Blizzard Releases Quest Statistics for World of Warcraft

8,570,222,436 World of Warcraft quests completed between June 07 and March 09

Shacknews reports that Blizzard’s former WoW director spoke at GDC (Game Developers Conference) in San Francisco yesterday, revealing some interesting statistical tidbits regarding the world’s most popular MMO.

- There are around 7650 currently active quests in World of Warcraft

- Between 30 June 2007 and 5 March 2009, some 8,570,222,436 quests were completed WoW.

- A daily average of 16,641,209 quests are completed in WoW

Kaplan revealed that at launch, Blizzard aimed to provide 600 unique quests, the figure required in order to compete with Everquest’s estimated 1200. As WoW players will know, the game posses enough quests to keep players busy, but is also designed in such a way that players will run out of quests from time to time. This was a strategic design choice, and Kaplan reveals that it was a contentious issue within the studio.

WoW quest break down

- Original WoW: 2600

- Burning Crusade: added 2700

- Wrath of the Liche King: added 2350

Zygor Guides Officially Have 0% Grinding!

What Changed:
———————————————————————————–
* Levels 13-60 have been totally reworked to have 0% grinding. NONE!
* Various errors have been fixed in both guides
* Options button, in main guide window, is now working again
* Option added to allow the small guide window to expand upward
* Small Guide Window – You can click things behind it now, it is transparent
* Small Guide Window – Now only moveable by clicking and dragging the title bar
* Small Guide Window – Added a lock button to the title bar, which locks the guide in place
* Small Guide Window – Instead of clicking the arrow buttons, you can change steps with your mouse wheel, if you find this easier.

How To Update:
———————————————————————————–

Firstly, we highly recommend that you write down what your current guide
step is telling you to do so that you can go back and find that exact step
where you left off in the guide. The level 13-60 questing path has changed
significantly in both guides, so it may not correctly remember what step you
left off on if you are in any of those sections currently.

After you’ve done that, simply download the new guide(s) inside the
Members Area. Use the Installation Instructions, which can also be
found inside the Members Area, to install the guide(s). Overwrite
*all* of the old folders (including the Cartographer folders) with the new folders
currently bundled in the guides.

**Both 1-80 and 1-70 guide downloads have been updated**

If you don’t have this awesome in-game guide yet, be sure to grab it immediately!

WoW juice on its way

We cannot decide between “WoWntain Dew” and”World of DewCraft”

Blizzard has announced that they will be teaming up with Mountain Dew and cashing in on the apparently lucrative “gamer energy drink market”.

World of Warcraft Mountain Dew, or as we like to call it, Wowntaindew will be available in two different flavors; Alliance Blue and Horde Red.

The drink will be available at 7 – Eleven stores in the USA.

Warhammer Online launches new careers and reduces prices

Players can now take control of the Dwarf Slayer or the Orc Choppa

As part of the MMO’s free “Call to Arms” expansion series, Mythic has introduced two new careers; The Dwarf Slayer and the Orc Choppa.

Both classes are of the berserker variety and rely on “rage” which lets them accumulate power when they are engaged in combat.
For more detailed information on the two new classes, check out the official site.

In other Warhammer Online news, Mythic recently closed 43 of their servers as a result of low user population.

The developer is however not letting the MMO go down without a fight, now offering a 10 day free trial period as well as reducing the price of the game at retail to $16. The game still sells for around R450 locally, but we are expecting the price to come down shortly.

Funcom ready to reveal new MMO

Funcom’s last MMO, Age of Conan, may be dying slowly and quietly in a dark corner somewhere, but that won’t stop the developer from revealing its next big project.

Originally announced as an MMO for PC and Xbox 360, The Secret World will be set in a modern context and will include supernatural elements. The creative mind behind the story and concept of The Secret World is Ragnor Tornquist. Tornquist is famous for creating the classic adventure game The Longest Journey, as well as putting the story together for Funcom’s Anarchy Online.

We are rather exited at the prospect of an MMO that is not set in an archetypical fantasy or sci-fi setting.

It’s been 22 months since Funcom originally announced The Secret World, and they are now finally ready to unveil the game in its current state. The first viewing of the game will be made behind closed doors later this month at this year’s Game Developer’s Conference. We are certain that details will begin to trickle down once the international press gets hold of them.

Warhammer closes 43 servers

Mythic, the developers of the well received MMORPG Warhammer Online, has asked players on selected servers to transfer their characters.

Mythic plans to eventually close a total of 43 servers.

Warhammer Online was launched just less than six months ago. Within the first month of its release, the game managed to sell 1.2million copies, and had 800 000 registered users online. By December, the figure had plummeted to less than 400 000 active subscriptions. Blizzard’s launch of the expansion pack to World of Warcraft – Wrath of the Lich King did not help Mythic’s slowly shrinking community.

The announcement to cut servers comes in the wake of Mythic’s recent announcement of the free expansion pack “Call to Arms”.

Live Update – New Careers & more!

A few weeks ago, Mythic Entertainment announced that they would be implementing a three month long “live expansion” for Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning.

Warhammer Online is easily one of the most successful MMORPGs since World of Warcraft, providing a solid online role playing experience that actually manages to hold its own in an MMO landscape that is dominated by Blizzard’s behemoth.

The live expansion is set to be implemented by way of free downloads. Apart from a host of general game tweaks and bug fixes, the latest 1.2 patch introduces some new careers and events.

Here are some of the highlights as published on the official Warhammer Online website:

* New Careers! Unleash the savage fury of the relentless Orc Choppa, or take up the doom-laden oath of the unstoppable Dwarf Slayer. These two new melee-focused careers relish the thrill of fighting on the front lines and laying waste to all foes that come within reach of their mighty blades. Players will need to take part in the Bitter Rivals event to unlock these two new careers.  Unlocking the characters via the Bitter Rivals event will give early access to the Slayer and Choppa in one week.  All others players will gain access one week afterwards.

* Bitter Rivals join the battle! Introducing the newest live event for Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning. “Bitter Rivals” focuses on the ancient hatred that burns between the Dwarf and Greenskin races. Millennia of conflict in the Worlds Edge Mountains have honed the enmity that exists between the Orcs and Goblins and the stout Dwarfs to a razor-sharp edge, and when these nemeses meet in battle, it is war without mercy.

* Fight for control of the warped Twisting Tower! The battle rages in this new Scenario found deep in the heart of the maddening Chaos Wastes. Here, the warping power of Chaos is at its peak, transforming the very fabric of reality in defiance of all reason. Warriors of Order and Destruction must grapple for control of this ancient citadel, for if the secrets of the Twisting Tower should fall into enemy hands, the tide of battle will surely turn. Like the Reikland Factory, the Twisting Tower will be available for all players for a limited time as a preview to accompany the Bitter Rivals event. Be sure to stake your claim to the Twisting Tower while you can!

* Answer the Call to Arms with new Realm vs. Realm gameplay enhancements! Introducing the new Open RvR Rallying Cry system that summons you to key battles for Tiers 1, 2 and 3. The new Zone Control Domination System for Tiers 2 through 4 rewards a realm that truly conquers the battlefield. Also, many improvements to siege weapons ensure that the mighty engines of war are now more lethally effective than ever. See below for additional details.

* New treasures await! Across-the-board itemization improvements have been made to the Fortresses, world dungeons, and city dungeons of WAR, including better world drops, quest rewards, Influence rewards, and more!

* Crafting System Improvements! We’ve made many improvements to the game’s crafting system, including pairing-off specific gathering skills with specific production skills in order to make crafters more self-sufficient. Also, the leveling curve of trade skills has been improved and fewer components are required to create items. Last, but certainly not least, is the addition of new craftable items!

* Easy Public Quests make their debut in Tiers 2, 3, and 4. Scaled for courageous bands of 1 to 3 adventurers, these Public Quests offer a rewarding PvE experience without a large commitment of forces. You’ll find one Easy Public Quest in each Chapter, so gather a few friends, or venture out alone… if you dare!

* Multiple mail attachments! Now you can send several attached items with a single mail message.

* Two new secret lairs await! Finding the new hidden lairs is only half the battle. Figuring out how to open the door – and surviving the dangers inside – is another matter, entirely!

* The Open Party button has finally severed its ties to the player portrait and moved to the Menu Bar. This new Parties and Warbands window now has all information about Open Parties and Party Management, as well as the new Looking for Group system.

To check out the complete list of changes made in the latest patch, go here.

Free 10-Day Trial for Warhammer Online

Warhammer Online finally joins other MMOs by offering users a 10 day free trial.

The ten day trial will allow players to get a basic feel for the game, and will restrict activities to Tier 1 and Capital City game zones. The trial version also limits access to the auction house, mail system and trade system.

Users will be able to receive mail but not send it and purchase items from the auction house, but not sell.

This is a perfect opportunity for MMO fans that have yet to try Warhammer Online and that are looking for something new.

Sign up here

Warhammer 1.2 patch notes

Combat & Careers
Racial and Archetype tactics

Balance Changes

• Centuries of Training: The damage done by this ability has been increased. The damage done will now be Spirit damage, affected by the target’s resists, which will not be increased by stats and cannot critically hit.

• Backlash: The damage done by this ability has been increased. The damage done will now be Elemental damage, affected by the target’s resists, which will not be increased by stats and cannot critically hit.

• Jagged Edge: The damage done by this ability has been increased. The damage done will now be Corporeal damage, which will not be increased by stats and cannot critically hit.

Archmage

Balance Changes

• Dispel Magic: The damage of this ability has been increased and changed to Spirit damage. However, this damage will not critically hit or receive benefit from stats.

Blackguard

Bug Fixes

• Elite Training: This ability will now correctly work for the next 4 attacks.
• Balance Changes
• None Shall Pass: The damage of this ability has been increased and changed to Physical damage. However, this damage will not critically hit or receive benefit from stats.
• Exile: The knockback distance of this ability has been changed to Medium distance at 30 Hatred, Long distance at 60 Hatred and Very Long distance at 90 Hatred

Black Orc

Bug Fixes

• Tree Hit Combo: This ability will no longer interrupt itself while moving.
• Balance Changes
• Da Toughest!: Wound buff increased from previously reduced value.
• Da Biggest!: This ability will now grant a stat buff to nearby group members.
• Da Bestest!: This ability has been renamed to “Guud at Big Choppin!” and will now increase damage and Parry rate while using a great weapon.
• Skull Thumper: The additional damage caused by this ability’s debuff has been increased, is now mitigated as Corporeal damage, and no longer gains an increase from stats. Additionally, the damage from this effect will show up on its own line in the combat log.”.
• Loudmouth: The damage of this ability has been increased and changed to Corporeal. However, this damage will not critically hit or receive benefit from stats.
• Can Youz Hear me Now?: The damage boost of this ability has been increased.
• Keep it Goin!: The damage boost of this ability has been increased.

Bright Wizard

Bug Fixes

• Annihilate: The self damage portion of this ability will no longer do critical damage.

Balance Changes

• Flames of Rhuin: The base damage on this ability has been increased and changed to Elemental damage. However, this damage will not critically hit or receive benefit from stats.
• Flame Shield: The base damage on this ability has been increased and changed to Elemental damage. However, this damage will not critically hit or receive benefit from stats
• Funnel Power: The base damage on this ability has been increased and changed to Corporeal damage. However, this damage will not critically hit or receive benefit from stats.
• Playing With Fire: The base damage on this ability has been increased and changed to Elemental damage. However, this damage will not critically hit or receive benefit from statse.
• Lingering Fires: The base damage on this ability has been increased and will deal Corporeal damage. However, this damage will not critically hit or receive benefit from stats.
• Fueled From Within: The amount of damage added to Flames of Rhuin and Flame Shield has been increased.
• Draining Burn: The amount of damage added to Burning Iron has been increased.
• Wildfire: The base damage on this ability has been increased and will deal Corporeal damage. The ability will now affect all Path of Conflagration abilities. The ability will now gain more benefit from stats, but will not be able to do critical damage.

Choppa

Bug Fixes

• Slasha: This ability has been changed so that when multiple debuffs are on the same target only the largest debuff value will be taken into account.
• The Choppa Career will now correctly start with 50 wounds.

Balance Changes

• Bring It On: The base damage on this ability has been increased and will deal physical damage. However, this damage will not critically hit or receive benefit from stats.

Chosen

Bug Fixes

• Mixed Defenses: Fixed an issue that made the parry bonus of this ability a multiplicative bonus instead of additive.
• Repel: Fixed an issue that limited the knockback distance of this ability.

Balance Changes

• All Chosen have undergone changes and as a result will need to reallocate their Career Mastery Points. Be sure to speak to your trainer right away to regain your abilities!
• Discordant Fluctuation: The base damage on this ability has been increased and will now deal Spiritual damage. The ability will not receive benefits from stats nor will it do critical damage.
• Dreadful Agony: The base damage on this ability has been increased and will now deal Spiritual damage. The ability will not receive benefits from stats nor will it do critical damage.
• Bane Shield: The base damage on this ability has been increased and will now deal Spiritual damage. The ability will no longer receive benefits from stats nor will it do critical damage.
• Touch of Palsy: The value of the barb damage has been increased and will now deal physical damage. The barb will no longer receive benefits from stats and will no longer do critical damage.
• Tainted Wound: The base damage on this ability has been increased and will now deal Spiritual damage. The ability will not receive benefits from stats nor will it do critical damage.
• Hasten Dismissal: This tactic is now a level 35 Core tactic. It reduces Repel’s cooldown by 50% and turns Repel into a long knockback.
• Corruptive Power: This tactic is available at Corruption x11. All Corruption abilities cost 35% less action points.
• Baneful Shielding: This is no longer a valid tactic.
• Dire Shielding: This ability will also increase the duration of Bane Shield by 7 seconds.
• Bane Shield: Multiple Chosen with this ability up will no longer prevent each other from dealing damage to the same target.
• Oppression: The disorient effect has been removed. This ability will now reduce incoming damage on the Chosen by 15% for 10s. The cost has been lowered on this ability.
• Rending Blade: No longer requires an active aura to receive a bonus effect. The ability is now a Point-Blank Area of Effect ability that deals Spiritual damage. This ability requires a Great Weapon and no longer has a cooldown.
• Relentless: The cost and damage has been increased on this ability.
• Dreadful Fear: The cost of this ability is now free.
• Corrupting Wrath: The cost of this ability is now free.
• Discordant Instability: The cost of this ability is now free.
• Discordant Fluctuation: The cost of this ability is now free.
• Corrupting Retribution: The cost of this ability is now free.
• Dreadful Agony: The cost of this ability is now free.
• Dreadful Terror: The cost of this ability is now free.
• Corrupting Horror: The cost of this ability is now free.
• Discordant Turbulence: The cost of this ability is now free.
• Power from the Gods: This tactic will now restore 5 action points per second to the Chosen for each Aura the Chosen is running.

Disciple

Balance Changes

• Covenant of Vitality: The damage from this ability has been increased slightly. The damage will now be Spirit damage, and will be affected by resists. The damage will not gain benefit from stats, and not be able to critical hit.
• Covenant of Celerity: The damage from this ability has been increased slightly. The damage will now be Spirit damage, and will be affected by resists. The damage will not gain benefit from stats and will not be able to critical hit.
• Khaine’s Imbuement: The damage from this ability has been increased slightly. The damage will now be Spirit damage and will be affected by resists. The damage will not gain benefit from stats, and will not be able to critical hit.
• Bloodlust: The damage increase this gives to Covenant of Celerity has been increased.

Engineer

Balance Changes

• Hollow Points: Decreased Dot duration but increased DPS, also increased stat benefit.
• Runic Shield: The amount of magic damage absorbed by this ability has been increased.

Ironbreaker

Balance Changes

• Punishing Blow: The value of the barb damage has been increased and will now deal physical damage. The barb will no longer receive benefits from stats and will no longer do critical damage.
• Oathstone: The base damage of this ability has been increased and will now deal physical damage. The ability will no longer receive benefits from stats and will no longer do critical damage.
• Overprotective: The base damage of this ability has been increased and will now deal physical damage.

Knight of the Blazing Sun

Balance Changes

• On Your Guard!: The damage of this ability has been increased and will now deal Elemental damage. The ability will not receive benefits from stat factor nor will it do critical damage.
• All Out Assault: The damage of this ability has been increased and will now deal Elemental damage. The ability will no longer receive benefits from stat factor nor will it do critical damage.
• Shield of the Sun: The damage of this ability has been increased and will now deal Elemental damage. The ability will no longer receive benefits from stat factor nor will it do critical damage.
• Shield of the Sun: Multiple Knights with this ability up will no longer prevent each other from dealing damage to the same target.
• Shining Blade: The disorient associated with this ability has been removed. This ability will now reduce incoming damage on the Knight by 15% for 10s. The cost has been lowered on this ability.
• Myrmidia’s Fury: The cost and damage have been increased on this ability.
• Press the Attack: The cost of this ability is now free.
• Stand Strong!: The cost of this ability is now free.
• Gather Your Resolve!: The cost of this ability is now free.
• On Your Guard!: The cost of this ability is now free.
• Stay Focused!: The cost of this ability is now free.
• All Out Assault!: The cost of this ability is now free.
• To Glory!: The cost of this ability is now free.
• To Victory!: The cost of this ability is now free.
• Now’s Our Chance!: The cost of this ability is now free.
• Bellow Commands: This tactic will now restore 5 action points per second to the Knight for each Command the Knight is running.

Magus

Balance Changes

• Perils of the Warp: Damage of this ability has been increased and changed to Elemental damage. However, this damage will not critically hit or receive benefit from stats.
• Aegis of Orange Fire: Damage of this ability has been increased and changed to Elemental damage. However, this damage will not critically hit or receive benefit from stats.
• Infernal Pain: This ability now receives more benefit from stats, but will no longer critically hit.

Marauder

Balance Changes

• Touch of Rot: The damage from this ability will now be Corporeal damage. The damage will not gain benefit from stats and will not be able to critical hit.
• Touch of Instability: The damage from this ability will now be Corporeal damage. The damage will not gain benefit from stats and will not be able to critical hit.
• Unstable Convulsion: The damage done by this has been increased. The amount that stats contribute to the tactics damage has also been increased. The damage done will now be Physical damage.

Runepriest

Bug Fixes

• Earth shield will no longer cause Rune of Shielding to get stuck on the player’s target.

Shadow Warrior

Balance Changes

• Smoldering Arrow: The amount of damage added to Flame Arrer by this tactic has been increased.

Shaman

Balance Changes

• ‘Ere We Go!: The base damage of this ability has been increased and will now deal Elemental damage.
• Gork’s Barbs: The initial base damage has been increased. The barb will deal Elemental damage, the damage has been slightly lowered and will no longer do critical damage or receive benefits from stats.
• Mork’s Touch: The base damage has been increased and will now do Spiritual damage.
• ‘Ere We Goes Again: Increased the damage improvement on ‘Ere We go!

Slayer

Bug Fixes

• Break Loose: Fixed a tooltip issue for this ability.
• Pulverizing Strike: This ability has been changed so that when multiple debuffs are on the same target only the largest debuff value will be taken into account.
• Shatter Limbs: Fixed a tooltip issuefor this ability.
• Distracting Roar: Fixed a tooltip issue for this ability.
• Balance Changes
• Retribution: The base damage on this ability has been increased and will deal physical damage. The ability will not receive benefits from stat factor nor will it do critical damage.

Sorceress

Balance Changes

• Frozen Touch: The base damage of this ability has been increased and will now deal Corporeal damage. The ability will not receive benefits from stat factor nor will it do critical damage.
• Daemonic Chill: The base damage of this ability has been increased and will now deal Corporeal damage. The ability will not receive benefits from stat factor nor will it do critical damage.
• Shades of Death: The base damage of this ability has been increased and will deal Spiritual damage. The ability will no longer receive benefits from stats and will no longer do critical damage.
• Swell of Gloom: The base damage of this ability has been increased and will no longer deal critical damage.
• Vision of Domination: The damage on Word of Pain has been increased while this tactic is slotted.
• Chilling Gusts: The base damage of this ability has been increased and will now deal Corporeal damage. The ability will now gain benefits from stat factor, but will not be able to do critical damage.

Squig Herder

Balance Changes

• Sharpened Arrers: The amount of damage added to Explodin Arrers by this tactic has been increased.

Swordmaster

Bug Fixes

• Perfect Defenses: Should now provide actual benefit.
• Quick Incision: This ability was receiving less stat benefit than intended.
• Deep Incision: This tactic was worded to make it sound like it enhances a DoT on quick Incision when it actually adds one itself.

Balance Changes

• Redirected Force: This ability will now trigger off Block, Dodge, Disrupt or Parry. The damage of this ability has been slightly decreased but is now enhanced by weapon DPS. This ability will no longer affect balance when activated.
• Gusting Wind: Radius of this ability has been increased.
• Gryphon’s Precision: This ability has been renamed to “Great Weapon Mastery” and will now increase damage and parry rate when wielding a great weapon.
• Blessing of Heaven: This ability now has a 100% trigger rate on all offensive Path of Hoeth abilities.
• Impeccable Reactions: This ability now has a new effect; whenever you Parry, you will automatically parry the next hit as well. (This ability can trigger only once every 5 seconds)
• Wind’s Force: This ability has been renamed to “Calming Winds” and now increases your Disrupt chance based on your current balance.
• Nature’s Blade: Whenever this ability procs, the stat buff will now be applied to your group members as well.
• Blurring Shock: The on crit effect damage of this ability has been increased and changed to Spirit damage. However, this damage will not critically hit or receive benefit from stats. In addition, the crit effect damage from this ability will now display as “Shock” in your combat log.
• Ensorcelled Agony: The damage of this ability has been increased, but now receives less benefit from stats.
• Potent Enchantments: The damage of this ability has been increased and changed to Spirit damage. However, this damage will not critically hit or receive benefit from stats.
• Deep Incision: The damage and duration of this ability has been increased and changed to Physical damage. In addition, this ability will now receive more benefits from stats.

Warrior Priest

Balance Changes

• Prayer of Righteousness: The damage done by this ability has been increased slightly. The damage done is now Spirit damage, and will be affected by the target’s resists. The damage will not be affected by stats, and will not be able to critical hit.
• Guilty Soul: The damage from this ability has been increased slightly. , and will be affected by the target’s resists. The damage will not be affected by stats and will not be able to critical hit.

White Lion

Balance Changes

• Tearing Blade: The base damage of this ability has been increased. The ability will no longer stack with itself nor will it deal critical damage.
• Lionheart: The amount of damage added to Lion’s Fury by this tactic has been increased.

Witch Elf

Balance Changes

• Kiss of Agony: The damage done by the proc’d effect of this ability will now do Corporeal damage, and will be affected by the target’s resists. The damage will no longer gain benefit from stats and will no longer be able to critical hit.
• Kiss of Death: The damage done by the proc’d effect of this ability will now do Corporeal damage, and will be affected by the target’s resists. The damage will no longer gain benefit from stats and will no longer be able to critical hit.
• Kiss of Betrayal: The damage done by the proc’d effect of this ability will now do Corporeal damage, and will be affected by the target’s resists. The damage will no longer gain benefit from stats and will no longer be able to critical hit.
• Vehement Blades: The damage done by this ability has been slightly increased, and will now do Corporeal damage, and will be affected by the target’s resists. The damage will no longer be able to critical hit or gain benefit from stats.
• Enfeebling Strike: The damage done by this has been slightly increased, and will now do Corporeal damage, and will be affected by the target’s resists. The damage will no longer be able to critical hit or gain benefit from stats.
• Treacherous Assault: The damage done by this ability has been slightly increased, and will now do Corporeal damage, and will be affected by the target’s resists. The damage will no longer be able to critical hit or gain benefit from stats.
• Witch Brew: The damage done by this ability has been slightly increased, will now do Corporeal damage, and will be affected by the target’s resists. The damage will no longer be able to critical hit or gain benefit from stats.
• Sharpened Edge: The damage done by this ability has been slightly increased, will now do Physical damage, and will be affect by the target’s armor. The damage will no longer be able to critical hit or gain benefit from stats.

Witch Hunter

Balance Changes

• The rate that Witch Hunters gain Willpower, Toughness and Ballistic Skill has been updated. Because of other changes noted below, Witch Hunters will no longer gain a large bonus to Ballistic Skill. Instead, they will get slightly more Toughness and Willpower, and much less Ballistic Skill than they currently receive. Because of this change, it was necessary to refund all Mastery and Renown points for Witch Hunters. Please make sure to visit your trainer as soon as possible after logging in to retrain your Mastery and renown points.
• Absolution: This ability will now gain bonus damage from Strength instead of Ballistic Skill.
• Trial By Pain: This ability will now gain bonus damage from Strength instead of Ballistic Skill.
• Dragon Gun: This ability will now gain bonus damage from Strength instead of Ballistic Skill.
• Exit Wound: This ability will now gain bonus damage from Strength instead of Ballistic Skill.
• Blessed Bullets of Purity: The damage done by this ability will now be Spirit damage and will be affected by resists. The damage from this will no longer gain benefit from stats and will not be able to critical hit.
• Blessed Bullets of Confession: The damage done by this ability will now be Spirit damage and will be affected by resists. The damage from this will no longer gain benefit from stats and will not be able to critical hit.
• Blessed Bullets of Cleansing: The damage done by this ability will now be Spirit damage and will be affected by resists. The damage from this will no longer gain benefit from stats and will not be able to critical hit.
• Burn Armor: The damage of this ability has been increased slightly, and has been set to Spirit. The damage from this will no longer gain benefit from stats, and will not be able to critical hit.
• Sudden Accusation: The damage of this ability has been increased slightly, and has been set to Spirit. The damage from this will no longer gain benefit from stats and will not be able to critical hit.
• Fanatical Zeal: The damage of this ability has been increased slightly and has been set to Spirit. The damage from this will no longer gain benefit from stats and will not be able to critical hit.
• Encourage Confession: The extra damage given to Blessed Bullets of Confession by this tactic has been increased and will now do Spirit damage.

Zealot

Balance Changes

• Waves of Chaos: The damage on the ability has been increased slightly. The ability will no longer able to critical hit and the damage will not be increased by stats
• Transference: The damage on the ability has been increased. The damage will be increased by stats, but will not be able to critical hit.

Mythic Entertainment unleashes new careers and events for Warhammer Online

A few weeks ago, Mythic Entertainment announced that they would be implementing a three month long “live expansion” for Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning.

Warhammer Online is easily one of the most successful MMORPGs since World of Warcraft, providing a solid online role playing experience that actually manages to hold its own in an MMO landscape that is dominated by Blizzard’s behemoth.

The live expansion is set to be implemented by way of free downloads. Apart from a host of general game tweaks and bug fixes, the latest 1.2 patch introduces some new careers and events.

Here are some of the highlights as published on the official Warhammer Online website:

* New Careers! Unleash the savage fury of the relentless Orc Choppa, or take up the doom-laden oath of the unstoppable Dwarf Slayer. These two new melee-focused careers relish the thrill of fighting on the front lines and laying waste to all foes that come within reach of their mighty blades. Players will need to take part in the Bitter Rivals event to unlock these two new careers.  Unlocking the characters via the Bitter Rivals event will give early access to the Slayer and Choppa in one week.  All others players will gain access one week afterwards.

* Bitter Rivals join the battle! Introducing the newest live event for Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning. “Bitter Rivals” focuses on the ancient hatred that burns between the Dwarf and Greenskin races. Millennia of conflict in the Worlds Edge Mountains have honed the enmity that exists between the Orcs and Goblins and the stout Dwarfs to a razor-sharp edge, and when these nemeses meet in battle, it is war without mercy.

* Fight for control of the warped Twisting Tower! The battle rages in this new Scenario found deep in the heart of the maddening Chaos Wastes. Here, the warping power of Chaos is at its peak, transforming the very fabric of reality in defiance of all reason. Warriors of Order and Destruction must grapple for control of this ancient citadel, for if the secrets of the Twisting Tower should fall into enemy hands, the tide of battle will surely turn. Like the Reikland Factory, the Twisting Tower will be available for all players for a limited time as a preview to accompany the Bitter Rivals event. Be sure to stake your claim to the Twisting Tower while you can!

* Answer the Call to Arms with new Realm vs. Realm gameplay enhancements! Introducing the new Open RvR Rallying Cry system that summons you to key battles for Tiers 1, 2 and 3. The new Zone Control Domination System for Tiers 2 through 4 rewards a realm that truly conquers the battlefield. Also, many improvements to siege weapons ensure that the mighty engines of war are now more lethally effective than ever. See below for additional details.

* New treasures await! Across-the-board itemization improvements have been made to the Fortresses, world dungeons, and city dungeons of WAR, including better world drops, quest rewards, Influence rewards, and more!

* Crafting System Improvements! We’ve made many improvements to the game’s crafting system, including pairing-off specific gathering skills with specific production skills in order to make crafters more self-sufficient. Also, the leveling curve of trade skills has been improved and fewer components are required to create items. Last, but certainly not least, is the addition of new craftable items!

* Easy Public Quests make their debut in Tiers 2, 3, and 4. Scaled for courageous bands of 1 to 3 adventurers, these Public Quests offer a rewarding PvE experience without a large commitment of forces. You’ll find one Easy Public Quest in each Chapter, so gather a few friends, or venture out alone… if you dare!

* Multiple mail attachments! Now you can send several attached items with a single mail message.

* Two new secret lairs await! Finding the new hidden lairs is only half the battle. Figuring out how to open the door – and surviving the dangers inside – is another matter, entirely!

* The Open Party button has finally severed its ties to the player portrait and moved to the Menu Bar. This new Parties and Warbands window now has all information about Open Parties and Party Management, as well as the new Looking for Group system.

To check out the complete list of changes made in the latest patch, go here.

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