Are we morose about AA's?

[Pry]

<div>I feel like the game is a bit of a grind and I am not sure that AA's are going to fix that issue.</div><div> </div><div>Mainly, the loot that drops is too low for your level, or too expensive, it takes too long to solo for XP, so I am curious on what AA's are going to do to fix that issue. </div><div> </div><div>I have a feeling that they will only make us better raiders, and well since I don't really raid anymore that's not going to do me any good.  Am I going to get into a grind of killing the same mob (the one that gives the best XP for what I can kill) for a bunch of AA's that aren't going to help me do the things that I understood I was going to be able to do.</div><div> </div><div>In what kind of scenario will AA's assist me to solo, do solo quests and gain more XP/hour?  Any thoughts?</div>

[Wabit]

<div></div><div>not sure how the AAs are gonna go...  but ones for soloing...</div><div> </div><div>Haste (the kind that will stack with any other haste items)...</div><div> </div><div>make us more proficent with one tpye of weapon (1h, 2H, DW)...  so we hit more often and for higher...</div><div> </div><div>and of cource the summon mendor (ehh it save the trips back to town where you're soloing and meet your untimely demise)</div><div> </div><div>just my 2c</div><div> </div><div>Wabit</div>

[TanRaistlyn]

<div></div><p>I loath AAs the thought of AAs and the implementation of AAs.  AA's killed EQ for me, they just created a constant grind that gave all the power gamers a crazy advantage over those who work, have a life, a house, a wife, kids any of that stuff.  Make the poor poorer and make the rich richer is all Ive seen them do.</p><p>As it sits now I can play and raid 20 hrs a week and have a awesome toon, thats well equipped and an asset to a grp, and on par with anyone that plays 70hrs per week....AAs will drastically change all that.</p>

[mastersard]

<div></div><p>At this point, i think AAs will jack up an already hosed combat system.  It's a bad idea, and will be pooly emplemented.</p><p>Glad there are other choices out there now.</p>

[Gaige]

<div></div><p>Well it doesn't seem very similiar to EQ's AA system imho, and you can get achievements by things such as questing, finding rare loot, exploring the world and killing named boss mobs.</p><p>Sounds kind of cool... but we'll see:</p><p><a target="_blank" href="http://everquest2.station.sony.com/expansions/kingdomofsky/achievements.vm">http://everquest2.station.sony.com/expansions/kingdomofsky/achievements.vm</a></p><p> </p>

[Allurana]

<div></div><p>I have to start by saying I really enjoy this game and feel that almost every change SOE has made to the game, in terms of mechanics,  has been positive for the health of the game.</p><p>However, I am growing more and more disenchanted with what I have seen happen with the game in very general terms.  More specifically, what is it that makes this game different than it's closest competitor, WoW?  The new KoS advancement system, so far, sounds EXACTLY like the WoW specialization system. </p><p>The crafting update that is being talked about right now.  Sounds almost like the crazy, easy WoW crafting system.</p><p>What do we have that is different?  That sets EQ2 apart from WoW.</p><p>We have houses and collection quests and guilds with levels and we can talk/trade/group and guild with the other town, and we don't look like a cartoon geared toward a 10 year old and we now have no real death penalty.  You can assign your own values to each of these items.</p><p>What don't we have?</p><p>An auction house, well thought out and implemented group loot handling options (lotto, leader only, FFA, NBG, etc...), quest sharing, PvP system - once again assign your own values to these.</p><p>I have a set of real life friends that all play WoW and I am the only one that plays EQ2.  Everyday that ask why I keep playing EQ2 instead of coming over to WoW with them.  Each day it gets harder and harder to defend my position since EQ2 is becoming WoW for all intents and purposes in terms of actual GAMEPLAY with the exception that EQ2 is missing some of the nicer aspects of WoW like the auction house, loot options, quest sharing, etc...</p><p>I stick to EQ2 because I put a lot of weight into the "cartoon aspect" of WoW, I can't stand it.  Item decay, I will never play a game with item decay.  It is annoying and just not necessary. I am very glad that SOE let us opt in and opt out on the SOGA stuff, because that made us more like WoW.  I put a lot of weight in my crafting, how interesting it is to me and it's "lack of ease".  I wish SOE would have taken other solutions like batch refining or letting all stacks go to 100 like they are doing with the fuels instead of eliminating interrims altogether like they are doing.</p><p>The AA system in EQ1 was great.  Why are we copying the WoW advancement system?  If you put in the time, you could have achieved all the EQ1 AA items.  Under the WoW model you can't but at least in WoW they let you /respec anytime you want and have to earn your new path.  3 guesses, what SOE's position on this will be. <img src="/smilies/9d71f0541cff0a302a0309c5079e8dee.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p><p>I believe that EQ2 has WoW beat HANDS DOWN in terms of immersion into a fantasy realm with opportunities for challenging adventure.  Commerce, guild options (guild hall, guild level rewards), group loot options, a reason to have a house - we are sorely lacking.</p><p>Allurana, 48 Guardian/60 Armorer</p><p>Beauti, 48 Templar/60 Alchemist</p><p>Semina, 22 Beserker/60 Tailor</p><p>Seminas, 22 Templar/29 Jeweler</p><p>Gild, 16 Bard/43 Carpenter</p><p>Flamin, 28 Conjurer/24 Sage</p><p>Cabanka, 17 Predator/20 Woodworker</p><p>Hippitty, 11 Enchanter/9 Weaponsmith <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p><p>Guild Founder and Guild Leader of Casual Alliance</p><p>Blackburrow Server AND Test Server</p>

[Pry]

<div></div><blockquote><hr>Gaige wrote:<div></div><p>Well it doesn't seem very similiar to EQ's AA system imho, and you can get achievements by things such as questing, finding rare loot, exploring the world and killing named boss mobs.</p><p>Sounds kind of cool... but we'll see:</p><p><a target="_blank" href="http://everquest2.station.sony.com/expansions/kingdomofsky/achievements.vm">http://everquest2.station.sony.com/expansions/kingdomofsky/achievements.vm</a></p><p> </p><hr></blockquote><p>Well indeed!  I read that, sounds kind of like what I have been screaming about since LU13 - Whereas one can play a figther and take 6 different paths and if they choose one they don't like it's their own stupid fault.   And then we don't have to have 200 discussions about what got nerfed! </p><p>Let's see how it plays out.  I would be interested to see what happens when you take a path you don't like and want to change it, I am sure there would have to be some kind of penalty.  And for the first time in History I agree with you <font color="#66ff00"><strong>Gaige</strong></font>, it does sound cool, I just hope I can pound down my massive distrust for SOE enough to be optimistic about it.</p>

[Wabit]

<div></div><blockquote><hr>Prynn wrote:<div></div><blockquote><hr>Gaige wrote:<div></div><p> And for the first time in History I agree with you <font color="#66ff00"><strong>Gaige</strong></font>, it does sound cool, I just hope I can pound down my massive distrust for SOE enough to be optimistic about it.</p></blockquote><hr></blockquote><p>is the sky falling???  are pigs flying???</p>

[Krooner]

<div>Wabit wrote: is the sky falling???  are pigs flying???</div><div> </div><div> </div><div>No but they are glowing does that count?</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a target="_blank" href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/4605202.stm">http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/4605202.stm</a></div>

[Gaige]

<div></div><div></div><blockquote><hr>Prynn wrote:<div></div><p>I would be interested to see what happens when you take a path you don't like and want to change it, I am sure there would have to be some kind of penalty. </p><hr></blockquote><p>Well, Scott spoke a bit about it at the second summit, and basically they will implement a system that enables people to undo their choices if they aren't satisfied, however it will be an increasing penalty type of system.</p><p>He didn't really specify at the time though, as I assume the system was still really early in development or whatever.</p><p>At any rate it does sound like this system won't be able to be "maxed" so you really do have to make choices that will affect your character <em>but</em> those choices will be able to be reversed... with some effort.</p><p>Which I think I like, but we'll have to see how it plays out.  I don't want people able to switch up their achievements between encounters for example, but I'd hate to see a bad/uninformed choice lead to a person with a character they'd never play or one which was "[Removed for Content]".</p><p>Message Edited by Gaige on <span class="date_text">01-18-2006</span><span class="time_text">02:29 PM</span></p>

[mastersard]

<div></div><blockquote><hr>Gaige wrote:<div></div><div></div><blockquote><p> ...but I'd hate to see a bad/uninformed choice lead to a person with a character they'd never play or one which was "[Removed for Content]".</p><p> </p><p></p><hr></blockquote></blockquote><p>Kind of like we are now.  We made a bad choice going guardian, and now its a class we'd never have played, and is "[Removed for Content]."</p><p>I agree too, tho Gaige, i think if they think it thru, and go <em>slowly</em> with AAs, it may not be too bad.  Their track record is contradictory to that possibility, however.</p>

[Gaige]

<div></div><blockquote><p></p><hr>mastersardis wrote:<p>Kind of like we are now.  We made a bad choice going guardian, and now its a class we'd never have played, and is "[Removed for Content]."</p><hr></blockquote><p>Maybe its because I raid so much, but I don't hear either of our 3 guardians complain, ever.  They tank just about everything we raid, the trash, the named... everything.</p><p>When KoS launches and we're doing heroic stuff, maybe they'll voice displeasure that echos this forum then.</p>

[Pry]

<div></div><blockquote><hr>Allurana wrote:<div></div><p>I have to start by saying I really enjoy this game and feel that almost every change SOE has made to the game, in terms of mechanics,  has been positive for the health of the game.</p><p><font color="#ffcc00">I don't necessarily agree.  The changes to game mechanics helped certain play styles and crippled others.  Just IMHO.</font></p><p>However, I am growing more and more disenchanted with what I have seen happen with the game in very general terms.  More specifically, what is it that makes this game different than it's closest competitor, WoW?  The new KoS advancement system, so far, sounds EXACTLY like the WoW specialization system. </p><p><font color="#ffcc00">It's different.  In the WoW system, you gain talent points as a bonus to natural leveling.  There's a limit to the number of talent points you can get in the WoW system (54).  You can only get talent points through experience gain.  It's similar I agree, but exactly the same no.</font></p><p>The crafting update that is being talked about right now.  Sounds almost like the crazy, easy WoW crafting system.</p><p><font color="#ffcc00">I don't know about this enough to comment on it.  I will read about it though!</font></p><p>What do we have that is different?  That sets EQ2 apart from WoW.</p><p>We have houses and collection quests and guilds with levels and we can talk/trade/group and guild with the other town, and we don't look like a cartoon geared toward a 10 year old and we now have no real death penalty.  You can assign your own values to each of these items.</p><p><font color="#ffcc00">The toons in WoW are not graphically awe-inspiring.  Some of the geography (and Music) will blow you away however.</font></p><p>What don't we have?</p><p>An auction house, well thought out and implemented group loot handling options (lotto, leader only, FFA, NBG, etc...), quest sharing, PvP system - once again assign your own values to these.</p><p><font color="#ffcc00">There's a PvP system in EQ2, just not a very fair one.</font>  <font color="#ffcc00">And PvE servers exist in WoW as well (I am on one<img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />) </font></p><p>I have a set of real life friends that all play WoW and I am the only one that plays EQ2.  Everyday that ask why I keep playing EQ2 instead of coming over to WoW with them.  Each day it gets harder and harder to defend my position since EQ2 is becoming WoW for all intents and purposes in terms of actual GAMEPLAY with the exception that EQ2 is missing some of the nicer aspects of WoW like the auction house, loot options, quest sharing, etc...</p><p>I stick to EQ2 because I put a lot of weight into the "cartoon aspect" of WoW, I can't stand it.  Item decay, I will never play a game with item decay.  It is annoying and just not necessary. <font color="#ffcc00">(As opposed to debt?  Honestly after playing both systems, item decay > debt) </font>  I am very glad that SOE let us opt in and opt out on the SOGA stuff, because that made us more like WoW.  <font color="#ffcc00">(I believe people practically <u>begged</u> SOE to put in SOGA models even after they adamantly said they did not want to)</font>  I put a lot of weight in my crafting, how interesting it is to me and it's "lack of ease".  I wish SOE would have taken other solutions like batch refining or letting all stacks go to 100 like they are doing with the fuels instead of eliminating interrims altogether like they are doing.</p><p>The AA system in EQ1 was great. <font color="#ffcc00"> (I have 162 AA in EQ1 and not one of those AA's earned was an enjoyable experience for me because of the grinding of trash mobs)</font> Why are we copying the WoW advancement system?  If you put in the time, you could have achieved all the EQ1 AA items <font color="#ffcc00">(a bezillion hours, and there are more AA's with every expansion - - I think the most you can get now exceeds 750)</font>  Under the WoW model you can't but at least in WoW they let you /respec anytime you want and have to earn your new path. <font color="#ffcc00"> (That's not true, it's progressively more and more expensive, I believe it goes 1gp, 10gp, 100gp, 1000gp, 10000gp) </font>3 guesses, what SOE's position on this will be. <img src="/smilies/9d71f0541cff0a302a0309c5079e8dee.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p><p>I believe that EQ2 has WoW beat HANDS DOWN in terms of immersion into a fantasy realm with opportunities for challenging adventure.  <font color="#ffcc00">(</font><font color="#ffcc00">I am not sure I agree with that either, leveling up toons to the highest levels pre-expansion in both games.  I feel at the highest level of WoW that I still have a lot more things I want to see but haven't, and I had less of this feeling in EQ2.)</font>  Commerce, guild options (guild hall, guild level rewards), group loot options, a reason to have a house - we are sorely lacking.</p><p>Allurana, 48 Guardian/60 Armorer</p><p>Beauti, 48 Templar/60 Alchemist</p><p>Semina, 22 Beserker/60 Tailor</p><p>Seminas, 22 Templar/29 Jeweler</p><p>Gild, 16 Bard/43 Carpenter</p><p>Flamin, 28 Conjurer/24 Sage</p><p>Cabanka, 17 Predator/20 Woodworker</p><p>Hippitty, 11 Enchanter/9 Weaponsmith <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p><p>Guild Founder and Guild Leader of Casual Alliance</p><p>Blackburrow Server AND Test Server</p><hr></blockquote>

[Wabit]

<div></div><blockquote><hr>Gaige wrote:<div></div><div></div><p>Which I think I like, but we'll have to see how it plays out.  I don't want people able to switch up their achievements between encounters for example, but I'd hate to see a bad/uninformed choice lead to a person with a character they'd never play or one which was "[Removed for Content]".</p><p>Message Edited by Gaige on <span class="date_text">01-18-2006</span><span class="time_text">02:29 PM</span></p><hr></blockquote>good that was a bain to healer pre LU13 that didn't pick their croup cures as traits...  ie /hail darathar

[Pry]

<div></div><div></div><p>I know that cross-posting is against the rules per se, but I just had to gloat when I said that this would be a good system way back on October 10, 2005:</p><p><a target="_blank" href="http://eqiiforums.station.sony.com/eq2/board/message?board.id=3&message.id=21660#M21660">http://eqiiforums.station.sony.com/eq2/board/message?board.id=3&message.id=21660#M21660</a></p><p><img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p><p>Message Edited by Prynn on <span class="date_text">01-18-2006</span><span class="time_text">03:48 PM</span></p>

[TunaBoo]

AAs worked in eq1. AAs in eq2 sound pointless and un-fun. Expect it to not work very well, and be changed to an eq1 style aa system in the next expansion.For reference, refer to locked combat, crafting, etc. etc. etc.<div></div>

[a6eaq]

<div></div>Once again I totally agree with you Tuna.  The only constant with SOE is change.

[Rah]

<div></div><p>I grind AA so I can tank the expansion so I can grind AA so I can tank the next reaid content so I can get gear so I can grind for more AA so I can..................</p><p>you get the point. On a positive note is there any Guardians that call Scott by his first name and get invited to the summits? I think Ladicav would be a GOOD selection!</p><p> </p><p>Rahge</p>

[Lyrus]

<div><span>I think you have a bit of a misconception about how the AA's are acheived. As to their effects, that's anyone's guess really, but here we go:</span>Completing quests suited to their character's level.Defeating special enemies such as bosses.Looting rare treasure.Exploring the world.Advancing their adventure level.So the way I see it, the only real grind that you'll be doing for acheivements is leveling up your toon, which to me, doesn't seem that bad, since it's something I'd do anyways. And if you like doing quests to level up instead of grinding, hell, that's twice as good. Basically they've opened a path for everyone who plays to get some acheivement points. Whether you're a quester, a raider, or someone starting completely fresh. I think it's kinda neat, and I do like the fact that if you do make an uninformed choice on something, you'll be able to reverse that choice. I'd have to say, I agree with Gaige on this.<span><blockquote><hr>Rahge wrote:<div></div><p>I grind AA so I can tank the expansion so I can grind AA so I can tank the next reaid content so I can get gear so I can grind for more AA so I can..................</p><p>you get the point. On a positive note is there any Guardians that call Scott by his first name and get invited to the summits? I think Ladicav would be a GOOD selection!</p><p> </p><p>Rahge</p><hr></blockquote></span></div>

[mastersard]

<div>LOL, lets send Tuna to the summit.  I'd even rent him a full suit of plate to wear.  Give him a bull horn and let him shout taunts.  I bet they'd not be resisted.</div><div> </div><div>:smileywink:</div>

[Rah]

<div></div><blockquote><hr>mastersardis wrote:<div>LOL, lets send Tuna to the summit.  I'd even rent him a full suit of plate to wear.  Give him a bull horn and let him shout taunts.  I bet they'd not be resisted.</div><div> </div><div>:smileywink:</div><hr></blockquote><p>Tuna it IS, btw this has been killing me for some time Tuna are you Smasharoo?</p><p>I only pray that the AA is what you think it will be and not what it was!</p><p> </p><p>Rahge</p>

[Khurghan]

<font color="#ffcc00">...not one of those AA's earned was an enjoyable experience for me because of the grinding of trash mobs...<font color="#ffffff">I don't think I could have said that better myself.  Anyone who thinks getting lots of AAs in eq1 was 'a challange' deserves a gold-star for being able to use a computer (time yes - talent no).</font></font><font color="#ffcc00">...I think the most you can get now exceeds 750...<font color="#ffffff">Many people in EQ1 have over 1.5k of AAs atm.</font></font><font color="#ffcc00">...That's not true, it's progressively more and more expensive, I believe it goes 1gp, 10gp, 100gp, 1000gp, 10000gp...<font color="#ffffff">It's capped at 50gp.Personally the EQ2 system sounds a lot better than the old EQ1 AA's... but we will see...</font></font><font color="#ffcc00"><font color="#ffffff"></font></font><div></div>

[Drulak]

<div></div><blockquote><hr>Gaige wrote:<div></div><blockquote><p></p><hr>mastersardis wrote:<p>Kind of like we are now.  We made a bad choice going guardian, and now its a class we'd never have played, and is "[Removed for Content]."</p><hr></blockquote><p>Maybe its because I raid so much, but I don't hear either of our 3 guardians complain, ever.  They tank just about everything we raid, the trash, the named... everything.</p><p>When KoS launches and we're doing heroic stuff, maybe they'll voice displeasure that echos this forum then.</p><hr></blockquote><p>If they are established MT's they probably won't moan even against heroics.  The concerns are not that we can't tank , but that we are not chosen to tank.  If you are established as a MT in a guild etc , then there is no reason why the Guardian is not perfect for you.</p><p>Where it fails is where others are the MT , then you are not only not getting in raids , but not getting pick up groups/ pick up raids either.  So you solo alot and that's where the feelings of inadequecy come from <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p><p>My alt fighter , would get picked up for groups as soon as LFG was enabled ,  My guardian was twice since DoF came out.</p>

[TunaBoo]

Hah I wish I could be the gaige of guardians, I would make our wishes heard very clear <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />  I would wrap myself in tinfoil and get one of the big bullhorns lesbians use in rallys.I have no idea who smashroo is or whatever.. I have played mannnyyy different games, most of the time my name was tunaboo or tuna____.<div></div>

[Elusi]

<div></div>Who *is* the guardian that gets invited to the summits anyways?

[TunaBoo]

123 notitask noah or exill or bashem.. not sure who else would even be an option.signs point to no guardian.<div></div>

[Gaige]

<div></div>Noah attended the first one and Drave of Ascendance attended the second.  Those are the two guardians I can think of right off the top of my head.

[Elusi]

<div></div><div></div><div></div><p>Anther question that comes to mind is why aren't we made aware of the goings on at the summits? I'd like to know what the guardian representatives are putting forth for us.</p><p>p.s. It's crazy that Drave has one post in the guardian forum and was asked to a summit.</p><p>Message Edited by Elusian on <span class="date_text">01-22-2006</span><span class="time_text">01:57 AM</span></p>