Showing posts with label kingsisle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kingsisle. Show all posts

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Zafaria Test Realm Patched!

Recently, the Test Realm has been updated with a few new tweaks:



Transcription

Kevin:  Hey guys, Battleblood here.  So, there're some exciting updates in the game now, in Zafaria!  I'm actually on the Live Realm farming Nastrond -- I'll soon explain why we're farming here.  

First of all, there's been an update to the Henchmen.  You can actually fight with creatures of the Spiral...next to you.  So, you can literally have a Helephant -- well, not a Helephant, but one of the Black Cultists from Zafaria -- as a Level 70 Henchman.  They're supposed to be stronger, since they're more expensive.  I think they're 400 Crowns, but they're (supposedly) worth it.  They're worth buying -- I guess -- if you're in a rut, or if you're stuck somewhere.  They have higher Critical Rates...

At the same time, the creatures of the Spiral (in Zafaria) also have higher Critical Rates themselves.  Thus, your battles could be a lot longer than before.  I know their Health has spiked up along with their Critical Rates.  What that means is that there's a chance you might be spending much more time fighting than running around and questing, depending on how many teammates you have, and it might be harder to Block their Criticals.  You might have to shield more, or even use Conviction in your decks now, especially to ensure that you don't become stunned.  I remember from last night fighting Life mobs, and they've used Forest Lord on their first turn, and they actually saved up Pips to to another Forest Lord after that.  Because I was by myself, I had to work out some heals, get my own Vengeance up (so I can Critical better on them) and escape the battle faster to collect the Health wisps.  That's the good news: there's an abundant amount of Health wisps flying around.  Therefore, you might not struggle that much, but it's all about what you do in the battles now.

I don't know if the Bosses themselves have changed, but I'll do a Vlog on that when I get the chance.

As for now, Pet Feeding has also been tweaked a little bit!  But, before we get to that...

Some spells have been amp'ed up or nerfed:  there are the Sirens, which have been nerfed -- it went from 900-something damage to 800-something; Dr. Katzenstein's Monster has been renamed -- or, maybe it's always been that way (I haven't been paying attention) -- but it's called Dr. Von's Monster, and it does Life Steal still, but now it's buffed so that it adds a 25% Infection on the target; and, Chimera has about 30 damage added to each head, so it's an increase of 90 -- they didn't really add any other special effects (which is a little disappointing for some Balance wizards; I was kind of hoping that one of the heads might give a small DoT that does 90 damage to help remove shields from one Spiritual School).

The reason why I'm in Nastrond is because KingsIsle has expanded the window on what items can give Pet XP (PXP)!  To follow up on the last Vlog, where I said that it was based on regular or holiday Crowns items: now you can feed Auctionable items!  Last night, I went into the Bazaar, and bought a bunch of Level 0-1 Amulets (which gave Firecat), and started feeding my pet those.  It actually gained 1 XP here, and 1 XP there!  Most of the time, though, it received gold.

Now, that's not totally profitable if you're looking for an income of gold.  In the example above, I'm purchasing these Amulets for 38 gold each, but received only 2 gold back if my pet didn't gain XP.  My strategy is to collect as many Non-Auctionable items as possible, and feed that to my pets!  The cool part is that there is no difference between feeding your pet a No Auction item (and receiving gold for that) than selling it to a Shop Vendor (like the Seamstress, for example).  

So, what I'm doing here is collecting as many No Auction items as possible -- since it's from a high-level world, I'll have a chance of 4 XP per feed, if I get lucky.  Or, I can get the same gold I'd get if I sold it to a vendor, (plus some additional rewards like Reagents or Treasure Cards).

Plan to plant many Pink Dandelions, King Parsleys, Silver Trumpet Vines, or any of those plants that tend to give their own seeds at Mature or Elder.  I know that Silver Trumpet Vines sometimes like to give two of their own seeds at Elder; Prickley Bears also do this.  There's a small chance for Pet XP when you feed your pet these surplus seeds.

If your items are Auctionable, I would recommend selling to the Bazaar if you're short on gold, rather than feeding it to your pets.  If they're not Auctionable, you can feed those items on-the-go to make room for Auctionables!  If you'd like to see the results of the Pet Buffet Survey yourself, you can go to http://tinyurl.com/petnomefeedresults, or you can conveniently visit the Petnome Project and browse the links towards the top of the front page.  There will be a spreadsheet which has collected a bunch of data from numerous contributors, and if you scroll down towards the bottom, you'll pass the light-blue colored text (which represents the data accumulated before this Test Realm Patch) and come upon the current data in solid, black text.  It will help give an idea of which items are giving PXP!

Last, but not least, if you look at the Update Notes on the official site, they've scratched out the word "sometimes" and written in "occasionally" (in the Pet Feeding section).

I hope you've enjoyed this video; if you did, please Subscribe, Like, and/or Comment if you have some questions, and I hope to see you guys in the Spiral, and hope you've enjoyed your day!  Peace out!

Monday, October 24, 2011

Morse Code and Second Mystery Picture

Today, a new mystery picture for the jungle-themed world has been released on ZAM.com, along with a coded message at the top:



So, naturally, Katherine Light and I once again cracked open our Morse Code sheet:


...and in a short time, deciphered the following message:


@SirWolfblood asks, "How did you decode it?"

Honestly, the last Mystery Picture and this one are the only times I have ever worked with Morse Code -- it was an intimidating cryptogram for me back in middle school.  Then again, after asking some military veterans at my workplace about their knowledge of Morse Code, they've confirmed that they're just as fluent as I am, save for "SOS."  So in a way, it's almost a "dead language"...which makes sense, considering that it can be internationally deciphered, and national security secrets are supposed to be national security secrets.  Anyway, my method of deciphering the code may be very primitive and inexperienced; I accept that!  But, since it was asked, I shall share!

Let's look at a different sequence:

   - - - - - . - . . . . .  | - . - . - - - - . . .


According to the Morse Code chart above, every letter has a minimum of one character OR maximum of four characters.  It gets a tiny bit more complicated when numbers are involved, but we can use a method called elimination to find out which letters are which.  We'll assume that the vertical line is a symbol for a space between two words.  And, to save some time, both of these are words, and there are no numbers.

So, starting with the first word:   - - - - - . - . . . . . 


Let's start with the maximum possible characters (4) as our first letter.  Already, we know that the first letter of this message CANNOT contain four dashes, as no letter is translated for that.  Thus, we must assume it is represented by the three dashes (or less).

So, we have this:   - - - / - - . - . . . . . 


So, we'll try to find a letter represented by three dashes:  O.  We don't know if it's "O" for sure, because perhaps the third dash may belong to another letter's sequence.  But, we have to assume, for the time being -- we can find out whether it's not by process of elimination!

Now we have:  O - - . - . . . . .


Let's repeat the process and look at the next four symbols:  Dash Dash dot Dash.  That stands for Q.  Okay,  per a general English language rule, there is usually a "U" after a "Q."  But, "U" consists of dot dot Dash.  So, this word is unlikely to be a real one, but we'll go along with it, JUST in case it's one of those weird words that your suspiciously "clever" friend used on Words With Friends or Scrabble.  Since we have dot dot dot dot as the next four, we'd collectively have "OQH."  Well, how about just dot dot, I?  "OQI."  What about just dot?  E.  "OQE."

To save some reading time, the rest of these combinations do not produce a common word.  So, let's backtrack to the very first letter.

We'll look at just the two Dashes, which represent M.  Again, we don't know if it's this, or the single Dash T, but, the coding must move on!

Thus, we now have:  M - - - . - . . . . .  


Taking a look at the next four characters, we have Dash Dash Dash dot, which equates to...nothing!  So, we'll look at just Dash Dash Dash, which comes out to O.

Therefore, M O . - . . . . . 


Repeating the system, the next four characters are dot Dash dot dot.  L.

M O L . . . 


Now, the true test of this word begins!  The next three characters, dot dot dot, equate to S.  Thus, we assume our first word is "MOLS."

Let's look at the second word:   - . - . - - - - . . .

The first four characters, Dash dot Dash dot become C.  

So, we have  C - - - - . . .

Repeating the process, the next four are ... oh wait!  Dash Dash Dash Dash doesn't exist as a letter, so the next best thing is Dash Dash Dash, which ends up as O.  

Thus, C O - . . .

Finally, Dash dot dot dot becomes a B.

So, we have "MOLS COB."  However, this doesn't make sense, especially if we know that it has to be a commonly used phrase.  So, let's backtrack once again on C, O, and Dash dot dot dot.  Knocking the last letter down a notch, let's look at what Dash dot dot is:  D.  Finally, the single dot is E.

"MOLS CODE."  Now, let's backtrack on the word MOLS, and see if it can be read any differently, too.

M O L . . . 

If we treat dot dot and the last dot as two separate letters, we'll have MOLIE or MOLEI, or MOLEEE.  Thus, let's backtrack again on "L."

M O . - . . . . .

Thus, let's backtrack again on "L."  Instead of looking at the following four characters, let's focus on just three: dot Dash dot.  This represents R.

M O R . . . .

Based on our system, the last letter could be H, but since "MORH" isn't a common word, we should break it down further.  dot dot dot then gives us S, and the final dot an E.  

M O R S E   C O D E

Kudos to such an intricate way to hide a message...not only do you have to decipher the entire phrase, but you have to ensure that each word fits and is context with the rest of the phrase.  Mols is supposedly a peninsula in Europe, and a "Mols Code" could relate to an actual guideline or set of rules placed by residents...but unless a theme is known, misinterpretation isn't difficult to discover.

Finally, here is some actual pen-and-paper work that I did on my end:


Anyone else feel that a telegram will be included in this new world?  I think it's very likely!

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

House-a-Palooza!



It's time for House-a-Palooza!
(click the H-a-P link for other sites that are participating!)

Hello, fellow Ravenwood students!  Most of us are returning to school on Earth very soon, and we're already feeling the dull ache of missing the beloved summer vacation.  *sigh*

Luckily, some of you will be able trevisit those fun memories and adventures...

...at the beach...





...in the woods/jungle...

    


...or mysterious, exotic places...

     

...with your very own Island Getaway!  


With the courtesy of Wizard101.com, the Petnome Project has been given the honor to bestow upon 15lucky Wizards these beautiful homes.

"How can we get them??"  Take a look below to find out!

NOTE:  Failure to follow all directions may result in automatic disqualification!  Contestants may not win more than one Island Getaway



Contest 1:  House-a-Pet-Looza!

Objective:  Create an exquisite and unique setting for a type of pet (of your choice) to roam around or live in, and describe in a short paragraph what it is!



Rules: 

  1. You will want a theme of pets to display.  A few examples of themes include:
    1. all Banshees (i.e. Life Banshee, Blue Banshee, Red Banshee, etc.)
    2. all Life pets (i.e. Samoorai, Leprechaun, Greater Imp, etc.)
    3. only Heckhounds (i.e. Heckhound, Heckhound, Heckhound, etc.)
    4. all winged pets (i.e. Stray Piggle, Pixie Queen, Phoenix, etc.)
    5. all pets of the same color (i.e. Inferno Beast, Magma Colossus, Samoorai, etc.)
    6. etc.
           The possibilities are endless, but make sure the pets you choose have something in common!       (You can use as many pets as you wish)
       
  2. Set up a room or area for your special little friends.  Be creative, but keep it pet-related!
    1. Keep it small enough to be able to fit it in ONE screenshot!
  3. Take a screenshot of your pets in their setting in-game by hitting the "PRINT SCRN" or Print Screen button on your keyboard.  
    1. You can then PASTE the picture in an image program like Paint or GIMP by opening the application and using CTRL+V.  Please save this picture in JPG or PNG format!  
      OR 
    2. You can also search within your "Documents" folder > "Wizard101" folder for the screenshot!
  4. Send an email to petnome at hotmail dot com with the following information:
    1. In the Subject Line, please write "HAP CONTEST 1"
    2. In the body of the email, write/include...
      1. The theme you are using
      2. The screenshot (you can paste this in the body OR send as an Attachment)
      3.  short paragraph (about 3-5 sentences) explaining what your setting is (this will ensure that your entry will not be "lost in translation" with our judges)
      4. Your Wizard's name
  5. Entries must be received by 11:59 PM Pacific Time on Saturday, August 20, 2011.
  6. Prizes (Petnome Staff are not eligible; to be given out on the following Sunday or Monday)
    1. First Place - Island Getaway AND 5,000 Crowns AND a Storm Beetle
    2. Second Place - Island Getaway AND 5,000 Crowns 
    3. Third Place - Island Getaway  AND a Black Cat
    4. Runner Up #1 - Island Getaway AND a Crabling
    5. Runner Up #2 - Island Getaway AND a Summer Dragon 


Contest 2:  Pet-home Project

Objective:  Help fill in the missing blanks on a Petnome Page!

Rules:
 

  1. Eligibility List -- names on this list will be entered for a Random.org drawing for an Island Getaway
    1. Active* Contributors whose names are displayed in a "Contributors Table" on a Petnome page 
      1. *Fill out THIS FORM with "HAP CONTEST 2" in the Subject Line
      2. *In the body, indicate ONE Pet Page where your Community Name shows up on, and please include the Community Name
      3. Once your name appears on the Eligibility list below, you're in!

        OR
    2. If your name is not on a Contributor Table...
      1. ...and you have recently submitted data to help us fill in missing Talents or Derby Skills, please check the list below through the week as we update our pages.
      2. ...and you have not submitted any data to us, please navigate around the Petnome Project and help us complete some Petnomes via the Submission Form 2.0!  You have until 11:59 PM Pacific Time on Sunday, August 21, 2011 to send in a valid entry!
  2. Prizes (Petnome Staff are not eligible; to be given out on the following Monday)
    1. Random Contributor #1 - Island Getaway 
    2. Random Contributor #2 - Island Getaway 
    3. Random Contributor #3 - Island Getaway 
    4. Random Contributor #4 - Island Getaway  


~~ELIGIBILITY LIST~~
Cassandra Willowblossom
Katherine Light
Julia Moonsong
aspCEO
Matthew Lifeflame
Richard Nightrider
Paige Moonshade
Lady of Blades
Tanner Anglestalker
Michael Hawk
Necrospector
Esmee Silverdust
Morgrim Trollfriend
Heather Shadowslinger
Ben Frogstone
Mr. Owl
Fist of Fire
Tatiana Shadowflame
Elijah LightThief




Contest 3:  Residential Raffle

Objective:  Become one of three lucky winners in a raffle!

Rules:
 

  1. Fill out THIS FORM with...
    1. HAP Contest 3 in the Subject Line
    2. Your Wizard's name 
    3. description of what your plan is for this house (only winners' descriptions will be displayed)
  2. Entries must be received by 11:59 PM Pacific Time on Sunday, August 21, 2011.
  3. Prizes (Petnome Staff are not eligible; to be given out on the following Monday)
    1. Random Winner #1 - Island Getaway 
    2. Random Winner #2 - Island Getaway 
    3. Random Winner #3 - Island Getaway


Contest 4:  It Followed Us Home!

Objective:  Follow @Petnome on Twitter!

Rules:
 

  1. All Followers of @Petnome will be entered into Random.org once.
  2. Contestants must follow @Petnome by 11:59 PM Pacific Time on Saturday, August 20, 2011.
  3. Prizes (Petnome Staff are not eligible; to be given out on the following Sunday or Monday)
    1. Random Follower #1 - Island Getaway 
    2. Random Follower #2 - Island Getaway 
    3. Random Follower #3 - Island Getaway


~~~~****~~~~GOOD LUCK!~~~~****~~~~