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.
Obvious exits: play, shop, wiki, maps

Witchy Witchwood!

Author: GS4-SCRIBES
Date: 1/31/2008 6:38:17 PM


Witchwood can now be found in River's Rest.

No. I'm not drawing you a map.

Seriously.

Find it on your own.

kthx.

GM Scribes

This message was originally posted in Towns, River's Rest. To discuss the above follow the link below.

http://www.play.net/forums/messages.asp?forum=102&category=19&topic=5&message=13564

Changes to Padding and Damage Weighting

Author: GS4-WARDEN
Date: 1/29/2008 6:24:34 AM


Some changes to damage padding, damage weighting, and critical padding have been implemented.

For the above mentioned benefits, there is no longer any randomization for ratings up through "somewhat" padded/weighted on the ASSESS scale. For items with greater ASSESS ratings, there is some variance in their benefit, but they will never provide less benefit than "somewhat" padded/weighted on a given strike.

This results in an improvement for all damage weighted/padded items (most noticeable at the lower ratings). By and large, it also results in an improvement for all critical padded items (again, most noticeable at the lower ratings), though there are some conditions in which items with high padding ("exceptional" ASSESS rating or higher) will see a small decrease in benefit.

Critical weighting is handled differently than damage weighting and has not been changed with this implementation.

Warden

This message was originally posted in Hunting and Combat, Weighting and Padding. To discuss the above follow the link below.

http://www.play.net/forums/messages.asp?forum=102&category=4&topic=21&message=600

New Stormfront Society Window

Author: GS4-COASE
Date: 1/28/2008 9:25:48 PM


The society system has been updated to provide the StormFront FE with a new window (Society Tasks) that tracks and displays your current society task. The window is accessible from the Windows panel in StormFront and may be resized/hidden, just like any other window. If you are currently logged on and do not see the window, logging off and then re-entering the game (in StormFront) will enable the window.

Coase

This message was originally posted in Front Ends, Forums, and Computer Help, StormFront FE Discussions. To discuss the above follow the link below.

http://www.play.net/forums/messages.asp?forum=102&category=3&topic=8&message=3921

Rift Redirects Roamers

Author: GS4-OSCURO
Date: 1/28/2008 10:22:39 AM


As was the case prior to the teleport updates in Gemstone IV, the Rift will now send players to random destinations when using the spell Spirit Guide (130) or society abilities of teleportation. Additionally, a few other teleport spells will also be redirected rather than outright prevented. Test your magic with caution!

= - GM Oscuro - =

Cleric/Empath Team

This message was originally posted in Hunting and Combat, Pinefar Hunting Areas. To discuss the above follow the link below.

http://www.play.net/forums/messages.asp?forum=102&category=4&topic=50&message=3106

Re: 425: Elemental Targetting Bonus Fix

Author: GS4-NAOS
Date: 1/24/2008 4:00:50 PM


A bug in the accrual calculation for the bonus from Minor Elemental spell ranks beyond 25 has been fixed. The bonus can be calculated as ((E-MnE - 25) / 2), where E-MnE is the caster's effective Minor Elemental spell ranks limited by their level.

The net result of this change shifts the levels at which an additional bonus accrues from even (26, 28, 30, etc.) levels to odd (27, 29, 31, etc.) levels, capping at 75 MnE Ranks.

Note that players currently with an even number of Minor Elemental spell ranks will experience a 'loss' of one (1) point of Attack Strength and one (1) point of Elemental Casting Strength.

--
Naos

This message was originally posted in Magic Spells and Systems, Minor Elemental Circle. To discuss the above follow the link below.

http://www.play.net/forums/messages.asp?forum=102&category=18&topic=3&message=1563

Alchemy Shop Disturbance

Author: GS4-ESTILD
Date: 1/23/2008 9:54:10 AM


Alchemy shop keepers have noticed a recent trend of certain customers who idly stand around their shop. It was noted that this was causing a disturbance to their other customers. In a swift, conjoined effort from all alchemy shop owners across Elanthia, a new policy was setup to remove such individuals from the store and to bar their reentry for a period of time.

GameMaster Estild
Cleric/Empath Team

"I prefer the company of peasants because they have not been educated sufficiently to reason incorrectly." - Michel de Montaigne

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=6122

Cleric Guild now open

Author: GS4-SORAYA
Date: 1/21/2008 4:39:31 PM


Greetings!

The guild is now open in Gyldemar forest. Many thanks to the clerics who participated with Edira and came along until the stone path that leads to the entrance magically appeared.

Huge thanks to GM Estild who toiled very hard to bring the guild to fruition. Ginormous (is that really a word? Heh) thanks to the QC team for getting it approved in super fast time!

Soraya

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

http://www.play.net/forums/messages.asp?forum=102&category=19&topic=14&message=2257

Adventurer's Guilds Restock their Reward Shops!

Author: GS4-COASE
Date: 1/19/2008 3:14:10 PM


The Adventurer's Guilds have restocked their reward shops to provide a larger selection of potential reward options for its many freelance contractors. All previous reward options have been retained, with the following new additions:

-Feather Charm: Reduces your encumbrance level by 40 lbs for 5 minutes. Rub activation with 1 charge.

-Mandis Charm: Dispels all spells currently affecting you. Rub activation with 1 charge.

-Chronomage-approved Gold Ring of Teleportation: A standard teleportation ring, licensed for 20 successful teleports.

-Throat Balm: Eliminates all current vocal chord stress and excessive thirstiness. Rub activation with 1 charge.

-Temporary Damage Padding: Add damage padding to your armor for 50 hits. Somewhat and heavy padding levels are available.

-Temporary Elemental Flares: Add fire, cold, or electricity flares to your weapon for 30 flare activations.

Coase

This message was originally posted in Organizations and Societies, Adventurers Guild. To discuss the above follow the link below.

http://www.play.net/forums/messages.asp?forum=102&category=20&topic=9&message=7538

GemStone IV Gurus

Author: GS4-KITRINA
Date: 1/16/2008 10:06:57 AM


Towns 
CysaegirJacien
Icemule TraceSirina
Kharam Dzu (Teras)Liia
Mist HarborThandiwe & Vesmera
River's RestScribes
SolhavenLothwyn
Ta'IllistimSoraya
Ta'VaalorBernt
Wehnimer's LandingTalisker
Zul LogothAiza


Races 
AelotoiJacien
Burghal GnomeSirina
Dark ElfLothwyn
DwarfSleken
ElfNaos
ErithianTilmont
Forest GnomeSirina
GiantmanTalisker
Half-ElfZyllah
Half-KrolvinAiza
HalflingThandiwe
HumanWarden
SylvankindAndraste


Professions 
Rangers/Bards/PaladinsMestys - Team Lead
Clerics/EmpathsNilven - Team Lead
 Estild
 Oscuro
Sorcerers/WizardsNilven - Team Lead
 Naos
 Strathspey
Warriors/RoguesCoase - Team Lead
 Ildran


Development 
CombatWarden
LockersWarden
TreasureWarden
SocietiesCoase
Warrior GuildCoase
Combat ManeuversCoase
Adventurer's GuildCoase
Rogue GuildIldran
AlchemyNaos
CreaturesMestys
Skill Migration/Character ManagerMestys
GeographySirina
JanitorsEstild
JusticeAkaydar
Town merchant systemsBernt
MAIL SystemTilmont
FletchingTilmont
PSHOP SystemSleken
NPCsSleken
CitizenshipSleken
Sprite SystemModrian
Premium PetsModrian
ESPVotary
Travel GuidesTridin
Premium HousingNaos
Private PropertiesLothwyn
General CE SystemsAlyias


Player Run Organizations 
MentorsKorelys
ALAESirina
CHEXynwen
MHOIzzea


Events, Promotions & Platinum 
WeddingsKaikala & Andraste
FestivalsLothwyn
RP EventsLothwyn
ArkatiLothwyn & Andraste
PlatinumLothwyn
PremiumLothwyn


Teams, Training & QC 
BUGSEmeradan
Quality ControlIsten
Host CoordinatorZyllah
Message BoardsEmeradan


This message was originally posted in Discussions with Simutronics, 2008 Goals Discussions. To discuss the above follow the link below.

http://www.play.net/forums/messages.asp?forum=102&category=8&topic=6&message=246

GemStone IV Staff

Author: GS4-KITRINA
Date: 1/16/2008 9:45:58 AM



SolomonPM


KitrinaAPM


Combat, Magic & Technical Systems 
WardenSGM
CoaseASGM
BerntFGM
EstildFGM
IldranFGM
MestysFGM
NaosFGM
NilvenFGM
AkaydarAGM
OscuroAGM
StrathspeyAGM
FazliCGM
CelanturGMA
LususGMA
VanernGMA


Teams, Training & QC 
IstenSGM
HunterleighFGM
EmeradanAGM
KvetaAGM
MignonAGM
XayleAGM
ZyllahAGM
CirathGMA


Events, Promotions & Platinum 
LothwynSGM
KaikalaASGM
VarulvFGM
AndrasteAGM
BazarAGM
HadlirAGM
ItzelAGM
SchascleAGM
ThandiweAGM
VesmeraAGM
GyresCGM
IkaanCGM
VoravielCGM
AuchandGMA
GaleneGMA
LandarkGMA
NaionnaGMA


Towns & Communities 
SirinaSGM
AizaFGM
LiiaFGM
SorayaFGM
TaliskerFGM
ScribesAGM
XynwenAGM
JacienCGM
OziasCGM
RoxiaCGM
TolliCGM
VaschkaCGM
IzzeaGMA
KorelysGMA


CE Systems 
AlyiasSGM
ModrianFGM
SlekenFGM
TridinAGM
VelseAGM
VotaryAGM
TilmontCGM
ArgellionGMA
FamineGMA
StaaflGMA


Legend 
PMProduct Manager
APMAssitant Product Manager
SGMSenior GameMaster
ASGMAssistant Senior GameMaster
FGMFull GameMaster
AGMAssistant Game Master
GMAGame Master Apprentice

This message was originally posted in Discussions with Simutronics, 2008 Goals Discussions. To discuss the above follow the link below.

http://www.play.net/forums/messages.asp?forum=102&category=8&topic=6&message=245

GemStone IV 2008

Author: GS4-KITRINA
Date: 1/16/2008 9:26:08 AM


Happy New Year from the GemStone IV staff!

Before I get into the 2008 goals, I'd like to thank each one of you for continuing to make GemStone IV your choice for the most immersive roleplaying experience online. The strength of our community, both in game and out, never ceases to amaze me. I'm proud of what we accomplished in 2007, and as we head into 2008 there are a lot of wonderful things in store!

If you joined us at SimuCon, we made two big announcements. First, we're prioritizing Monks for 2008. This includes not only the profession itself, but also the Minor Mentalist spells as well as the unarmed combat system. The other annoucement was about the development of a large quest. These two projects are high on our priority list for 2008.

Since SimuCon, we've fleshed out many other projects for 2008. I will be sharing some of the highlights with you while others will be surprises for you. We also have a few impressive systems to release at the beginning of this year that we worked on for much of 2007. Please note that this is not an all-inclusive list of projects, but merely a taste of what is to come.

2008 Project Highlights

Combat & Magic Systems:
Monks/Minor Mentalist spells/unarmed combat
Alchemy: Phase II
Premium homes upgrade
Mining/Smelting
Archery/Thrown weapons update
New spells & spell upgrades
Lore skill reviews

Communities & Towns:
CHE/MHO updates
Ta'Illistim Cleric Guild; library
Cysaegir lockers
River's Rest town and hunting area expansions
Zul Logoth hunting area and town updates
Teras expansion & updates; Glaesen Star updates
Gladiator Arena
Historical/racial documentation

Events & Storylines:
There are many storylines and events planned this year -- probably more than we've ever had before. Our goal is to effectively communicate what is going on in the storylines so that you can easily follow along and participate. Please be on the look out for information on the front page of the website and also the in-game NEWS. As always, storyline logs and discussions are welcome and encouraged on the forums.

Festivals:
Wonders of Elanthia - April
Ebon Gate (ticketed) - October
Highman Games - December

Premium:
Mist Harbor expansion & hunting area
Historical documentation
Contests/raffles/events

Platinum:
Plat-only storylines
Custom titles
Contests/raffles/events

CE Systems:
Coding support for all towns, storylines & events releases
Mail
Quest
Many command upgrades

ALL of these efforts are supported by our impressive Training & QC team. This includes not only Quality Control, but also forums & bug support, as well as GameHost training and coordination.

This message was originally posted in Discussions with Simutronics, 2008 Goals Discussions. To discuss the above follow the link below.

http://www.play.net/forums/messages.asp?forum=102&category=8&topic=6&message=241

Fairy primrose...

Author: GS4-NAOS
Date: 1/13/2008 10:57:05 AM


...can now be foraged in the Glo'antern Moor, west of Zul Logoth. I apologize for the substantial length of time for the resolution of this issue.

--
Naos

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=6048

Premium Meeting: 1/23/2008 9:30pm Eastern

Author: GS4-LOTHWYN
Date: 1/10/2008 12:10:03 PM


Please make note of the new addition to the calendar.

There will be an OOC meeting on the 23rd of this month to discuss the upcoming additions and changes we'll be adding to Premium and the Isle of Four Winds. Please also bring your ideas, as we'll be taking suggestions on what you would like to see as a part of Premium in the future.

Thanks,

Lothwyn

This message was originally posted in Four Winds Hall, General Questions, Comments, and Discussions. To discuss the above follow the link below.

http://www.play.net/forums/messages.asp?forum=102&category=15&topic=5&message=1272

Re: An Elven Garment

Author: GS4-NAOS
Date: 1/10/2008 12:36:45 AM


The originally posted announcement has been deleted. Please see the following post for the replacement:

http://www.play.net/forums/messages.asp?forum=102&category=10&topic=6&message=1108

--
Naos

Stormbrow Gallery Design Contest

Author: GS4-LIIA
Date: 1/8/2008 6:59:58 PM


On behalf of the town officials of Kharam Dzu, and the Prince of Teras Isle, Town Liaison Eldalina happily announces the Stormbrow Gallery Design Contest!

The contest will consist of two sections. One will be open to citizens of any town or heritage. The second will be open to citizens of Teras Isle only. You may enter as many times as you wish, in any category for which you are eligible.



RULES:

Entries should be sent through email to gs4-Liia@play.net no later than February 29, 2008. Each entry should be emailed separately (one entry per email). Include your character name and account name. Please make the subject of your email STORMBROW CONTEST: (CATEGORY) with (CATEGORY) being one of the following:

Categories open to all interested players:

Cafe
History and founding of Teras Isle
Wars and invasions
Teras natural history (fossils, remains, plants, gems)
Paintings and murals
General building design (inside and outside areas)
Historical figures (busts, sculptures, and statues)
Children?s area

Categories open to Teras Citizens ONLY:

Memorial and Dedication area
Library/Archives
Culture

Types of entries may include the following:

*Descriptions of room(s)
*Descriptions of generic items (not historical, one-of-a-kind items, unless you have said item to donate) that may be commonly found in the lands. (Examples would be geological displays, animal skeletons, etc.)
*Designs for paintings or other artwork
*Written stories such as personal accounts from historical events
*Cafe menu items
*Cultural items (ie, clothing, weaponry, food and beverage)

Other guidelines:


*Any historical accounts MUST follow official documentation. If you wish to write a PERSONAL account of an invasion, for example, any details that are not officially documented must be stated as being subjective
*All entries are subject to revision by the Teras Isle Town Guru(s).
*All entries are subject to QC approval.
*Room descriptions may include day and night messaging if appropriate, as well as generic props for atmosphere.
*The memorial and dedication area will not house permanent items referring to player characters, but MAY have a means of honoring them, if deemed appropriate by the guru(s).
*Paintings and murals may represent any of the following:
1. Locations on Teras Isle
2. NPC townsfolk
3. Creatures, plants, or other natural items native to Teras Isle
4. Arkati

Contest winners:

Final decision of winners will be made by GM Liia and are not open to appeal, argument, or disgruntled whining.

The winning entries will find a home in the Stormbrow Gallery in Kharam Dzu, and will be honored through OOC announcement as well as a special in-character recognition to be announced at the museum's opening ceremonies.

Not every category will necessarily have a winning entry.

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=4354