Halas Reborn Preview – New Halas Housing

[Kiara]

<p align="center"><img src="http://eq2players.station.sony.com/images/en/features/articles/gu56/logo/Halas_Logo_450.png" width="450" height="200" /></p> <p>With New Halas returning to Norrath, how the new city will house its inhabitants is an important question to many. I know that my bags are packed and ready for the move! Andres Rodriguez is the artist responsible for designing the new houses. He took a few minutes to answer some questions and provided us with some great preview pictures!</p><p><a href="http://eq2players.station.sony.com/news/read/042010/3518" target="_blank">Read more</a>!</p>

[Valdaglerion]

<p>Are there any plans to update the housing models in Qeynos and Freeport?</p>

[Rhak]

<p>Two questions, Kiara:</p><p>1) Will the requirements for the largest house (the 6 room) be set up like Gorowyn (where you can purchase the biggest house without a guild requirement), or Qeynos/Freeport (where you must be in a guild to do so)?</p><p>2) While you stated that you'll have a 'window with a view to the sea', will you be able to 'break out' of said house like you can with say all Kelethin homes, the larger Qeynos/Freeport guildhouses, and to a limited extent, the smaller homes in South Qeynos (like the one listed in my sig)? How much freedom do we have if we can leave the confines of said house?</p><p>Yeah, it's really weird asking straight off if we can break how the developers designed our home, but I've seen some outstanding designs because of it.</p><p>Fantastic looking homes to say the least. Tell the art team they did an amazing job. I may just move there if I can somehow replicate what I did with my home and its extra 'room'. I love it too much to lose it.</p>

[Rocc]

<p>Those pics look fantastic! My only thing is wood seems drab and dark. Ever since launch I've hoped for "paint" or something to make housing lighter and perhaps white so it's bright and welcoming. But that's just me....</p><p>Thanks for the new housing, change is welcome!</p>

[Jihanna]

<p>I am in LOVE...Just in LOVE...</p><p>Only question I have is will the wood be "customizable" as it is in Qeynos and Freeport?  Or will it be just the one type/color of wood available?</p><p>Even as is, I'm already over the moon and ready to move!!!! </p>

[Xalmat]

<p>Queen Antonia can kiss my butt, I'm totally moving to Halas.</p>

[Kiara]

<p>No, I don't think it'll be customizable.  Iirc it's something about db load and house lag with the extra options?</p><p>Zalora, I'll check for you to make sure, but I *think* it's like Gorowyn and you won't need the guild requirement.  And I don't know if there will be the option <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />  It was a bug in the geometry for those and we just decided not to fix it cause it was pretty awesomely cool.  I don't know if the same geometry bug is present in New Halas, but I'll ask that too <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Iskandar]

<p>That looks great! <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/e8a506dc4ad763aca51bec4ca7dc8560.gif" border="0" />  Andres did a fantastic job!</p><p>Now the Carpenter in me wants to know if we'll get any New Halas-specific recipies added? Or if a Halasian Quartermaster will sell city-specific decor, such as the Quartermaster in Paineel and other such NPCs? And will the Far Seas City Festival eventually be adding a stop here too with some New Halas themed offerings? <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/ed515dbff23a0ee3241dcc0a601c9ed6.gif" border="0" /></p>

[Snapdragyn]

<p>OK, I'm clueless - what is this zone geometry bug/'break out' thing? o_0</p><p>Definitely moving my barb 'lock to NH, & probably rerolling my zerker to start there! Love love love the housing! <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Xalmat]

<p><cite>Iskandar wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>That looks great! <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/e8a506dc4ad763aca51bec4ca7dc8560.gif" border="0" />  Andres did a fantastic job!</p><p>Now the Carpenter in me wants to know if we'll get any New Halas-specific recipies added? Or if a Halasian Quartermaster will sell city-specific decor, such as the Quartermaster in Paineel and other such NPCs? And will the Far Seas City Festival eventually be adding a stop here too with some New Halas themed offerings? <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/ed515dbff23a0ee3241dcc0a601c9ed6.gif" border="0" /></p></blockquote><p>Maybe. Probably. And Definitely yes.</p>

[Jeepned2]

<p>Too lazy to read all of it, but if this is a "Good" city, then I might have to consider betraying to an Illusionist so I can move there if it is.</p>

[Jemoo]

Is there a date for the release of New Halas? I wasn't sure if there had been one set or not and now I'm super excited!

[Cyliena]

<p>Thanks for the preview... I'm going to explode from anticipation at this point, though! <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Rhak]

<p><cite>Jeepned2 wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Too lazy to read all of it, but if this is a "Good" city, then I might have to consider betraying to an Illusionist so I can move there if it is.</p></blockquote><p>While not confirmed (at least I don't think), it's supposed to be Neutral-Good. In other words - everybody can visit, but only Good alligned characters can purchase a home there. Just like how Gorowyn was, but for Evil.</p>

[Kiara]

<p>Yup.  Good aligned for housing purposes.  Release is planned* for May. </p><p><span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: xx-small;">*subject to change at the whim of the gods and if gnomes get into the works.</span></p>

[KerowynnKaotic]

<p>oh .. Those preview pictures put all prior housing to shame. Seriously .. we need a small graphics update to Qeynos & Freeport housing!</p><p>They look fab! I had tentively thought about moving my 'Frostfell' themed house over there and now I'm 85% sure that I will be!  ... but .. Do any of the houses have an 'outdoor' area? </p><p>That's the one thing I miss from ALL but SQ & where ever in FP's housing.  Windows are nice but there's only so much you can do to make a garden or park inside a house without feeling as though you are still inside the house.</p>

[Vasharyn]

<p>Outstanding! The designer has really outdone himself, give the guy a raise. I was excited about New Halas before seeing these screenshtos, now I can't wait. I am moving there post haste!</p><p>ps Please make the 6 room houses have no guild requirement.</p>

[Seidhkona]

<p><cite>Xalmat wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Queen Antonia can kiss my butt, I'm totally moving to Halas.</p></blockquote><p>LOL! Me as well.</p>

[Zabjade]

<p><span style="color: #00cc00;">Love what I see of the houses, plan to move my Evil-races-of-good-classes there. I would also love to move my main there but don't want to give up being a Qeynos Resiodent...any Ambassadorial positions open? <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> </span></p><p><span style="color: #00cc00;"> There is already a Neutral T1 Guild Hall, any chance of changing that up with a T2?</span></p>

[Obann]

<p>Too move or not to move.  That is the almost serious question.  Love those screen shots and the millions of potential decorating ideas.</p><p>Maybe move an alt there.</p>

[Seidhkona]

<p><cite>Iskandar wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>That looks great! <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/e8a506dc4ad763aca51bec4ca7dc8560.gif" border="0" />  Andres did a fantastic job!</p><p>Now the Carpenter in me wants to know if we'll get any New Halas-specific recipies added? Or if a Halasian Quartermaster will sell city-specific decor, such as the Quartermaster in Paineel and other such NPCs? And will the Far Seas City Festival eventually be adding a stop here too with some New Halas themed offerings? <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/ed515dbff23a0ee3241dcc0a601c9ed6.gif" border="0" /></p></blockquote><p>I have <a href="http://www.vikinganswerlady.com/wood.shtml" target="_blank">some excellent art references</a> the carpentry design team should review!</p><p><img src="http://www.vikinganswerlady.com/graphics/pagecontent/WOV2966_CarvedBenchBackSweden.gif" width="400" height="204" /></p><p><img src="http://www.odinsvolk.ca/images/Dragon42.jpg" width="374" height="251" /></p><p><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yVl6b3RjjV0/RrClzLPnPwI/AAAAAAAAAIs/Oh0Sv-N7IwQ/s1600/609021-Oseberg-chest-0.jpg" width="600" height="450" /></p><p><img src="http://www.handcraftwoodworks.com/images/mastermyr3.gif" width="507" height="400" /></p><p><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3054/2553793667_9b9c540bbd.jpg?v=0" width="333" height="500" /></p>

[Seidhkona]

<p>Everything that's been publicly released regarding New Halas has been collected into the <a href="http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/posts/list.m?topic_id=468407" target="_blank">New Halas Demystification: A One-Stop Review of What We Know</a> thread.</p><p>This includes:</p><ul><li>Expected release date in May.</li><li>Alignment planned to be neutral-good, just as Gorowyn is neutral-evil.</li><li>And much, much more!</li></ul>

[Writer Cal]

<p>As I told a friend, it's, like, ten times cooler and prettier than I hoped, even after seeing the little shot of it a while back.</p><p>Want it.  Must have it.  Gimme!</p><p>*grabby hands*</p>

[Aslita]

<p>The devs and artists have outdone themselves here, the house pictures are simply stunning and put all other houses to shame.</p><p>With so many people planning a move to Halas, I really hope that Halas may become a town where it looks busy, with lots of people in it, like the main cities used to be.</p>

[janmystique]

<p>I only heard about this housing yesterday from someone my carpenter knows. I had been thinking for some time to get my carpenter a house to show off her wares and now I shall for sure. I love the ice and snow and frost so just can't wait! Unless it is related to guild level in which case I will fall in to the Slough of Despond. Please don't do that to me!</p>

[Shareana]

<p>*knocks on the door*  LET ME IN!!!!!!</p>

[Whilhelmina]

<p>Oh my...</p>

[Bhow]

<p><cite>Xalmat wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Queen Antonia can kiss my butt, I'm totally moving to Halas.</p></blockquote><p>Traitor! ZOMG!</p><p>.... yea... ima end up movin too... Figures. JUST finished decorating my current house =/.</p><p>Translation: Yea Ima move, but it will be ~2 years before I ever redecorate =P</p>

[Aerfen]

<p>*Begins packing her bags*</p><p>I already have plans to create a new toon in Halas, but I'm drooling over the new house pictures, and Aerfen is a tad jealous!  She is still "patiently" waiting for the Freedom of Felwithe, but may have to spend some time in Halas until then...Not even a Koada'Dal can resist Halasians in Kilts!!!</p>

[Thunderthyze]

<p>The new housing does look nice but I am slightly concerned about decorating them. What I mean is that they already look finished with little space to add your own wall decorations. For example I was struggling to imagine where the wall banners would fit without reducing them to the size of handkerchiefs. Shelf units or other furniture designed to be placed against walls may also be a little problematic to place. I have a feeling that much of my existing furniture may prove obsolete. Oh well, hopefully we will be able to break out and have picnics in the snow <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Laroje]

<p>So they say "Think Darklight Woods"....so I am thinking Darklight Woods....does that mean...Think "extra character slot"?  =)</p>

[Zabjade]

<p><span style="color: #00cc00;">I've kept a slot or two open for things like this...might delete a Newbie Isle Dwarf I have on Test to see if a Coldain coloration one can be made.</span></p><p><span style="color: #00cc00;"><em>Still hope they change it from a T1 Guild Hall to a T2 The reason I am delaying an upgrade. (Lack of Neutral T2's)</em></span></p>

[kelvmor]

<p><cite>Zabjade wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><span style="color: #00cc00;">I've kept a slot or two open for things like this...might delete a Newbie Isle Dwarf I have on Test to see if a Coldain coloration one can be made.</span></p><p><span style="color: #00cc00;"><em>Still hope they change it from a T1 Guild Hall to a T2 The reason I am delaying an upgrade. (Lack of Neutral T2's)</em></span></p></blockquote><p>This.</p><p>They need Coldain coloration.</p><p>I would kill for Coldain coloration.</p>

[Zabjade]

<p><span style="color: #00cc00;">Hmm So far other then the houses and a bit-o-lore we have seen nothing yet....<_< >_> I since a Conspiracy involving <strong>Halas: City of Love</strong>!</span></p>

[Shailas]

<p><cite>Zabjade wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><span style="color: #00cc00;">Hmm So far other then the houses and a bit-o-lore we have seen nothing yet....<_< >_> I since a Conspiracy involving <strong>Halas: City of Love</strong>!</span></p></blockquote><p>/DarthVaderFromEpIII</p><p>NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOO!!!!!</p><p>/DarthVaderFromEpIII</p>

[Gladiolus]

<p><cite>Zabjade wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><span style="color: #00cc00;"><strong>Halas: City of Love</strong>!</span></p></blockquote><p>Please no, we don't want everything pink and frilly nor, if it's anything like the Shard of Love, do we want everything rotten and fly-ridden.</p>

[Thrads]

<p>For the love of Mayong, make it neutral.  I'm begging you.  I love being a defiler, a dark elf, and evil, but I can't stand my current housing options any longer.  Qeynos and Halas are so much better than Freeport, Neriak, or any of the current neutral cities.  Pretty please with dead fae on top, Kiara?  If I'd known that killing those kittens would prevent me from living in Halas I'd totally have reformed before I chose to be a defiler.</p>

[Zabjade]

<p><span style="color: #00cc00;">It's Good, but Good like Gorowyn is Evil in that No ones is KoS there unles you get Kill happy with the guards.</span></p>

[Xalmat]

<p><cite>Zabjade wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><span style="color: #00cc00;">It's Good, but Good like Gorowyn is Evil in that No ones is KoS there unles you get Kill happy with the guards.</span></p></blockquote><p>This.</p><p>Don't expect a neutral faction anytime soon.</p>

[Thrads]

<p>So long as I can move in.  Phew.</p>

[Lillaanya]

<p><cite>Thrads wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>So long as I can move in.  Phew.</p></blockquote><p>You need citizenship in a city to buy a house there.</p>

[Xalmat]

<p><cite>Lillaanya wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Thrads wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>So long as I can move in.  Phew.</p></blockquote><p>You need citizenship in a city to buy a house there.</p></blockquote><p>Correct, and to do that you need to be Good aligned at the time.</p><p>You can always betray back to evil after you purchase the house, if you don't mind the cost of betrayal.</p>

[maphrodite]

<p><cite>Laroje@Befallen wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>So they say "Think Darklight Woods"....so I am thinking Darklight Woods....does that mean...Think "extra character slot"?  =)</p></blockquote><p>I too am hoping for this and like yourself hun was thinking the same thing when they said think Darklight Woods does this mean that we are gonna get at least 1 more character slot i hope so cos then i dont have to delete a toon <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" /></p><p>Please SOE can we have 1 more char slot at least and also can we get bigger banks and the option to use strongboxes in the guild banks please.</p><p>Also can i say amazing work on the housing i have at least 2 toons that i will be moving to halas thanx soo much they are soo much better than the qeynos housing and lots of decorating ideas. You guys have really out yourselves this time on the housing keep up the good work</p>

[Froed20]

<p>Jeebus.... that's a really nice preview.  I'm not really all too obssessed with the housing feature in the game, but it looks like I'm gonna have to start collecting some furniture for my new future home, because those screenshots are way too good to pass up.  Really, whoever did the art for that is freakin' awesome!</p>

[Zabjade]

<p><span style="color: #00cc00;">Yes, I see the need for Furnishing, must level my Carpenter more...Concidentally my DE Capr is one I planned to move just so I can get away from the hate in Qeynos <em>(I only take so much of that, you'd think after 5 to 6 years that they might be used to darkling races who have betrayed, I wonder what Freeport thinks of the Light-side races who have gone evil?)</em> .</span></p>

[Iskandar]

<p><cite>Zabjade wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><span style="color: #00cc00;"><em>I wonder what Freeport thinkgs of the Light-siode races who have gone evil?</em></span></blockquote><p>My Wood Elf Necro gets a whole lotta snide comments in Freeport -- that's what makes it home for her! <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/ed515dbff23a0ee3241dcc0a601c9ed6.gif" border="0" />  My favorite tho is an Iksar woman who always says "WHY would you want to live HERE?" <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/e8a506dc4ad763aca51bec4ca7dc8560.gif" border="0" /></p>

[Catri]

<p>My High Elf Assassin keeps getting 'Dear Innorok! An evil High Elf? We truely HAVE won!'</p>

[Snapdragyn]

<p>Can someone PLEASE explain to me what 'breaking out' of a house means? I have never heard of this. <img src="/smilies/9d71f0541cff0a302a0309c5079e8dee.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Zabjade]

<p><span style="color: #00cc00;">Some of the newer houses with windoes you can Scoot a treleporter through the window (In a pair) and get outside the house and decorate. You can also do it with T3 Guild Halls. </span></p>

[Rhak]

<p><cite>Zabjade wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><span style="color: #00cc00;">Some of the newer houses with windoes you can Scoot a treleporter through the window (In a pair) and get outside the house and decorate. You can also do it with T3 Guild Halls. </span></p></blockquote><p>And to further answer Snapdragyn: The T3 guild halls are the best known places to do it with (as they're in a 'zone' with an empty Antonica and Commonlands around them), but this can also be done in any Kelethin house (as they're now in a zone with an empty Greater Faydark). This can be done to a limited extent in other places as well - the 4 bedroom South Qeynos home for example. The house sits in a small 'zone' with some outside area, and with how the game is designed, you can build in that empty area to a point.</p><p>See the house in my sig for one (of many) examples of what you can do with said teleporters (which were available for a short period of time last year).</p>

[Shareana]

<p><cite>Zabjade wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><span style="color: #00cc00;">Yes, I see the need for Furnishing, must level my Carpenter more...Concidentally my DE Capr is one I planned to move just so I can get away from the hate in Qeynos <em>(I only take so much of that, you'd think after 5 to 6 years that they might be used to darkling races who have betrayed, I wonder what Freeport thinks of the Light-side races who have gone evil?)</em> .</span></p></blockquote><p>My Dark elf that moved to Qeynos to make more money with her Carpentry is also tired of the guards who raise their swords at her as to attack.  She is a High ranking official of the Ironforge as well and still is shown the sharp side of their swords <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/9d71f0541cff0a302a0309c5079e8dee.gif" border="0" /></p><p>Maybe it is time to move her to Halas as well where she may earn respect and not be under the threat of death at every corner...</p>

[Grace37]

<p>ohh PLEASE tell me that I will be able to make an Blue Dwarf toon to start playing in that city PRETTY PLEASE!</p>

[Snapdragyn]

<p><cite>Zalora@Guk wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Zabjade wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><span style="color: #00cc00;">Some of the newer houses with windoes you can Scoot a treleporter through the window (In a pair) and get outside the house and decorate. You can also do it with T3 Guild Halls. </span></p></blockquote><p>And to further answer Snapdragyn: The T3 guild halls are the best known places to do it with (as they're in a 'zone' with an empty Antonica and Commonlands around them), but this can also be done in any Kelethin house (as they're now in a zone with an empty Greater Faydark). This can be done to a limited extent in other places as well - the 4 bedroom South Qeynos home for example. The house sits in a small 'zone' with some outside area, and with how the game is designed, you can build in that empty area to a point.</p><p>See the house in my sig for one (of many) examples of what you can do with said teleporters (which were available for a short period of time last year).</p></blockquote><p>*blink*</p><p>Must... have... teleporters....</p><p><img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Sangraiel]

<p>Please, please, please, and please somemore.  T2 Guild Halls in Halas.</p><p>Did is say Please<img src="/eq2/images/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" /></p>

[kelvmor]

<p>I just want the Coldain coloration and beards and hair styles.</p>

[Seidhkona]

<p><cite>Sangraiel wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Please, please, please, and please somemore.  T2 Guild Halls in Halas.</p><p>Did is say Please<img src="/eq2/images/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" /></p></blockquote><p>+1 -- Legends of the Tundra has as its whole purpose getting back to Halas.</p>

[Zabjade]

<p><cite>Snapdragyn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Zalora@Guk wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Zabjade wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><span style="color: #00cc00;">Some of the newer houses with windoes you can Scoot a treleporter through the window (In a pair) and get outside the house and decorate. You can also do it with T3 Guild Halls. </span></p></blockquote><p>And to further answer Snapdragyn: The T3 guild halls are the best known places to do it with (as they're in a 'zone' with an empty Antonica and Commonlands around them), but this can also be done in any Kelethin house (as they're now in a zone with an empty Greater Faydark). This can be done to a limited extent in other places as well - the 4 bedroom South Qeynos home for example. The house sits in a small 'zone' with some outside area, and with how the game is designed, you can build in that empty area to a point.</p><p>See the house in my sig for one (of many) examples of what you can do with said teleporters (which were available for a short period of time last year).</p></blockquote><p>*blink*</p><p>Must... have... teleporters....</p><p><img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" /></p></blockquote><p><span style="color: #00cc00;">Maybe the Devs will bring them back in a future live event.</span></p>

[Avaku]

<p>New Halas cannot arrive any faster. I want my little Kerra to have a wintery home.</p>

[Rhak]

<p>Boo. Just...boo.</p><p>While I know that the ability to 'break out' of your house was nothing more than a bug, it's a bug I wish the devs would've kept for the Halas housing (at least the 5/6 room one that I tested).</p><p>You can't place a teleporter outside the confines of the house in any direction, short of up. If you do, loading the layout will outright fail.</p><p>And if you go up, you'll have no lighting, no outside world visuals, and nothing at all to stand on (as there's no 'roof' of your house). The fact that any lighting just won't work up there keeps you from doing anything even if you tried.</p><p>So, no designing boats, or having a meditation area on the ice flows, or anything of the sort. It would've been cool (no pun intended).</p><p>But, as you said, it was a bug to begin with and nothing more.</p>