EQDiva

Massive server consolidations at a time when they claim their player base is expanding? There is some rhetoric about how it will improve playability for everyone, once they give it a chance, and that those people jumping to the wrong conclusion will soon be forgotten. Their one 'crowded' server may have convinced them that more folks per server is better. I dunno. The explanation kinda makes sense, but not with the number of consolidations. I certainly never had trouble finding a group. If anything, you get hit on to group almost to the point of annoyance. Maybe its having a more rare class that causes that. They are releasing a major live update at the same time. This has been much anticipated, with many changes a lot of folks are happy about. Even the character creation and tutorials are completely different. The timing is just a little odd. They are doing all this just a few days before the next expansion. Color me concerned, lol. I cancelled my plans to pre-purchase the expansions (for 3 accounts) and I'll wait and see how it goes. I don't expect them to blow it, but we shall see. Oh, yeah, PvP servers are coming on line at the same time as well.

any idea how the pvp servers are going to work? the begging of sullon zek in eq1 was $$ , may give it a try

No, that was never my thing....if I had a free spot I might try it. Go to: http://eqiiforums.station.sony.com/eq2/board?board.id=pvp that might give you some ideas....

Just to keep you updated, if you even care...they are rolling one server into another at the rate of one a day next week. Everyone has the option to manually move where ever they want. My guild, unfortunately, choose to manually move and start over as a level 1 guild. The server I am going to, at least in the forums has been real enthusiastic about us coming. I feel positive about that. In addition, unbeknowst to me, there had been a thread for several months requesting consolidation. So, maybe this was a reaction to public demand....they do that some in EQ2. We will see how it goes.

I think the server move was partially to consolidate and partially to free up servers for pvp. There are 5 new pvp servers, so they are probably using some of the consolidated servers to save cash. Personally, I'm excited about the pvp servers. The rules are like Rallos Zek I believe, 8 lvl limitation of kills. Qeynos versus Freeport. You get exp for kills and get dept for dying. On that topic, will a troubador be ok for pvp? They are going to be rare and I'd like to try a troub/temp combo. Since you two box Cujo, what is the best duo for a two boxer that includes a bard? Thanks

Yup. They don't wanna set up 5 new boxes when the numbers indicate that they already have them.

Newbie changes have been huge. You know have class definition from very early. Before the change, to-be necro and to be conjuror were exactly the same. Since the change, they are significantly different, plus, grouping them together (currently unlikely pre-mid 20's) will add significant diversity to the group buff and dps wise. After the new betrayal rules go in effect, from a practical standpoint, you can mix evil/goods much sooner and with some diversity benefit. As far as the server mergers went? I'd give the first one maybe a high F. Timewise it tood a long time, they screwed the pooch on shared bank transfers, duplicating and triplicating (maybe worse for those who figured it out early) items. Post merge lag was intollerable. I think its bug related and not population related...and therefor fixable. If its gona be like this from now on, there will be enough leave to fix the problem. A big plus, those folks on Befallen were really nice welcoming us Faydarkians....PEOPLE MAKE THIS GAME. I think thier biggest mistake was trying to do all this at once. A significant live update, mergers, PVP intro, and an expansion all in a 10 day period? Thats askin for trouble.

Sorry DJ I don't check here every day, see my thoughts on your question in the other thread.