It is time...

[Drakiyth]

It has been a long time everybody,

Some changes have happened in my life and my new job has me off on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. So, I am sitting here bored thinking
about what to do with my time. That's when it hit me, I actually have some time to myself now? I am not stressed out of my mind because
my new job is really laid back and flexible? Maybe I could use that time to do something fun and productive again?

I have been missing a part of my life that I feel completes me as a person - my creative spirit.

For those new to EQemu I created Varlyndria, Varlyndria: Ascension and Eriviyn.

I also had help from some really good coders that work with EQemulator: Natedog, KinglyKrab, Secrets, Akkadius and others. (sorry if I forgot your name it's been a while.)

These servers were all pretty successful in their prime but had a lot of controversy and mistakes that I will own up to 100% which ultimately
lead to their demise. Lately, I have seen that there are people out there who still love Eriviyn and are doing everything they can to get it going
again. I honestly can't explain in words how that makes me feel as a game designer. I feel humbled that my vision could touch and leave a mark on
some players even to this day.

With that said, I feel it is time to make an announcement to the community.

I am coming out of retirement and I will be releasing a 4th server. EDIT: Name and Logo revealed.

http://i.imgur.com/dtc0Ycv.png

Here are some early minor details I have in store for this new playground:

• DONATIONS
- This server will not have a donation system.
- Sending me money as a gift for my services is 100% optional and appreciated.

• BOXING
- The happy medium seems to be 3 boxing so this is my current plan.

• BOTS
- I feel 2 bots would give players a party of 3 (holy trinity) for soloing most content if you don't like to box.
- 2 bots should also not cause a lot of stress on the server.

• FEATURES I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
- EDIT: ROF2 client will be used for this server.
- I will be going back to the roots of my vision when I first released the original Varlyndria.
- I am going to release 5 class paths per normal class each with Tank, Healing, Control/Support, Non-Pet Dps and Pet Dps.
- The goal is to have 16 healers, 16 support/crowd control, 16 tanks, 16 pet dps and 16 non-pet dps paths for a large variety of grouping options and personal flavors.
- Pets will be DPS paths only. It will add that flavor if you desire it but healers, tanks, support and control will be pet-less unless their base class uses them.
- Total of 80 paths to play on launch. Be pretty much anything you want or can imagine.
- Original EQ stats are staying the way they are. There will not be a mess of 16,000,000 pet critical hits because of 3000 cha or 700 STR boosts. Numbers will be very low.
- The Ring, Bracer, Earring, Source and Charm system from Eriviyn is coming back for the class paths.
- These class path items will feature a special augmentation slot. The augmentations for path items will be quest/raid related per content updates to keep them BiS.
- When calculating damage/healing I will be using a lot of algorithms and be very careful. I am going to base my damage on a template and work from there.
- Players will have the option to have 3 path choices on 1 character to allow for versatility but leave room for replay value.
- Class paths will be restricted to that class. Example: There won't be necromancer/mage paths mixing up to create an unbalanced mess.
- No hand-me-outs. I want this 4th server to be a challenge and gear to come with hard work. Stats will also be very low.
- More focus on custom content to make things interesting and fresh.
- This server will be 100% PVE and will focus on progression.
- Players will have solo content but the top end gear will be raid progression and paths needing to work together.



The goal for server 4 is making it where everybody has the option to fit a role quickly so nobody has to wait around to find a tank, healer or support and just play the game
and have fun. This project is in starting development stages and could take several months to create. I will post another thread when I am much further along.



If you have any questions or comments please feel free to post them below.

[chrsschb]

http://img.pandawhale.com/112633-jonah-hill-oscars-cut-it-out-g-KPB5.gif

[Kailow]

Disregard chrsschb's immature response, Drak. I for one am happy to see you back in the mood, because I like what you've done with the other servers you have made, I wasn't a fan of how it was run, per se.

For your client, I think you should be aiming for UF+, titanium I don't think has as much to offer as far as creative opportunities for you.

Honestly it sounds like it would be a really cool mix with all of these classes and subclasses, I really am looking forward to it. Just make sure you do us all a big favor and not burn yourself out too soon. We can wait.

[Drakiyth]

It's all good. I understand and respect his opinion. I am going to take my time on this new server and have fun with it. I know what I did wrong on a lot of stuff and have had almost 2 years to think about it. 80 paths is the largest scale project I have ever taken on but I know how to make it go by fast now. reloading spells without having to shut thimgs down etc. The idea of having a healer/tank/dps option for any class you choose sounds like freedom to me. I remember a lot of times in Eriviyn players were looking for a tank or healer for several minutes. This system should eliminate that completely I hope.

[Durge]

I'm happy you're back; you've made a lot of great servers, and I enjoyed each one. As long as it doesn't turn into an elitist player-enforced content-lock like earlier Eriv, then I'll be there.

[Nerdgasm]

Welcome back dude, long time no see.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and what makes an immature decision is telling someone their opinion is immature. Which is why I'm not saying your decision of telling chrsschb decision was immature, I'm just merely stating, don't be 'that guy' if you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all.

[NatedogEZ]

Nice to see you back Drakiyth :)

Hope all is well with you and your family, good luck on the server.

[Thorkinal]

Welcome back Drak, Have fun with the new server.

[Thorkinal]

What's with the negativity Splose?

[Drakiyth]

Nice to see you back Drakiyth :)

Hope all is well with you and your family, good luck on the server.

Thanks Nate! I'll need to jump on Skype and say hi soon.

Welcome back dude, long time no see.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and what makes an immature decision is telling someone their opinion is immature. Which is why I'm not saying your decision of telling chrsschb decision was immature, I'm just merely stating, don't be 'that guy' if you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all.

Thanks man. Good to be here!

Welcome back Drak, Have fun with the new server.

Thanks Thork. That's the plan. :)





EDIT: I have decided to go with the ROF2 client for the 4th server.

[Castinonya]

As always, I'll be there to give it a whirl.

- Wood

[Akkadius]

Welcome back Drak, good to hear that life has stabilized for you and that things are going well!

Good luck! You won't need it ;)

[Drakiyth]

As always, I'll be there to give it a whirl.

- Wood

Nice to see you Wood!

Welcome back Drak, good to hear that life has stabilized for you and that things are going well!

Good luck! You won't need it ;)

Thanks Akkadius. Appreciate the support.



UPDATE: The server has an official name and logo I created for it now.

http://i.imgur.com/dtc0Ycv.png

[Aquaojo]

WB Drak! Amped up to see the new vision come to life. I've enjoyed and learned a ton from tinkering with the Eriviyn server.

I for one would welcome a return to a more original Varyndria version. Of course, I also have always liked your donation systems as well. Either way, I'll be there!

[GrayKitri]

Hey Drak,

Welcome back. It looks ambitious so hopefully it turns out as hoped!

[Drakiyth]

WB Drak! Amped up to see the new vision come to life. I've enjoyed and learned a ton from tinkering with the Eriviyn server.

I for one would welcome a return to a more original Varyndria version. Of course, I also have always liked your donation systems as well. Either way, I'll be there!

Thank you for the warm welcome! Ruinspire is going to bring back Nostalgia for people who played the original Varlyndria. I have a lot of ideas for it. Including a custom undead infested Unrest. :P

Hey Drak,

Welcome back. It looks ambitious so hopefully it turns out as hoped!

Thank you! I'm going to make sure this server strikes home to new players and veterans alike who want a fun experience.




• UPDATE


I have been hard at work on designs and ideas as well as getting to learn the UI and controls for GMing the server again. I have a test bed now so things are underway.
Here are some things I am looking at doing with the server I haven't told anybody yet:

• Instanced Raiding with a lock on the original zone..
- Multiple raids planned within a tier so you don't just go to one place for gearing until next update.
- Each raid will have progression to get to the next tier.
- I would like to release 3 or more raids every content update.
- This will allow players to get into raids every week with no competition of a single zone.
- Restricts bosses from being farmed for all loot in 1 day.
- Adds carrot on the stick value.
- Raid bosses will be well scripted.
- Removes elitist attitudes of 'WE OWN THIS ZONE.'

• Dungeons and Solo Content
- Dungeons will be very solo/single group friendly and provide good gear upgrades.
- Dungeons will get players ready for raiding.
- Content updates and new raids will also provide some new dungeons that will get players caught up a little bit.
- Content update dungeons will NOT make the previous raid update content obsolete but they will make them easier to go through.
- Dungeons will eventually make VERY OLD raid content obsolete.

• Raid Loot - Making it fun
- Killing bosses should be rewarding.
- I plan on having augments to empower your path items drop.
- I plan on having quest items drop that can get you more PATH powers to really strengthen your character.
- There won't be random clicky effect items I am going to make that path powers only and very special to have.
- Paths will have end-game upgrades. Example: Path Epic Weapons, a new armor piece with path powers etc.
- There won't be any class specific gear besides path related stuff. This will make itemization development a lot more flexible and not so restrictive.

• Secondary Item Affixes
- All secondary item affixes on all gear will be completely removed for balancing reasons.
- Only path gear will have a clicky added to it.
- One piece of gear with an OP affix that makes class X OP shouldn't be in the game.
- Secondary Affixes will ONLY be put on augments that ALL classes can use and they will be very rare, trade fiendly, lore and attuneable.
- Secondary Affixes are things like: Kick Damage, Bash Damage, Cleave IV, Improved Heal, Improve Damage, Haste, Hp Regen, Shielding, Clickies etc
- This makes affixes and augments have incredible value and it also makes it where gear is not so dependent on a certain affix over another allowing more flexibility.

• Primary Stats on Gear
- Being lowered by 50% on all items.
- Gear with good stats will be hard to find.
- Stats are based on EQ rules and don't have such a huge impact on dps.
- Makes augment Affixes very sought after for power increases.

• Class Path Items
- Path items will scale based on level up to max level. You will no longer have a charm vastly inferior to a ring in stats etc.
- Path item clicky spells will scale based on level.
- Path spells will be SLIGHTLY stronger than other powers based on the item clicked but nothing like Eriviyn where it felt your charm/powersource spells were useless.

• Skills and Class Vision
- All classes will have taunt.
- All classes will have 5% base critical strike chance.
- All classes will have bash/slam
- Every single class is now considered a THEME and will have the option to be any role through paths.

• Alternate Advancement (AA's)
- Being removed completely.
- Causes massive balance issues and doesn't fit the theme of the server.
- Server is focused on paths not the original class which can now fit any role.
- Saves a headache on development and lets me focus on paths.

• Crafting
- Being removed completely.
- Only causes confusion and is a pain to balance with dungeon/raid content.
- Most players hate crafting and it takes too long.
- Not having crafting as an option will feel like freedom and focus players on adventuring for gear.
- Let's me focus easier on content that matters.
- Makes merchants and items found that can be traded more valuable.
- Crafting items will be removed from loot tables, merchants and deleted completely.
- Fishing will be disabled.
- Quests involved in crafting will be removed.
- NPCs selling crafting items will be removed.

• Normal Class Epic Weapons
- Being completely removed.
- Classes are now considered a theme with many roles so epic weapons do not fit them.
- Path Epics will be added later.

• Set downtime schedule..
- I plan on having a weekly downtime period starting on friday afternoons MST.
- The goal is to eliminate sporadic restarting so players can enjoy the server with no worries.
- This includes content updates so players can get excited about every friday probably having something new.

• Homogenization in Paths
- This server is about personal flavor and theme (different particle colors, various minion types, elements or whatever you enjoy)
- Some paths might play the same but I will do what I can to make things different from each other.
- I expect a lot of paths to feel the same mechanically (not fantasy) but that's to be expected with this much variety.
- Play the game and have fun with the fantasy of your class path and don't worry so much about mechanics. I am not here to re-invent the wheel.

[Durge]

You have some really interesting ideas here (and bold ones!). This might contradict my earlier post a little, but since you're removing things like crafting, aa, etc., the raid bosses and fights themselves will be highlighted and focused on even more. Might be an unneeded warning, but even if you scale down the release rate, I would much prefer custom and intricate fights over tank and afk.

[Drakiyth]

You have some really interesting ideas here (and bold ones!). This might contradict my earlier post a little, but since you're removing things like crafting, aa, etc., the raid bosses and fights themselves will be highlighted and focused on even more. Might be an unneeded warning, but even if you scale down the release rate, I would much prefer custom and intricate fights over tank and afk.


That's the plan for sure - less focus on content that doesn't matter and more focus on dungeons, raids, quests, boss fights and stuff that does. I remember sitting there for 5 days working on crafting items for Eriviyn and the system was barely used at all. I got many complaints saying 'I don't like crafting.. why do I have to do it for augs?' I felt like I added something that was totally throwing people off the path that mattered. Personally, if you think about it, even in WoW right now the crafting system is almost pointless besides a few pieces of gear (locked to 3 max) and crap like mounts and toys.

[Durge]

While I was one of the few people who did the crafting, I do agree that a majority of players don't want to do it heh. Since you're removing AA, are you going to focus a lot on revamping the combat abilities for melee classes?

[Drakiyth]

While I was one of the few people who did the crafting, I do agree that a majority of players don't want to do it heh. Since you're removing AA, are you going to focus a lot on revamping the combat abilities for melee classes?

A large majority of dps will be path related for melee classes. Clickies, buffs that are granted etc will get them up there with other dps. On top of it, the Augments with Affixes will have ways to make them better too. I can imagine Haste Augments are going to be very sought after. As far as multiple attacks and things that come with AAs: It depends on the path role and gear upgrade.

Example would be: Warrior Pet-Less DPS path gets a helmet quest from a raid. The helmet adds a buff that increases his attacks by 2 more (AA) and some other kind of buff. I need to be careful though with a lot of this because things can get really unbalanced quickly. (reason I am taking out AAs completely) I imagine there will be path updates frequently. I plan to parse things however and get them as close as possible on single target.

[Durge]

Sounds good! I'm excited to try them all out.

[Drakiyth]

Sounds good! I'm excited to try them all out.


I have a lot of great stuff coming.



I have decided that the augments with affixes players find and trade will be attuneable to make them even more rare. Which will add even more value to selling them to other players. - This might require a script/custom source though. I'll check into it.

[nenelan]

Curious to see what you have in store. I've enjoyed most of yours in the past. Hopefully you can keep the mudflation down for a bit more staying power.

[Maze_EQ]

So, Erivivyn again....with a new name.....for 3 weeks.

Pass.

[Thorkinal]

/Delete:Maze_EQ

[Thorkinal]

I have a simple solution to your problem/negativity, Don't play there, don't view the forums with his server as the topic, avoid posting your opinions. Whether the scenario plays out as you've laid before us doesn't matter. If you care to be constructive by all means, if not then just disappear, no one cares for your demeaning posts that belittle developers, Enjoy your Monday.

[DanCanDo]

Whats up with the flaming ? I assume the moderators allow this kind of immaturity on
these forums ? Unbelievable. It's one thing to make an opinion but throwing out prejudged accusations and conspiracy theories ? Seriously maze dude, grow up.

[Maze_EQ]

DanCanDo....

You haven't been here long huh?

All 3 times the EXACT SAME scenario happened.

People are gonna donate $100s of $$ just to lose everything in a few months.

It's reoccurring.

[daerath]

Whats up with the flaming ? I assume the moderators allow this kind of immaturity on
these forums ? Unbelievable. It's one thing to make an opinion but throwing out prejudged accusations and conspiracy theories ? Seriously maze dude, grow up.

I disagree on all points. Servers come and go and on a number of occasions people have ranted about servers showing up, being really fun, and then suddenly vanishing without a trace. I'm sure some of those people have experienced that multiple times and it is entirely possible that it has frustrated some to the point that they quit playing on emu servers.

The bottom line is that there are no SLAs on servers; no guarantees of any kind. I find it helpful to get some back history on server admins that have shown a trend of putting up servers, running them a bit, and then shutting them down.

[EQBasic]

Obviously this person has done some good things in the past since he has got a warm
welcome back. The post specified no donation system. But obviously nobody is forced
in to donating to anyone. It does cost money to run a server, but no one is obligated
to contribute financially, from what I can see on these servers. From what I have read
servers come and go all the time. But newcomers are not going to get a good first
impression reading threads like this.

[Drakiyth]

I respect everybody's opinion on here, there is no need to fight. All I can tell you is I have had almost 2 years to think about the events of my last server and what made it so overwhelming to take care of. I lacked scheduled downtime, I put my focus on stuff that didn't matter or really affect the vision of the server, donations became a huge controversy and I made quick foolish mistakes without thinking things over. That is why I am getting rid of a lot of unnecessary stuff on Ruinspire so I am lazer focused is on what matters the most: The vision of class paths and their roles, progression, balancing, content, prevention of mudflation and others.

Also Eriviyn and other servers I had were up well over half a year or longer. Varlyndria was over a year. In my defense Maze was way off in that regard.

[DanCanDo]

I disagree on all points. Servers come and go and on a number of occasions people have ranted about servers showing up, being really fun, and then suddenly vanishing without a trace. I'm sure some of those people have experienced that multiple times and it is entirely possible that it has frustrated some to the point that they quit playing on emu servers.

The bottom line is that there are no SLAs on servers; no guarantees of any kind. I find it helpful to get some back history on server admins that have shown a trend of putting up servers, running them a bit, and then shutting them down.

The whole "flaming" thing seems to be an individual favourtism. You say "back history" ? I did some research. There is popular servers active right now that have left in the past and returned. But I don't see people like you and maze flaming them ??

[Scorpious2k]

Our server got a cease and desist order from Sony after being up for five years.

Probably not the same thing, right?

(No insult or flame intended)

[Drajor]

Welcome back. More server developers is good for emulator IMO :)

[Durge]

I don't think this is the place to discuss unnecessary semantics and arguments.

[EQBasic]

Our server got a cease and desist order from Sony after being up for five years.

Probably not the same thing, right?

(No insult or flame intended)

Thats kind of the point though. Everyone has their reasons for a server having
to shut down, whether it was out of their control or maybe mistakes, but in a
nutshell, I don't think anyone would ever start out with negative intentions.
Maybe it's just me, but I don't think anyone should be flamed just for putting
effort in to something just because it didn't work out. Just keep trying until it
comes up positive :)

[Javeci1]

I'm curious - with having 80 potential "paths", you've even said yourself that anticipate very similar paths, just with different names. Why so many? Personally, I'd rather have a few very well thought out ideas rather than a whole bunch of half-baked ideas. You say you're hoping to be more focused on things that matter, but you're going to have 80 paths that matter, balancing them, and then you have content to deal with after that. I'm just thinking you're biting off a bit more than you can chew, but if it's what you really want to do, all the more power to you.

[Drakiyth]

I'm curious - with having 80 potential "paths", you've even said yourself that anticipate very similar paths, just with different names. Why so many? Personally, I'd rather have a few very well thought out ideas rather than a whole bunch of half-baked ideas. You say you're hoping to be more focused on things that matter, but you're going to have 80 paths that matter, balancing them, and then you have content to deal with after that. I'm just thinking you're biting off a bit more than you can chew, but if it's what you really want to do, all the more power to you.

Very good question.


The goal is to treat classes in eq as a theme to build on. Not just a single role. Each theme will have 5 roles and 3 out of those 5 will be available on a single toon. There is 80 because 5 x16. Ruinspire will be the first server I've ever allowed multi-pathing so there needs to be a large variety to make things interesting and add replay value.

Can I handle it? Piece of cake. The main thing that will make this easier to do is roles are set from the get go in creation. All classes have a Tank, Healer, Support, Pet Dps and Non Pet Dps for players who don't like pets.

Going to repost this update so you can read some things I covered.




• UPDATE


I have been hard at work on designs and ideas as well as getting to learn the UI and controls for GMing the server again. I have a test bed now so things are underway.
Here are some things I am looking at doing with the server I haven't told anybody yet:

• Instanced Raiding with a lock on the original zone..
- Multiple raids planned within a tier so you don't just go to one place for gearing until next update.
- Each raid will have progression to get to the next tier.
- I would like to release 3 or more raids every content update.
- This will allow players to get into raids every week with no competition of a single zone.
- Restricts bosses from being farmed for all loot in 1 day.
- Adds carrot on the stick value.
- Raid bosses will be well scripted.
- Removes elitist attitudes of 'WE OWN THIS ZONE.'

• Dungeons and Solo Content
- Dungeons will be very solo/single group friendly and provide good gear upgrades.
- Dungeons will get players ready for raiding.
- Content updates and new raids will also provide some new dungeons that will get players caught up a little bit.
- Content update dungeons will NOT make the previous raid update content obsolete but they will make them easier to go through.
- Dungeons will eventually make VERY OLD raid content obsolete.

• Raid Loot - Making it fun
- Killing bosses should be rewarding.
- I plan on having augments to empower your path items drop.
- I plan on having quest items drop that can get you more PATH powers to really strengthen your character.
- There won't be random clicky effect items I am going to make that path powers only and very special to have.
- Paths will have end-game upgrades. Example: Path Epic Weapons, a new armor piece with path powers etc.
- There won't be any class specific gear besides path related stuff. This will make itemization development a lot more flexible and not so restrictive.

• Secondary Item Affixes
- All secondary item affixes on all gear will be completely removed for balancing reasons.
- Only path gear will have a clicky added to it.
- One piece of gear with an OP affix that makes class X OP shouldn't be in the game.
- Secondary Affixes will ONLY be put on augments that ALL classes can use and they will be very rare, trade fiendly, lore and attuneable.
- Secondary Affixes are things like: Kick Damage, Bash Damage, Cleave IV, Improved Heal, Improve Damage, Haste, Hp Regen, Shielding, Clickies etc
- This makes affixes and augments have incredible value and it also makes it where gear is not so dependent on a certain affix over another allowing more flexibility.

• Primary Stats on Gear
- Being lowered by 50% on all items.
- Gear with good stats will be hard to find.
- Stats are based on EQ rules and don't have such a huge impact on dps.
- Makes augment Affixes very sought after for power increases.

• Class Path Items
- Path items will scale based on level up to max level. You will no longer have a charm vastly inferior to a ring in stats etc.
- Path item clicky spells will scale based on level.
- Path spells will be SLIGHTLY stronger than other powers based on the item clicked but nothing like Eriviyn where it felt your charm/powersource spells were useless.

• Skills and Class Vision
- All classes will have taunt.
- All classes will have 5% base critical strike chance.
- All classes will have bash/slam
- Every single class is now considered a THEME and will have the option to be any role through paths.

• Alternate Advancement (AA's)
- Being removed completely.
- Causes massive balance issues and doesn't fit the theme of the server.
- Server is focused on paths not the original class which can now fit any role.
- Saves a headache on development and lets me focus on paths.

• Crafting
- Being removed completely.
- Only causes confusion and is a pain to balance with dungeon/raid content.
- Most players hate crafting and it takes too long.
- Not having crafting as an option will feel like freedom and focus players on adventuring for gear.
- Let's me focus easier on content that matters.
- Makes merchants and items found that can be traded more valuable.
- Crafting items will be removed from loot tables, merchants and deleted completely.
- Fishing will be disabled.
- Quests involved in crafting will be removed.
- NPCs selling crafting items will be removed.

• Normal Class Epic Weapons
- Being completely removed.
- Classes are now considered a theme with many roles so epic weapons do not fit them.
- Path Epics will be added later.

• Set downtime schedule..
- I plan on having a weekly downtime period starting on friday afternoons MST.
- The goal is to eliminate sporadic restarting so players can enjoy the server with no worries.
- This includes content updates so players can get excited about every friday probably having something new.

• Homogenization in Paths
- This server is about personal flavor and theme (different particle colors, various minion types, elements or whatever you enjoy)
- Some paths might play the same but I will do what I can to make things different from each other.
- I expect a lot of paths to feel the same mechanically (not fantasy) but that's to be expected with this much variety.
- Play the game and have fun with the fantasy of your class path and don't worry so much about mechanics. I am not here to re-invent the wheel.

[Scorpious2k]

Thats kind of the point though. Everyone has their reasons for a server having to shut down, whether it was out of their control or maybe mistakes

That was the point I was trying to make. Thank you for making it more clearly.

[EQEMU2010]

I have enjoyed your previous servers keep up the good work and let us know when it needs testing...

[Drakiyth]

I have enjoyed your previous servers keep up the good work and let us know when it needs testing...

Thanks for the support!


UPDATE

EDITED We have decided to change the old Eriviyn Forums to the new RuinSpire Forums: ruinspire.forumotion.com

NOTE: This forum is in very early stages of development.

I will be releasing info on these forums as I work on the server, so if you're interested check it out.

[Drakiyth]

I won't be releasing much path info on this thread but I thought I would share Ruinspire's first warrior creations. Please remember that Ruinspire will have 3 paths available for each character that you play which means you could technically switch to a Slayer for DPS or a Battle Surgeon if your group needs healing. Each class (theme) will have 5 path choices as stated earlier in this thread. So 3 out of 5 for each character gives players incredible flexibility to help their party.

NOTE: All path art is under re-use for non-commercial creative commons projects.

http://i.imgur.com/oQ9gblI.png
http://i.imgur.com/PQMR69w.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/t2vmuoS.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/SKO6Lc8.png









UPDATE:

Here are some other things I came up with I would like to do for Ruinspire. I feel my other servers were lacking terribly on these topics below.
The original Varlyndria was successful over all others because it had the most challenge. I want to bring that back and more in Ruinspire.

CARROT ON THE STICK FACTOR
• Lower the drop rates on all PEQ items significantly so gear is more rare.
• Stop handing out stat gear so easily with quests/merchants. It needs to feel special.
• Make many dungeon (not raid) NO-DROP items Trade Friendly.
• When you do get a drop you can't use from a dungeon or named, you can run out and sell it to players who might need it.
• Make getting a piece of gear with even 3 sta on it feel good. (Like Original EQ)
• Add a hard cap on Platinum per character to around 999,999 or so. (Not easy to reach)
• Add mystery boxes to merchants (Gets rid of Mudflation fast) that can be bought for large sums of platinum.
• Mystery boxes have a rare chance to offer a random stat affix augment, cosmetic item, exp potions, stat food etc.
• Delete all PEQ augments and remove them from shops/drop tables and create my own.
• Add custom augment types to armor/weapons and another custom slot to path items for upgrades.
• I also plan on using material like this: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mudflation to keep Mudflation out of RuinSpire.

CHALLENGE FACTORS
• Path Clickies won't be as spamable like other servers, but they will offer awesome results when used.
• Path Clickies will also drain Mana/Endurance from the character. (Need to check on this)
• Makes Mana/Endurance important again.
• Gives the Paths limitations of power which all other servers lacked severely.


The challenge goal in Ruinspire is to get #TheStruggleIsReal back in the game.

[nalbikk]

I have a question about your class paths. You mentioned you get 3 of 5 possible paths. Is the character all these paths at the same time or are you only 1 at a time and have to switch?

[Drakiyth]

I have a question about your class paths. You mentioned you get 3 of 5 possible paths. Is the character all these paths at the same time or are you only 1 at a time and have to switch?


Very good question.

PATH SWITCHING CONCEPTS (NOT OFFICIAL)
• When you become one of your 3 chosen paths you are THAT path and not a mixture of the other 2.
• Path gear currently planned is: (Charm, Source, Earring, Bracer and Ring) - These all come with clickies to form your character.)
• Mix/Matching different path gear sets will un-equip those items and give the player notice with a pop-up.
• I would like to add a quest option that can equip players quickly with one of their 3 chosen paths so it's fast play.
• The entire system is currently under development and in a whim's notice I could come up with a completely different way to do things.
• I have been considering the CHARM system from Varlyndria: Ascension as well. The charm acts as a reagent to cast path spells etc.

Right now I am focusing on getting the fantasy and basic ideas of the paths manifested so I have something to work with.







Here are a few more paths I revealed recently for the Necromancer.

http://i.imgur.com/QJ4P45g.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/Re9tHam.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/mYTuJba.png

[Kailow]

I like what you're doing with it so far, Drak. Keep it up! As I said earlier, we can wait for you to balance stuff and make sure its something that will stick with us like Varlyndria did.

I never got to really experience varlyndria because it went down, no joke, about a week after i started playing it and I've heard nothing but good things about it. Do you mind indulging me what the server was like?

[Drakiyth]

I like what you're doing with it so far, Drak. Keep it up! As I said earlier, we can wait for you to balance stuff and make sure its something that will stick with us like Varlyndria did.

I never got to really experience varlyndria because it went down, no joke, about a week after i started playing it and I've heard nothing but good things about it. Do you mind indulging me what the server was like?


Varlyndria was my very first server. It had very minimum touches to it and was mainly all PEQ. It started with 48 class paths who gave a simple charm that upgraded your character with a buff, Pet or nuke you could click. (rather simplistic), it also had the ability to have your own party (5 bots) and minions that you would HAVE to have a full group to take down. It overall was a pretty big hit. I added a lot of custom zones and had some pretty crazy world bosses. You could just play normal EQ with paths and a story I made added for flavor and fun. I plan on following this type of play with Ruinspire (with more options than just 1 charm though) and the ability to take on multiple class roles so solo and grouping is more fun and easier to progress. I will not be doing the 5 bots though, 2 bots is the max in Ruinspire to save on server stress.

There are probably some other things I am missing that a true die hard fan of the original server could share with you.



EDIT: Ruinspire is going to be the Varlyndria I always wanted to do when I first started but didn't have the knowledge, experience or help that I have now to do.

[Drakiyth]

Just wanted to share a few more paths with everybody. I am currently working on wizards right now. I put a lot of thought into these paths to make sure they fit the class theme role as best as possible.

HERE IS AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT I HAVE PLANNED FOR THESE THREE PATHS BELOW.

• SAVAGEBORN
This is going to be a beastlord theme pet dps path. I plan on making it where players get their racial warder model but the pet is super enhanced and it will also have an aura to make it look really powerful. The path will focus heavily on the pet for dealing damage but also have some attacks the Savageborn can toss in.

• PUPPET MASTER
This is going to be a (darker) bard theme pet dps path. The current plan is it will have major burst damage with puppet/marionette swarmers (not spammable) while its gingerbread puppet wreaks havoc on the world. It will also come with songs that haunt and tear at the souls of enemies.

• FROSTBITER
This path just made sense to me. When you really think about it cold is a perfect element for controlling enemy minions like a normal EQ enchanter does. That's exactly what the Frostbiter does best. They are going to have a good amount of control with some moderate single target dps for bursting down the tank's target.

http://i.imgur.com/dlQywH8.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/SkgUqqy.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/V72iK8t.png




I hope you enjoyed this preview. Please click on my signature and sign up on the forums to follow the progress of server development and get any questions you want asked when I have time to answer you.

[jhiller]

Did you get permission for those pictures you ripped off? They are straight from Magic the Gathering.

[chrsschb]

Did you get permission for those pictures you ripped off? They are straight from Magic the Gathering.

NOTE: All path art is under re-use for non-commercial creative commons projects.

Drak can you post a link to where you pulled the photos as well as where the CC license is mentioned.

[jhiller]

I could be wrong but I would doubt he contacted them. I also would have a hard time thinking their art is Creative Commons.

http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?multiverseid=366460

g. Trademark and Copyright Notification. Unless otherwise indicated, all trademarks appearing on the Websites and Services are the property of Wizards of the Coast LLC or its parent Company, Hasbro, Inc. All rights reserved. All artwork, images, text, proprietary software and other copyrightable images are the copyrights to Wizards. All rights reserved. All other trademarks and copyrightable content are the property of their respective owners and used under license.

[daerath]

And the original images include the Wizards of the Coast LLC trademark (bottom left) and the artist's name, William Murai (bottom right). The ones posted here have been cropped to remove those, so....

[jhiller]

See this copyright? Not supposed to steal without giving the artist credit. He did this shit a long time ago and got called out on it.

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/d1/97/96/d19796ba78036177ff0006813c7820e5.jpg

[jhiller]

Same habits as the past, will probably do the same things with the server....abandon it when he gets bored of it. History has a way of repeating itself.

[Drakiyth]

Same habits as the past, will probably do the same things with the server....abandon it when he gets bored of it. History has a way of repeating itself.

I'm honestly not sure what I did to you or what but having the viciousness in your post is completely uncalled for when I do these little art path pics it's to help with the fantasy and is technically a forum picture not used in any game directly.

If I was to say make an RPGmaker game where the pic is used directly in that project I would include the artist name and give credit etc. A forum post however is not a video game directly. I do absolutely respect if people feel this strongly about the pics on a forum and I apologize it upset you. However even ChrisB's Avatar Is a well known GrimReaper pic and there is no artist name anywhere in sight. Yet is he lambasted?

I also did search for reusable pics but google is never perfect. I am not stealing because it's solely used as a forum post.

If you have suggestions about this topic I will read them if you're civil.

[chrsschb]

I'm honestly not sure what I did to you or what but having the viciousness in your post is completely uncalled for when I do these little art path pics it's to help with the fantasy and is technically a forum picture not used in any game directly. If I was to say make an RPGmaker game where the pic is used directly in that project I would include the artist name and give credit etc. A forum post however is like 4chan or other pic boards. If people feel this strongly about the pics on a forum that is literally not part of the actual Eqemu game I apologize it upset you. However even ChrisB signature Is a well known GrimReaper pic and there is no artist name anywhere in sight.

I also did search for reusable pics but google is never perfect. I am not stealing because it's solely used as a forum post. Just like a signature or forum avatar.

If you have suggestions I will read them if you're civil.

I appreciate the callout, makes me feel important. NetherRealm (Nicholas Watros) (http://netherrealm.deviantart.com/art/Lich-35598631) is the artist and the picture is from 2006; before you even knew what EQEmu was. It was made available as a free download. But I mean if you want to see a copyright disclaimer on an 80px image let me know and I'll do it just for you.

You need to realize, however, that I'm not against you, I was trying to help you. Which says a lot considering I don't agree with your project. Also, I understand copyright laws very well as I run two businesses, one of which deals directly with intellectual property of artists. When it comes to using art resources for forums, free projects, etc I don't make a big stink, and credit the artists when I feel it necessary.

I had a photographer send my company a cease and desist letter a few years ago for a picture I took from google, for the sole purpose of testing functionality on a website. I never made the image public, never actually posted it to a live website, but google indexed the web folder and he found it.

I laughed, explained it to him, he laughed, we went about our lives. The key there was that I was a for-profit business. Most artists don't care that you're using their art for non-profit, for-fun, or other random projects. I know I don't. Hell I've produced several songs that are all over the internet, free to download and uploaded by some shady character somewhere. I don't care.

When the usage becomes commercial, that's when things change.

[daerath]

The key there was that I was a for-profit business. Most artists don't care that you're using their art for non-profit, for-fun, or other random projects. I know I don't. Hell I've produced several songs that are all over the internet, free to download and uploaded by some shady character somewhere. I don't care.

When the usage becomes commercial, that's when things change.

No, the key is that the artist in your case, and in many cases don't care if the use is non-commercial. That doesn't mean that all artists and corporations won't care.

...when I do these little art path pics it's to help with the fantasy and is technically a forum picture not used in any game directly.

Usage doesn't really matter, and you are using those "little art path picks" to advertise your proposed server. You have to get permission to use someone else's work, especially if your use of it involves removing attributions. Even Creative Commons licensed material has rules around attribution (https://wiki.creativecommons.org/wiki/Best_practices_for_attribution) that your cropped images violate so you're in violation no matter where those images are sourced.

[chrsschb]

No, the key is that the artist in your case, and in many cases don't care if the use is non-commercial. That doesn't mean that all artists and corporations won't care.

Re-read what I said, I said that. The only thing I guaranteed was that "I" don't care. As an intellectual property owner I don't care about non-commercial use of my property.

You guys are ripping into him over some seriously small shit that Wizards probably doesn't care about. At worst they shoot a cease and desist at him and he pulls the images. It's not worth litigation as there is no damage.

[chasem]

Watching a YouTube video that someone else put up without permission is a violation of copyright law, so not sure how far we want to go with this considering the game we're playing and it being an emulator and all. Sure we have some vague Daybreak agreement, but they still own it all and can come snatch and grab for copyright violation at any point if they so choose.

I don't really care one way or the other in regards to Ruinspire or Drak or any who have beef with him. I pirate the fuck out of everything. As for most the stuff around here from an artistic view...We NEED more pirated shit!! :)

[chrsschb]

Watching a YouTube video that someone else put up without permission is a violation of copyright law, so not sure how far we want to go with this considering the game we're playing and it being an emulator and all. Sure we have some vague Daybreak agreement, but they still own it all and can come snatch and grab for copyright violation at any point if they so choose.

I don't really care one way or the other in regards to Ruinspire or Drak or any who have beef with him. I pirate the fuck out of everything. As for most the stuff around here from an artistic view...We NEED more pirated shit!! :)

Watching the video is not violation.

Also, the code that runs the servers is owned by the EQEmu developers. So unless they are going to start snatching clients from players they have no ground to stand on.

[Drakiyth]

I appreciate the callout, makes me feel important. NetherRealm (Nicholas Watros) (http://netherrealm.deviantart.com/art/Lich-35598631) is the artist and the picture is from 2006; before you even knew what EQEmu was. It was made available as a free download. But I mean if you want to see a copyright disclaimer on an 80px image let me know and I'll do it just for you.

You need to realize, however, that I'm not against you, I was trying to help you. Which says a lot considering I don't agree with your project. Also, I understand copyright laws very well as I run two businesses, one of which deals directly with intellectual property of artists. When it comes to using art resources for forums, free projects, etc I don't make a big stink, and credit the artists when I feel it necessary.

I had a photographer send my company a cease and desist letter a few years ago for a picture I took from google, for the sole purpose of testing functionality on a website. I never made the image public, never actually posted it to a live website, but google indexed the web folder and he found it.

I laughed, explained it to him, he laughed, we went about our lives. The key there was that I was a for-profit business. Most artists don't care that you're using their art for non-profit, for-fun, or other random projects. I know I don't. Hell I've produced several songs that are all over the internet, free to download and uploaded by some shady character somewhere. I don't care.

When the usage becomes commercial, that's when things change.


I appreciate and respect your professionalism and experience. What would you suggest that I do to get out the idea of my creations on a forum without causing a fuss? For example all my other servers only had one issue with this and that's when I accidentally used Guild Wars 2 art. They sent me a cease and desist. I decided to take all art down for paths at that time in a huge overreaction.

[chrsschb]

I appreciate and respect your professionalism and experience. What would you suggest that I do to get out the idea of my creations on a forum without causing a fuss? For example all my other servers only had one issue with this and that's when I accidentally used Guild Wars 2 art. They sent me a cease and desist. I decided to take all art down for paths at that time in a huge overreaction.

Stop giving a fuck, the people here are blowing this way out of proportion. If you're worried make sure to credit the artists/licensor at the least. If you receive a cease and desist then be prepared to drop the images. You could always contact the artists and ask for permission to use (a handwritten letter/email is usually more than sufficient). And at worst be ready to find a reputable artist to create some unique artwork for your server. For my company the first thing I did when I branched out on my own was to make sure I owned every resource I used. It's really not worth doing this for a free-to-play, non-profit hobby. So the risk (which is fairly small) is worth it.

Like I mentioned previously it's not worth litigation as there is no damage. A cease and desist is cheap and easy. If you were slandering the company or profiting from their work then yeah be prepared for full wrath of their lawyers.

[Drakiyth]

Stop giving a fuck, the people here are blowing this way out of proportion. If you're worried make sure to credit the artists/licensor at the least. If you receive a cease and desist then be prepared to drop the images. You could always contact the artists and ask for permission to use (a handwritten letter/email is usually more than sufficient). And at worst be ready to find a reputable artist to create some unique artwork for your server. For my company the first thing I did when I branched out on my own was to make sure I owned every resource I used. It's really not worth doing this for a free-to-play, non-profit hobby. So the risk (which is fairly small) is worth it.

Like I mentioned previously it's not worth litigation as there is no damage. A cease and desist is cheap and easy. If you were slandering the company or profiting from their work then yeah be prepared for full wrath of their lawyers.


That's exactly how I feel and why I have done these honestly. I like your idea of crediting the artist and putting that I do not own this picture and it is being used solely for a fun non-profit project. I'll take the time to find the artists and put that up on my posts. I appreciate the feedback. Especially coming from somebody who knows what they are talking about from personal experience. The only reason I didn't credit them before is because it's a forum not a game. But I see how including their name is just the right thing to do in general.

I do alter their pictures considerably with adobe so it fits my theme as well. But I guess if I credit them it doesn't matter.


UPDATED:

This is what I will be putting down for all art I use on my forums. I appreciate people bringing this up because I want for nothing more than to make RuinSpire a fun and stress free place to play.

http://img.prntscr.com/img?url=http://i.imgur.com/WO4HJ02.png

[Javeci1]

Don't take this the wrong way, but my suggestion would be to keep all your updates on your own forums. The people that are interested in and support your project will see the updates there and are far less likely to respond negatively. Even then, you are able to moderate your forums and remove any post or user that is negatively affecting the atmosphere or community that you are trying to create.

[Drakiyth]

Don't take this the wrong way, but my suggestion would be to keep all your updates on your own forums. The people that are interested in and support your project will see the updates there and are far less likely to respond negatively. Even then, you are able to moderate your forums and remove any post or user that is negatively affecting the atmosphere or community that you are trying to create.

This thread was put out there to get new people's interests in RuinSpire and show a little bit of what I am doing with the server. Nothing more. Negative feedback on this thread does not affect my attitude or drive for creating this new server. I have actually done my best to understand where people are coming from and stay professional. I have already owned up to my last 3 servers failing because I made some mistakes and it's time to move forward. People posting things like "It's going to happen again, mark my words." just make me want to work harder on RuinSpire and make sure it's one of the best damn servers to ever come to EQemulator.

[daerath]

And history repeats itself once again.

[lupisnoctum]

And history repeats itself once again.

Indicative of the state of mental health "care" in the US. With the advent of the Internet, the neighborhood maniac can lurk in everyone's back yard simultaneously.

[sculler]

People posting things like "It's going to happen again, mark my words." just make me want to work harder on RuinSpire and make sure it's one of the best damn servers to ever come to EQemulator.

This is funny.

[DanCanDo]

To be more than unbias here, we all make mistakes and bad decisions in our lives, then
hope not to make the same mistake again, but rather learn from it, until the next time.
Out of all the negative feedback towards any servers on these forums, the one I see
the most is usually when a server goes down, leaving many disgruntled players. And I
can understand, those players put a lot of time and effort in to the toons they create.
I realize it takes a lot of effort to develop and maintain a server, lots of ups and downs
along the way, but personally, persevering to keep the server alive, I would think is of
the utmost priority. Maybe lots of headaches, trials and tribulations after it's up, but
when it is up, it can do nothing but move forward. Clicking the off switch is a step in
the wrong direction.

[Maze_EQ]

So, Erivivyn again....with a new name.....for 3 weeks.

Pass.

http://www.quickmeme.com/img/49/49736273ad1ca2100bfd6334eedf449f2e699c3d0318867abd 30a242bd73e664.jpg

[Elysius]

http://www.quickmeme.com/img/49/49736273ad1ca2100bfd6334eedf449f2e699c3d0318867abd 30a242bd73e664.jpg

And how long did your most recent server last?

[Maze_EQ]

April - September.

[The_Beast]

It has been a long time everybody,

yes it has