Februari, which means the press béta is this month !
While I'm pretty sure I'm not going to be counted a press (but one can hope right? :p), I'm excited for a few reasons.
One being, more info on the game obviously. Don't we always want more? :p
Secondly, it's for the press. which means, this béta is practically made to be written about, be it on blogs or previews in magazines.
They probably get some nice artwork/screens in the progress to use on those articles, so goodies are incoming!
And where there are previews, reviews are lurking around the corner! The press béta is the biggest hint towards a release date so far, as far as I'm concerned. My mind is set solid on a release around may-june, and it would kinda make sense. Release close after the béta (like Guild Wars 1), and before the summer conventions. This is important, because going to summer conventions with the full product to promote is going to be much more rewarding as another demo.
As always with this kind of news about Guild Wars 2, I'm always drawn back into Guild Wars 1. Especially with Winds of Change part 3 coming soon. (it has to, if my estimated release date is anywhere close). In fact, with the Canthan New Year starting soon, it might be the perfect time for it. I can imagine it being released about a week or two after it.
So if anyone is looking for me, you can find me in Guild Wars, celebrating the Canthan New Year !
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Monday, January 23, 2012
The time is nigh
I was about to blog about how I predict Guild Wars 2 would be released somewhere between April-July, and why I think so. But then, Mike O'Brien post this on the Anet blog: Read it !
Back? Good, because as we all can see, I was kinda right thinking April-July !
The press can have a go at it in Februari (to write up previews I suppose, and preview means review soon) and in March-April, we might get a chance. If the Guild Wars béta is any reference, I'm pretty sure the game will be out by July.
Still, a béta is a béta, and big issues could arise. Asuming Anet won't pull a FFXIV on us, issues could mean delay. Although I highly doubt it, since the demo versions already felt very well developed.
To me, this news is as good as a release date. The only thing I need now is a link to pre order the super-uber-mega-all included collectors edition. And of course..., you know... the release date. :p
Until next time !
(On a side note, I'm sorry I didn't post for a long time, but Anet make their post very detailed. And I am against reposting the same news in different words, so I kinda didn't find anything to post about. But with the GW2 release coming closer and closer, I should be more active. Hope you enjoy the read !)
Back? Good, because as we all can see, I was kinda right thinking April-July !
The press can have a go at it in Februari (to write up previews I suppose, and preview means review soon) and in March-April, we might get a chance. If the Guild Wars béta is any reference, I'm pretty sure the game will be out by July.
Still, a béta is a béta, and big issues could arise. Asuming Anet won't pull a FFXIV on us, issues could mean delay. Although I highly doubt it, since the demo versions already felt very well developed.
To me, this news is as good as a release date. The only thing I need now is a link to pre order the super-uber-mega-all included collectors edition. And of course..., you know... the release date. :p
Until next time !
(On a side note, I'm sorry I didn't post for a long time, but Anet make their post very detailed. And I am against reposting the same news in different words, so I kinda didn't find anything to post about. But with the GW2 release coming closer and closer, I should be more active. Hope you enjoy the read !)
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Hype fatigue
With every new post on the Guild Wars 2 website or the Arenanet blog, I'm beyond excited. At least, I used to be a few months ago. I don't know what changed, but the feeling of excitement isn't there when a new post comes online.
This doesn't mean I care less though, every post is as much of a delight to read. But I find myself searching less info, mosty just waiting for the new stuff on the official site. I'm having hype fatigue.
Part of it is knowing we're getting closes and closes to a release. With only 1 profession left to be revealed ( and a lot of info that just hasn't been brought up yet, or implemented in the game yet.), I can't help but feel that I need that release date now. Of course it's not realistic, and I rather have them work all they want on the game until it's the image of perfection.
Another part is the fact that, at the beginning of the year, we knew parts of the game and knew much more was to come. At this point, we've seen demo's, professions, dungeons and smaller things such as crafting. Our image of the world is close to complete, with some key pointers waiting to be revealed.
On the flip side of this hype fatigue, I seem to care a lot more for Guild Wars 1 all of a sudden. A half year ago, I was going for the Hall of Monuments rewards. Now, I find myself playing the game for the sake of playing the game. No goal, no rewards, just me, my guild/alliance and fun. And for just this reason alone, I feel comfortable with not hyping anymore. I'll just have fun, and be there when nr.2 gets released.
Anyone else here feeling the hype fatigue?
Until next time !
Gevallen Engel
This doesn't mean I care less though, every post is as much of a delight to read. But I find myself searching less info, mosty just waiting for the new stuff on the official site. I'm having hype fatigue.
Part of it is knowing we're getting closes and closes to a release. With only 1 profession left to be revealed ( and a lot of info that just hasn't been brought up yet, or implemented in the game yet.), I can't help but feel that I need that release date now. Of course it's not realistic, and I rather have them work all they want on the game until it's the image of perfection.
Another part is the fact that, at the beginning of the year, we knew parts of the game and knew much more was to come. At this point, we've seen demo's, professions, dungeons and smaller things such as crafting. Our image of the world is close to complete, with some key pointers waiting to be revealed.
On the flip side of this hype fatigue, I seem to care a lot more for Guild Wars 1 all of a sudden. A half year ago, I was going for the Hall of Monuments rewards. Now, I find myself playing the game for the sake of playing the game. No goal, no rewards, just me, my guild/alliance and fun. And for just this reason alone, I feel comfortable with not hyping anymore. I'll just have fun, and be there when nr.2 gets released.
Anyone else here feeling the hype fatigue?
Until next time !
Gevallen Engel
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Guild Wars Build of the Month: Hammer Mastery
This build of the month is all about my favorite build, and that's a knockdown hammer build with a ranger pet as sidekick.
Strength = 10+1
Beast Mastery = 8
Template: OQITE1JbRKnMsQ8RsgvywCAg2A
This build is a variation on a classic knockdown build, and the most fun thing about it is that it's so easy to create a new variant of it without losing effectiveness. Because the build runs fine on it's core skills, I also added the pet to it, just because I really, really like my bear.
Using the build is very straightforward too. Use Enraging Charge to run towards your target, which should be a group close together, or a target that really needs to be interupted/knocked down. Then there are 2 ways it could go.
If you attack a group balled up to eachother, use Crude Swing to quickly gain more adrenaline. With a big enough group, chances are Earth Shaker is almost ready to use, or even ready. Which means, use it.
When your target is knocked down, hit Flail as fast as you can (or enable it before the knockdown) and hit him with Renewing Smash as much as possible. Using a Stonefist insigna, you can get 3 hits with it without letting Renewing Smash ito cooldown, getting as much as 100 damage per hit on avarage. When the knockdown is over, your target should be almost dead in most cases. If not, you can use Club or a Thousand Bears next, and send it to the ground again if your target is non-human. But you mostly fight non-humans anyway, so chances are you get most out of the move. When it's on the ground, repeat the Renewing Smash frenzy again. By now, Earth Shaker is ready again, so you can start this cycle again.
If attacking a single target, or only a small group first, start by attacking until Flail is ready and use Club of a Thousand Bears. Again, it only knocks down non-humans, so this won't be a good start on humans.
hit Flail, and use Renewing Smash as much as possible again. You can now use Crude Swing for some extra damage, or just attack until Earth Shaker is ready. Use Earth Shaker and repeat the Renewing Smash frenzy again. Your enemy should be dead in most cases, so repeat until you beat them all.
The optional skill slot is there for whatever you need on your current mission. Favorites of mine are Light of Deldrimor, "You Move Like a Dwarf!", Ebon Vanguard Assassin / Sniper Support or any skill for your pet.
Swapping out skills is also easy. In areas with lot of humans, you can swap Club of a Thousand Bears with Crushing Blow or another attack skill. Renewing Smash can be swapped out with Whirlwind Attack, for extra AOE damage. And in areas with no or very small groups, swap Earth Shaker with Devestating Hammer.
Go out and have some fun with this build. This one should be in ever warrior's book by standard.
If you have any comments or improvements on this build, feel free to comment in the section below !
There is no registration required, and I don't bite :)
Until next time !
Knockdown Mastery
Skills 1-8:
- Club of a Thousand Bears
- Crude Swing
- Renewing Smash
- Earth Shaker
- Flail
- Enraging Charge
- Optional Skill Slot
- Comfort Animal
Strength = 10+1
Beast Mastery = 8
Template: OQITE1JbRKnMsQ8RsgvywCAg2A
This build is a variation on a classic knockdown build, and the most fun thing about it is that it's so easy to create a new variant of it without losing effectiveness. Because the build runs fine on it's core skills, I also added the pet to it, just because I really, really like my bear.
Using the build is very straightforward too. Use Enraging Charge to run towards your target, which should be a group close together, or a target that really needs to be interupted/knocked down. Then there are 2 ways it could go.
If you attack a group balled up to eachother, use Crude Swing to quickly gain more adrenaline. With a big enough group, chances are Earth Shaker is almost ready to use, or even ready. Which means, use it.
When your target is knocked down, hit Flail as fast as you can (or enable it before the knockdown) and hit him with Renewing Smash as much as possible. Using a Stonefist insigna, you can get 3 hits with it without letting Renewing Smash ito cooldown, getting as much as 100 damage per hit on avarage. When the knockdown is over, your target should be almost dead in most cases. If not, you can use Club or a Thousand Bears next, and send it to the ground again if your target is non-human. But you mostly fight non-humans anyway, so chances are you get most out of the move. When it's on the ground, repeat the Renewing Smash frenzy again. By now, Earth Shaker is ready again, so you can start this cycle again.
If attacking a single target, or only a small group first, start by attacking until Flail is ready and use Club of a Thousand Bears. Again, it only knocks down non-humans, so this won't be a good start on humans.
hit Flail, and use Renewing Smash as much as possible again. You can now use Crude Swing for some extra damage, or just attack until Earth Shaker is ready. Use Earth Shaker and repeat the Renewing Smash frenzy again. Your enemy should be dead in most cases, so repeat until you beat them all.
The optional skill slot is there for whatever you need on your current mission. Favorites of mine are Light of Deldrimor, "You Move Like a Dwarf!", Ebon Vanguard Assassin / Sniper Support or any skill for your pet.
Swapping out skills is also easy. In areas with lot of humans, you can swap Club of a Thousand Bears with Crushing Blow or another attack skill. Renewing Smash can be swapped out with Whirlwind Attack, for extra AOE damage. And in areas with no or very small groups, swap Earth Shaker with Devestating Hammer.
Go out and have some fun with this build. This one should be in ever warrior's book by standard.
If you have any comments or improvements on this build, feel free to comment in the section below !
There is no registration required, and I don't bite :)
Until next time !
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Guild Wars 2: Gamescom 2011 starts
Gamescom is already in full gear as I write, and all the GW2 info can't come fast enough.
Main things where I am going to look out for:
Anyway, I'm off searching for footage and info.
Have a fun Gamescom week!
Main things where I am going to look out for:
- Moar Necromancer footage !
- Warriors using the hammer. (which is easily my favorite weapon in GW)
- All races in use, and hopefully some racial skills as well
- PVP, customisation and everything else promised on the Anet blog in general
Anyway, I'm off searching for footage and info.
Have a fun Gamescom week!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Sylvari week: design and redesign
Sylvari week has begon yesterday, and the honor of the first article on the Arenanet blog was for character artist and fashion guru Kristen Perry.
My initial reaction was to watch the screenshots to see how the sylvari look like after the redesign.
Amazing and stunning were the words that came to mind. But the best description is Kristen's sylvari description: noble, beautiful, plant.
My fears also got wiped off the table. They are not wood elf like people, nor are they humans with a plant wig. Instead we get that sweet spot in between humanoids and plant creatures. They look human, yet don't. They have that creature like thing, yet familiar enough to relate. They are... sylvari!
Reading the article, I noticed how much care there was put in the biology of plants, and how it could en should relate to designing the sylvari. And lot of these things are unseen at glance, but the details are there.
Growth sockets, the stem etc, all used in a way it would make sense from a biology point of view, but also in terms of the looks and feel of the characters. To me, it's a great thing in the long run, especially when playing with a sylvari. When you stick a long time with a character, you're bound to look more and more at the details. When they are done with care, like in this case, you're going to rediscover your own character over and over. Which is, in my opinion, a great thing.
There are also skins, to customise your sylvari even more. Both winter- and summer type skins are available, and with some coloring magic you can make a autumn and spring look. Simplified, you're choosing to look like a plant or more tree like. Which is great. Diversity amongst a race always makes a game feel more alive, like a real living world. This is one of my favorite features for Charr too, being able to change fur, horns etc.
Next up on the Arenanet blog is everything on the dialogue and audio of the sylvari.
I am excited to see what they have in store for us, especially after a great start like this one.
So, what do you guys think of the new sylvari? I'm sold, but I'd love to hear from you.
Until next time!
My initial reaction was to watch the screenshots to see how the sylvari look like after the redesign.
Amazing and stunning were the words that came to mind. But the best description is Kristen's sylvari description: noble, beautiful, plant.
My fears also got wiped off the table. They are not wood elf like people, nor are they humans with a plant wig. Instead we get that sweet spot in between humanoids and plant creatures. They look human, yet don't. They have that creature like thing, yet familiar enough to relate. They are... sylvari!
Reading the article, I noticed how much care there was put in the biology of plants, and how it could en should relate to designing the sylvari. And lot of these things are unseen at glance, but the details are there.
Growth sockets, the stem etc, all used in a way it would make sense from a biology point of view, but also in terms of the looks and feel of the characters. To me, it's a great thing in the long run, especially when playing with a sylvari. When you stick a long time with a character, you're bound to look more and more at the details. When they are done with care, like in this case, you're going to rediscover your own character over and over. Which is, in my opinion, a great thing.
There are also skins, to customise your sylvari even more. Both winter- and summer type skins are available, and with some coloring magic you can make a autumn and spring look. Simplified, you're choosing to look like a plant or more tree like. Which is great. Diversity amongst a race always makes a game feel more alive, like a real living world. This is one of my favorite features for Charr too, being able to change fur, horns etc.
Next up on the Arenanet blog is everything on the dialogue and audio of the sylvari.
I am excited to see what they have in store for us, especially after a great start like this one.
So, what do you guys think of the new sylvari? I'm sold, but I'd love to hear from you.
Until next time!
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Guild Wars Build of the Month: Tainted Scythe
The first build of the month has arrived, and this one is an atempt to make a melee Necromancer in the spirit of the Guild Wars 2 Necromancer.
This build is an attempt of mine to get some melee action going on with my Necromancer, for those times you don't feel like going MM or SS etc. It is a fun build so far, but I haven't tested it's effectiveness extensively yet. I picked Dervish here, because scythes look good on necro's, and because of the enchantments. Skills 1-3 are your weapon skills. Feel free to pick whatever you like for those slots, the ones I got here are the ones I like at the moment. You Move Like A Dwarf is there as interrupt, which I never go without.
Tainted Flesh is my answer to less armor. If you're getting hit, they will get diseased. Also makes you immune for disease, so it has multiple uses. Grenth's Aura is there for the same reason. You're going to lose health faster because of your armor, so we better have a way to gain life. It also lets you ignore armor, so offensive wise it's also a good skill. Then we have Signet of Pious Restraint, which I use to trigger the end effect of Eternal Aura. And Eternal Aura itself gives +100 health, and has no time limit. Perfect for our lower armor.
The way you want to use this build is to enchant yourself, en then go in battle with melee skills. Eternal Aura is cast when you enter a map, since it has no time limit. Then, before an encounter, use Tainted Flesh on yourself, followed by Grenth's Aura. Go into battle and use your 1-3 skills to increase damage.
Watch out for enchantment removal though, because they really do make the difference for our fragile Necromancer.
Again, this is a fun build, so I can't guarantee performance here. Then again, I find myself switching often to this build to play casually and when I'm not in the mood to be a caster.
Try this one out, and I promise you'll have a good time!
As always, comments can be posted with no registration, so don't hold back. And I'd love some feedback too!
Until next time!
Tainted Scythe
Skills from 1-8:
- Crippling Sweep
- "Dodge This!"
- Radiant Scythe
- "You Move Like A Dwarf!"
- Tainted Flesh
- Grenth's Aura
- Signet of Pious Restraint
- Eternal Aura
This build is an attempt of mine to get some melee action going on with my Necromancer, for those times you don't feel like going MM or SS etc. It is a fun build so far, but I haven't tested it's effectiveness extensively yet. I picked Dervish here, because scythes look good on necro's, and because of the enchantments. Skills 1-3 are your weapon skills. Feel free to pick whatever you like for those slots, the ones I got here are the ones I like at the moment. You Move Like A Dwarf is there as interrupt, which I never go without.
Tainted Flesh is my answer to less armor. If you're getting hit, they will get diseased. Also makes you immune for disease, so it has multiple uses. Grenth's Aura is there for the same reason. You're going to lose health faster because of your armor, so we better have a way to gain life. It also lets you ignore armor, so offensive wise it's also a good skill. Then we have Signet of Pious Restraint, which I use to trigger the end effect of Eternal Aura. And Eternal Aura itself gives +100 health, and has no time limit. Perfect for our lower armor.
The way you want to use this build is to enchant yourself, en then go in battle with melee skills. Eternal Aura is cast when you enter a map, since it has no time limit. Then, before an encounter, use Tainted Flesh on yourself, followed by Grenth's Aura. Go into battle and use your 1-3 skills to increase damage.
Watch out for enchantment removal though, because they really do make the difference for our fragile Necromancer.
Again, this is a fun build, so I can't guarantee performance here. Then again, I find myself switching often to this build to play casually and when I'm not in the mood to be a caster.
Try this one out, and I promise you'll have a good time!
As always, comments can be posted with no registration, so don't hold back. And I'd love some feedback too!
Until next time!
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Winds of Change Part 1
Taking longer than I expected, I finally finished the first part of Winds of Change (blaim Guitar Hero for that!).
This post also contains spoilers to the story, just as a heads-up.
Winds of Change features 17 main quests and 3 extra quests. The main quest mostly make you clear out various areas of Afflicted, and the last few pit you against the Am Fah and the Jade Brotherhood. The quests follow up each other nicely, which was one of the things War in Kryta's biggest flaws in my opinion. Unfortunately, clearing areas of Afflicted gets boring after a while. But that might be my fault by almost doing it all at once. What kept me going in the end was the story dialogue giving by your friendly npc, and the occasional joke (That's one big...Afflicted!).
When you're done with the Afflicted, the fun starts, especially story wise. At first sight, you're fighting Am Fah and Jade Brotherhood as usual. But at some point you get something more is going on, and then you get your final mission of this part. Which, and I kinda expected it to happen, leaves me begging for more. Much more!
I'm very satified with some more story about the Am Fah and Jade Brotherhood. They are to easily looked at as "those gangs in Cantha" in the pre Winds of Change story, and I hope they are of meaning towards Guild Wars 2 as well.
As far as gameplay goes, this content is spot on. I never lost the questline like in War in Kryta. I never felt like the mission was neither impossible or to easy.And every quest features a hard mode version, which should be a challenge to all.
Thinking back to the survey they did on War in Kryta, we can safely asume they listened to us. Everything has been taken into account in Winds of Change. And that's a really good thing, especially for MMO's.
For now, I'll be picking a new weapon in Kaineng City!
Until next time!
This post also contains spoilers to the story, just as a heads-up.
Winds of Change features 17 main quests and 3 extra quests. The main quest mostly make you clear out various areas of Afflicted, and the last few pit you against the Am Fah and the Jade Brotherhood. The quests follow up each other nicely, which was one of the things War in Kryta's biggest flaws in my opinion. Unfortunately, clearing areas of Afflicted gets boring after a while. But that might be my fault by almost doing it all at once. What kept me going in the end was the story dialogue giving by your friendly npc, and the occasional joke (That's one big...Afflicted!).
When you're done with the Afflicted, the fun starts, especially story wise. At first sight, you're fighting Am Fah and Jade Brotherhood as usual. But at some point you get something more is going on, and then you get your final mission of this part. Which, and I kinda expected it to happen, leaves me begging for more. Much more!
I'm very satified with some more story about the Am Fah and Jade Brotherhood. They are to easily looked at as "those gangs in Cantha" in the pre Winds of Change story, and I hope they are of meaning towards Guild Wars 2 as well.
As far as gameplay goes, this content is spot on. I never lost the questline like in War in Kryta. I never felt like the mission was neither impossible or to easy.And every quest features a hard mode version, which should be a challenge to all.
Thinking back to the survey they did on War in Kryta, we can safely asume they listened to us. Everything has been taken into account in Winds of Change. And that's a really good thing, especially for MMO's.
For now, I'll be picking a new weapon in Kaineng City!
Until next time!
Friday, July 8, 2011
Winds of Change
Yesterday evening (night for us europeans even) Winds of Change was unleased upon the players. Promising a lot of new story elements in the form of quests, unique weapons (equivalent to the oppressor weapons in War in Kryta), new costumes and more. Winds of Change is going to come in 3 parts, this one being the first. Which is a very good thing, because War in Kryta felt a little to short for me. It also could be that I just couldn't get enough!
First thing I noticed: the huge crowd at night on the european district! Guild Wars 1 is still very much alive, and these kind of things only proves it. Then I found the new npc's. New quests: check, new weapons: check!
Since I haven't played it etirely through yet, I can't comment on the actual content yet, but I'll get to that when I finished it. What interests me the most is how this part is going to relate to Guild Wars 2, since GW2 will only feature Tyria, and not Cantha
Whatever it may be, I'm sure it will be worth playing for, and worth waiting for.
Gevallen Engel
First thing I noticed: the huge crowd at night on the european district! Guild Wars 1 is still very much alive, and these kind of things only proves it. Then I found the new npc's. New quests: check, new weapons: check!
Since I haven't played it etirely through yet, I can't comment on the actual content yet, but I'll get to that when I finished it. What interests me the most is how this part is going to relate to Guild Wars 2, since GW2 will only feature Tyria, and not Cantha
Whatever it may be, I'm sure it will be worth playing for, and worth waiting for.
Gevallen Engel
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Dragon Festival 2011
This year's Dragon Festival finale is upon us, and I got myself a nice, new mask!
Fear not, you can get your mask as well. There's a collector in Shing Jea Monastery trading the mask for 250 Victory Tokens whole week next week.
Now go and enjoy the mini-games and arena while they last!
Fear not, you can get your mask as well. There's a collector in Shing Jea Monastery trading the mask for 250 Victory Tokens whole week next week.
Now go and enjoy the mini-games and arena while they last!
Reboot !
Starting next week, I'm getting back to writing for my blog here. However, some things are going to change, since some things were too time-consuming or just not interesting for everyone. I also might change the look of the blog, but I'm no looks wizard, so that might turn out bad.
So the new topics for now are going to be:
Until next time!
Gevallen Engel
So the new topics for now are going to be:
- Build of the month
- Comments on updates, events etc on Guild Wars
- Comments on news, reveals etc on Guild Wars 2
Until next time!
Gevallen Engel
Thursday, June 23, 2011
A new start
It's been a while since I posted anything, so I thought to give a heads-up of what's going on behind the screens.
Since the type of articles I did earlier didn't really catch on (except build of the week), I've decided to to rethink what I should do on this blog. Build of the week is going to stay, but it might come in a less frequent form, since finding a new interesting build every week is almost a full time job.
Don't have to much for the rest, but it has crossed my mind to recruit a second blogger to blog, just to fill in the moments when I can't deliver anything blog-worthy. But for the time being, I'll be hatching some new idea, and hopefully some that are worthwhile.
Anyhow, for everyone who has shown interest in this blog so far, thanks a lot. I hope you're going to enjoy the new start!
Sincerely,
Gevallen Engel
Since the type of articles I did earlier didn't really catch on (except build of the week), I've decided to to rethink what I should do on this blog. Build of the week is going to stay, but it might come in a less frequent form, since finding a new interesting build every week is almost a full time job.
Don't have to much for the rest, but it has crossed my mind to recruit a second blogger to blog, just to fill in the moments when I can't deliver anything blog-worthy. But for the time being, I'll be hatching some new idea, and hopefully some that are worthwhile.
Anyhow, for everyone who has shown interest in this blog so far, thanks a lot. I hope you're going to enjoy the new start!
Sincerely,
Gevallen Engel
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
The Diary of Miss Elizabeth Dane: Northern Allies
The diary of Miss Elizabeth Dane is a view on Guild Wars through the eyes of a character. With the help of the heroes of her time, she embarks on adventure that makes her stronger and wiser.
We fast forward 6 years since the danger of the Undead Lich, when the events of Eye of the North unfold. Elizabeth has documented her trips to Cantha and Elona, but to complete her Tyrian adventure, her Eye of the North diary is next in line.
Dear diary,
Tyria is once again in danger. And it came very unexpected too. It all started with earthquakes close to Lions Arch. As I went to investigate, I found an underground passage leading me to a group of dwarves busy with explosives. I thought to myself I found the problem, dwarves causing the earth to shake with explosives.
Then a creature named Vekk enters the room, warning that we should make a run for it, because Destroyers are on their way. Honestly, I didn't trust him, but creatures named Destroyers don't really sound like your friendly neighbours. We ran off, and soon enough these Destroyers were casing us. We could escape through a gate, which Vekk called an Asuran gate.
We ended up in the Far Shiverpeaks, to the north. We destroyed the gate to keep the Destroyers away. I learned the dwarf's name is Ogden Stonehealer and that Vekk is an Asura, creatures who lived underground, but had to escape to the surface by the Destroyers.
When we looked around, we saw a Norn female going by the name Jora. Norn are a race of human like people, but they are significantly bigger and also live entirely different. They look at life as one big hunt, searching challenge after challenge. A Norn succeeds in life when other Norn tell the tale of them after they pass. Jora informed us that there are other humans here in the north. So our first mission would be to find them, so we had a home to stay.
I expected a search lasting hours, maybe days, but we found the humans really fast. They are staying at the Eye of the North, which is a huge tower impossible to miss. When we arrived there, I met Gwen. Or rather, we ran into each other again. When I was in training before the searing, I met Gwen as a little girl. It's amazing that we are to meet here again. In this big tower, there is a pool that contains magical power. Gwen didn't manage to make it do anything, but as soon as I looked at it, it reacted. It showed a vision of the Destroyers heading our way. Ogden pointed out that since they are an army, we could use some allies. The Norn are strong an love to fight, so they make excellent manpower. But there are also Asura west of us, and they know a lot about the Destroyers already. Also, Gwen pointed out that she had troops in the Charr homeland. They should have returned already, but haven't.
So I had to choose. Since we were already in Norn territory, I figured we'd get the Norn on our side first. And the way to do this was by helping Jora. She has some problems, and altough she refused help, she clearly couldn't handle it alone. She was hunting a creature they called the Nornbear, and it was also Jora's brother. He got taken over by a force underneath Drakkar Lake, and Jora lost her ability to become one with the bear.
To help her, we had to claim this Nornbear our hunt. We asked Sif Shadowhunter, a strong Norn woman with great achievements on her list, to help us chase the Nornbear. She said that by getting the blessing of the wolf spirit, I could track the Nornbear, since he vanishes after every attack. Jora joined our hunt too, she couldn't miss this. We went and found him, and after a couple of battles followed with a chase, we finally got him to his knees. Jora took a difficult task upon her, and decided to kill her brother the Nornbear, thus releasing him of his curse and her own
Ogden wondered if after our help here, she could raise an army of Norn to help us. Jora said: "You have helped me. I shall help you. " But Ogden doesn't seem to understand that Norn do not fight as an army, but as heroes, each to their own. And that makes Ogden kinda angry. Jora said we could go to Olaf Olafson, a legendary Norn with influence to inspire others to help. But she also needed regain her honor, and wants to go and meet Egil Fireteller.
I decided to help Jora first, and we went to Egil. He contacted the bear spirit, and said Jora should regain her home, since Charr have taken it over now. We followed the bear spirit to his shrine, where I got the blessing of the bear. This gave me the power to destroy the barricades of the Charr. With the bear spirt with us, and fire burning in Jora's eyes, we slayed avery single Charr out there. Jora regain her home and her honor.
Then we moved on the Olafstead, the town where Olaf Olafson resides. He had no fear of the Destroyers, and would greet them with a hammer when they arrived. Something he shouldn't have said, because Destroyers were attacking from Raven's Point. There was an Asuran gate down there, from which all Destroyers could attack. Together woth Olaf, we traveled down Raven's Point to destroy the gate. Olaf led us to the shrine of the raven, so I could recieve the raven's blessing. This would help us in our fight against the Destroyers. We followed the stream of incoming enemies to reach the gate, and soon enough we destoyed it.
Olaf recognised the strenght of these Destroyers, and said they make a good hunt, and that he would spread that word. He also contacted dwarven king Jalis Ironhammer to help us in this war.
Next thing on our list is getting help from the Asura. I hope that their knowledge will help us, because we have no time to lose.
Elizabeth Dane is currently in Rata Sum, gaining Asuran help. Helping her out is always possible !
Until next time!
Friday, April 29, 2011
Guild Wars Build of the Week: All Out
Unfortunately there will be no build of the week this time, because of the simple reason I'm out of interesting build. I also don't want to go and fetch builds from pvx or elsewhere, because most build there are performance based. Here, I like to post builds that are generally interesting and fun.
In any case, I will continue to search for fun build and make my own. And I should be able to get something ready next week.
Also, if you have a fun build you think would fit here, you can always contact me here in the comment section or via email.
Sorry for the lack of a good build, until next time!
In any case, I will continue to search for fun build and make my own. And I should be able to get something ready next week.
Also, if you have a fun build you think would fit here, you can always contact me here in the comment section or via email.
Sorry for the lack of a good build, until next time!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
The Diary of Miss Elizabeth Dane: The Flameseeker Prophecies
The diary of Miss Elizabeth Dane is a view on Guild Wars through the eyes of a character. With the help of the heroes of her time, she embarks on adventure that makes her stronger and wiser.
Dear diary,
Tyria is in danger no more, at least for now. We went and defeated the Undead Lich and his army of Titans. With him being gone, we had time to get our well deserved rest and sleep, as wel as some rewards.
The fine craftsmen of the Deldrimor dwarves offered me to craft a weapon of choice, with only the best of materials used while crafting. I already wield a powerful Staff of the Forgotten, a rare piece from Elona, gifted to my by a dear friend. So I went ahead and had me crafted a rather fine scythe. I've been interested in wielding a scythe, and this might just be the push I need. However, I realise now, nobody in Tyria is teaching the art of wielding a scythe. So a trip to Elona will be inevitable if I am to wield it properly. Until then, it's still a beauty to have.
Of course, Tyria still has it's fair share of problems. Mursaat are still around, though being reduced in numbers greatly. The White Mantle is still in control in Kryta, and things might just get messy. Ascalon still has the Charr knocking on their door, and the defence is getting weaker by the seconds. At times like these, I do wonder what Tyria will look like in the future. Will these conflicts be a major change in history, or just one line in the books? Whatever happens, I hope it just isn't going to get worse than Titans all over the place.
I do hear some rumors about Mhenlo going to Cantha to help out. I might just join him, I have yet to see Cantha and it's culture.
Next time, her adventure will continue at the Eye of the North instead of Cantha. This is to get the Tyrian storyline entirely.
Until next time!
Friday, April 22, 2011
Guild Wars Build of the Week: Grenth's Vampire
Build of the Week time! This week is one for the Dervish amongst us, and it's all about leeching life.
Template code: OgGjwqprqSXg7gNXibjbdfwXCA
(Not sure how to use this? Click here!)
This build leeches life, and doing that is mainly with Avatar of Grenth and Grenth's Aura. Dealing the damage is done with Zealous Sweep, Whirlwind Attack and Eremite's Attack. Zealous Sweep is also energy management and adrenaline management. Whirlwind Attack and Eremite's Attack work great together, use Whirlwind Attack first, follow up with Eremite's Attack and Whirlwind Attack should be good to go again. Heart of Fury increases attack speed, and Zealous Renewel is the enchantment to fuel Eremite's Attack. Zealous Renewel can be swithed with any flash enchantment, depending on what enemies you're facing.
And finally, Resurrection Signet is for emergency resurrection.
What I think is great here is the fact that the life stealing works in 2 ways. 1st of all, it keeps you alive, and in return also removes the need to have a healer on you all the time. 2nd part about it is that it ignores armor and some protection enchantments. This build also works best if you attack enemies close to each other.
With all good comes a bad, and here it's ofcourse that you are depending on your enchantments. Removing Grenth's Aura cuts your damage significant. And most attack skills are not that good when fighting 1 on 1.
Overal, I love this build, just because somewhere it makes me feel like my character is suddenly a vampire/reaper type, and that's just cool to play with. Other than that, I feel this build is a good 'save bet' build when you are in a group of random people, because of it's survivability as a melee fighter.
Try it out, and don't be afraid to comment if you like it or have a variant/improvement.
Until next time!
Grenth's Vampire
Skills from 1-8:
- Zealous Sweep
- Whirlwind Attack
- Eremite's Attack
- Heart of Fury
- Zealous Renewal
- Grenth's Aura
- Avatar of Grenth
- Resurrection Signet
Template code: OgGjwqprqSXg7gNXibjbdfwXCA
(Not sure how to use this? Click here!)
This build leeches life, and doing that is mainly with Avatar of Grenth and Grenth's Aura. Dealing the damage is done with Zealous Sweep, Whirlwind Attack and Eremite's Attack. Zealous Sweep is also energy management and adrenaline management. Whirlwind Attack and Eremite's Attack work great together, use Whirlwind Attack first, follow up with Eremite's Attack and Whirlwind Attack should be good to go again. Heart of Fury increases attack speed, and Zealous Renewel is the enchantment to fuel Eremite's Attack. Zealous Renewel can be swithed with any flash enchantment, depending on what enemies you're facing.
And finally, Resurrection Signet is for emergency resurrection.
What I think is great here is the fact that the life stealing works in 2 ways. 1st of all, it keeps you alive, and in return also removes the need to have a healer on you all the time. 2nd part about it is that it ignores armor and some protection enchantments. This build also works best if you attack enemies close to each other.
With all good comes a bad, and here it's ofcourse that you are depending on your enchantments. Removing Grenth's Aura cuts your damage significant. And most attack skills are not that good when fighting 1 on 1.
Overal, I love this build, just because somewhere it makes me feel like my character is suddenly a vampire/reaper type, and that's just cool to play with. Other than that, I feel this build is a good 'save bet' build when you are in a group of random people, because of it's survivability as a melee fighter.
Try it out, and don't be afraid to comment if you like it or have a variant/improvement.
Until next time!
Monday, April 18, 2011
Charr week has commenced!
The Charr week has officially begon, and I am very excited to see what Arenanet has in store for us!
According to Nowgamer we got a lot more coming to us than extra lore info, though lore is always fine with me. We are looking at a Charr race trailer, more info about microtransactions, lots of interviews and an exclusive reveal with image content to back it up.
Of course, the exclusive reveal is the attention grabber here, but I am really curious about the other info as well. A new trailer is always great, because there is usually a lot of hidden info in them. And I tend to search for it, ending up watching the trailer 20 times. Microtransaction info is very welcome to me, having to much bad experience in other games with item shops makes me wonder if Arenanet are taking a good direction with it. Judging from the Guild Wars item shop though makes me sure it won't be game breaking.
But this is only the info Nowgamer is getting!
As this week continues, the official Guild Wars 2 website and Arenanet blog are bound to share a lot of info. I will try to cover most things here, unless I don't have anything useful to add.
An exciting week is ahead, so keep your eyes open for new info!
According to Nowgamer we got a lot more coming to us than extra lore info, though lore is always fine with me. We are looking at a Charr race trailer, more info about microtransactions, lots of interviews and an exclusive reveal with image content to back it up.
Of course, the exclusive reveal is the attention grabber here, but I am really curious about the other info as well. A new trailer is always great, because there is usually a lot of hidden info in them. And I tend to search for it, ending up watching the trailer 20 times. Microtransaction info is very welcome to me, having to much bad experience in other games with item shops makes me wonder if Arenanet are taking a good direction with it. Judging from the Guild Wars item shop though makes me sure it won't be game breaking.
But this is only the info Nowgamer is getting!
As this week continues, the official Guild Wars 2 website and Arenanet blog are bound to share a lot of info. I will try to cover most things here, unless I don't have anything useful to add.
An exciting week is ahead, so keep your eyes open for new info!
Friday, April 15, 2011
Guild Wars Build of the Week: Soul Mending
It's Build of the Week time! And this week I got something similar to last week, since I heard from some people they actually were really interested in using other classes to heal and protect. So this week I present to you: the healing necromancer ritualist!
Skills from 1-8:
Template code: OAhiYwhMVzkAKNN5UVNMNOlcB
(Not sure how to use this? Click here!)
This build is all about keeping your energy high to cast heals a lot. Signet of Lost Souls is the main source of energy, and you should use it whenever you can. To start, use Protective Was Kaolai and keep it up. It gives you more armor and is also a heal when necessary. Also make make sure you always have Life up. Use Mend Body and Soul to heal and remove conditions, and use Spirit Light if you need a stronger heal.
Foul Feast is extra condition removal, but can be changed into something else in non condition heavy areas. A lot of Curses skills will do just fine, it all depends on where you are. Icy Veins is a damage skill, and is great to deal lots of damage to a group. If you prefer to take no damaging skills, change it with Weapon of Remedy for example, or any other Restoration elite that floats your boat. Finally, Death Pact Signet is your resurrect.
What's great about this build I think is how consistent it works. It almost never runs out of energy, so the heals keep coming. Heroes also use this build pretty good, and I like that since I'm not fit to be a healer. Also great is Ivy Veins. You don't need to bring it, but I love the fact that if you protection character is doing it's work good, you can dish out some damage instead of waiting to heal.
On the bad side though, I think not everyone will like to use a necro as a healer. It's not what you signed up for in character creation. Though I think everyone should try everything, it's so easy to play and experiment with new builds. To me that's what Guild Wars is all about, and also what I try to achieve with these articles.
Try it out, and if you like to comment or have a good improvement on the build, feel free to put it in the comment section below. Which is useable by everyone, no need to register or anything.
Also, If anyone has a great build you feel would be fun to cover here, feel free to contact me, you can find me here or on twitter and of course in Guild Wars.
Have fun and 'till next time!
Soul Mending
Skills from 1-8:
- Icy Veins
- Foul Feast
- Mend Body and Soul
- Spirit Light
- Signet of Lost Souls
- Protective Was Kaolai
- Life
- Death Pact Signet
Template code: OAhiYwhMVzkAKNN5UVNMNOlcB
(Not sure how to use this? Click here!)
This build is all about keeping your energy high to cast heals a lot. Signet of Lost Souls is the main source of energy, and you should use it whenever you can. To start, use Protective Was Kaolai and keep it up. It gives you more armor and is also a heal when necessary. Also make make sure you always have Life up. Use Mend Body and Soul to heal and remove conditions, and use Spirit Light if you need a stronger heal.
Foul Feast is extra condition removal, but can be changed into something else in non condition heavy areas. A lot of Curses skills will do just fine, it all depends on where you are. Icy Veins is a damage skill, and is great to deal lots of damage to a group. If you prefer to take no damaging skills, change it with Weapon of Remedy for example, or any other Restoration elite that floats your boat. Finally, Death Pact Signet is your resurrect.
What's great about this build I think is how consistent it works. It almost never runs out of energy, so the heals keep coming. Heroes also use this build pretty good, and I like that since I'm not fit to be a healer. Also great is Ivy Veins. You don't need to bring it, but I love the fact that if you protection character is doing it's work good, you can dish out some damage instead of waiting to heal.
On the bad side though, I think not everyone will like to use a necro as a healer. It's not what you signed up for in character creation. Though I think everyone should try everything, it's so easy to play and experiment with new builds. To me that's what Guild Wars is all about, and also what I try to achieve with these articles.
Try it out, and if you like to comment or have a good improvement on the build, feel free to put it in the comment section below. Which is useable by everyone, no need to register or anything.
Also, If anyone has a great build you feel would be fun to cover here, feel free to contact me, you can find me here or on twitter and of course in Guild Wars.
Have fun and 'till next time!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
The Diary of Miss Elizabeth Dane: The Ring of Fire
The diary of Miss Elizabeth Dane is a view on Guild Wars through the eyes of a character. With the help of the heroes of her time, she embarks on adventure that makes her stronger and wiser.
Dear diary,
The world is in great peril as I write, a lot has happened since last time. Grand things are about to unfold, be it good or bad.
It started out when we regained control of Thunderhead Keep. Together with dwarven king Jalis Ironhammer we launched an assault to find that nobody less than Dagnar Stonepate, leader and founder of the Stone Summit dwarves, in control of the keep. We regained control, and brought an end to Dagnar.
But then it just started. Waves and waves of enemies attacked the keep, and we had no choice but to defend. First came Stone Summit and enslaved frost giants, but soon the White Mantle and Mursaat were at our doorstep. It was as if they had unlimited troops, with endless amounts of enemies attacking us. Until Confessor Dorian appeared. He is one of the founding members of the White Mantle, and his appearance in battle told us they ran out of troops. It was their final charge. And a final one, it was.
Vizier Khilbron took us to a portal to get us to the Ring of Fire island. There should be something called the Door of Komalie, holding the secret to defeating the Mursaat within. Brechnar Ironhammer, brother of king Jalis, joined us to the island to help even though it is considered a suicide mission.
First thing we did there was establish a foothold. With the help of Edgaar Ironcrotch, a master ranger, we pushed forward on the island. We attacked a citadel guardhouse of the Mursaat and gained control of it. Unfortunately, Brechnar had to create a diversion for us to succeed. And as strong as he was, the Mursaat were to powerful. But we will get revenge, he has not given his life in vain!
We pushed on to the Onyx Gate. After that lies Abaddon's Mouth. At this point, I really started doubting what we were doing. Abaddon was one of the six gods, and he started a war against the other gods. He lost and got imprisoned. But any place using his name is not good. And I soon found out why they gave it this name. We got to Abaddon's Mouth and opened the Door of Komalie. And Titans came through! Titans are servants of Abaddon, and are extremly powerful creatures. And if this wasn't enough, Vizier Khilbron let the curtain fall and showed his true identity. An undead lich. The spell to drive away the Charr in Orr didn't kill everyone there, it turned them undead, with the caster as the leader.
It turns out that I'm not part of the Flameseeker Prophecies, as the lich is the Flameseeker. He is using the Scepter of Orr to control the Titans, and wants to take over Tyria entirely! The only way to stop this is if we fight him and his Titans.
Prophecy or not, we will defeat him!
Elizabeth Dane is currently at Hell's Precipice, preparing her assault on the undead lich! Find her in-game and you can help her out.
Until next time!
Friday, April 8, 2011
Guild Wars Build of the Week: Renewing Protection
Friday, Build of the Week time!
This week it's a classic one with the Elementalist Protection build, for all of you who need protection without needing the monk.
Renewing Protection
Skills from 1-8:
Template code: OgNDwcPPP1CaRAZlUPqb31NC
(Not sure how to use this? Click here!)
This build is very easy to understand. Using Ether Renewal and Aura of Restoration, you can spam protection enchantments on the whole party as needed. And as a bonus, Dwayna's Kiss will heal significantly is someone is well enchanted, even with healing prayers on 3. This is really all there is to it!
To customise this build, there isn't really much specific to change. It depends on the area you are playing, adapting you protection to the dangers you're going to face. Let your imagination go loose!
It does work best on a hero in my opinion, but I might just be a bad protection player.
The main advantages of this build is it can use more protection than his monk counterpart, and it takes good care of it's own health with Ether Renewal and Aura of Restoration. On the negative side, you don't have a Divine Favor healing like a monk, and you're using your elite skill slot for a non-protection skill.
I find myself using this build often on newer characters, with only 1 monk hero unlocked (quickly going to EotN to get Ogden, Vekk and Gwen with a Prophecies or Factions character).
So far for this week's Build of the Week. If you have any suggestions or inprovements, feel free to share in the comment section!
Until next time!
This week it's a classic one with the Elementalist Protection build, for all of you who need protection without needing the monk.
Renewing Protection
Skills from 1-8:
- Ether Renewal
- Aura of Restoration
- Aegis
- Shielding Hands
- Protective Spirit
- Shield Guardian
- Shield of Absorption
- Dwayna's Spirit
Template code: OgNDwcPPP1CaRAZlUPqb31NC
(Not sure how to use this? Click here!)
This build is very easy to understand. Using Ether Renewal and Aura of Restoration, you can spam protection enchantments on the whole party as needed. And as a bonus, Dwayna's Kiss will heal significantly is someone is well enchanted, even with healing prayers on 3. This is really all there is to it!
To customise this build, there isn't really much specific to change. It depends on the area you are playing, adapting you protection to the dangers you're going to face. Let your imagination go loose!
It does work best on a hero in my opinion, but I might just be a bad protection player.
The main advantages of this build is it can use more protection than his monk counterpart, and it takes good care of it's own health with Ether Renewal and Aura of Restoration. On the negative side, you don't have a Divine Favor healing like a monk, and you're using your elite skill slot for a non-protection skill.
I find myself using this build often on newer characters, with only 1 monk hero unlocked (quickly going to EotN to get Ogden, Vekk and Gwen with a Prophecies or Factions character).
So far for this week's Build of the Week. If you have any suggestions or inprovements, feel free to share in the comment section!
Until next time!
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