Halas Preview Inc?

[FearDiadh]

<p>When are we going to get some preview shots of Halas?</p>

[Kiara]

<p>Soon(tm).</p>

[andycunny]

<p><cite>Kiara wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Soon(tm).</p></blockquote><p>Tease!</p>

[Kiara]

<p>Those interested in some Halas previewy goodness may want to make very certain that they are opted in for the EQII newsletter.</p><p>Just sayin' <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[RoguePyro]

<p>I concur.</p><p>Tease!</p><p>...and we love it. /shame</p>

[Cyliena]

<p><cite>Kiara wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Those interested in some Halas previewy goodness may want to make very certain that they are opted in for the EQII newsletter.</p><p>Just sayin' <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" /></p></blockquote><p>*twitch*</p><p>Does that mean I should break my F4 key refreshing my e-mail? <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Kiara]

<p>Good lord no!  I haven't finished it yet <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p><p>Should be out *crosses fingers* right around this time next month.  Unless of course poo hits the fan all over the place and we have to wait three months for it.</p>

[Rijacki]

<p><cite>Kiara wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Good lord no!  I haven't finished it yet <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" /></p><p>Should be out *crosses fingers* right around this time next month.  Unless of course poo hits the fan all over the place and we have to wait three months for it.</p></blockquote><p>Ummm... that would be after Hala is supposed to be Live.. which.. umm... wouldn't be a preview then.</p>

[Cyliena]

<p><cite>Kiara wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Good lord no!  I haven't finished it yet <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" /></p><p>Should be out *crosses fingers* right around this time next month.  Unless of course poo hits the fan all over the place and we have to wait three months for it.</p></blockquote><p>Eep! A month? My poor zerker, I need to go comfort her about not living in an igloo for a while... <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Kendricke]

<p><cite>Rijacki wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Ummm... that would be after Hala is supposed to be Live.. which.. umm... wouldn't be a preview then.</p></blockquote><p>Unless the expected release date has been shifted.</p>

[Anestacia]

<p><cite>Rijacki wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Kiara wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Good lord no!  I haven't finished it yet <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" /></p><p>Should be out *crosses fingers* right around this time next month.  Unless of course poo hits the fan all over the place and we have to wait three months for it.</p></blockquote><p>Ummm... that would be after Hala is supposed to be Live.. which.. umm... wouldn't be a preview then.</p></blockquote><p>Yeah, this is a bit confusing.  New Halas still is on track for GU55 which is the Sentinels Fate release right?</p>

[Gaige]

<p>Its probably *gasp* delayed.</p>

[Kamimura]

<p><cite>Kiara wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Should be out *crosses fingers* right around this time next month.  Unless of course poo hits the fan all over the place and we have to wait three months for it.</p></blockquote><p>I'm assuming you mean Halas itself should be out this time next month, not the preview? <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/136dd33cba83140c7ce38db096d05aed.gif" border="0" /> It, as of now, hasn't been pushed back... has it? </p>

[Atragon]

<p>I don't think the game can suffer a delay. We're running on fumes as far as content goes.</p>

[agnott]

<p>I don't know how common it is but it seemed odd to me that we are getting a message in game that you can still join in the beta with less than a month to release.</p><p>I saw it as a subliminal message for Sony that said: "Join the beta ..it's running longer than you think"</p>

[Jesdyr]

<p><cite>agnott wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>I don't know how common it is but it seemed odd to me that we are getting a message in game that you can still join in the beta with less than a month to release</p></blockquote><p>It is not all that uncommon. Kiara also has a tendancy to use poor wording (sorry it's true) that causes much confusion. I think that was a very clear reply and I am sure she will say "you are reading too much into it" by claiming it implies that SF will get pushed back.</p>

[Cyliena]

<p><cite>Jesdyr@Unrest wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>agnott wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>I don't know how common it is but it seemed odd to me that we are getting a message in game that you can still join in the beta with less than a month to release</p></blockquote><p>It is not all that uncommon. Kiara also has a tendancy to use poor wording (sorry it's true) that causes much confusion. I think that was a very clear reply and I am sure she will say "you are reading too much into it" by claiming it implies that SF will get pushed back.</p></blockquote><p>New Halas is part of GU55, not SF. Now ya'll are blurring them.</p><p>But it would be nice to know if this means that GU55 is potentially being pushed back.... = I honestly am looking forward to GU55 more than SF... <img src="/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Yimway]

<p><cite>Cyliena@Everfrost wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>But it would be nice to know if this means that GU55 is potentially being pushed back.... = I honestly am looking forward to GU55 more than SF... <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" /></p></blockquote><p>I'm having a hard time differentiating which items are SF and which are GU55 (beyond Halas of course).</p>

[Banditman]

<p>Well, it's also time that we should have a clear and firm release date if things are on schedule.  With manufacturing lead times, if the expansion is on schedule, the "gold" disc should already have been shipped off to manufacturing.  If that has happened, a quick "Yes, we're on schedule" would be easy enough to give.  If that has not happened, expect silence or some sort of evasion.</p>

[feldon30]

<p><cite>Banditman wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Well, it's also time that we should have a clear and firm release date if things are on schedule.  With manufacturing lead times, if the expansion is on schedule, the "gold" disc should already have been shipped off to manufacturing.  If that has happened, a quick "Yes, we're on schedule" would be easy enough to give.  If that has not happened, expect silence or some sort of evasion.</p></blockquote><p>EQ2 doesn't work the way you're thinking. The disc contains very few files specific to the expansion. If you do a fresh install off the Sentinel's Fate DVD, I would expect 3-4 hours of patching. The only thing in the retail box you need is the product key or any in-box art or collectibles.</p>

[Gaige]

<p>I can see them delaying GU55 since they've delayed just about all GUs this calendar year but I can't see them delaying SF more than it already is.  I imagine it goes live on the 23rd whether or not its a buggy mess.</p>

[Atragon]

<p><cite>agnott wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>I don't know how common it is but it seemed odd to me that we are getting a message in game that you can still join in the beta with less than a month to release.</p><p>I saw it as a subliminal message for Sony that said: "Join the beta ..it's running longer than you think"</p></blockquote><p>They probably have the core game set and are just trying to get as many people as they can to break things before release.  I wouldn't read much into the fact they're still accepting applicants.</p>

[Yimway]

<p><cite>Gaige wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>I can see them delaying GU55 since they've delayed just about all GUs this calendar year but I can't see them delaying SF more than it already is.  I imagine it goes live on the 23rd whether or not its a buggy mess.</p></blockquote><p>Agreed, they'll just cut it down to what is remotely stable and call it done.  But thats not really any different than how any other MMO works.</p><p>The remainder just becomes 'new' content for future updates.</p>

[Jesdyr]

<p>I though Halas was part of SF .. Guess I havent been paying attention <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" /></p><p><cite>feldon30 wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p> The disc contains very few files specific to the expansion.</p></blockquote><p>Which is why GU55 is very tightly linked to SF. Delaying some of the features in GU55 is possible but the SF content that was planned to be pushed with it will still need to go live before the 16th for the head start (the 16th is the real streetdate I dont care what they say). This means that have to hit that patch window even if GU55 only content is not in it. If that is the case then they will need to do another release for just the GU55 stuff at a later date.</p>

[Banditman]

<p><cite>feldon30 wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Banditman wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Well, it's also time that we should have a clear and firm release date if things are on schedule.  With manufacturing lead times, if the expansion is on schedule, the "gold" disc should already have been shipped off to manufacturing.  If that has happened, a quick "Yes, we're on schedule" would be easy enough to give.  If that has not happened, expect silence or some sort of evasion.</p></blockquote><p>EQ2 doesn't work the way you're thinking. The disc contains very few files specific to the expansion. If you do a fresh install off the Sentinel's Fate DVD, I would expect 3-4 hours of patching. The only thing in the retail box you need is the product key or any in-box art or collectibles.</p></blockquote><p>It works exactly like I think.  Regardless of whether there are actually "final" versions of the files on that disc, *something* has to be handed to manufacturing.  If that "something" has already been handed off, well and good, that means we're probably still on track and I would expect that news to be distributed and well received.  If it has not been handed off, we'll see evasion and silence.</p>

[andycunny]

<p>GU's are on a 3 month cycle right?  i mean the last few ahve been on average 3 months apart.  so by my math GU55 should hit us 2nd week of march?  i don't recall a specific mention that halas was/is a part of SF, but i am often wrong.</p>

[agnott]

<p>So you have a GU and a new expansion happing in the next 21 days?  .....thats a bit snug, no?</p>

[hellfire]

<p><cite>agnott wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>So you have a GU and a new expansion happing in the next 21 days?  .....thats a bit snug, no?</p></blockquote><p>A GU and expantion have always been released same day  tho...there is always content not tied to the expantion.</p><p>Also the release of the expantion is the 23...the 16th is a bonus head start so they say.</p>

[Jesdyr]

<p><cite>Bigron@Unrest wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Also the release of the expantion is the 23...the 16th is a bonus head start so they say.</p></blockquote><p>But everything would need to be patched to the servers and client on or before the 16th. The 16th is the real go live date the 23rd is marketing spin.</p>

[Jesdyr]

<p><cite>agnott wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>So you have a GU and a new expansion happing in the next 21 days?  .....thats a bit snug, no?</p></blockquote><p>If the GU55 only content is not ready but the SF content is .. it is possible they have seperated the content and are planning on pathing GU55 in later. If this is the case I would expect at least 1 month between them. Which I think will upset some people.</p>

[woolf2k]

<p>I would expect a delay, I am. they just decided to rewrite like half of it, a month ago...doubt 2 months is enough time to get it ironed out.</p>

[Rijacki]

<p><cite>Anestacia wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Rijacki wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Kiara wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Good lord no!  I haven't finished it yet <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" /></p><p>Should be out *crosses fingers* right around this time next month.  Unless of course poo hits the fan all over the place and we have to wait three months for it.</p></blockquote><p>Ummm... that would be after Hala is supposed to be Live.. which.. umm... wouldn't be a preview then.</p></blockquote><p>Yeah, this is a bit confusing.  New Halas still is on track for GU55 which is the Sentinels Fate release right?</p></blockquote><p>Halas could possibly be separated from GU55 (and the launch date of SF) and so be delayed to go Live after. But.. the hype on it going in at the same time as SF (though as free content, i.e. GU) has been pretty heavy until.. well.. this confusion.</p>

[Kiara]

<p>I think everyone's tinfoil hats are a little tight.</p><p>SF and GU 55 are still going to patch to the servers on February 16th.  When the newsletter actually gets sent out is always a little iffy.  It has several layers of approvals to go through.  So if we're lucky, it could be out in two weeks.  If we're not... It could be a month.</p><p>Perhaps we should start watching more Disney and less... whatever major conspiracy theory shows are on TV that I obviously don't know enough about because I can't think of a single one <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[hellfire]

<p><cite>Kiara wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p> When the newsletter actually gets sent out is always a little iffy.  It has several layers of approvals to go through.  So if we're lucky, it could be out in two weeks.  If we're not... It could be a month.</p></blockquote><p>So the newletter could be sent out after the content goes live?</p>

[Cyliena]

<p><cite>Kiara wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>I think everyone's tinfoil hats are a little tight.</p><p>SF and GU 55 are still going to patch to the servers on February 16th.  When the newsletter actually gets sent out is always a little iffy.  It has several layers of approvals to go through.  So if we're lucky, it could be out in two weeks.  If we're not... It could be a month.</p><p>Perhaps we should start watching more Disney and less... whatever major conspiracy theory shows are on TV that I obviously don't know enough about because I can't think of a single one <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" /></p></blockquote><p>I already have the Disney channel on for four hours every morning, how much more do you think I can stand?!</p><p>Though Handy Manny... he's looking pretty hot after so many months.... *wink*</p><p>Thanks for the clarification, Kiara. <img src="/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> Guess it's too much to ask if it'll be on test server at all?</p>

[hellfire]

<p><cite>Cyliena@Everfrost wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Thanks for the clarification, Kiara. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" /> Guess it's too much to ask if it'll be on test server at all?</p></blockquote><p>Nothing has been clarified tho.</p><p>The expantion and gu 55 is to be released on the 16th and  the news letter can be released with the preview info up to a week after that?</p><p>It doesnt make sense.</p>

[urgthock]

<p><cite>Bigron@Unrest wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Cyliena@Everfrost wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Thanks for the clarification, Kiara. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" /> Guess it's too much to ask if it'll be on test server at all?</p></blockquote><p>Nothing has been clarified tho.</p><p>The expantion and gu 55 is to be released on the 16th and  the news letter can be released with the preview info up to a week after that?</p><p>It doesnt make sense.</p></blockquote><p>It certainly would be pointless to be released at that time as the "<strong>preview</strong>" newletter.</p>

[Rijacki]

<p><cite>Kiara wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>I think everyone's tinfoil hats are a little tight.</p><p>SF and GU 55 are still going to patch to the servers on February 16th.  When the newsletter actually gets sent out is always a little iffy.  It has several layers of approvals to go through.  So if we're lucky, it could be out in two weeks.  If we're not... It could be a month.</p><p>Perhaps we should start watching more Disney and less... whatever major conspiracy theory shows are on TV that I obviously don't know enough about because I can't think of a single one <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" /></p></blockquote><p>We're just confused by your own words, no tinfoil necessary:</p><p><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Kiara wrote:</span></p><blockquote><p style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Good lord no!  I haven't finished it yet <img src="http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" /></p><p style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Should be out *crosses fingers* <span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>right around this time next month</strong></span>.  Unless of course poo hits the fan all over the place and we have to wait three months for it.</p></blockquote><p>Since this was posted just yesterday (25 January), we could only surmise that</p><p>A- Your "preview" will be after it goes live on 16 February (25th to pre-16th isn't exactly "right around this time").</p><p>B- The month of January sped by a bit faster than you expected and it's the 25th (yesterday) sooner than you thought leading you to think it was still closer to the 16th of January (and who amoung us isn't still having to catch themselves before writing 2009 on various forms and checks and stuff?).</p><p>C- Halas (and presumably GU 55) were slated for the 23rd which would make a statement on the 25th of "right around this time next month" more accurate for a preview since even the 22nd would be a 'preview'.</p><p>D- You meant to say "in a couple weeks" which is still ambiguous but enough to cover from the second week of Feb to the 3rd.</p><p>E- Halas is being decoupled from GU55 and thus from the launch date of Sentinels Fate. In which case a preview out around the 25th of Feb would likely still be before it launches.</p><p>F- some other confusion engendered by the "right around this time next month" referring to the 25th of January as the this time and February as the next month.</p>

[Cyliena]

<p><cite>urgthock wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Bigron@Unrest wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Cyliena@Everfrost wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Thanks for the clarification, Kiara. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" /> Guess it's too much to ask if it'll be on test server at all?</p></blockquote><p>Nothing has been clarified tho.</p><p>The expantion and gu 55 is to be released on the 16th and  the news letter can be released with the preview info up to a week after that?</p><p>It doesnt make sense.</p></blockquote><p>It certainly would be pointless to be released at that time as the "<strong>preview</strong>" newletter.</p></blockquote><p>I'm used to post-mortum newsletters from FR all the time, so I guess that's why I see it as a normal thing.</p><p>Mind you, I would prefer the preview ahead of time, but as long as GU55 is the 16th I can live with it all... <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" /></p><p>edit: Rijacki, that's a much better breakdown of how everyone has gotten confused from the original statement. Seeing the possibility of waiting three months I think really spun craziness into this whole thing.</p>

[Carpal_Tunnel]

<p><cite>Kiara wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Good lord no!  I haven't finished it yet <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" /></p><p>Should be out *crosses fingers* right around this time next month.  Unless of course poo hits the fan all over the place and we have to wait three months for it.</p></blockquote><p>I'm afraid I must join the unwashed masses on this one.</p><p>Halas, to the last of my knowledge, is a free content release scheduled to go live with the expansion (I believe there we a couple announcements to this effect?) and that is the last I had heard timeline wise.</p><p>The release date (non-early access) for the expansion is 2/23</p><p>The post date of the above is 1/25 - a month from which would be 2/25 (give or take a day depending on your definition of a month) which would imply that the 'preview' email referenced by the above would actually be going out after the live date of the expansion</p><p>I am certain that is not what is meant and there is a stumble of some sort here, but it is at the least a mis-statement if it isn't intended to imply something is being pushed back.</p><p>No biggy either way, just clarifying why everyone is jumping on this</p>

[Kiara]

<p><cite>Bigron@Unrest wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Kiara wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p> When the newsletter actually gets sent out is always a little iffy.  It has several layers of approvals to go through.  So if we're lucky, it could be out in two weeks.  If we're not... It could be a month.</p></blockquote><p>So the newletter could be sent out after the content goes live?</p></blockquote><p>Sadly it's happened... so then the preview becomes an overview.  Which is why the pieces are carefully crafted to not be time sensitive <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" /></p><p>Folks.  I'm talking about the newsletter and nothing more.  It could be sent out before the expansion and GU are pushed to live servers.  It could not.  There is nothing at all ambiguous about what I said.  You guys are reading into the statement far more than there is.</p><p>I'm going to switch you all to decaf on the sly <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Carpal_Tunnel]

<p>Ok well it makes sense that newsletters can get delayed - that just means it would not in fact be a <span >source for some Halas previewy goodness <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></span></p><p>I think going beyond the soon(tm) answer to the OP questioning of preview shots, we ended up where we were in confusion - not so much due to conspiracy theororists this time, but because of the question and answer flow up there not tying out too well.</p><p>I personally still hope for screenshot previews of Halas, but then I have always been partial to the barb ladies....</p>

[Yimway]

<p><cite>Kiara wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>I'm going to switch you all to decaf on the sly <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" /></p></blockquote><p>Thems fightin werds!</p>

[Jesdyr]

<p><cite>Kiara wrote:</cite></p><blockquote> You guys are reading into the statement far more than there is.</blockquote><p>*cough* * cough*</p><p><cite>Jesdyr@Unrest wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p> I am sure she will say "you are reading too much into it" by claiming it implies that SF will get pushed back.</p></blockquote><p>*cough*</p><p>oh .. sorry ..  <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Kiara]

<p>There will very likely be a preview of Halas and some screens before it is pushed to the live servers.</p><p>I just haven't scheduled it yet, so I can't give an exact date.</p><p>The newsletter bit with Halas (whenever we're able to get that sent out) is going to be especially neat because the zone artist is chiming in with some thoughts on making the zone and a really lovely piece of concept art <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[hellfire]

<p><cite>Kiara wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Bigron@Unrest wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Kiara wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p> When the newsletter actually gets sent out is always a little iffy.  It has several layers of approvals to go through.  So if we're lucky, it could be out in two weeks.  If we're not... It could be a month.</p></blockquote><p>So the newletter could be sent out after the content goes live?</p></blockquote><p>Sadly it's happened... so then the preview becomes an overview.  Which is why the pieces are carefully crafted to not be time sensitive <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" /></p><p>Folks.  I'm talking about the newsletter and nothing more.  It could be sent out before the expansion and GU are pushed to live servers.  It could not.  There is nothing at all ambiguous about what I said.  You guys are reading into the statement far more than there is.</p><p>I'm going to switch you all to decaf on the sly <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" /></p></blockquote><p>Ok fair enough.</p><p>One last thing people are wondering is will it be tested on test or on beta?</p><p>As in the past GU content has always been tested on  test and one could reason that this will continue....but this is a question that is still being asked.</p><p>and stay the hell away from my coffee thanks.....tho i could probably reducce my intake of about a pot a day!</p>

[Jesdyr]

<p><cite>Bigron@Unrest wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>tho i could probably reducce my intake of about a pot a day!</p></blockquote><p>Lightweight ...</p>

[Kiara]

<p><cite>Bigron@Unrest wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Ok fair enough.</p><p>One last thing people are wondering is will it be tested on test or on beta?</p><p>As in the past GU content has always been tested on  test and one could reason that this will continue....but this is a question that is still being asked.</p><p>and stay the hell away from my coffee thanks.....tho i could probably reducce my intake of about a pot a day!</p></blockquote><p>Can't say just yet.  We've got some neat stuff coming up with the test/test-copy servers.  But since we haven't pounded out the details completely, I can't share.  Soon as I can, though, I will <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p><p>You can have your coffee.  Nasty stuff.  I'll stick with my tea <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Jesdyr]

<p><cite>Kiara wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>You can have your coffee.  Nasty stuff.  I'll stick with my <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">tea</span> warm blood of baby burynai <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" /></p></blockquote><p>Fixed</p>

[FearDiadh]

<p><cite>Kiara wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>I think everyone's tinfoil hats are a little tight.</p><p>SF and GU 55 are still going to patch to the servers on February 16th.  When the newsletter actually gets sent out is always a little iffy.  It has several layers of approvals to go through.  So if we're lucky, it could be out in two weeks.  If we're not... It could be a month.</p><p>Perhaps we should start watching more Disney and less... whatever major conspiracy theory shows are on TV that I obviously don't know enough about because I can't think of a single one <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" /></p></blockquote><p>You will not get my tin foil hat!  And don't think that I don't know about the Ratonga's sending out subliminal messages via the Disney Channel... rats are thick like that.</p>

[RoguePyro]

<p><cite>Kiara wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Perhaps we should start watching more Disney and less... whatever major conspiracy theory shows are on TV that I obviously don't know enough about because I can't think of a single one <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" /></p></blockquote><p>All of the cable news channels. All I'm sayin'. You didn't hear it from me.</p><p>*whispers* Only Colbert knows the truth.</p>

[Azzad]

<p>Using Kiara's logic I think i'll <strong>pre-order</strong> the expansion on Feb 25th.</p>

[woolf2k]

<p>Disney channel!!?? how torturous...</p><p>as for preview after the live date...well hey! that's corporate thinking that is... anybody watch "Better off TeD" ? it's not that far off reality.</p>

[Toothless]

<p>Who cares about the Newsletter !  Who the heck is driving this trainwreck of a thread?</p><p>Show us the Halas Preview pics !!!  ( you know the ones you were going to put into the Newsletter that may or maynot come out until march )</p>

[zimmer]

<p>I get the feeling that Halas and battlegrounds aside there are more "cats" to be let out of the bag.</p><p>Could a single Screenshot give away to much???</p>

[Kiara]

<p>Hmmm... I'll see if maybe we can't arrange a nice little teasy sort of something.  No promises though!</p>

[Toothless]

<p>In the <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">four</span>  FIVE years I have been reading and posting in this forum, you have to be my favorite Community manager ! Keep up the good work Kiara !</p><p>Edit: Realized I was off a year, SOB I need more coffee...</p>

[zimmer]

<p>That would be very awesome.</p><p>Teasers are a good thing and get people guessing and talking.  </p><p>It helps with the buzz and helps me become more curious.  =)  </p><p>So 1 a day would be good.  Thanks</p><p>hehe jk</p>

[Hamervelder]

<p><cite>Kiara wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>There will very likely be a preview of Halas and some screens before it is pushed to the live servers.</p><p>I just haven't scheduled it yet, so I can't give an exact date.</p><p>The newsletter bit with Halas (whenever we're able to get that sent out) is going to be especially neat because the zone artist is chiming in with some thoughts on making the zone and a really lovely piece of concept art <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" /></p></blockquote><p>You're a tease Kiara.  A horrible, dirty tease.  <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Seidhkona]

<p><cite>Kiara wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Hmmm... I'll see if maybe we can't arrange a nice little teasy sort of something.  No promises though!</p></blockquote><p>One with a kilt in it!</p>

[hellfire]

<p><cite>Sangfugol@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Battlegrounds: 10% of playerbase is excited.</p><p>Halas: 90% of playerbase is excited.</p><p>Which does Sony push out first? Battlegrounds of course.</p></blockquote><p>I can make up numbers to 99 pct of people dont care about a new starting city and 1 pct of 1 pct of the population raids.</p><p>I for one rather see BGs then another starting city....there is  more then enough citys along with noobie content to go with it.</p>

[Azzad]

<p>How often do you use the Arena in Maj'Dul?</p>

[hellfire]

<p>no where close to the same thing....and use to use it alot....why?</p>

[MrWolfie]

<p>My tin foil hat fits just perfect, thanks.</p><p>Just remember folks: Neriak didn't make it in time for it's associated expansion.</p><p>It's also a lag-ridden zone which has never been properly fixed.</p><p>/sarcasm on</p><p>Of course I'm looking forward to Halas being different, having learned nothing of the way SOE operates</p><p>/sarcasm off</p>

[Beef_Supre]

<p>I don't need a huge preview of Halas (though as a Barb for almost all of my 8+ years in EQ 1, I do and will always LOVE Halas. It's my in-game home city)... but what I would like to know is:</p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span>Will Halas be similar to Gorrowyn as far as alignments tolerated? Meaning, will Barbarian brigands, bruisers, and such be welcome there as well? </span></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span>It's a big deal to me and a few buddies.. we're pretty well stuck on this race.</span></span></p>

[Mixxit]

<p><cite>Kiara wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>You can have your coffee.  Nasty stuff.  I'll stick with my tea <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" /></p></blockquote><p>her majesty and all of britain salutes you</p>

[Wilde_Night]

<p>Hooray for KILTS!!!</p><p>And YAY for tea of all kinds!  Though a nice flavored coffee with lots of cream and sugar will do if there is no tea to be had.  <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" /></p>

[Kiara]

<p>Halas will support good/neutral aligned races/classes unless something changes drastically in the next little bit and all of Halas begins to properly worship the lord of hate...</p>

[Dreyco]

<p><cite>Kiara wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Halas will support good/neutral aligned races/classes unless something changes drastically in the next little bit and all of Halas begins to properly worship their lords and masters the Iksar...</p></blockquote><p>Fixed for you <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[TheSpin]

<p><cite>Kiara wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Halas will support good/neutral aligned races/classes unless something changes drastically in the next little bit and all of Halas begins to properly worship the lord of hate...</p></blockquote><p>I think the question behind the question is about exploring the zone as an evil.  Not to mention shopping and KoS guards.  Most of us know that it will be good aligned, but not if it will at least take visitors.  FP, Qeynos and Neriak are pure kos to opposites, Kelethin is not KoS, but will not do business, Gorrowyn tolerates everyone.  Where will Halas fit in?</p>

[Mixxit]

<p>Well if the past is anything to go by, you'll get ganked by two guards on the  ramp on the way up and finished off by the goblins as you make your retreat! </p><p>Or i can hope at least <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Kiara]

<p><cite>TheSpin wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>I think the question behind the question is about exploring the zone as an evil.  Not to mention shopping and KoS guards.  Most of us know that it will be good aligned, but not if it will at least take visitors.  FP, Qeynos and Neriak are pure kos to opposites, Kelethin is not KoS, but will not do business, Gorrowyn tolerates everyone.  Where will Halas fit in?</p></blockquote><p>Ah!  I'm sorry, I misunderstood what was being asked.</p><p>I don't know enough of the details yet to be able to answer that.  When I do find out if the city will be slightly friendlier or not, I'll get back to you with the answer <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[TheSpin]

<p><cite>Kiara wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>TheSpin wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>I think the question behind the question is about exploring the zone as an evil.  Not to mention shopping and KoS guards.  Most of us know that it will be good aligned, but not if it will at least take visitors.  FP, Qeynos and Neriak are pure kos to opposites, Kelethin is not KoS, but will not do business, Gorrowyn tolerates everyone.  Where will Halas fit in?</p></blockquote><p>Ah!  I'm sorry, I misunderstood what was being asked.</p><p>I don't know enough of the details yet to be able to answer that.  When I do find out if the city will be slightly friendlier or not, I'll get back to you with the answer <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" /></p></blockquote><p>Thanks for the speedy clarification, you're great.</p><p>I would like to mention that I can imagine some pretty upset barbarians if they were able to roll a new character as an evil, but not be at all tolerated in this new city.  I still wish my idea of overlapping two cities on top of each other (a good and evil version)  would be looked into.  This would make a single neutral city to the players eyes, but the programming would see two different cities.</p>

[Cyliena]

<p><cite>TheSpin wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Kiara wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>TheSpin wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>I think the question behind the question is about exploring the zone as an evil.  Not to mention shopping and KoS guards.  Most of us know that it will be good aligned, but not if it will at least take visitors.  FP, Qeynos and Neriak are pure kos to opposites, Kelethin is not KoS, but will not do business, Gorrowyn tolerates everyone.  Where will Halas fit in?</p></blockquote><p>Ah!  I'm sorry, I misunderstood what was being asked.</p><p>I don't know enough of the details yet to be able to answer that.  When I do find out if the city will be slightly friendlier or not, I'll get back to you with the answer <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" /></p></blockquote><p>Thanks for the speedy clarification, you're great.</p><p>I would like to mention that I can imagine some pretty upset barbarians if they were able to roll a new character as an evil, but not be at all tolerated in this new city.  I still wish my idea of overlapping two cities on top of each other (a good and evil version)  would be looked into.  This would make a single neutral city to the players eyes, but the programming would see two different cities.</p></blockquote><p>That would be interesting, but barbarians were never really evil.. so I guess being an evil barb would make you a major outsider.</p>

[TheSpin]

<p><cite>Cyliena@Everfrost wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>That would be interesting, but barbarians were never really evil.. so I guess being an evil barb would make you a major outsider.</p></blockquote><p>I'm not really talking about evil/good in a roleplay or lore perspective, but from a game mechanics perspective.  The barbarian race is neutral in EQ2.  Some are good and some are evil based on the city you live in.  Even from a lore perspective, I can't remember all the dieties available to barbarians in EQ1, but I'm pretty sure Rallos Zek was one of them and in EQ2 Rallos Zek is an evil god. </p>

[Cyliena]

<p><cite>TheSpin wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Cyliena@Everfrost wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>That would be interesting, but barbarians were never really evil.. so I guess being an evil barb would make you a major outsider.</p></blockquote><p>I'm not really talking about evil/good in a roleplay or lore perspective, but from a game mechanics perspective.  The barbarian race is neutral in EQ2.  Some are good and some are evil based on the city you live in.  Even from a lore perspective, I can't remember all the dieties available to barbarians in EQ1, but I'm pretty sure Rallos Zek was one of them and in EQ2 Rallos Zek is an evil god. </p></blockquote><p>Ah yes, I see. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> In EQ1, the only dieties I can recall for barbs were Tribunal or Rallos Zek. I wasn't aware that Rallos Zek was evil only on EQ2.</p>

[Rijacki]

<p><cite>TheSpin wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Cyliena@Everfrost wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>That would be interesting, but barbarians were never really evil.. so I guess being an evil barb would make you a major outsider.</p></blockquote><p>I'm not really talking about evil/good in a roleplay or lore perspective, but from a game mechanics perspective.  The barbarian race is neutral in EQ2.  Some are good and some are evil based on the city you live in.  Even from a lore perspective, I can't remember all the dieties available to barbarians in EQ1, but I'm pretty sure Rallos Zek was one of them and in EQ2 Rallos Zek is an evil god. </p></blockquote><p>EQ1 barbarian warriors could worship Rallos, yes.</p><p>In EQ1 Halas was neutral. It was neither "good" nor "evil. So.. by Cyliena's logic, since Halas wasn't ever really good, a good barb would be a major outsider?</p><p>As a player with a barbarian Inquisitor and zero desire to betray to her to templar, I hope Halas is as nuetral-good as Garowyn is neutral-evil.</p>

[Cyliena]

<p><cite>Rijacki wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>TheSpin wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Cyliena@Everfrost wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>That would be interesting, but barbarians were never really evil.. so I guess being an evil barb would make you a major outsider.</p></blockquote><p>I'm not really talking about evil/good in a roleplay or lore perspective, but from a game mechanics perspective.  The barbarian race is neutral in EQ2.  Some are good and some are evil based on the city you live in.  Even from a lore perspective, I can't remember all the dieties available to barbarians in EQ1, but I'm pretty sure Rallos Zek was one of them and in EQ2 Rallos Zek is an evil god. </p></blockquote><p>EQ1 barbarian warriors could worship Rallos, yes.</p><p>In EQ1 Halas was neutral. It was neither "good" nor "evil. So.. by Cyliena's logic, since Halas wasn't ever really good, a good barb would be a major outsider?</p><p>As a player with a barbarian Inquisitor and zero desire to betray to her to templar, I hope Halas is as nuetral-good as Garowyn is neutral-evil.</p></blockquote><p>Hehe, good point, Rijacki. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p><p>I know that evil races were kos to Halas in EQ1, and good races were apprehensive or dubious by default. That's where my obviously borked up logic came from there. <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p><p>It would be nice if any barb can live in Halas! My 2yo is stealing my food now so gotta run. <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Gaige]

<p><cite>Kiara wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>SF and GU 55 are still going to patch to the servers on February 16th. </p></blockquote><p>So I guess the question is:  Is New Halas still part of GU55, which is launching on Feb 16th or was New Halas itself pushed back to a different GU?</p>

[Kenazeer]

<p><cite>Gaige wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Kiara wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>SF and GU 55 are still going to patch to the servers on February 16th. </p></blockquote><p>So I guess the question is:  Is New Halas still part of GU55, which is launching on Feb 16th or was New Halas itself pushed back to a different GU?</p></blockquote><p>Someone was saying in chat that those in beta might have the lowdown. I guess it is covered by the NDA though and is something that we can't talk about? Would be nice if everyone knew I suppose.</p>

[Hamervelder]

<p><cite>Cyliena@Everfrost wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>TheSpin wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Cyliena@Everfrost wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>That would be interesting, but barbarians were never really evil.. so I guess being an evil barb would make you a major outsider.</p></blockquote><p>I'm not really talking about evil/good in a roleplay or lore perspective, but from a game mechanics perspective.  The barbarian race is neutral in EQ2.  Some are good and some are evil based on the city you live in.  Even from a lore perspective, I can't remember all the dieties available to barbarians in EQ1, but I'm pretty sure Rallos Zek was one of them and in EQ2 Rallos Zek is an evil god. </p></blockquote><p>Ah yes, I see. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" /> In EQ1, the only dieties I can recall for barbs were Tribunal or Rallos Zek. I wasn't aware that Rallos Zek was evil only on EQ2.</p></blockquote><p>While he's technically an 'evil only' deity in EQ2, Rallos Zek <em>can</em> be followed by evils who betray to good.  My paladin, for instance, still has Rallos Zek as his deity after I betrayed from SK.  I can still gain faction, use blessings and miracles, wear the cloak, and use the pet.  Whether or not it's lore-correct is another story, but it's technically possible for good characters to follow him, if you betray from evil after you do the deity quests.</p>

[Thunderthyze]

<p><cite>Gaige wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Kiara wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>SF and GU 55 are still going to patch to the servers on February 16th. </p></blockquote><p>So I guess the question is:  Is New Halas still part of GU55, which is launching on Feb 16th or was New Halas itself pushed back to a different GU?</p></blockquote><p>I'm sure the beta boards will be aware of the situation as we speak.</p>

[Gisallo]

<p><cite>Rijacki wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>TheSpin wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Cyliena@Everfrost wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>That would be interesting, but barbarians were never really evil.. so I guess being an evil barb would make you a major outsider.</p></blockquote><p>I'm not really talking about evil/good in a roleplay or lore perspective, but from a game mechanics perspective.  The barbarian race is neutral in EQ2.  Some are good and some are evil based on the city you live in.  Even from a lore perspective, I can't remember all the dieties available to barbarians in EQ1, but I'm pretty sure Rallos Zek was one of them and in EQ2 Rallos Zek is an evil god. </p></blockquote><p>EQ1 barbarian warriors could worship Rallos, yes.</p><p>In EQ1 Halas was neutral. It was neither "good" nor "evil. So.. by Cyliena's logic, since Halas wasn't ever really good, a good barb would be a major outsider?</p><p>As a player with a barbarian Inquisitor and zero desire to betray to her to templar, I hope Halas is as nuetral-good as Garowyn is neutral-evil.</p></blockquote><p>Okay maybe I see things a little too black and white but I still see Gorowyn as an evil city.  Can I run through there and not be killed on my good toons?  Yep.  But can I buy housing and use other city features?  No, so with the exception of with RoK launch the portal there made it easier to get to Kylong Plain that waiting for the boat you just missed, it really wasn't worth bupkis to me.  With all the bells and portals now through guild halls Gorowyn isn't even worth passing through. </p><p>Thats why I think its largely irrelevant.  For lore purposes one can argue that the game should create a true neutral good city perhaps.  BUT for mechanics and balance purposes it should likely be good only.  Right now there are 2 evil cities good can't go to.  Freeport and Neriak.  1 good.  Qeynos, that is IT. Evils can go where ever in Kelethin with the exception of the Royal Court similar to Gorowyn.   True neutral, Maj'Dul, but I would hardly call that a "pleasant" place to live.  Also the context where A LOT of the Halas conversation came up at fan faire was "the new good city" so I am thinking it will be good's version of neriak, though I could be wrong.</p><p>Heck to prevent angst it should be good only because I have already spoken with evil barbs that have told me they would be more PO'd if they could visit New Halas but not move there vs just being barred entry period.  They don't like the tease factor.</p>

[Rijacki]

<p><cite>Gisallo wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Rijacki wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>TheSpin wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Cyliena@Everfrost wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>That would be interesting, but barbarians were never really evil.. so I guess being an evil barb would make you a major outsider.</p></blockquote><p>I'm not really talking about evil/good in a roleplay or lore perspective, but from a game mechanics perspective.  The barbarian race is neutral in EQ2.  Some are good and some are evil based on the city you live in.  Even from a lore perspective, I can't remember all the dieties available to barbarians in EQ1, but I'm pretty sure Rallos Zek was one of them and in EQ2 Rallos Zek is an evil god. </p></blockquote><p>EQ1 barbarian warriors could worship Rallos, yes.</p><p>In EQ1 Halas was neutral. It was neither "good" nor "evil. So.. by Cyliena's logic, since Halas wasn't ever really good, a good barb would be a major outsider?</p><p>As a player with a barbarian Inquisitor and zero desire to betray to her to templar, I hope Halas is as nuetral-good as Garowyn is neutral-evil.</p></blockquote><p>Okay maybe I see things a little too black and white but I still see Gorowyn as an evil city.  Can I run through there and not be killed on my good toons?  Yep.  But can I buy housing and use other city features?  No, so with the exception of with RoK launch the portal there made it easier to get to Kylong Plain that waiting for the boat you just missed, it really wasn't worth bupkis to me.  With all the bells and portals now through guild halls Gorowyn isn't even worth passing through. </p><p>Thats why I think its largely irrelevant.  For lore purposes one can argue that the game should create a true neutral good city perhaps.  BUT for mechanics and balance purposes it should likely be good only.  Right now there are 2 evil cities good can't go to.  Freeport and Neriak.  1 good.  Qeynos, that is IT. Evils can go where ever in Kelethin with the exception of the Royal Court similar to Gorowyn.   True neutral, Maj'Dul, but I would hardly call that a "pleasant" place to live.  Also the context where A LOT of the Halas conversation came up at fan faire was "the new good city" so I am thinking it will be good's version of neriak, though I could be wrong.</p><p>Heck to prevent angst it should be good only because I have already spoken with evil barbs that have told me they would be more PO'd if they could visit New Halas but not move there vs just being barred entry period.  They don't like the tease factor.</p></blockquote><p>Goods cannot buy houses in Garowyn, but they can shop there. Evils cannot use the merchants in Kelethin.</p><p>I know my barbarian inquisitor can't have a house in New Halas, but if it was as nuetral-good as Garowyn is nuetral-evil, she could have a sibling with a house and then use the shops there while visiting that sib.</p><p>Walking through the city means nothing. I can walk around in Qeynos with my coercer (yes I have to dodge a -few- guards, rather easy). I can walk around in Freeport with my paladin (guard dodging, of course). Both of them are as open as Kelethin to the opposing alignment. You can't buy goods or use any services while you are there.</p><p>Neriak is the ONLY exception without access for non-aligned so they can walk about guard dodging. (and frankly, I think Neriak really really needs a tunnel for non-aligned access to the housing areas.. and I have characters who live there)</p>