Both Servers
Area changes:
- The Dome of Teptok in Harabec Dungeon is no longer log-to-local (except Teptok's throne).
Monster changes:
- Blackguard Burton spawn rate increased to once every 12 hours.
- Demonic General XP increased from 80 (70 on multi-alt) to 85.
Item changes:
- The Dragonclaw Scythe now has a 1.25 modifier versus loyalists.
- The Silver Staff now has 1.5 modifiers versus vampires and wolves.
1-alt Server
Monster changes:
- Drow Champion XP increased from 74 to 94.
- Elbon the Adorner can now transmute two extra jewel types.
- Forest Bandits now have a new drop and don't drop Leather Bags as often.
Item changes:
- The Carapace now gives 40 ac, +1 Str and -1 Chr and can be used by both Druids and Thieves, but can no longer be traded to the Druid Sage.
- The Perfect Garnet Ring now gives +1 Dex, +1 Con instead of +2 Con. (See Developer's Note)
- The Shepherd's Crook has had its double-damage modifiers changed to "elemental", "mumm", "sculpture", "soul" and "spirit".
- Small Rubies can now be bagged and, because they appear singular in some crafting recipes, unbagged in the same places.
Developer's Note
Getting the stats right on the perfect legendary rings is not an easy task unfortunately. There is very little that competes with the power and versatility of +2 Strength of the Perfect Ruby Ring, and there would be Hell to pay if it were nerfed in some way. Additionally, simply adding +1 Str on another ring as its perfect bonus would not amount to much when you can go all the way with +2 Str - granted, Druids and Paladins have an option with +1 Str, +1 Wis on the Perfect Emerald Ring, buffing their spells somewhat. It also gives other classes a Strength option if a Ruby Ring is unavailable to them.
Dexterity has traditionally been a risky stat to buff because of its prestige and power at level 30. While PvP is not as important as it once was and the effects of Dexterity aren't as profound as one approaches level 40, I'm still wary about giving the Perfect Sapphire Ring +2 Dex. There also isn't any other option for +1 Dex among the rings, so with that in mind, for players who lack a Sapphire Ring, I've decided to experiment with giving the Perfect Garnet Ring +1 Dex, +1 Con over +2 Con point, since it opens the ring up to other classes while still being useful for Thieves. I do like giving players options!
Note that nothing is set in stone, and I am willing to revisit this topic at a later date based on player feedback regarding the perceived and actual use and power behind the rings. Happy experimenting!
