Your actions speak volumes...

[Kaybrie]

As someone who's currently leveling up a character through the traditional Sundren content, I can say that it's a pretty smooth grind up, even solo. (I'm level 10 as of now)


If the level cap were lowered to somewhere around level 15 the area's that would need some number tweaks would be Whurst and IWD, if one even wanted to tweak them, since they would still be there as time goes by and players start to break through to the upper levels again through DM events and that vamp quest (It becomes available at level 16 doesn't it?) they would still have things to do/places to go, even if they go unused for a time.

Item-wise, I honestly feel like most of the faction gear currently in game (Legion/Eboncoin's absurd stacking-stealth gear aside) is actually fairly appropriate still even for a 14-16 range, with maybe the +4 enhancement / armor bonuses being dialed down to +3's. Though, I personally feel like these numbers are still fine as things stand.

Though, these are just my thoughts. You are absolutely right that making the server playable should be first.

[Kitsunestume]

high level Balor-army-slaying festivals of blood.

We've had one of those. . . and then the Dragon came. Kit killed 8.

While I would be rather inconvenienced by a level-drop, I would agree that a lower level cap is probably healthier for the server overall. It would mean that meaningful challenged are more plentiful, as well as lowering the time to cap.

Another benefit would bringing crafting back into focus, since it was clearly designed for level 15 max, and was never updated even when PCs started entering epic ranged en-mass. As a result, the system became effectively obsolete for all but the most esoteric items (particularly when compared to faction gear). It still needs a rework, which I would be most willing to perform or assist with, but at least would become relevant again.


As for the temporary vault wipe, could we receive a notice of when that will happen, so those of us who are interested can export chars locally as a backup?

[Doubtful]

As for the temporary vault wipe, could we receive a notice of when that will happen, so those of us who are interested can export chars locally as a backup?

Going to aim for Saturday Night (CET/Zulu+2) though it does depend on when I can hook up with Saulus. IF you've got time, backup today,

[Kaybrie]

If anyone's interested, there's a few of us online just chatting OOCly if you wanna come on and say hi.

[ManUtd4Ever]

Thank you for the heads up on the vault wipe experiment. Either way, I hope it reveals the root cause.

I am not a big fan of a level drop... I mean we already suffer from significant population issues, why make changes that could impact our new player birthrate?

Sundren is so well done I find it hard to believe anyone who has tried the game would want to crash someplace else for their role playing experience. That is my opinion and unfortunately, not all players agree with me because they came and went... we are now down to a mere handful of persistent players.

Other senior players and staff opine a level drop will improve balance... I suspect those opinions are based on their experiences before I started playing here in 2008 when the level cap was 15. My question is this... Will lowering the level to 14 or 15 make our population increase?

I'm not sure. I do believe fixing the rep issue will bring that handful of persistent players back into game, which is a critical first step in getting the server population back up. After that I say we roll up our sleeves and work to get our server's population back up through some grass roots recruiting.

But until then... no matter the changes the staff decides to make in the future, I like that they are starting by fixing the rep issue head on. Once this problem is solved and the server is stable, then perhaps the time will be right to discuss any ideas that will bring the server population back.

Cheers!

[Memnoch1962]

Logged in Sunday at 0840 EST. Rep is working. Just checking in.

[Kaybrie]

Any more word on when dis wipe's gunna be?

I actually know a few people who are eager to play again.

[Mournas]

I have a new character that I'm interested in playing also.

[nezzerscape]

I will try to login tonight. (need away for work... right after I got back form vacation... sigh).

Is it safe to assume that the temp vault wipe occurred?

[roguethree]

I don't believe it did.

[Memnoch1962]

Rep is still good today as of 7:40 pm EST.

[Doubtful]

The wipe didn't happen, no.

Family situation arose that meant I failed to find time to hook up with Saulus. Once we arrange a new date I'll pass the info on.