Thank you to all who have taken time to play test a radically new ruleset. We appreciate the candid feedback and have lots of bugs and mechanics to tweak based on it. As a reminder, if you would like to provide feedback, the best way to do that is on our forum in this post:
https://realmserver.com/forum/feedback/elphame-s-arena-ruleset-feedback
We will be taking Elphame's Arena down tonight at 10PM EST in order to begin developing the second round of ruleset changes. These changes are in direct response to the feedback players have provided us. The server is planned to return this coming weekend with a fresh set of changes to play test and collect feedback on.
Elphame's Arena is a canvas for us to collaboratively paint together. Thank you to the players who have taken time to help create it!
Regards,
TRO Staff
We have opened up our beta seasonal server for testing purposes. During the test as well as at the end of the testing phase, all character data will be erased in preparation for the formal launch.
Seasonal Servers are a way for us to launch branch new disruptive mechanics in a server that has a limited life span. When a season starts, every character will be brand new starting from scratch and at the end of the season the server will be deleted permanently. During the season, you will be able to earn unique rewards which are claimable on our Finvarra's Fortress server.
Being able to start a new server with a limited lifetime allows us to build radically new content in a way that isn't a continuous treadmill of progression. It also allows everyone to capture that initial wonder of entering a new world again with absolutely nothing, scrapping for every bit of gear you can find.
A summary of the ruleset that this server has at the moment is available by reading the "Server Ruleset" book in your inventory when you create a character.
We would love to hear your feedback about what you like/don't like. Please provide this on our forums to make sure we can all see and collaborate on that feedback.
World Area
The World Area has been significantly compressed to only include two towns: Leinster and Kurz. Along with this reduction in world size, there are fewer dungeons and the dungeons locations have changed.
Exploring the world will be more challenging as city Gatekeepers can no longer teleport you.
Experience Rate
The max level for this server is level 100. The experience rate has been reduced as well as the experience cap per fight in order to slow progression down.
The decisions you make about where to invest your build points will matter here!
In addition to experience rates decreasing, the experience penalty for dying has increased as has the price it costs to insure your inventory from dropping items. Be careful, as you will begin to lose experience and items starting at level 10!
Magic
Mana crystals are now a constrained resource - they can no longer be bought from stores and can only be found by exploring the world. Be careful when choosing which spells to cast as you may run out of mana before you know it!
Player versus Player
Player versus Player is now permanently enabled for all players. You should also keep a close eye on thieves nearby as the pickpocket rates have been increased!
Player versus Player is disabled while in the Havenwood zones but other open world zones will leave you vulnerable to attack by your peers!
Grouping
In order to level the playing field for players, the maximum group size has been reduced from 6 to 2.
Gold
Gold will be a more precious resource as sell prices have been decreased and repair costs have been increased.
Items
Enchantments and permanance on items has been disabled. You will now need to find items that have the innate stats that support your character the best!
But fear not - item binding has been DISABLED. Feel free to acquire, trade (or steal!) items from each other at will.
As mana becomes more scarce, you may find yourself relying on magic items such as orbs or wands more often. These now are dropped fully charged - however they cannot be recharged.
Lastly, level requirements on some items have been decreased to conform to the new level cap.
Does this mean Finvarra's Fortress is dead?
No - Finvarra's Fortress is our permanent "home" server. While playing on the seasonal servers after they have formally launched, you will earn rewards which are claimable on Finvarra's Fortress. Mechanics or items that players find compelling will be retrofitted into Finvarra's Fortress assuming it makes sense.
Also, we will continue to push content to our permanent server as we normally have!
How long will the beta be around for?
We intend to launch the first season formally early next year. Ultimately, as we collect feedback and hunt down bugs that may affect this.
How long is a season?
Right now we are targeting between 1-3 months. However we are very open to player feedback on this. The only non-negotiable is that the season must end eventually.
Will my characters be wiped?
Yes, your character data will be wiped before the formal launch.
I read that there are rewards for playing on the server, what are they?
At beta launch time, there are none available. We want to play test the mechanics changes and hear feedback from players to make sure the ruleset is fun before building a new reward system.
In terms of what to expect, are experimenting with many reward types such as new cosmetic items, house decorations, banners, awards or statues.