Azaroth

Greetings all!

It’s time for another SOTR!

Since we haven’t had one of these in some time, there were quite a few questions asked. As part of the new approach for the new year on IPY, we’ll be doing this feature much more often. So come back to the blog regularly to find new “SOTR” and “10 in 10 on 2.5″ features.

Let’s get to it!

First, Corrado asks..

Are there any changes planned for the red/paladin system?

An interesting question!

We’re actually planning a full review of MOST of our systems early this year for our “relaunch” or “refresh” of IPY. Paladins is no exception. We’ve seen where it’s succeeded and where it’s failed over the last year, and we’re definitely ready to make some decisions and upgrade it soon.

On the back burner has always been the “Dread Lords” idea that some will remember. I’m never so hot on encouraging reds (and thus rampant player killing), especially in Ultima Online where it needs no encouragement. Plus, we’d prefer to improve our O/C/B system for our PvPers and get them involved in that instead of rolling reds. However, that’s certainly not the final word, and we do have a review coming up. Changes could be anything from minor tweaks to major changes, to an overhaul or massive additions like the Dread Lords idea.

Do you have any plans to add any of the T2A content?

Big secret!

We’ve looked at that possibility, and we continue to. There are a few ideas floating around, so we’ll see…

BRAMBLES?!

Will brambles be a permanent fixture in IPY2?

Brambles,

brambles?

BWAMBLES LOL WUT?

DEATH TO BWAMBLES

1 – Are there any fixes to expect concerning the brambles?

Brambles

I HATE BRAMBLES

Get rid of impassable brambles

brambles and overland spawn

… and so on.

Yes, we heard you. ;)

We love brambles. Each time a player gets stuck on a bramble, we smile inside.

However, when the server next restarts for a patch (very soon), you will notice your map has changed. Spring comes early this year on IPY!

Cameron asks:

Do you have any changes in mind to encourage smaller groups in OCB pvp?

We do!

O/C/B will receive a full upgrade with 2.5. More details will come, don’t worry. Yes, we’re looking at synch shields. Mostly because I wanted them in a year ago, and first tossed out the idea on the old IPY 1 boards. It’s worth a try, at least, right?

Violent Beard asks…

Any plans for regular overland high end mob/hard to farm spots like the haunted house to bring some pvp action?

Yes! You’ll see Champions and World Bosses on IPY 2.5.

G.G. writes…

When will we see custom alchemy, custom housing and do you still plan to release the achievement system?

Custom Alchemy is already in place. We have pewter mortars on the live server, but nobody has one yet. The system needs polishing and it needs to be more robust. We plan on adding various types of mortars for Alchemy that will allow you to discover different sets of special potions. Fun!

Custom Housing is already in. We have 10+ house designs. But, again, nobody has a deed yet. We’re saving them for special rewards, such as an O/C/B vendor upgrade.

Achievements are moving ahead! You’ll see them along with everything else when we relaunch. ;)

Luthius asks:

Bankable RCB gains? Miss a day or two and part of those day’s RCB gains get banked, up to a maximum of a few days

This has always been a good idea, and something we intend to do. Yes. :)

That’s it for now. Sorry if I didn’t get to your question, maybe next time!

Have fun everyone!