When Time Becomes a Currency

In the vast expanse of Norrath, time takes on a peculiar form. It’s not merely minutes ticking away; it’s an investment, a currency traded for the chance at something extraordinary. We hunters, seekers of elusive rares, know this dance all too well. We trade hours, days, and sometimes weeks for that adrenaline rush when the coveted name finally appears.

The Monotony of Repetition

How many skeletons have we slain? How many gnolls have fallen under our blades? The repetition becomes a rhythm, a heartbeat of the game. But then, there’s the twist—the anticipation. We camp near spawn points, eyes glued to the screen, hoping for that telltale shimmer. We become part of the landscape, blending with the rocks and trees, waiting for Grizzleknot or Quillmane to emerge from the shadows.

The Joy of Triumph

And oh, the joy when it happens! The adrenaline spikes, and we forget the countless hours spent. Grizzleknot’s corpse lies at our feet, and we’re victorious. We’ve danced with fate, and fate finally twirled us into its arms. Screenshots are taken, guild chat erupts in cheers, and we bask in the glow of accomplishment. It’s a high that no other game can replicate.

The Frustration of Obsession

But what about the times when Grizzleknot remains elusive? When days stretch into weeks, and our patience wears thin? We check the spawn points, curse the placeholder mobs, and wonder if we’re chasing a phantom. Our obsession grows—OCD, as you aptly put it. We question our life choices: “Why am I doing this?” Yet, we can’t tear ourselves away. The allure of that rare loot, that unique experience—it keeps us tethered.

The Community That Sustains Us

In this dance, we’re not alone. Fellow hunters share tales of their own quests. We swap tips, commiserate over dry spells, and celebrate each other’s victories. The community becomes our lifeline, reminding us that we’re not crazy for waiting hours on end. We’re part of something bigger—a fellowship of patience and passion.

The EverQuest Paradox

So, my fellow adventurer, as you vent and persevere, remember this paradox: EverQuest both tests and rewards our patience. It’s not just about Grizzleknot or Quillmane; it’s about the journey—the camaraderie, the memories, and the sheer audacity of chasing pixels across a digital realm.

Producer’s Letter July 2024 | EverQuest Forums (daybreakgames.com)

June 19, 2024
_____________________

*** Highlights ***

– The server select screen has been updated to include additional information about each server. All servers now display the ruleset, current expansion, population level, True Box status, membership requirements, and a description.
– Enabled free transfers off Thornblade and updated it to Free-to-Play.
– The Ring of Scale expansion items are available in the Marketplace for a limited time on Agnarr and other servers that have unlocked Ring of Scale.

*** Items ***

– Fixed a few typos in messages associated with the Lost and Found rings.
– The spell name attached to Summoned: Modulation Shard VIII has been fixed.
– Emerald of Abjuration, Tourmaline of Alteration, Citrine of Conjuration, Peridot of Divination, and Topaz of Evocation are no longer in a Lore Equip group, and are instead Lore.
– Lowered the level requirement to cast the Transfrogify spell on Transfrogifying Hoops.
– Ankexfen Regalia quest items are now Lore.
– Portho’s Spore Pendant, Mycelium Amulet, and Fungal Chain now have Tribute values.
– Fixed an issue with the Traveler’s Tapestry incorrectly saying that it was for North Qeynos.

*** Quests & Events ***

– Adjusted the spawn rate on some older quests where the items would rarely drop.
– – Springy Young Branches will be easier to collect in the Hills of Shade.
– – Odd Looking Beetles should spawn more in Foundation.
– Tayla Ironforge only needs rescuing once. Her father, Brohan Ironforge, will only reward you once.
– Spymaster Gephes will be able to spawn as Fabled during the next Fabled event.
– Fixed an issue with “Trust is Earned, Outsider” in Timorous Falls not updating correctly when speaking with the paladins.
– Fixed a typo in Arias dialogue when starting the tutorial.
– Fixed the Korascian Warrens quests “Unusual Properties” and “Primal Terrors” steps to better clarify each step.
– Tides of Time, Year of Darkpaw – Oasis of Sand – The NPCs should no longer attack players during zone-in. They should wait until players take their first step into the room.

*** Spells ***

– Speed Focus will no longer be overwritten by a refresh of Fists of Fury.
– Fixed an issue where spells cast by clicking an item failed to complete.
– Increased the maximum number of blocked buffs and blocked pet buffs to 60.

*** AA ***

– Shadowknight – Updated the Class AA, Mortal Coil, all ranks, to show the raw value applied to base AC by the triggered spell in addition to the effective AC value.
– All Classes – Updated the General AA, Mystical Attuning, with 7 new ranks available from levels 105 to 120, that add an additional mystical effect slot per rank.
– Cleric/Druid/Enchanter/Magician/Wizard – Updated the Archetype AA, Improved Twincast, all ranks, to count down in safe zones and guild halls.
– Necromancer – Updated the Class AA, Heretics Twincast, all ranks, to count down in safe zones and guild halls.
– Paladin – Updated the Class AA, Blessing of the Faithful, all ranks, to show the base value applied to AC by the triggered spell in addition to the effective AC value.
– All Classes – Updated the General AA, Armor of Wisdom, all ranks, to show the base value applied to AC in addition to the effective AC value.

*** NPCs ***

– Shroudkeepers have returned to the Plane of Knowledge.

*** Progression Servers ***

– Removed the expansion and progression server restrictions on out of combat regen.
– Enabled free transfers off Thornblade and updated it to Free-to-Play.

*** Miscellaneous ***

– Backstab angles of attack have been restored to their previous arcs.
– Fixed rendering artifacts caused by TextureQuality settings of 2 (Medium) or 3 (Low) in eqclient.ini.
– The Terror of Luclin expansion is now free-to-play on Test and Live servers.
– Corrected an issue that caused same-level groupmates to receive different amounts of AA experience when killing NPCs in zones that they are considered too high level for.
– Corrected an issue with the final name reservation block displaying incorrect information for the next name reservation block.
– Corrected an issue that caused some teleport spells that landed on players while they weren’t in control of themselves (such as from a fear spell) to move them to 0, 0, 0.
– Fixed some Rain of Fear Collection achievement components where the names did not match required item names.
– Corrected an issue where a name change could time out if the desired name was taken.
– Fixed various instances of the word “Crystallized” being spelled incorrectly.

*** UI ***

– The display option to overlap the Windows taskbar once again works while in normal windowed mode.
– Updated how owned expansions display on the server select screen.
– Added the current expansion to the server select screen.
– Server status updates at server select should happen more quickly than before.
– Added a server’s True Box setting to the server select screen.
– Now showing server status as Low, Med, or High based on player population instead of just “UP”.
– The game’s desktop window can once again be moved partially offscreen and keep its position, in unmaximized windowed mode.

– Changed –
EQUI_BlockedBuffWnd.xml
EQUI_BlockedPetBuffWnd.xml
EQLSUI_ServerSelectWnd.xml

*** Previously Updated ***

– Laurion’s Inn collectibles will not be available on the Collection Item Dispenser until the next expansion unlocks.
– Tides of Time, Year of Darkpaw – Oasis of Sky – The spiroc novices will no longer respawn, preventing a level 100 novice from spawning.
– Fixed a crash while in the server selection window.
– Fixed a crash while using the character selection window.
– Made adjustments to allow more players online simultaneously.
– The Year of Darkpaw key quests now reward coin via the Achievement reward instead of the quest completion.

– The EverQuest Team

May 15, 2024
_____________________

*** Highlights ***

– Level 50 Heroic characters are now available on servers that have unlocked Planes of Power.
– A new heritage crate, the Guktan Heritage Crate, is available in the marketplace.
– The achievement for 25th Anniversary Raid Challenges now has a reward allowing for the choice of one of the augments found in the raid chest. See below for details.
– The game client can once again launch in full screen mode and switching between desktop windows should be smoother.

*** Items ***

– Vestments of the Forsaken may not be claimed until Call of the Forsaken unlocks.
– The Alternate Advancement abilities Taelosian Guard and Ancestral Memories III found on the Lost Legacies evolving necklaces should now function correctly.
– If you claim a bag of items and have no room, the items inside the bag will now correctly be added to your overflow items.
– Bash attacks once again proc effects from the equipped shield or shield augments for all classes.
– Laurion’s Song weapons that had Stunning Snap now have Stunning Snap II.
– Updated the zone descriptions of the Night of Shadow options of the Collection Item dispenser.
– Red Flaming Fist Ornament should now work correctly for all one hand and hand to hand weapons.

*** Quests & Events ***

– The achievement for 25th Anniversary Raid Challenges now has a reward allowing for the choice of one of the augments found in the raid chest. These augments will continue to drop from the raid chest.
– Made a speculative fix for Sleeper’s Tomb fabled NPC spawns.
– Added a chance for Lord Bergurgle’s Crown to drop from other aqua goblins in Lake Rathe.
– Fixed the issue with Va Xi Aten Ha Ra resetting herself. This was caused by her flinging herself too high and leaving her tether area. Increased the height of her tether and added a message that tells you when she resets via leaving her area.
– Everfrost Peaks, Year of Darkpaw – Broken Key of Frost – The key can no longer be repaired before the correct step.

*** Spells ***

– Increased the total melee damage cap and minimum melee damage threshold for all ranks of the following spells:
— Enchanter/Magician/Necromancer/Wizard – Shield of Order, Shield of Destiny, Shield of Inevitability, and Shield of Inescapability
— Enchanter – Tenebrous Auspice, Crepuscular Auspice, Eclipsed Auspice, and Gloaming Auspice
— Warrior – Warrior’s Bastion, Warrior’s Rampart, Warrior’s Aegis, and Warrior’s Resolve
– Bard – Lowered the proc chance for the Song of Suffering line by a little and increased the proc damage by a lot.
– Bard – Increased the spell damage added by the Performer’s Explosive Aria line of songs.
– Bard – Lowered the melee proc chance for the Arcane Anthem line of songs by a little and increased damage for melee and spell procs by a lot.
– Bard – Significantly increased the damage added by the Aria and Fatesong lines of songs.
– Bard – Adjusted all ranks of the chants of Disease, Frost, Poison and Flame. Songs no longer vary in power with the level of the singer. Songs from level 76 to level 110 are much more powerful. Songs from level 111 to 125 are slightly less powerful. All songs from 81 and up now have the same maximum instrument modifier.
– Fixed some typos in the descriptions of the recently changed area of effect spells.

*** AA ***

– Increased the total melee damage cap and minimum melee damage threshold for all ranks of the following AAs:
— Paladin – Champion’s Oath
— Shadow Knight – Reaver’s Bargain
– Bard – Updated the Focus AA, Improved Chants, to provide a smoother growth rate for the damage bonus it provides. New ranks have been added, but the current max bonus of 550% has not increased. Instead, we’ve halved the bonus AND the cost assigned to ranks 46-55, spreading the remainder across 10 new ranks that you will be able to purchase immediately with the refund provided by ranks 46-55. Additionally, ranks 1-23 are now available in earlier expansions that correspond to their minimum level requirements, starting with Underfoot.
– Necromancer – Updated the Class AA, Life Burn, ranks 19-22, to support stacking on the same target when cast by multiple Necromancers. Also, reduced the base damage/healing per tick at ranks 21 and 22 to 200k/10k and 275k/12.5k. The level scalar on the damage component remains unchanged.
– Paladin – Fixed an issue with the new activated Class AA, Champion’s Oath, that let its triggered spells, Oathbound Tithe and Oathbreaker’s Penance, be added to the Blocked Buffs list.
– Paladin/Shadow Knight – Updated the Class AA, Weapon Mastery of the Knight, ranks 23-47, to have a slightly reduced minimum 2H weapon damage bonus per rank.
– Shadow Knight – Updated the Class AA, Mortal Coil, ranks 18-26, to provide a smaller armor class bonus and a flat 2 minute duration. The cost of these ranks has also decreased, which will result in an automatic points refund for all players who purchased them.
– Shadow Knight – Updated the Class AA, Soul Abrasion, ranks 19-28, to provide a smaller base lifetap damage bonus to the Shroud, Horror, and Touch of the Cursed spells/abilities while providing a larger bonus to the Spite spell line.

*** NPCs ***

– NPCs are less likely to use the terrain to hide from combat. Widened the melee combat arc slightly to allow for your wilder swings.
– Removed three enemies that could approach the Plane of Knowledge book in Shadeweaver’s Tangle.

*** Miscellaneous ***

– Corrected an issue that prevented zoning in to a zone with too many people in it.
– Added more details to the message received when you are unable to loot an item.
– Added the option to add a player to your friend or ignore list by clicking their name in a chat window.
– Corrected an issue with some items not being placed into the correct slot when loading a saved Persona equipment set.
– The output from /netstats now all goes to the same chat filter.
– Corrected an issue that caused certain illusions to place you under the world when zoning.
– Corrected an issue that caused a global Marketplace discount to override an item’s higher discount.
– Fixed a DirectX 11 crash on Windows 7 SP1 and Windows 8.0 machines.
– The following server transfer settings have been updated:
— Rizlona can now transfer to Mangler and Aradune.
— Vaniki can now transfer to Mangler.
— Yelinak can now transfer to Mangler, Rizlona, Aradune, Mischief, and Thornblade.
— Oakwynd can now transfer to Mangler, Rizlona, Aradune, Mischief, Thornblade, and Yelinak.
— Agnarr can now transfer to Mischief and Thornblade.
– Increased the NPC buff limit to 320 buffs and debuffs.
– Fixed kaleidoscopic rendering artifacts.

*** UI ***

– Made a speculative fix for a UI crash related to the new Name Reservation window.
– Overseer experience now displays correctly after changing personas.
– Clicking the Disable Reminder button in the Name Reservation Window no longer causes that button to disappear.
– The game client can once again launch in full screen mode and switching between desktop windows should be smoother.

– Changed –
EQUI_CharacterCreate.xml
EQUI_Inventory.xml

*** Previously Updated ***

– Corrected an issue where certain race/class combinations could be created before the appropriate expansion had launched.
– Barren Coast, Tempest Festival – Lessons of Madness – The area of the 3rd & 4th steps of cleansing the pearl has been increased.
– Barren Coast, Tempest Festival – Lessons of Madness – The final fight has been changed to killing one scrykin and how the pearl is changed from corrupted to cleansed. It should no longer remove everyone in the group’s pearl.
– Corrected an issue where Claws of Veeshan raids were not awarding alternate currency.

– The EverQuest Team

*** Highlights ***

– Weapon base damage and backstab values have been increased to bring them back in line with original intentions. This affects weapons from Night of Shadows back to The Burning Lands.

*** Items ***

– Extra Planar Potential Shards will now drop in Laurion Inn zones, as well as mission zones going back to Torment of Velious.
– The Legacies Lost and Selenelion evolving items no longer have class restrictions.
– Weapon base damage and backstab values have been increased to bring them back in line with original intentions. This affects weapons from Night of Shadows back to The Burning Lands.
– Guardian’s Argent Mask, Sterling Mask of Brilliance, Silver Mask of Adroitness, Argent Ring of Vigor, Sterling Ring of Brilliance, and Silver Ring of Adroitness now have augment slots.

*** Quests & Events ***

– Reduced the experience granted by the 22nd-anniversary heroic adventure Unity.
– Fixed an issue that would cause the Inner Turmoil raid to reset if a construct of agony is charmed.
– 25th Anniversary achievements that referenced “Katta Castrum” as the zone for Ghrald McManus should now correctly reference “Katta Castellum.”
– Barren Coast, Tempest Festival – Lessons of Madness – The area of the 3rd & 4th steps of cleansing the pearl has been increased.
– Barren Coast, Tempest Festival – Lessons of Madness – The final fight has been changed to killing one scrykin and how the pearl is changed from corrupted to cleansed. It should no longer remove everyone in the group’s pearl.
– Greater Faydark, Year of Darkpaw – Broken Key of Forests – The quest now has expansion requirements for the higher level enslaved miners.
– The Mechanical Fortune Teller will now mention 25th anniversary events.
– Final Fugue raid: the Plucked achievement will now be granted properly and will notify anyone that failed to qualify as well as those that succeeded or failed.
– Stone Hive, Brew Day – Vintage Toy Ships – The spelling of Willful Sloop has been updated.

*** Spells ***

– Paladin and Shadowknight – Corrected the degeneration values for the Steely Stance line of spells.
– Druid and Wizard – Teleportation spells for Shadow Valley no longer refer to Laurion Inn in their description.
– We are limiting most detrimental Area of Effect spells that did not have a limit to 30 targets.

*** AA ***

– Merged the DoN Progression AA lines, Gift of the Dark Reign and Gift of the Keepers, into a new faction-agnostic line called Gift of the Nest. The new line is functionally identical to both of the previous lines and is still earned in exactly the same way. However, the new line is no longer lost when switching faction. Additionally, the new line is now shared between Personas. The Advancement achievements associated with these AAs have also been updated so that level 60 characters with the proper faction and progression criteria can see them.
– Paladin – Added a new activated Class AA, Champion’s Oath. See the in-game AA description for details.
– Shadowknight – Updated Reaver’s Bargain ranks 1 and 2 to now absorb 5% of all incoming damage with mana at a rate of 100 to 40 mana, but reduced the amount of melee damage absorbed on those ranks. Added 4 new ranks at levels 110 / 115 / 120 / 125. The buff now ticks down in no-combat zones.
– Magician – Fixed an issue with the class AA, Host of the Elements, which prevented the rank 40 pet from attacking.

*** NPCs ***

– Added a speculative fix for NPCs pathing under the world and becoming unhittable.

*** Mercenaries ***

– Fixed an issue where mercenaries would not load with the additional health from Improved Health AAs when zoning or unsuspending.

*** Progression Servers ***

– Set some 15th and 16th anniversary NPCs in Plane of Knowledge and the 15th anniversary event to activate in Rain of Fear.

*** Miscellaneous ***

– Fixed kaleidoscopic rendering artifacts and related crashes.
– Improved client log file processing performance.
– Fixed the write frequency of LogInterval=0 setting so that it’s truly immediate, instead of at 1 second intervals. Please check your eqclient.ini setting for LogInterval=0 as this setting could adversely impact performance. As a reminder, the default setting is LogInterval=1 (or via the game command /loginterval 1).
– Guild banners and fellowship campfires will now check the height when determining if enough members are within range for them to be planted.
– Instanced zones will again attempt to suspend mercenaries if there are too many players in the zone.
– Corrected an issue that caused some quests from the most recent expansions to reward less experience than intended.
– ClientCore variables in eqclient.ini now set affinity to a physical core (two virtual CPU) for improved performance. Legacy values that conflict with other EQ client instances are reset to -1.

*** UI ***

– Updated /copylayout functionality to include new UI window positions, Alternate Currency list column widths, and Persona Auto Load/Save Equipment Set checkbox values.

– Added –
NameReservationWnd.html
EQUI_NameReservationWnd.xml

– Changed –
EQUI.xml
main.css
TargetOfTargetWindow.html

*** Previously Updated ***

– Chasing What’s Not Real: Made a speculative fix for an issue where the task would not update when examining the empty meeting room.
– Optimized NPC respawn processing and reduced its contribution to per-frame spikes by at least 50%.
– Pressing the ESC key during the tutorial cut scene no longer hangs the client.
– Fixed several client crashes.
– Fixed screenshot alpha for BMP and PNG formats.
– Fixed spell descriptions on Silver Protecting and Silver Warding Magic of Jubilation augments to indicate they offer resists to magic spells rather than cold.
– Players on Oakwynd will no longer be disconnected for being AFK for an extended period.
– The alternate currency server bonus should now affect adventure points.

– The EverQuest Team

Qindaar has been on quite the adventure in the Rathe Mountains, seeking out elusive creatures for the Hunter’s Quest.

1. Mortificator Syythrak: This formidable foe is known for its eerie presence and deadly attacks. Its name alone sends shivers down the spines of seasoned adventurers. Qindaar’s determination to track down Mortificator Syythrak shows true dedication.
2. Oculys Ogrefiend: The Oculys Ogrefiend is equally elusive. Its hideout must be well-hidden, as it has managed to evade detection for so long. Perhaps Qindaar has followed cryptic clues or consulted ancient tomes to uncover its whereabouts.
3. Hours of Tedious Pursuit: The Rathe Mountains can be treacherous, with winding paths, hidden caves, and dangerous terrain. Qindaar’s persistence in scouring every nook and cranny for these rare creatures demonstrates unwavering commitment.
4. Hunter’s Quest: The Hunter’s Quest is no ordinary undertaking. It requires not only skill in combat but also a keen eye for tracking and patience. Completing this quest will undoubtedly earn Qindaar respect among fellow adventurers.

As the sun sets over the Rathe Mountains, Qindaar’s determination remains unyielding. May fortune favor their efforts, and may the elusive Mortificator and Oculys reveal themselves soon! ️

See what new and what’s coming in the Producer’s Letter April 2024 | EverQuestProducer’s Letter April 2024 | EverQuest

March 13, 2024
_____________________

*** Highlights ***

– Starting March 16th, seek out Alta the Frightened in Crescent Reach to start the 25th Anniversary quests!

*** Items ***

– The names, icons, and lore text have been swapped for the Guardian’s Girdle and Assaulter’s Belt.
– Type 7 augments available from Miacallie Herlsas in Tides of Time have had stat adjustments where applicable.
– Fixed an issue that caused Selyrah mounts to disappear and their buffs to misbehave.

*** Quests & Events ***

– Reduced the price of mounts on the anniversary merchant.

*** Spells ***

– Cleric – Increased the damage of ranks 2 and 3 of Unrelenting Hammer of Zeal.
– Enchanter – Increased the HP and damage of ranks 2 and 3 of Flariton’s Animation.
– Shaman – Increased the HP and damage of all ranks of Suja’s Faithful.
– Shadowknight – Increased the HP and damage of all ranks of Minion of Fandrel.
– Wizard – Increased the damage of ranks 2 and 3 of Kindleheart’s Pyroblade.
– Wizard – Irae Faycite Shard: Glacial Ice Cascade will now also focus Wildice Cascade XI rather than Rimeclaw Torrent.
– Monk – Moved all abilities in the Clawstriker’s Flurry line of abilities from timer 9 to timer 12.

*** Mercenaries ***

– Fixed a bug where mercenaries suspended after a persona swap would unsuspend after zoning without the mercenary window reflecting the unsuspension.

*** Progression Servers ***

– Modest Illdaera, Elegant Oseka, Stately Ladrys, and Ostentatious Ryken armor are now marked as quest items.

*** Miscellaneous ***

– Doubled the maximum number of allowed players per pickzone for Laurion Inn.
– Increased the Dragon’s Hoard cap to 500.
– Optimized the processing performance of the client log file to reduce hitching and stuttering.
– The per-kill Alternate Advancement experience cap is now applied before most server and character-based experience modifiers to be more consistent with leveling experience.
– Corrected an issue that caused a player’s level and class to not get updated in the Guild Window after leaving a monster mission.
– Made several changes to improve client and zone performance.
– Refined the tuning of Memory.ini for smoother framerate: Balanced and Most memory modes have pre-loaded textures. Least memory mode has always had deferred texture loading.
– You will no longer be able to bind in Nagafen’s Lair, Permafrost Keep, Kedge Keep, Plane of Sky, and Plane of Fear.

– The EverQuest Team