This humble site houses an archive of news and announcements from Simutronics Corporation's text-based massive multiplayer online roleplaying game GemStone IV. The most recent announcements are on the entry page and a more comprehensive archive can be accessed through the links on the right sidebar. You may also narrow the focus through the various labels on the lower righthand side of this page. Click on the title of each post for the original post in the official GSIV message boards. Keep in mind, however, that if the post had been pushed out of the official boards, the link will take you to the GemStone IV announcements folder.
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The Lake of Fear Ferry -- and the well-placed bribe

Author: GS4-BERNT
Date: 3/21/2007 3:54:06 PM



We all know that King Tyrnian pays for the operation of the Lake of Fear ferry -- but do you think those poor slobs on the oar are pulling as hard as they can? Nah, I don't think so, not on those wages. Perhaps if you slip their captain a generous "tip" (wink wink, nudge nudge), he can find a way to inspire them to pull harder. The captain doesn't take plastic, but he'll accept several other forms of payment.

Cheers,
GM Bernt


This message was originally posted in Towns, Ta'Vaalor. To discuss the above follow the link below.

http://www.play.net/forums/messages.asp?forum=102&category=19&topic=15&message=6353

Centaurs pack a Kick

Author: GS4-BERNT
Date: 3/20/2007 10:20:58 PM



Continuing with the wave of new BCS conversions, you will now find that centaurs have more kick -- literally. They've also learned a few additional tricks that may take you by surprise, so be warned!

Also, there are reports of centaur rangers in the environs of the Rambling Meadows near Ta'Vaalor. Closely related to the standard centaur, these slightly older kin are adept with rangerly magic and ranged weapons. They, too, pack a mean kick.

Enjoy,
GM Bernt


This message was originally posted in Game Design Discussions, Critters and Creatures. To discuss the above follow the link below.

http://www.play.net/forums/messages.asp?forum=102&category=6&topic=6&message=4520

Alchemy Preview (Sort of...)

Author: GS4-NAOS
Date: 3/20/2007 9:34:07 PM



This is going to feel very lean, but we are not comfortable with releasing more information at this time.

The overarching premise behind the Alchemy system is that of a "crafting" type skill, a means by which pure professions can create magical items.

The items that can be crafted include, but are not limited to, potions, oils, wands, crystals, and so forth. Some of these items are as simple as potions which cast existing spells in the various minor, major and profession spell circles. Some are existing magical items, common and less so. Some are entirely new items and types of items with 'never before seen' magical kung-fu action! I'll leave the particulars to your imagination for the time being.

The shared General Alchemy skill is the primary skill of the system where a character will learn more about the processes of Alchemy and less about recipes. The two professional skills focus more on the learning of recipes largely unique to the character's profession, and less on the actual processes of Alchemy.

Guild tasks include "practice makes perfect" type tasks such as training with the skilled masters, creating items around your skill level and practicing the various processes learned. Others include tasks that benefit the guild, such as gathering ingredients for the guild's storerooms or keeping the alchemy workshops clean and tidy.

--
Naos

Jenovadeath playfully swats at the water, splashing Maliku!

This message was originally posted in Magic Spells and Systems, Alchemy Discussions. To discuss the above follow the link below.

http://www.play.net/forums/messages.asp?forum=102&category=18&topic=16&message=458

Creatures Modified

Author: GS4-CROE
Date: 3/20/2007 9:12:31 PM



You see a rather unpleasant looking creature. It eyes you with a smirk and mutters, 'So, I may be a bit weaker, or I may be a bit stronger. Want to find out which?"



In an effort to bring all creature-cast spells in line with their player-cast counterparts, the base defensive values of certain creatures have been modified. The previous values were erroneous, while current values are what the design intent was originally meant to be. The affected creatures are those that cast Spirit Warding I (101), Spirit Warding II (107), Spell Shield (219), Resist Elements (602), Elemental Deflection (507), Benediction (307), Self Control (613) and/or Prismatic Guard (905). Some creatures have had an increase in DS; others have had a decrease.


This message was originally posted in Game Design Discussions, Critters and Creatures. To discuss the above follow the link below.

http://www.play.net/forums/messages.asp?forum=102&category=6&topic=6&message=4517

Monkey Business

Author: GS4-OSCURO
Date: 3/19/2007 1:35:11 PM



Krolvin warfarers, warriors and mercenaries have been taking lessons from their River's Rest counterparts and are now somewhat more intelligent. With this intelligence comes a new level of greed and savagery so adventurers should beware!

These creatures are now on the Basic Critter System.

= - GM Oscuro - =

Empath/Cleric Team


This message was originally posted in Game Design Discussions, Critters and Creatures. To discuss the above follow the link below.

http://www.play.net/forums/messages.asp?forum=102&category=6&topic=6&message=4492

KIRAMON BUGGING OUT

Author: GS4-STRATHSPEY
Date: 3/19/2007 1:03:31 PM



Beware the kiramon! The worker and defender creatures have been modified to be on the BCS system and will be gaining some new maneuver attacks in the coming days. Also, defenders can now be skinned for their highly poisonous tongues, so watch your health when skinning them.

Kharam Dzu Officials Crack Down On Gouging

Author: GS4-LIIA
Date: 3/18/2007 12:23:48 AM



Overheard in the Teras Isle Temple, the adamant voice of Eldalina ...

"... and that'll be the last of it! Our townsfolk don't deserve to be treated poorly by the likes of ye, Nagrek! So shape up! Ye will find Eregrek's orders to be quite clear!"

Upon review of a certain town cleric's pricing methods for his resurrection services, the Kharam Dzu officials have ordered a reduction in cost. Death on the Rock will be more affordable in the very, very near future.

-Liia

P.S. Cheers to GM Sleken for making the lowered cost of a Teras NPC raise less expensive!


This message was originally posted in Towns, Kharam Dzu. To discuss the above follow the link below.

http://www.play.net/forums/messages.asp?forum=102&category=19&topic=12&message=3263

Dragonfly Festival Information

Author: GS4-LOTHWYN
Date: 3/13/2007 11:14:12 PM



The webpage has been updated with Dragonfly Festival information.

Please visit http://www.play.net/gs4/news.asp?id=51 to see it.

Look forward to seeing everyone there!

GM Lothwyn


This message was originally posted in Quests, Sagas, and Events, Dragonfly Festival. To discuss the above follow the link below.

http://www.play.net/forums/messages.asp?forum=102&category=12&topic=24&message=234

Dragonfly Festival Artwork

Author: GS4-KITRINA
Date: 3/13/2007 5:06:53 PM



Get your Dragonfly Festival wallpaper!

http://www.play.net/feature/themes/

Artwork by the super fancy Ryan Bowlin.

~ Kitrina

This message was originally posted in Quests, Sagas, and Events, Dragonfly Festival. To discuss the above follow the link below.

http://www.play.net/forums/messages.asp?forum=102&category=12&topic=24&message=230

Simucon Site

Author: SIMU-SOLOMON
Date: 3/2/2007 3:59:17 PM



http://www.play.net/simucon/2007/

Solomon

"Experience will come, it's not a race or anything. The ones who kill themselves to get to the finish are the ones who tire out quickly. It's good to take things at a brisk pace--and always persevere."