dungeon's boss, to wiping the whole place out.
<Hartsman-SOE> <d>

<[Admin]Cobby> *QuintenWolfe* GameSpy folks, since this event is going on here, is there going to be any future games/ventures with SOE and Gamespy to allow us EQ players this type of interaction in EQ?? this is a good system.
<R_A__Salvatore> And the settings around those quests are simply beautiful, I can attest!
<Rwaters-SOE> Is that marketing guy still here?
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> Uh ... we sure hope so!
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> We're game if SOE is game
<Ttaylor-SOE> What...you don't like our in-game chat?
<Ttaylor-SOE>
<Rwaters-SOE> I'd say yes, we're definitely interested in coming back here for this type of chat.
<Rwaters-SOE> <d>

<[Admin]Cobby> *Nalir* Will ldon stay purchasable as download version once it goes live? Kinda important for me, since I can't be around at the delivery times when ordering package
<Hartsman-SOE> Like Legacy of Ykesha before it, there aren't any plans at the moment to remove the option to download LDoN.
<SLord-SOE> <d>

<[Admin]Cobby> *spectrumdive* Realistically, where do you see the "ideal" System Requirements for EverQuest right now? This includes using quality models and textures.
<Hartsman-SOE> Ideal? Well.. Ideal is one thing. We generally deal in the realms of "Minimum" and "Recommended...."
<Hartsman-SOE> If we could spec Ideal, I'd have to say the best NVidia or ATI card that money can buy, attached to a dual Xeon, with about 2GB RAM. Getting to write a game from scratch that could truly take advantage of all of those kinds of new features and abilities would definitely be interesting.
<Hartsman-SOE> Perhaps someday, EQ1 just might be able to do so. But there's really not much more to talk about there just at the moment.
<Hartsman-SOE> <done>
<Ttaylor-SOE> Late Marketing answer to the previous Gamespy question, if the showing for this chat is any indication, of course we'd be looking to do something like this again with the fine folks at GameSpy. (Sorry for the long response time.)
<[Admin]Cobby> Forgiven

<[Admin]Cobby> *Neatton* Is there going to be a large all consuming quest to LDoN that ties together the expansion like there was in PoP?
<SLord-SOE> As you play through LDoN, you'll notice that the storyline answers some of the existing questions and builds the basis for many of the expansions to come.
<R_A__Salvatore> Many....expansions....to....come - Oh god, I gotta write more books.
<SLord-SOE> There isn't a long quest, like the one seen in PoP, but we will be delivering lore to you as you play through the expansion.
<Hartsman-SOE> <laughs>
<Rwaters-SOE> d

<[Admin]Cobby> *rhholmes* How did some of the developers here learn their skills? i.e. How did they become programmers?
<Ttaylor-SOE> Last 3 questions after this one, then I'll do a bunch of trivia questions and give away 7 more LDON copies and 10 copies of EverQuest Evolutions.
<Ttaylor-SOE> (After our wonderful guests have said their goodbyes of course.)
<Hartsman-SOE> I actually started out writing content for a commercial MUD called "Scepter" when I was 15. Decided I wanted to be able to know how to make an entire online game, and that was pretty much the end of the road for my chances of a normal career. It's been online games ever since.
<Rwaters-SOE> I started as a QA tester 11 years ago for Sierra Online's Shadow of Yserbius game. I worked hard and learned from the people around me, and managed to move into a game design position. Since then, I've been lucky enough to meet a lot of incredible game developers and learn a lot from them.
<Rbarker-SOE> I took a lot of chemistry class, heh. Seriously I just grew up playing games, and messing with computurs. I took a number of Computer Science classes in college, but the most important thing is to have a love for what you're doing and the drive to make it happen.
<Osmith-SOE> I was really interested in the gaming industry and decided to focus my studies on tools that are available within it (sql, vb, c++, etc.). I also spent a lot of time working with standard office tools (word, excel, etc.) and kept learning what I could. I got my foot into the door by becoming a Technical Support Rep for VI/SOE back in 1999.
<SLord-SOE> It started with picking up some random fantasy novels. You know, something about a dwarf, barbarian, a guy and his cat... that sort of thing. It eventually evolved into me spending plenty of time playing Pen and Paper games and then every video game I could get my hands on. But then again, I work in design, not programming.
<Hartsman-SOE> <d>

<[Admin]Cobby> *LordTithus* For the devs: How will corpse retrievals work with instanced dungeons? Will we see more of the graveyard mechanic?
<Hartsman-SOE> Kind of.
<Hartsman-SOE> Since these instanced zones are launched for your group on demand, if you fail an adventure and are unable to complete it in its time limit, your corpse is automatically returned, at that point, to the place where you originally zoned in.
<Hartsman-SOE> However, it's not fully-automatic in the same sense as GY's are.
<SLord-SOE> A goblin will sell your corpse to the nearest vendor for 2pp. G'luck getting it back!
<SLord-SOE> Ack... sorry. Scott, stop hitting me.
<R_A__Salvatore> LOL
<Hartsman-SOE> hey, my <laughs> got spam-snipped.
<Hartsman-SOE> <mutter>
<R_A__Salvatore> Corpse? You mean characters DIE in EQ? Wow.
<Hartsman-SOE> Serious!
<Ttaylor-SOE> The gnomes do if you punt them far enough...erm...nevermind...
<Hartsman-SOE> Anyway, don't be surprised to see corpses being spit out of dungeon entrances across Norrath.
<R_A__Salvatore> Some people don't play so well, I guess.....
<Hartsman-SOE> a_rujarkian_entrance00 says, "...and STAY OUT!"
<Rwaters-SOE> <d>

<[Admin]Cobby> QuintenWolfe* Are there any plans to add more animations, model graphics and SOE sponsored Roleplaying Events? Like the Historic ones?
<Ttaylor-SOE> Next question is the last one...pick a good one, Cobby. (Thanks for the fabulous moderating job by the way Cobby & Spiff.)
<Hartsman-SOE> At the moment, we do have some folks looking into what kinds of improvements we can get away with making to EQ's graphics engine without completely traumatizing the average system -- That's part of the reason we're now asking people to submit their system info on log in. We're actually using that information for good, not evil. We're trying to find ways to improve EQ that don't break what's gone before.
<Rwaters-SOE> We're going to be adding more live events for people to take part in. We haven't had a big one since the fall of Grobb, which went over very well with players, but we do hope to get another couple of major events in soon.
<Rwaters-SOE> <done>
<[Admin]Cobby> I saved this one for last

<[Admin]Cobby> *sweets_eq* (for RAS) on an average ...how many cups of coffee do you drink when writing a novel???
<R_A__Salvatore> Haha! Depends on how many battle scenes I have to write!
<Ttaylor-SOE> I think the real question is who drinks more, Salvatore on a novel or the Dev Team on an expansion?
<Ttaylor-SOE> Coffee, thati s.
<SLord-SOE> ...
<Hartsman-SOE> US...! oh nm
<Rbarker-SOE> I dont' drink coffee, it's all mountain dew.
<R_A__Salvatore> When I offed the Wookie....well, let's just say it wasn't pretty round the coffee maker.
<Rwaters-SOE> I avoid the coffee.. stunts your growth.
<R_A__Salvatore> Developer team drinks more, without doubt. My boss let's me go to bed.
<R_A__Salvatore> lets me....duh
<R_A__Salvatore> I need coffee.
<R_A__Salvatore> <d>
<[Admin]Cobby> Trivia time?
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> Indeed.

<Ttaylor-SOE> Well...that was the last question. Any final comments before trivia time for our/your fans?
<SLord-SOE> 1712
<Hartsman-SOE> I'll take, "An Album Cover," for $800, Alex.
<R_A__Salvatore> Nothing here....but thanks for letting me sit in!
<Ttaylor-SOE> Thanks for coming! Its safe to say we're all big fans of your work here.
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> A huge thanks from GameSpy to all of you guys for dropping by to participate in this!
<Ttaylor-SOE> Ok...trivia...
<Ttaylor-SOE> Send Spiff your answer to win...
<Hartsman-SOE> Thanks a lot for having us -- Don't let us get in the way of giving out Free Stuff (tm)
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> type .msg [GSI]Spiff with your answers
<[Admin]Cobby> make that /msg
<[Admin]Cobby>
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> I mean, /msg [GSI]Spiff ...
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> sorry
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> ok, let's go
<Ttaylor-SOE> "Its the name of the Clock Tower in the city of Queynos."
<Ttaylor-SOE> Spiff needs coffee.
<Ttaylor-SOE> This one's tough...
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> Kini got it
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> Answer was: Clock of Ak'Anon
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> Congrats Kini!
<Ttaylor-SOE> If you win, Spiff will contact you and have you send your information on to him and once the products are released, we'll send you your free copy.
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> yep yep!
<SLord-SOE> Thanks again for having us!
<Ttaylor-SOE> What zone can you find the NPC Jairnel Marfury in?
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> ClammyLlama got it
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> stop
<Osmith-SOE> Have a good night everyone. Thanks for having us! Have fun with trivia time!
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> Answer was Filed of Bone

Osmith-SOE has left the room.

<[Admin]Cobby> Thanks for being here!
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> Field*
<Ttaylor-SOE> Thanks for coming guys!
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> good lord, I cannot type tonight
<[Admin]Cobby> Cobby Typing Syndrome® is extrememly contagious - it spreads rapidly to those who are unsuspecting mwahahahaha
<[Admin]Cobby> Blame me
<SLord-SOE> Take care folks. Stick a fork in Ttaylor, this turkey's done.

SLord-SOE has gone to Later!.

<[Admin]Cobby> Great job guys!
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> Thanks again for coming, guys!
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> it was a blast having you here
<R_A__Salvatore> Night all!
<[Admin]Cobby> We'll post the chat log as soon as we can!

<Ttaylor-SOE> What NPC in EverQuest shouts "Let your deaths be a lesson to those who are wiser than to defy the will of Veeshan! (Veeshan Rocks.)
<R_A__Salvatore> Pfft, Kimmuriel would kick his sorry.....
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> Steelbelted got it
<Ttaylor-SOE> I used to be the Server GM for Veeshan...I'm Biased.
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> Answer was Gorenaire

<Ttaylor-SOE> "Just hearing this 59th level song sung by a bard in your party will cause you to be more charming.
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> Elephi got it
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> Answer was: Solon's Charmismatic Concord
<Ttaylor-SOE> Had to ask that one...I play a high level bard.
<Ttaylor-SOE> Another EQ Evolutions to this next winner...
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> excellent!

<Ttaylor-SOE> What NPC Shouts "The Royal Court of Dain Frostreaver IV and his council of advisors is now in session!"
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> renk got it
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> stop
<Ttaylor-SOE> Wow, you guys are good.
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> way to go renk!
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> answer was Chamberlain Krystorf
<Ttaylor-SOE> Ok...here's a good one.

<Ttaylor-SOE> "If you give a couple of gold pieces to Mare X'Lottl of the Maiden's Fancy, she will do this for you..."
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> Neggy got it
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> Answer was "Dance"
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> Lotta correct answers that time
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> Neggy was just incredibly quick on the draw
<Ttaylor-SOE> Obviously a big fan of Dark Elves...
<Ttaylor-SOE> Here's an obscure one.

<Ttaylor-SOE> For a copy of Lost Dungeons of Norrath "This is the name of the raft that transports passengers across the pond in front of the City of Halas.
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> Evve got it
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> Stop!
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> Answer was: The Gwenavyne
<Ttaylor-SOE> Too easy, apparently.

<Ttaylor-SOE> The Matriarch of the Teir'Dal, this queen supports her most devoted followers who are known collectively as "The Dead."
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> kaostrife got it
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> answer was Cristanos Thex
<Ttaylor-SOE> I'm gonna have to get out the really hard ones.
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> no kidding

<Ttaylor-SOE> Yet another LDoN, The Greenblood River empties into the Innothule Swamp near this body of water.
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> no correct answers yet!
<Ttaylor-SOE> Hehe...no winners yet eh?
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> nope
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> It is NOT the Gulf of Gunthak
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> Nor is it lake rathe
<R_A__Salvatore> Okay, really going to bed now....thanks again, all.
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> nor the lake of ill omen
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> or the ocean of tears

R_A__Salvatore has gone to Later!.

<Ttaylor-SOE> :plays jeopardy music
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> not the oasis of marr
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> wow ...
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> I think we've stumped 'em
<Ttaylor-SOE> It was the Gulf of Uzun.
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> bardiousdemad1 got it!
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> omg!
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> way to go!
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> answer was gulf of uzun
<Ttaylor-SOE> (points above)
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> doh
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> i am such a dork
<Ttaylor-SOE> LOL
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> was scanning im tabs
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> doh!

<Ttaylor-SOE> How about this question instead. "This small land mass is completely surrounded by the Abysmal Sea."
<Ttaylor-SOE> We'll give him the benefit of the doubt, why not.
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> Raivan got it
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> answer was: Kerra Isle
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> lotta good answers that time
<Ttaylor-SOE> I'm getting a lot of complaints about that Uzun question. I'll have to have that one removed from the list.
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> took me a minute to scrool up and grab the winner
<Ttaylor-SOE> What is the real name of the SOE employee named "Absor?"
<Ttaylor-SOE> Absor smash.
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> gamespyarcade wins it
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> i swear he was first
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> not playing faves
<Ttaylor-SOE>
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> answer was alan vancourvering
<Ttaylor-SOE> Ok...how many winners is that Spiffy?
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> 13 so far!
<Ttaylor-SOE> 7 prizes left.

<Ttaylor-SOE> Ok...who is the SOE Employee with the avatar name of Vannoth?
<Ttaylor-SOE> Wonder if anyone will get this one.
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> Soriak got it
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> it's Mr. Tom Taylor!
<Ttaylor-SOE> Hahaha...the answer is me.
<Ttaylor-SOE> Nananannana Fan Faire man!
<Ttaylor-SOE> Ok back to real in-game questions.

<Ttaylor-SOE> Who is the head of the cleric guild in the 3rd gate of Neriak?
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> Laerg619 got it
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> answer is Perrir Nexus
<Ttaylor-SOE> Hey I had to throw in a plug for Fan Faire in there. (The next one is in Chicago on Sept 26-28th, by the way)

<Ttaylor-SOE> "This Egotistical Erudite is unmatched in the use of magic"
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> Tolain got it
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> answer was Al Kabor
<Ttaylor-SOE> The illustrious Al`Kabor
<Ttaylor-SOE> Here's a hard one..for Evolutions (our new all in one box set)

<Ttaylor-SOE> Return the Happy Love Bracers and Lumpin's head to him, and he'll award you a special helm that bears his name.
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> Mitri_Deephelm got it
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> Answer was Hukulk
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> way to go!

<Ttaylor-SOE> "You might be able to find this Scimitar, but you will have to see the invisible monster that drops it first.
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> Walker_Boh got it
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> Answer was Shadowed Scimitar
<Ttaylor-SOE> How many left now Spiffster?
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> 2

<Ttaylor-SOE> "These mines are the home to 'Red 5"
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> Shaitan got it
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> answer was: Mines of Malfunction
<Ttaylor-SOE> Hmm...last one...

<Ttaylor-SOE> He sits alone in his place of death, worshipped by rats and on the lookout for another dragon to fill his belly"
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> Yasai got it
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> Answer was: Zlandikar

<Ttaylor-SOE> Excellent...I'll stick around for a few minutes and answer a few more questions if you like, but remember, I'm not a dev, just a Marketing guy.
<Ttaylor-SOE> I'd like to thank Cobby & Spiff for helping us set up this chat, you guys were great.
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> No, thank YOU Tom
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> this was a blast
<[Admin]Cobby> Thank YOU!
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> and a HUGE thanks to the EQ community for turning out in force for this event
<Ttaylor-SOE> I spelled Zlandicar wrong so sue me
<Ttaylor-SOE> Ok...unmoderate this baby. /braces himself.
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> Eek!
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> I'll be running away now
<Ttaylor-SOE> Or not
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> g'night all!
<[Admin][GSI]Spiff> thanks again!

[a_guide]

< Ttaylor-SOE> What is the name of the place to go for training in Cabilis if you are an Iksar Warrior? No its not the Warrior Guild. Looking for the name of the building.
< Ttaylor-SOE> By the way. Iksars > All.
< Ttaylor-SOE> I think I hear hundreds of web browsers opening...
< [Admin][GSI]Spiff> Scaley gets it
< [Admin][GSI]Spiff> stop
< [PEQ]Muskie> Wow. we got a Big Iksar fan in the house!
< [Admin][GSI]Spiff> Nice work Scaley!
< Ttaylor-SOE> Devs...is it true in the Lost Dungeons Expansion that Iksars take over Norrath?
< [PEQ]Muskie> Grats, Scaley!
< Ttaylor-SOE> Congrats Scaley.
< Rbarker-SOE> no
< Hartsman-SOE> Down, Tom.
< Ttaylor-SOE> :'(

< Ttaylor-SOE> What NPC in EverQuest shouts "Let your deaths be a lesson to those who are wiser than to defy the will of Veeshan! (Veeshan Rocks.)

I miss Saiphos.

[Ramius]

<Rwaters-SOE> The adventure system is pretty exciting to a lot of the people in beta now.

Hmm, closed beta what a supprise.

[vn_Tanc]

< Ttaylor-SOE> What NPC in EverQuest shouts "Let your deaths be a lesson to those who are wiser than to defy the will of Veeshan! (Veeshan Rocks.)

Gorenaire?

[Voronwë]

yeah i think that is the right answer.

i was thinking Klandicar for some reason, but Gore sounds right.

[Ramius]

Gore is a RoS faction dragon why would she talk about Veeshan?

[vn_Tanc]

Cos the RoS are Veeshan worshippers. Which is why you get +RoS for killing Vox and Nag who are renegades. ISTR.

Gah when will I forget this crap and get those braincells back for reuse?

[Fovol]

The coolest part is all these new EXP areas being completely wasted because there aren't any new AAs to get. Unless, of course, they make lots of ledges and cliffs so that I need to get Acrobatics to reduce falling damage! I guess you can still get items, though. Still, I wish they would release more AAs.

[Breagen]

I think the biggest problem introduced with PoP (Apart from the retarded flag system) was the speed at which AA's could be gained.

In SoL it was good to get an AA in like a hour to a hour and a half for really really good XP. In PoP it was reduced to minutes in some cases and approximatly an hour for just a moderate group in a low end zone. By this point in EQ most everyone has all the useful AA's and just XP's to fill out some barely useful skills simply out of boredom.

In other words if all LDoN is really bringing for high end players is a modifed version of Diablo's socketing / imbuing processes with no raid type encounters and / or new AA's / level's etc than I think I'll spend my money on something else.