Chat With GM Xandamere

First of all, there was a GM Q&A session that occured today. Here's the link to my chat logs of this event, if you want to know what happened (in full detail). The only notable thing is that Megaten was compared to an Ipod, and we're all playing with Ipods. Also, Act 17-32 is in development, by Cave. The chat with GM Xandamere happened afterwards, starting off regarding a PM I received.


Since it seems broken up at the start: it was 'cause I was PMed this:

...wherein I asked how I was trolling/flaming in the Shoutbox, and then was responded to via PM.

[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : When somebody was asking about item rarity (14:02:07)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : And you said something along the lines of (14:02:11)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : "items stay rare until Aeria needs money" (14:02:20)
[Tell]Pearz>>: how is that trolling? I provided example of it occuring too (14:03:24)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : It's hardly a productive contribution to a conversation. (14:03:48)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : I've read your blog, and I know you're smart enough to understand that. (14:03:55)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : We tried in good faith to answer some of those difficult questions as best as (14:04:18)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : we can (14:04:18)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : Things about the economy and such. (14:04:22)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : Most game companies would just ignore questions like that. :P (14:04:33)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : It's funny how certain people say we don't respond to serious issues. (14:05:53)
[Tell]Pearz>>: tho all I answered was the truth, that GMs can't say themselves cuz it looks bad (14:05:57)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : I'm quite happy to answer serious questions to the best of my ability. (14:06:01)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : But it needs to be in good faith. (14:06:05)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : If we just get trolled, we're going to stop answering. (14:06:11)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : If people want to have a real conversation, I'm happy to do so. (14:06:16)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : That wasn't a truthful answer, though. (14:06:25)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : You don't work at Aeria, and don't know the decision-making process (14:06:33)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : That goes into deciding what items go in to the game. (14:06:39)
[Tell]Pearz>>: I dont need to. Aeria is a business. As a business its job is to make money (14:07:28)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : If that's what you want to think, you're free to do so. (14:07:48)
[Tell]Pearz>>: Those Items will bring in fast cash, it what happens eventually (14:07:51)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : But saying things like that in a conversation isn't productive. (14:08:00)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : It's not helpful to the conversation, it's just insulting. (14:08:06)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : And thus, trolling. (14:08:08)
[Tell]Pearz>>: Not realli trolling when i got examples too of it occuring (14:10:16)
[Tell]Pearz>>: not unbased thoery (14:10:24)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : Well (14:13:12)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : Just because we may have made a mistake in the past doesn't mean that's our (14:13:22)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : official policy. :) (14:13:25)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : Like everybody, we try to learn from our mistakes and improve. (14:13:32)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : i.e. the Alice promo (14:13:37)
[Tell]Pearz>>: so By that, does it mean you won't try and drop rare items again in item mall (14:14:19)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : Not necessarily. (14:15:09)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : It means that balancing an in-game economy is a very tricky task. (14:15:15)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : Because there are multiple demographics that play the game (14:15:21)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : And we have to try and treat them all fairly. (14:15:26)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : Most rare items, throughout the history of the game, have remained rare. (14:16:15)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : But as new rare items come out, some of the older rare items become more common (14:16:23)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : If we keep *everything* rare, the more casual players don't have much incentive (14:16:49)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : to play the game. (14:16:50)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : So, we need to balance things. (14:17:03)
[Tell]Pearz>>: older rares dont become more common until its re released in FC (14:17:38)
[Tell]Pearz>>: or it is re added into Item mall (14:17:44)
[Tell]Pearz>>: and the FCs you say you have no control over, already re adds old rares (14:18:16)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : Right. (14:18:27)
[Tell]Pearz>>: but the rates still stayt decently low for them (14:18:30)
[Tell]Pearz>>: where as if you add it in IM directly, it destroys the (14:18:51)
[Tell]Pearz>>: price of an item (14:18:55)
[Tell]Pearz>>: that you have full control over (14:19:04)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : Are you talking about just the IM directly, or other promotions? (14:19:08)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : i.e. the tiered spending package for the Seven Sisters (14:19:14)
[Tell]Pearz>>: IM or the Promos (14:19:23)
[Tell]Pearz>>: but tiered promo i didnt care about cuz 7 sisters (14:19:35)
[Tell]Pearz>>: was never rare (14:19:39)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : Right (14:19:45)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : And I agree, putting an item in the item mall definitely makes it more accessibl (14:20:03)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : And thus more common. (14:20:08)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : And that's basically what I was saying...that's all part of trying to find that (14:20:32)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : balance (14:20:33)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : I'm sure you can agree that we need to have some items that are very rare (14:21:11)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : For top players/spenders (14:21:14)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : And also items that are more common, for the more casual player. (14:21:21)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : Right? (14:21:22)
[Tell]Pearz>>: I agree, for top spenders im nvr had a problem (14:21:25)
[Tell]Pearz>>: problem was when that line is crossed (14:21:35)
[Tell]Pearz>>: Like White fang was a prime example (14:21:52)
[Tell]Pearz>>: another was those servant and master rings (14:22:01)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : I wasn't here for that, so I'm not familiar with the situation. (14:22:01)
[Tell]Pearz>>: they were momentarily added to Web item mall (14:22:14)
[Tell]Pearz>>: for a low price to flood a chunk into server (14:22:26)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : Right (14:22:40)
[Tell]Pearz>>: all items worth a couple times more then the web IM price (14:22:49)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : Well, I'm not saying we've always been perfect in finding that balance. (14:22:55)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : As I said, it's a tricky thing to manage a game economy. (14:23:51)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : But, we try to learn from our mistakes and get better at it. (14:24:04)
[Tell]Pearz>>: not realli, as a business like you said keep rare stuff up there (14:24:12)
[Tell]Pearz>>: so top spenders are angre with their items losing value overnight (14:24:25)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : Well, like I said, we do have to have items available to the casual players as w (14:24:48)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : well (14:24:49)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : We need to cater to all of our demographics that play the game. (14:24:57)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : So, look at it this way. (14:25:02)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : Some items need to be very rare, and some need to be more common. (14:25:09)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : Would you prefer that, as new items are added to the game... (14:25:15)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : That we make old items more common, and then the new stuff starts out rare? (14:25:25)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : Or that, in order to keep all of the old stuff as rare as it was (14:25:31)
[Tell]Pearz>>: like i said im fine with stuff being rare and common (14:25:34)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : That we just make all of the new items more common? (14:25:37)
[Tell]Pearz>>: as long as the lined isnt randomly ju (14:25:45)
[Tell]Pearz>>: *jumped (14:25:48)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : Well, we try not to do so randomly. (14:26:02)
[Tell]Pearz>>: cuz when a rare item suddenly becomes common, every player runs off to buy it (14:26:14)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : And the idea is...well, let's say that you have a set of gear that's very rare (14:26:14)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : And very good (14:26:15)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : Like, let's say a weapon. Just for the sake of example. (14:26:36)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : Now, let's say a new weapon is introduced that's better than the one you have. (14:26:43)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : You would probably want that new weapon to be rare. (14:26:50)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : Because it would be frustrating if a better weapon was very common. (14:26:58)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : Right? (14:26:59)
[Tell]Pearz>>: thats the thing (14:27:08)
[Tell]Pearz>>: it wouldnt matter (14:27:14)
[Tell]Pearz>>: because of the player base values looks over functionality (14:27:31)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : I'm not sure all of the players feel that way (14:27:42)
[Tell]Pearz>>: having the old item stay rare matters more then new item being common (14:27:44)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : Based on the feedback we get. (14:27:46)
[Tell]Pearz>>: best example is Zero blade (14:27:51)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : Obviously, everybody's opinion is different. (14:27:59)
[Tell]Pearz>>: its extremely rare, maybe 5-6 on server (14:28:01)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : But from the feedback we've heard (14:28:02)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : If we introduced a new weapon that was very good and made it common (14:28:08)
[Tell]Pearz>>: there is like 3 differnt counterparts that are better then it (14:28:17)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : People who had previously had the next-best rare weapon (14:28:20)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : Would be angry (14:28:22)
[Tell]Pearz>>: angry, doesnt mean in game value drop (14:28:40)
[Tell]Pearz>>: they can still resell it at a high price (14:28:53)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : Okay, so it sounds like what you're saying (14:29:05)
[Tell]Pearz>>: as long as Aeria doesnt drop it in IM cuzits inferior now (14:29:08)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : Is that an in-game value drop is a very bad thing. (14:29:12)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : Is that right? (14:29:14)
[Tell]Pearz>>: yes (14:29:16)
[Tell]Pearz>>: espeicaly 1 that was extremely rare (14:29:24)
[Tell]Pearz>>: that was only ment for top spenders (14:29:40)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : Well, I can understand that opinion. (14:30:55)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : But, recognize that there are players with other opinions, too. (14:31:12)
[Tell]Pearz>>: players value items that are super rare and look unique over the stats (14:31:17)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : Newer players, or more casual players, who would like to have *some* (14:31:20)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : rare items accessible to them. (14:31:27)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : And that's what I mean about the balancing act. (14:31:32)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : It's not so easy to just say "this is rare, this is common, we're done" (14:31:40)
[Tell]Pearz>>: I think it is that easy (14:32:37)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : Unfortunately, it's not, and I say this with years of experience in MMORPGs. (14:33:10)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : From your perspective, it may seem easy. (14:33:22)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : But we need to take ALL players perspectives into account. (14:33:28)
[Tell]Pearz>>: if the lines are set, its the Aerias teams choice if they cross it (14:33:30)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : Which becomes a much more difficult thing. (14:33:32)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : Much like a real-world economy, an in-game economy is healthier (14:34:10)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : If it moves and evolves. (14:34:21)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : Now, we don't just randomly make ALL rare items super-common at the drop of a ha (14:34:34)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : *hat (14:34:35)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : Most items that are very rare will remain so. (14:35:05)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : But if you figure the game has, say, 100 rare items. (14:35:13)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : Just for example. (14:35:15)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : And every month we make 1 of those rare items more common. (14:35:21)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : That still leaves an awful lot of rare items for the top players. (14:35:30)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : Because we will also continue introducing new rare items. (14:35:40)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : But it also means that the more casual players gradually gain access to (14:35:47)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : those rare, desirable items as well. (14:35:51)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : Thus, balance. :) (14:35:54)
[Tell]Pearz>>: because of the fact you get continuos new items (14:35:55)
[Tell]Pearz>>: you can keep things balanced (14:36:01)
[Tell]Pearz>>: evety time you get a new item you around with those t determine if it is (14:36:17)
[Tell]Pearz>>: bleh every time you get a new item, you have choice on if its rare or not (14:37:00)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : Right, I see what you're saying. (14:37:09)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : I've seen many games try to be run that way. (14:37:28)
[Tell]Pearz>>: and you can keep getting new items to cater to the differnt type of players (14:37:32)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : And their economies end up very broken. (14:37:34)
[Tell]Pearz>>: its not set that you only have so many items to play around price with (14:37:49)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : We believe that rather than saying "this is rare, this is common" and having it (14:37:50)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : always be that way (14:37:52)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : It's better to have some change. (14:37:58)
[Tell]Pearz>>: problem with that is when you introduce rares to common players (14:39:26)
[Tell]Pearz>>: it doesnt stay rare anymore, it IS rare cause casual players dont have it (14:39:41)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : Right, I agree. (14:39:54)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : But we don't necessarily see that as a problem. (14:40:36)
[Tell]Pearz>>: So in essence your not realli helping casual players your hurting pros (14:40:37)
[Tell]Pearz>>: or top spenders (14:40:40)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : But we are helping the casual players as well. (14:40:49)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : They don't always just want that item because it's rare. (14:40:56)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : They want it because they like it. Because it's good (14:41:01)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : Or because it looks cool. (14:41:03)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : I'm sorry, but I have to go. >< (14:41:30) [Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : This has been an interesting conversation, and I wouldn't mind continuing it. (14:41:36)
[Tell]Pearz>>: okay (14:41:36)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : But I have some other work I need to do right now. (14:41:45)
[Tell]Pearz>>: okay thanks for chat (14:41:52)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : I'm happy to talk about this sort of thing, though. :) (14:41:56)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : And you may not necessarily agree with us. (14:42:06)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : But I think it's important to at least explain where we're coming from. (14:42:12)
[Tell]Pearz>>: sure (14:42:17)
[Tell][GM]Xandamere>> : Take care. :) (14:42:21)
[Tell]Pearz>>: you too (14:42:26)

If you want the short version: He is new, so he doesn't know about the old promos that were done. It's too hard to balance the in-game economy, and cater to both casual and hardcore gamers. (Even though they, the GMs, are the only huge changing force to in-game economy, they can't control it...)

Take the chat however you want; I wasn't able to finish conveying my ideas. Comments/thoughts appreciated.
Oh, yeah - I'll post FC review in two days, since I don't want this post as 2nd from top right away. XD

~Pearz

FC Stuff & More Randomnesszsz

God, just looking at the FCs lately just feels like it's such a waste of money...but, meh. Can't tell if the rates are getting better or people are just spending more money. ...I think it's the latter.

So here is a player-posted version of the FC again...

Deposit This! FC - 300AP
Two decent vouchers, lots of junk. I mean, those rings, earrings, HP heals? I guess if you don't already have a billion of those crap fillers, it's half-baked. The Chinese Dresses in Phoenix Vouchers are decent. They sport the best boots possible in their set, and the suit gives 1% less stats but 20% off cooldowns. The only major downfall is that the male version of set is fugly, and you should be shot for using it. Horrid fillers, half-baked sets = 4/10.

Can I Help You? FC - 300AP
Lots of returns of old stuff - the Devil Summoner Set is rare, the Maid Set isn't. There is a pleasant return of the Glowing Swallowtail, and that other old set (Scarlet Line?). Only problem is that the Devil Summoner was rare, but not good enough to pull up rest of Fortune Card. The fillers are half-baked, but the top prize is what drives people to try, and the Devil Summoner just isn't good enough = 5/10.

Flamehorn FC - 150AP
Ho-ho-ho, the new Flamehorn is finally in. It's one of the best melee weapons out there. With it, the return of the Duft and Scatter, and some other stuff. There's tons of incense, and cheaper than buying straight out of the Comp Shop. Tons of people seem to be turning up with Scatter and Duft spears, too. Flamehorns seem to be found decently (don't know, though, if it's 'cause of a lot of spammage). A couple of bad filler stuff but overall decent fillers with an amazing top prize = 8.5/10.

So that's done. D:


To really start off: this week, I have slightly renewed my faith in Bleach with its latest chapter (364). Lately, the path it was taking was bad and the balance of power was getting skewed, which I hated the most. At least things are starting to look more "balanced" now. Won't ruin it but yeah, I like what happened in this chapter.


So, you guys may (or may not) know about recent e-drama unfolding here at Finella's blog. Basics of it: Finella's testing how great of a bot/hack detection system Aeria has in place to detect all the changes you make to the game. Also, if you've never been there, there's lots of useful stuff random info. Just lots of harmless fun.

Here is link to a useful tool. It automatically clicks wherever on the screen your mouse icon is - just specify the interval and how many times. Just a suggestion, though: if you're going to use it, use it because you don't want wrist pains from spamming the same key for the next couple of hours. If you leave it unattended, it's not my fault if you're considered a botter (as the only real bot checker Aeria uses PMs you and sees if you respond). Just remember to use it attended, and use it because you don't want your hand to hurt from spammage. (If you don't understand how it works, you're not meant to use it. <.<, Don't PM me asking how it works.)


Now for a SERIOUS, SERIOUS note. I have been notified of a serious matter occurring here in Aeria's Megaten. At first, I didn't believe it - but the evidence was astounding. It is the "We Hate All Melees" (which, from now on, will be abbreviated as WHAM) conspiracy occurring within our server. We can look back at the way Aeria has been handling the Cash Shop stuff to see.

It started with the Beach Sets. Out of the three sets, the Wave Set (melee version) was put in as a Top Spender. Shortly after the Top Spender ended, the other two sets were added in as just normal FC items. This limited it to there being only 3 of these sets on the whole server whereas the other two types had many, many more on our server.

The 2nd instance of WHAM occurring was with the Angel Sets. Within the FC, for both the Green and Red Sets, you could get just the suit only from FC. The suit was where the majority of the +% was. This made it so you didn't need to strike the top prize and still obtain the decent % from the set. Not only was the normal melee suit (Blue Version) not included as a normal prize, the voucher was also the RAREST of the three colours. Another show of how WHAM was really out to get melees.

Now, currently with the new Phoenix Sets: notice the there is no melee version? Well, there actually exists one, a red-coloured version for melees. How coincidental is it that it is not part of the normal FC? Undoubtedly, it will be put out as a Top Spender to further hurt melees.

Not only this, but the only melee GM was quit (fired); maybe it has something to do with him favouring melee. :O Without a doubt the GMs hate melees and want them to suffer. (Someone said it was probably 'cause they hate me for my negativity, and I'm melee, but I believe it's definitely bigger then me.) Don't stand for this WHAM, rally up against this injustice against all melees.

~Pearz

Windows 7? (Not About Megaten !?)

Okay. So, to start, this is a small rant pitching the new Windows 7 that's about to come out. It's good, and everyone should use it (at least, from what I see now).

Let's start off with this: I started using it since January-ish, with version 7000. On July/09 that version was suppose to "blow up" and I had to reinstall my operating system to the version 7100. It extends your "blow up" date to July/10. So, after like half a year of using this, when I first went back to Vista (I have dual boot) so that I could reinstall the new version of Windows 7 (called W7 now because I'm lazy), I was reassured how much I hate Vista. I was forced to use Vista as my laptop hardware (mainly, drivers) weren't supported for XP. So, here are some small things about W7 that peaked my interest:

1. Much less system resources wasted, compared to Vista.
2. W7 takes up a measly 20GB compared to Vista (at 100GB?).
3. Wastes less virtual memory by not constantly keeping all those small windows on taskbar active (like on Vista).
4. They redid some of the basic programs (that I use a lot), like Paint, Notepad, Calculator, and it's much better. (Although, I'm still not used to the new Paint stuff.)
5. Right now it only costs $50 to upgrade from Vista to W7 (pretty cheap IMO, considering how much money people blow on virtual items).
6. It has an option "run programs under Windows XP mode", meaning that all Windows XP compatible programs should work in W7.

You can find more info here.

So, end of story: really like W7 so far, from the beta release. I think you should check it out when it comes out. For sure it won't be as fail as Vista. I'll do the review of FCs later...

~Pearz

New FC/IM Stuff + More Random Fun

So, since FC reviewing lately feels more like a chore than fun (mainly 'cause I don't like anything in them), let's get this out of the way first.


Yet again, the Aeria team doesn't update their OWN FC (that makes them money) on forums; smart move. Here is a player version.

Gift Heart Melon FC - 150AP
Wow, reuse the same FC again and again, pl0x. Not even something new-ish to make things a bit more interesting. If you really need these consumables, then buy them in-game; plenty of people still have huge stockpiles they can't get rid of... 2/10

Medic FC - 300AP
Nice syringe, and nice Medic Set. Seems like low AP cost with same rates on 10% rings - means more of them are being opened. Good thing for those still wanting the rush/shot one. Too bad that filler-wise, those prices are the worst. Nothing even selling decently. And also, some useless new rings. But since top prize is good, and it's an easier chance at 10% rings, this gets a 6/10. (Fillers still semi-useful stuff you use.)

Carbid FC - 600AP
New Salon Set is decent. The new weapons are not. The Heart earrings are the first of many that will be added later for other classes. Those should be a must-have for gunners (if you use those affinities). The mass stacks of Incense are actually a nice touch. A lot of people use those and would sell decently in game. The fillers are all semi-useful stuff that get used a lot. So: good fillers, decent new set, too bad a horrid weapon is tainting an otherwise really good FC (not to mention, huge price per try) - but at least you would get decent stuff for your money. It's 8/10.

Floating Mystery Box - 350AP
OMIGAWDS, the Mystery Chests from DOMO have invaded Megaten!?!?!?!? Wait, they were always here - in the form of Fortune cards...
Either way, do you really want all that filler junk that you'll most likely get from this thing?



Okay, boring part's over; it's now Fun Time (at least, for me) .

One night, I decided to browse DOMO forums and I came across this. I saw it and it looked fun. So, for one day, I was back in the DOMO world. Long story short, with lots of mispressing hot keys and the lack of ability to even walk straight, I still took 2nd place in the event. Yay for me~

Also, I would like to now direct you to this AMAZING SALE we had in our Web Item Mall:


If you don't know what is wrong with this, look at this. Way to drop the ball, GMs...

Some more random fun. Come read this post. I had a great laugh. If you don't feel like reading it all (questions why you would read my walls of text but not a post...), here are the highlights:
1. You lose 50% exp in a full team.
2. Also, you'd better kill your demons fast; you lose EXP if you're slow. :O

If you missed the humour in this post, then you too are under false misconceptions and believe these lies. Also, it's a perfect example of why the Jap Server thinks all of NA Server is full of retards. Way to reinforce the image.


So, since Rho and I obviously have too much free time, we both came up with two separate builds for a potential PVP gunner. To give a small gauge on how strong these builds are: my base damage after calculating without Pulse/incense is 525. (The numbers assume you use the stat buffs, and you're fighting a player with 40 Pdef, also with no incense/Pulse, all with gear currently obtainable in-game.) The amount of stats are based off a lv82 player.

Mine (Rapid, Penetrate build) ->
Base Damage: 400 per shot with Class 8 Rapid (120% modifier) (based damage with LOA off)
Weapon: 5-slot SVD, using Penetrate-base
Expertise: Lord Of Armor, max Rapid, Pulse on the side(would need lv90 to get this)

Problems with the build: need lv90 to get the Pulse, and LOA not that viable atm. Would consider changing that up for GK and maybe take Super Armor (substitute for LOA), and hope you spam out Rapid fast enough before you get knocked out. (Build could actually be stronger if you use Dying Light 4 and then use a bug [not really a bug...more of a flaw in damage formula] to make everything hit you for 1 damage, in order to keep the Hraesvelgr in your back activated with Dying Light 4 too.)

Rho (Fire Magic Bullet) ->
Base damage with Fire Bullet: 720 damage
Weapon: max-modded Avalon
Expertise: max GK, max Shot, basic stuff for COTW

Problems with the build: first off, I couldn't calculate how Siomai hits over 200 LNG, so I'm sure I'm missing some LNG/speed modifiers when calculating. (The highest I could calculate was 190-ish LNG) Another problem is this build would rely on an enhancer, unless you sacrifice COTW and a bit of Shot/GK to get Enhance yourself. (This would boost overall damage solo, but lower your damage if teamed.) But Chain 3 MB shots would kill anyone not defense pulsed with this build if you had Enhancement.)


End of story is that both builds are viable and could do some substainal damage if you built exactly for it.

If you actually bothered to level up to at least 8x (it's really not that hard; shows us that at least you tried a bit) and are determined to want to make your gunner good for PVP, then hit me or Rho up and we can optimize your build to one these (or maybe a third...). Would really like to have at least one decent PVP gunner on server - and let's face it, with the "intelligence" of EN population, even a gunner can sit at top ranks. (You're on a server where it's okay to not be efficient and be down right useless... Compare this to Jap Server, where you get shunned for being even slightly useless.)

Last bit of random fun: how cheap does a company need to be to use Photobucket for the pictures they upload of stuff they're selling...?


~Pearz

Rho is Avoiding Work~!

La~lala

Rho on drugs! ...and FCs~

Red Rider~


Green Angel~

Got Fasolts last night~ Thanks to Pearz!

Rho on PVP~

This is not edited! I have more kills than the rest of the players combined but lost by more than double. >_>

Yes~yes, NOW I know how Fate works, but c'mon... You'd think after I put the other team through a grinder, my team would have an easier time =_=

But it's okay~ There is still plenty of love in the world for Rho~


~*+ Rho

New FCs + Some Fun In The Sun Randomness

Since I love walls of text, this entry will be nice and long.


Starting off with the FCs.

Beach FC:
The sets are nice but completely overshadowed by other FC sets. Ignoring that, it's not a bad FC. You can get some really good rings, and those consumables always useful (and still has resell value). The only junk here is the earrings. 7/10

Angel FC:
The top prize sets are just wow - too bad the fillers are junk. I mean, almost everyone walks away with the 2xEXP + damage incense. Who the hell still uses 2xEXP when 3xEXP prices are rock bottom?! Low odds on top prize is always bad, and coupling it with bad fillers only makes it worse. People are only seeing the top prize and then wasting huge AP failing at it. 4/10


Also they added Restats for 300k in-game Macca. That is a huge plus. Everyone should take this chance to fix their stats.


So, now the fun time. Fun Stuff #1:
Lets start with this. This is how I waste all my money, Lething in 1.9 Spin just to do the video and then removing it afterward. Long live the Village Idiots that believe "gosu" teams can only do 6-7 runs on one incense, so me doing a run in 5min is IMPOSSIBLE. :O (Speed runs, I mean, not full runs. >.>)

Here's the video I frapped:



So, Fun Stuff #2:
Me and Rho have a disagreement. I own an NDS, while Rho has a PSP. We both agree that each has its ups and downs. The problem lies in which system seems more "azn", so there's a new vote up for it. XD


So Fun Stuff #3:

Good news for me. Luckily, I have fun receiving PMs like this, which satisfies why he believes we should play games. It brings joy to my life that I have a stalker that goes far enough to follow all my randomness in all I do. lolz. It's okay, my stalker-ish friend - even though this PM probably is report material, I won't report you in the hopes that you send more of these to brighten my day with.

Rawr. At least spell the Pokemon's name right:



On a last note, since my stalker-ish friend brought it up, my blog failed to win the $200 AP thing - probably 'cause it's not optimistic enough about Aeria. Maybe I should have been all, "Aeria iz da beztiest!!!111!1!!1!" (Cynical Aaro Note: I wanna know who won. That's all.)

~Pearz

PVPing, New Synthesis Formulas, And New FC

So, our story starts at night, when I'm matched up against Effon in a Fate match. This match ended ugly; nothing special, so I didn't get a screenshot of it. The fun part was what lay waiting for me after that match.

I joined thinking that it was just another match, only to open up the player list and see five 8xs on the Chaos side. At that point, Effon tells me that it was a setup, all to watch me lose. :O

To a point, they succeeded. They got me 3 times. First one was with all 5 of them near Point 10, though I managed to get Effon first before dying. XD Second death was with just 3 of them, and I failed to take one of them with me. D: Third death... I didn't even see it 'cause I was lagging. T_T

Though, end result: Law still wins. :O

So, good news for me 'cause my team was busy capturing points while I was being hunted. Notice how vastly different the levels in the teams were. D: Clooud was in it, too, but I think he DCed mid-way.

So, Match 2: nothing much to it; they decided to split up into smaller groups to secure points so they could win the match. With smaller groups, I had no fear. Nothing much here; I killed, I captured points, and then the match ended.

End result: Law still wins. :O

Near the end of matches, both teams got that stupid Wind Buff. The only difference was that I'm melee, so I couldn't do any damage to the other players while mages could hurt me. There was no third match 'cause it was almost Full Moon and Xay wanted me to kill Nyarlathotep for him. End result: I win. ^_^ Since the matches were deliberately stacked to make me lose, I felt the need to share a win. So, bragging/ego boasting aside, here's those Synthesis Formulas, if anyone cares:

Elememental blade (machetes, Wind God, Flame Blade, etc)

Soul Fuse: Elementine, Tarot: Crystal Sublimation

Result: Elemental Orb (with element based on your base blade element)

Sorrowful Storm (lvl 86 req, Wind God upgrade)

Wind God Soul Fuse: Elemental Orb (wind version), Tarot: Crystal Sublimation

Sorrowful Thunder (lvl 86 req, Thunder God upgrade)

Thunder God Soul Fuse: Elemental Orb (thunder version), Tarot: Crystal Sublimation

Weapons With Relic Soul Fuse:

Relic (weapon), Tarot: Crystal Sublimation

List of weapons possible: Jiabo, Fan of Exorcism, Steelslicer, Magnus Spear, Axe of Pluto, Headhunter Spoon, Reaper's Colt, Gram, Crimson Red Dusk, Sol Blade, Lunar Blade, Kamudonotsurugi, Valhalla (don't know where the relic drops from, though),another formula for Ogre Thunder (but doesn't matter, since no one has one, anyway)

Poseidon Spear (lvl 81 req, ice-boost spear)

Trident Soul Fuse: Aquan, Tarot: Sublimation

Phlegethon (lvl 81 req, fire-boost spear)

Magma Spear Soul Fuse: Flammies, Tarot: Sublimation

Jack Frost's Wonderful Hat

Jack Frost Hat Soul Fuse: Sublimation, Tarot: Jack Frost stone

Cait Sith's Wonderful Hat

Cait Sith Hat Soul Fuse: Sublimation, Tarot: Cait Sith stone

Pyro Jack's Wonderful Hat

Pyro Hat Soul Fuse: Sublimation, Tarot: Pyro Jack stone

Wonderful Aello Helmet

Aello Helmet Soul Fuse: Sublimation, Tarot: Aello stone

Raven's Mask of Shadow

Raven Mask Soul Fuse: Sublimation, Tarot: Yatsu stone

Lastly, the new FCs. Since the GMs were too lazy to post it, here is the player-posted version.

Anti-Demon FC:
From what I heard, with a 600AP price tag, the rates on these Vouchers are still extremely low. The Fillers are decent, as those items are actually used a lot in PVP and levelling now, but the quantities are slightly lower than Macca:AP ratio. Weapons are just...junk. I'd rather get those fillers than those garbage stuff. So, low % top prize, decent fillers, crap supposedly middle prize = 5/10. (I mean, even the super rare sets' stats aren't amazing enough to make it a must-have.)

Seven Sisters FC:
With all the consumable flood and prices just PLUMMETING to the ground, do we really need more? The Hourglass and Lethe Bottle was a nice touch, but with almost pure consumables as fillers, do we really need more? The two vouchers are old rares, and I assume the rates on those are as horrific as always. So, low % top prize, horrid fillers that are so flooded in the market (you're better off buying them in-game) = 4/10. (I mean, the quantities on the consumables are still high enough to meet Macca:AP ratio, but how long will that last if it gets spammed more...?)


There. All the new formulas that I promised. Also, corrected the info a bit from Finella's comment on last post. Oh yeah, last note - Bleach chapter is finally out, so I can sleep now. D: (Though, I don't know why I bother anymore; it's been going downhill since the balance of power is getting more and more skewed.)

~Pearz

Some Info On New Content

FIRST OFF, I TAKE NO CREDIT FOR THIS. This was taken directly from another post here. (And then Aaro!edited.)

Phantom:

He appears in Nakano at these coordinates: X18 & Y23/24, but only around New Moon from 0:00 to 6:00. So, if you want to take him down, you have to be quick. He's one of the easier boss fights. His minions consist of Mutated Spectres and Mutated Shadows, both of which are aggressive. Lightning/Hama are the main elements to use here, as they are all weak against them.

You can also get the Phantom plug-in from an NPC in Ueno or Souhouzan (don't remember which), but it's from a quest. To activate it, you need a Surt or an Immature (Inexperienced) Surt. You must have either devil summoned if you want the quest from the NPC.


Raphael:

He appears in Shibuya at these coordinates: X20 & Y23, at "supposedly" random times (since there doesn't seem to be an exact time that he appears). The only weakness he has is Mudo, so he can be difficult if you don't have a gunner or a melee with a mudo-based weapon with you. Avoid using Wind, since he nullifies that element. When he enters, he looks like he has the Confused status-ailment. Even with that, he is still a major threat since his attacks can heavily damage you. His minions consist of Mutated Powers, Avatar of Form Angels (stronger than the normal form), and Avatar of Form Powers (that know Megidoron!). Raphael and all Powers can detect you from far, far away, so be prepared.

You can also get the Raphael plug-in from an NPC at the Arcadia Gates in Shinagawa, but it's part of a quest. To activate it, you need Uriel or Immature (Inexperienced) Uriel. You must have either devil summoned if you want the quest from the NPC.


Nyarlathotep:

There are actually "two" bosses, but the 2nd one has a 20% chance of appearing. (Aaro!note~ : I don't know what Pearz plans on doing to "correct" this 20% error. But read the comment.) Both of these fights are rather difficult if unprepared, as both bosses have anti-knockback.

Both of them appear at Nakano at these coordinates: X21 & Y24, during full moon (the entire phase.) However, you need a "Shining Trapozehedron" to summon him. The first phase is "Burning Three-Eyed" Nyarlathotep, and he has no weaknesses. Avoid using Maryoku-based (Aaro!note~ : "maryoku" is Japanese for "magic") attacks (it absorbs), and Hama/Mudo-based attacks ( it resists). However, any elemental weapon is fair game. His minions consist of Nightmare Black Oozes (weak to Lightning and Hama), ones that can use Fog Breath and the Area Counter (so watch out for those). Use Grand Curse (Aaro!note~ : Rho says this is probably Erosion Hex) for the Oozes since they can be rather troublesome.

If you're lucky, "Crawling Chaos" Nyarlathotep will appear (with the same resistances and weaknesses). The minions are smaller, weaker versions of the main boss minions. Make sure to avoid using magic-based weapons/skills/spells, as they can absorb them, and avoid Hama/Mudo-based weapons as well.

"Crawling Chaos" Nyarlathotep is the most important one, as he drops a special item that is needed to give you the Nyarlathotep plug-in. There is no need to activate a quest for the plug-in (probably due to the fact that it's a real pain to get the Shining Trapozehedron).


Credit goes to: Demigod_Guyra.


Second thing, here's a very useful guide about rebirth, by Glocker. Cheers to him.

I'll add in all the formulas later, of all the new synthesis stuff.


About PVP:

Valhalla - This system is simple. Kill a player for 2 points, and kill a pet for 1 point. The problem (or maybe it's a good thing) is that the match is small (max 5v5), so the winner is almost always pre-determined, by which team has the "best" player. This makes a lot of people quit the second they join, knowing it's hopeless and there's no point in losing GP. You must do these matches to get over 1100GP, as Fate matches cap at that. The BP gain is small, so it's not worth your time to do this for BP.

Fate - This system caps your GP at 1100, but gives amazing amounts of BP for the winning team.

Since it's just easier to explain with the map, here you go.

The numbers represent how many points you gain per tick (each tick is exactly 30 seconds). When you initially capture a spot, you get whatever point number is there instantly. As you hold a spot longer, the points you gain will increase. The bars beside the number signify how much points extra you get per tick. So, for example, with the #5 spot on this map, you would gain 5-8-11-14, and so on (also making it the best spot to hold in this match). Basically, the longer you hold the spot, the more points it adds up. If you lose the spot even once, it resets back down to beginning, so it's important to defend these locations.

Other small notes: the surprise events in Fate are stupid events that cause more harm than it supposedly helps.
You can buy the 1k HP cures for 5BP each, and so it's worth investing in.
The 600kBP weapons are nearly impossible to obtain, as supposedly the top BP player on the JP server is only at 191kBP.

Last Note about PVP: If you see Xay, then run - he will 2-shot you (Delorean then Agi shot). D: ^_^

~Pearz

Wah? I'm Not Dead, And Neither Is This Blog

So, to start, *points at last update* My last update was almost over a week ago. Since then, we've gotten the new big, big patch - and, according to my poll, the sun has exploded, which has lead to such a lengthy wait for a new post.

So, gonna be lazy and do a super-short review of last week's Fortunes:
The incense/whatever one, remake of an old fortune with small twists. Nothing noteworthy, so 4/10 for recycling work. The other Fortune Card has the Doc/Agent Voucher. It's a sub-par set, with crappy fillers - 6/10.

So, the new BIG stuff added to our version was PVP, demon rebirth, some random new bosses, the new Sugi plate, new demons to fuse, crystal sublimation and...oh yeah, and PVP. So, I've been playing a lot of PVP matches and, in near future, I'll post some sort of small guide to the PVP matches and such (as I'm too lazy atm). Demon rebirths are nice, since then you can have uber growth rates on your demons. I haven't seen the new bosses or tried the new plate run (which I will do soon as PVP dies down a little). The new demons like Pallas Athena are nice to fuse.

The new sublimation is really spiffy. You can make some of the best items in game with them, like the Dead West, Giant Steelslicer and Demonic Ice Fan. The new Wind God and Thunder God are nice, but I don't break 5% making it and not gonna try (and the level requirement even makes it so only a select few can use it).

So, tons of new content to play with. I'll post more about it later, and you can find me if you go join a couple PVP matches.

~Pearz

Pearz' Pure Randomness

Rawr~ Going to be pretty random, so here goes:

1) Realizing that my asking price for the Medical Voucher would be out of this world, I opened it. After all, I do prefer to look unique, so I thought I might as well wear it until I get bored of it (and then sell it).

2) So I took an IQ test at 4am in the morning here. Apparently, I have an IQ of 139. Yay for more ego inflation?

3) I finally reached Law today. Now to see how I badly (or well) I do when PVP arrives, which, supposedly, is coming next week. I'm a skeptic, so I think that when next week comes, they will just make an excuse as to why they failed to add it. Though, in a post I made a month ago, I did predict that the earliest we would get it was the last week of May (and, more likely, mid-June), so we see now how good I am at predicting this stuff. :O

4) Added a new link on the side to Force's list of soul stones. It's semi-complete and almost all accurate. It's a nice link to look up the all the soul stone effects, so you can stop asking me.

5) Had a huge revelation this week. Even with all the negative things I usually say about Megaten, I realized that I actually liked the way the Megaten GM team were handling the Item Mall. The older in-game rares have stayed rare and were not whored out for a quick buck. Back in DOMO, a week after a new hot rare (of which only a couple versions were handed out - and even then, as a Top Spender or with the low-odds Mystery Chests) was introduced, they would just dump it in the Item Mall or a cheap-tiered promo. What once was the hottest rare item then became just another nub item. It was a really big kick in the ass for those spending big bucks to look unique...only to have everyone else have it, too, a week later - and for a fraction of the cost. So, good job to you, Megaten team.

6) This is how almost all of the offers I get are like. And when I turn them down flat out, they wonder why and hate me 'cause I won't trade them.

~Pearz