Developer Chat/Warcry Feb 2007

rCry: Welcome to the Dungeons and Dragons Online WarCry Dev Chat. Thank you all for stopping by tonight. If you haven't already done so you can send your questions to @[QT]QuestionTaker. Also general chat is available in #warcry. With the upcoming Module 3.3, the Enhancement changes, Module 4.0 right around the corner with new spells, levels and what is this about dragons? WarCry: And with that here are our honored guests to introduce themselves and answer your questions.

Samera_DDO: Hi, Samera here - Community Relations Nereid_DDO: Hello, I am the Nereid, and I am the Producer on DDO Eladrin_DDO: I'm Eladrin, monster guy! Raar! Graal-DDO: Howdy, I am Graal - game designer in charge of items and treasure. Solas_DDO: Hey Folks. I'm Solas. I'm the code-monkey, er, programmer behind DDO's quests. HSinclair_DDO: I'm Heather, I work as a game systems designer, and I'm he one you can blame for the new enhancements system DeadlyGazebo_DDO: DeadlyGazebo, engineer in charge of spells, enhancements, skills, feats, etc. Keeper_DDO: Hi, I'm Keeper. I build landscapes and dungeons. Yark! TheRockingDead_DDO: I'm The Rocking Dead, you might know me from such dungeons as Haywire's Foundry, Prison of the Mind, and The Spire of Validus, among others. You may have also met many of my traps and died.
 * GelatinousCube_DDO jiggles

WarCry: Magnus: How has DDO changed since March of 06? (Additoins, Subtractions, etc?) Nereid_DDO: Well, we've done 3 major module releases and 10 updates... Nereid_DDO: Which introduced 3 raids, about 40% more dungeons Nereid_DDO: PvP, the Favor System, Auction House Solas_DDO: Wow. Yeah, lots of stuff has changed since we launched. Nereid_DDO: and several landscape areas Keeper_DDO: DDO has some big landscapes now. :-) Eladrin_DDO: Tons of monsters too, for new and interesting ways to get smote. Solas_DDO: More solo dungeons DeadlyGazebo_DDO: Lots of new spells, enhancements, and some new feats were added, both for the level cap increase and to expand options for current levels. Solas_DDO: More tasty ham

WarCry: Borganian: are there going to be any new raids added with the level cap and if so will they play off as continuations of other raids or will they start completely new story lines? TheRockingDead_DDO: Yes, there will be a new raid going in with Module 4. It'll be a continuation of one of the storylines we've introduced a long time ago, and ties in a lot of what you've experienced thus far. You can look forward to us putting the 's' in Dungeons & Dragon"S"

WarCry: SneakThief: There haev been a lot of people trying to figure out the loot tables. Can you maybe explain a little of how we come up with all these really whacky combinations of effects on items? Solas_DDO: The last designer who tried to figure out the loot tables had to be committed. GelatinousCube_DDO: I ate him Graal-DDO: Items are generated to meet the quality rolled on the treasure table. Effects added to items are mostly random with a very few simple rules for some exclusions. ie no blunt Vorpals. Graal-DDO: This does generate a lot of what most people would consider garbage items but we drop a LOT of items and eventually you will get something goo Graal-DDO: d Eladrin_DDO: Those artificers, they're wacky.

WarCry: Scorn: will drow and warforged get something similar to dragonmarks or an alternative to dragonmarks? HSinclair_DDO: Drow and warforged will not be getting dragonmarks, those will only be available to the core PHB races, and we prefer to stick with the lore on this one. This doesn't mean that Drow and Warforged are being ignored and won't ever get anything new - but rather that we wanted to give the core races something special that made them more Eberron-y.

WarCry: melinore: Will there be new base classes added to DDO? Will prestige classes make an appearance? Nereid_DDO: The next base class we will be adding is the Monk, and hopefully it will be in by Fall of this year (though it may be later if we run into any hiccups). Nereid_DDO: Prestige classes are definitely something we are considering, but are not in active development at this time.

WarCry: mattllow: We are told we are getting more dragons, will they differ from the abomination that we have now? Eladrin_DDO: Velah would be very sad to hear being called an "abomination". That said, these three are smaller than Velah, will be running around in a dungeon environment, and will be blasting you in interesting ways. You'll see soon enough. TheRockingDead_DDO: The new dragon encounters will play a lot different than Velah. Eladrin_DDO: Some figures from Argonessen might have also noticed that Velah never returned...

WarCry: Arrgus: Will there be a period of time where we can swap enhancements for little to no cost after the new system comes out? HSinclair_DDO: Yes, as those who have logged in to Risia have noticed, the cost for doing a full enhancement respec is very cheap and has no timer. This will also be the case when 3.3 goes live. With Module 4 players will no longer receive the discounted respec. The extra time in live should give all live players a chance to really try out the new system and find a spec that works right for them.

WarCry: Kudaku: Are you going to further refine the AH interface? A search function would be nice, you can only leaf through so many +1 constitution belts of light fortification... Nereid_DDO: Yes, a search function would be great! Nereid_DDO: we are working on it (the tricky bit is building it for international use, and we're working on that now) Nereid_DDO: and we hope to have an improved (with string search) interface for the auction, cause we think it is a great feature, and could use some love Nereid_DDO: by the summer Solas_DDO: Unfortunately, so far, our search functionality can only find +1 constitution belts of light fortification.

WarCry: Umang: Q11:More Guild Tools - When there will be available more guild tools like for example Guild Capes Nereid_DDO: Guild features are currently being panned Nereid_DDO: oops, planned Nereid_DDO: and we're planning on rolling out improvements at the end of the summer / early fall

WarCry: GarnenAlsun: Are there any plans to increase character slots beyond the currently available 7 (5 + drow slot + 32 stat char)? Nereid_DDO: We are not intending to increase the character slots at this point Nereid_DDO: though we wil always keep it in mind when we introduce new races/classes/other relevant features

WarCry: Djinjifila: Housing (Player, Guild or Both) - Is It coming and When if Yes? Nereid_DDO: Housing - this is definitely something we are designing right now, but it is a HUGE feature, and will require a lot of careful implementation Nereid_DDO: So, we're aiming for the fall Nereid_DDO: but there are a lot of VERY HARD Nereid_DDO: details to conquer first, and we've only just begun....

WarCry: DJ_Fae: are more iconic creatures, such as goblins, going to be added to the game? Eladrin_DDO: Yes! Oh, wait, you wanted specifics. Eladrin_DDO: Well, Solas leaked the Jariliths and other big cats with his landscape diary, but there'll also be some new flavors of giants and everyone's favorite greataxe and falchion wielding low-hit die greenish skinned medium size humanoids. Solas_DDO: Woo, mysterious! Eladrin_DDO: okay, greenish gray.

WarCry: Djinjifila: PvP - Is the manual grouping planned for PvP? That is one of the main features that stops players from participating in PvP.Payers would be way TheRockingDead_DDO: We've been looking at several options for PVP matching. Improving both the functionality of PVP matching is something I'd very much like to see. In its current state, it's often tricky to get into the optimal group. When you do though, it's a ton of fun. We're also looking into the problems with the leaderboards.

WarCry: Jaddo: will we be seeing any new weapon sets any time soon? Nereid_DDO: Definitely not in 3.3 or 4.0 Nereid_DDO: but we would like to add some more in May or June... How many more do you think would be good? Solas_DDO: 5 bazillion?

WarCry: Tough: When will the Friends List be getting some love, it has been neglected since beta Nereid_DDO: 5 bazillion - That would be hard to fit into the ui Solas_DDO: You're right. Maybe we should go for 3 gajillion Nereid_DDO: the Friends list is getting some love right now! The first meeting was at 4 today, and we're hoping to have something done in May or June, because we agree there is a lot desired there

WarCry: SneakThief: Everyone wants to know ... with all the new Ranger/Druid Spells out ... how far out are Druids? And Monks? Solas_DDO: Monks are like, far out, dude. Nereid_DDO: Okay, so Monks are the one we're going to tackle next - we're hoping to have them done by the Fall Nereid_DDO: but Druids, man, those are hard - lots of spells, lots of lycanthropy... next year at the earliest

WarCry: Ninevah: What is this we are hearing about trap DC checks being lowered? Please tell me this is false. HSinclair_DDO: There's potentially a lot I could say about this, but the short answer is that disable DC's will be going slightly down. This will be much more noticeable at lower levels (at the higher levels it may only be a few points difference. Search and Spot DCs are actually going slightly up. These values were previously far too low, and people with little to no actual investment were able to buff up and find high-end traps. HSinclair_DDO: This doesn't mean that you have to play a specific race or load up on tons of feats just to perform your group role, but it does mean that you should actually have to invest in your rogue skills to perform rogue functions. HSinclair_DDO: I won't tell you the specific values, that's for you guys to find out (: TheRockingDead_DDO: Low DCs or not, I'll find a way to make those traps kill you. WarCry: ieatogres: Do you plan on having a damage enhancement for the physical damage spells (ice storm, blade barrier, cometfall...)? DeadlyGazebo_DDO: In Module 4, univeral damage amplification items will work on the physical-damage spells. We do not currently plan on an enhancement line for physical damage spells, because there aren't very many of them; this could change as we add more spells in the future. WarCry: kaxxar: are there going to be any new class feat for lv13-14 HSinclair_DDO: As we've hinted at, we're the most excited about the new level 13 rogue special ability, which will be Crippling Strike, and for those who know your D&D; and are wondering - yes it will stack. Rogues will also get extra sneak attack dice, because everyone needs more d6's! HSinclair_DDO: After rogues, barbarians get more damage reduction and Indomitable Will. Bard's Inspire Courage gets better, Fighters get a bonus feat, and Wizards, Clerics, Sorcerers, Paladins, Rangers, and Bards get new spell levels.

WarCry: razor: So now that orcs have been hinted at, will Half-Orcs be considered for a player race? Nereid_DDO: I personally would LOVE to see Half-Orc Monks running around Stormreach by the end of the year Eladrin_DDO: Int and Cha! Dump stats! Nereid_DDO: So look for Half-Orcs as a playable race toward the end of the year

WarCry: suci: To RockingDead: Do you plan on introducing some nonedeadly traps, where a rogue still has her use? I'm thinking of break enchanement-traps, trapdoors, traps triggering/spawning mobs, shortcuts (like to a shrine), ... This way, the rogue is optional, but still very welcome instead of forced upon the party TheRockingDead_DDO: Okay okay, I don't always have to kill you with traps. Soon, i'll be able to make them put you to slip, dance, sleep, and then have monsters come in and kill you! In all seriousness, expect to see our repetoire of traps expanded very soon. We have some very cool new stuff on the way. Rogues will always have a use when I'm putting in traps. You may want to bring one into Gianthold, a new area coming in Module 4. Nereid_DDO: Ah, being put to slip... nothing better Keeper_DDO: RockingDead has been teaching me how to make traps. . . TheRockingDead_DDO: I like building with rogues in mind, but without making them absolutely necessary. TheRockingDead_DDO: okay, making you slip, like I did just there

WarCry: Roshne: Q: A question to each, what is your favorite quest so far in the game, and why? Eladrin_DDO: Euphonia's Challenge, since it gives me enough XP for an action point. Nereid_DDO: Deleras for sure Graal-DDO: Haywire for the atmosphere Nereid_DDO: i love the story, the length, and all the great XP and loot for the level... fantastic! GelatinousCube_DDO: I don't like any of them since I'm not in any. HSinclair_DDO: The Pit! Err, I mean... I've always been a fan of Tempest's Spine, because it's got such variety in monsters, traps, and locations... and who doesn't love the big fat wad of XP at the end? Keeper_DDO: My favorite is usually whatever I'm currently working on :-) DeadlyGazebo_DDO: For humor value, Greezix's magic helm, the side-quest off of Shan-to-kor. It's out of the way, so most people miss it completely, but the dialog on it just makes me laugh. I also get a kick out of taking my fighter through kobold assault, becuase it's just plain fun to massacre the little guys. I also like the desert in general, for the scenery. Solas_DDO: My favorite quest is the Tharashk Arena (part 1 of the Vault of Night series). I totally dig getting that insano-axe and cracking open a can of whoop-ass on the monsters in the arena. Samera_DDO: I'm a favor junkie, so any quest I haven't done yet. TheRockingDead_DDO: Haywire's foundry will always hold a special place in my heart for me, it was may first creation. More recently though, I've come to love the Shadow Crypt, because it's so dynamic and puzzley! Nereid_DDO: Yeah, i am a big fan of all the undead quests - must be because I am a cleric Eladrin_DDO: I like purging the heretics too, since I get to use my unholy weapon there.

WarCry: DJ_Serif: I know you knew this question was already coming, But where is the Psion love? Eladrin_DDO: The Mind Flayers use psionics. Nothing says loving like Ego Whip and Mind Thrust.

WarCry: Kudaku: Are you adding any new feats to make pure fighter more worthwhile? At the moment we're running out of options... HSinclair_DDO: Dragonmarks obviously adds a whole new pool of feats for players to invest feats into.. While these are not fighter feats, fighters still get regular feats like everyone else! In addition, with Module 4 we'll be adding the Power Critical feat, which gives one more option for those martially inclined WarCry: suci: Do you plan on letting the static reward system as it is now? After all, with an unlucky streak to might never get a desired item, while many of them aren't replacable. Solas_DDO: We plan on continuing to create special items for our major quest arcs. But the bulk of our treasure chests will still be random. How else could you get a dwarven axe of dwarf bane? Eladrin_DDO: Race Restricted: Halfling! Graal-DDO: The current storyquest loot system will be kept in place. I am looking at modifying the percentages somewhat and upgrading the random items. In addition as new named items and new treasure effects come into the game the older static items can be replicated

WarCry: Espylacopa: Why is Deadly Gazebo so Deadly? HSinclair_DDO: code-fu DeadlyGazebo_DDO: This is going to be a long answer, so bear with me as I tell you a story. DeadlyGazebo_DDO: Back in the early days of pencil and paper D&D;, the game was originally just hack, slash, and hack some more. But one intrepid GM had a brilliant idea, to add some plot to his game... DeadlyGazebo_DDO: So after the party had journied the lands, slaying dragons, manticores, chimeras, and many other monsters based more or less on legends and folktales, the party had split up. A fighter, wandering the woods behind the king's fortress, came up over the crest of a hill, and the GM said... DeadlyGazebo_DDO: "In a clearing in the valley below, you see a large white gazebo." To which the fighter replied "I dive for cover!" The mystified GM continued "ok, you're behind a bush, looking down at the gazebo..." Solas_DDO: (It was a dire gazebo) DeadlyGazebo_DDO: Fighter: "I draw my crossbow." GM: "Er, ok..." Fighter: "I shoot the gazebo!" GM: "Ok, um, er, roll to hit." Fighter: "Natural 20! Can I roll damage?" GM: "Erm, no. There's a crossbow bolt stuck in the gazebo, it doesn't do any damage..." DeadlyGazebo_DDO: Fighter: "But, but... Ok, I shoot it with my bolt +3!" Gm: "Ok, now it's a gazebo with two bolts in it" DeadlyGazebo_DDO: Fighter: "What! It's immune to magical attacks? It must be hugely powerful! I charge it with my greatsword!" GM: "No, that doesn't work either." DeadlyGazebo_DDO: Fighter: "Oh no! I run away!" GM: "Too late. The Gazebo eats you." Solas_DDO: If I had a nickel for every time that happened in one of my D&D; sessions... DeadlyGazebo_DDO: The fighter begged his party to tell him what the secret to killing gazebos was, and was halfway through re-rolling to make an axe-wielding fireball-casting character when someone finally burst out laughing.

WarCry: SneakThief: In regards to enhancements, there has been some concern over class levels that should stack in skill, for example Rangers and Rogues skill Hide and Move Silent. Are you working on something to address that? Eladrin_DDO: That's one of the things that's a personal pet peeve, so I'll be bringing it up constantly at the various meetings.

WarCry: BalanceFX: Is there any love planned in any of your future releases for the Arcane classes? If so can you expand on any details? (Off the record of course) HSinclair_DDO: Arcane classes have gotten quite a lot over the last few updates. Tons of new spells for levels 1-10, level 6 (and soon to be level 7) spells, more damage-friendly enhancements, new enhancements, new feats like Spell Penetration, tons of spell fixes and improvements (from cloud spells not being nearly as obnoxious, to Flaming Sphere becoming much more cool - which will happen in Mod 4). HSinclair_DDO: Obviously as the level cap goes up, arcanes will continue to get more, and cooler spells. I think we're all looking forward to level 8 and 9 spells. Eladrin_DDO: Meatier Swarm! Eladrin_DDO: That one's for Kargon.

WarCry: WarCry: With the upcoming dragons, will they be part of a raid? Solas_DDO: haha Eladrin_DDO: No. We wanted everyone to feed the dragons.

WarCry: TheCataclysm: What new items and item effects will we be seeing in Mod 4? Graal-DDO: Lots and lots of new items. More item effects like Orc Bane, new effects to modify Level 7 spells and a few others that I'll leave as a suprise. Plus an entirely new system of quests to get dragonscale armor. Solas_DDO: *shiny* dragonscale armor

WarCry: LordDamax: Speaking of items, any chance of allowing prefixes and suffixes to intermix, to allow for a greater variety of items? IE: A +1 Holy Club of Righteousness, or the possibility of a +1 Righteous Club of Holiness HSinclair_DDO: +1 deception greatclub of deception Solas_DDO: That's one tricky greatclub TheRockingDead_DDO: Or one great trickyclub Graal-DDO: That is something I have been working on. The main problem is generating names for these random items in the many languages that DDO supports.

WarCry: Ydragon: what's the deal with the bronze tokens? It seems as if the grind is not worth it from the reports I've heard. Graal-DDO: The desert tokens were never meant to be a major goal. They are just an additional bonus for adventuring in the new desert content. Solas_DDO: Starting with Module 4, our landscapes are going to start getting a lot cooler overall. Solas_DDO: I don't think it'll come across as a "grind" at all Solas_DDO: We have new quest types coming in for our outdoor areas. I talked about this in my last dev diary. Solas_DDO: What I really like about our Wildnerness quests is that they're simple and freeform. This provides a really nice contrast to the dungeons. Samera_DDO: (For those of you who want to see the Dev Diary it's on DDO.com + our forums) Solas_DDO: You get rewarded for simply exploring and discovering things around the landscape. It works well for short, fast play cycles with small groups. Nereid_DDO: You can see a tiny glimpse of Gianthold in the screenshots associated with the landscape diary - it is going to be a very very cool space Solas_DDO: These wilderness quests will be a nice breath of fresh air (haha) to compliment the more focused quest model we use in our dungeons. Keeper_DDO: It's a pointy landscape. ;-) Solas_DDO: Read my dev diary! I get 3 cents for every hit we record on there.

WarCry: Well that is all the time we have tonight! Thank you all for coming and we thank all of the Turbine devs for taking time out of their busy schedule with Module 3.3,4.0, dragons, and orcs GelatinousCube_DDO: stupid orcs Eladrin_DDO: Raar! ORCS!

WarCry: We will have the chat log up shortly on http://ddo.warcry.com Keeper_DDO: Yark! Samera_DDO: Thanks for coming everyone! We really enjoyed talking to you. Nereid_DDO: We hope to talk to you again soon

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