Yearly Archives: 2012

Path of Exile: Public Stress Test Weekend

Path of Exile: Public Stress Test Weekend

By Meredith Watson, OnRPG Journalist

 

 

Path of Exile is an online free to play action RPG developed by New Zealand based Grinding Gear Games. Path of Exile is billed as a dark fantasy action RPG featuring six classes; the Marauder, Ranger, Witch, Duelist, and Templar have been available to play in the closed beta while the Shadow made its debut this past beta weekend.

 

 

When creating a character the player has the option to join different leagues. Most characters will join the default league which is rather like the general population. Leagues are a way to enjoy the game with a certain style of play or for different events. GGG is working on several different leagues such as Hardcore, Ironman, Cut-throat (PvP), and Attrition. Players can also create leagues with their own modifiers by paying for it.

 

 

Path of Exile is free to play but does have an item shop with items like extra stash tab, character slot and eventually items such as cosmetic pets, alternate spell effects, special animations, guild storage, and dyes as well as other cosmetic goodies. Often with other free to play games the first thing the player sees when logging in is the item mall; however, there has been very little item shop spam in Path of Exile during this beta.

 

 

Path of Exile is meant to be a gritty, dark fantasy and it is. Graphically, it doesn’t disappoint. It may be too dark for some, though, especially with direct light on the monitor. There isn’t a brightness or contrast option unfortunately. The animations are smooth, particle effects are showy and bright without being over the top, and the shadows are outstanding. For an indie game, this level and quality of graphics is impressive.

 

 

The different areas of the game all tend to have a varied look and feel about them. The indoor areas like the prison or caves maintain that dark feeling of the game. The soundtrack, composed by Adgio Hutchings, is both beautiful and haunting, adding to the immersion.

 

 

Combat is just what you would expect from an ARPG. Click click all the way to level 100. There are no defined roles in Path of Exile such as tank, healer or dps. As of this beta, there seems to be some contention as to whether Path of Exile is too hard. There is enough challenge to keep it interesting but Path of Exile may not be for the novice ARPG player.

 

 

The most interesting feature of combat is the skill gems. There are three colours of gems (red, green, and blue) that correspond roughly with the three attributes of strength, dexterity and intellect. Each piece of the character’s gear will have slots for gems, and by equipping gems the character gains spells. These gems will gain levels as they are used. A level cap for the gems has not yet been introduced. The player also has access to an enormous passive skill tree separate from skill gems. With 110 skill points to spend in the passive skill tree there are many options.

 

 

One other thing of note is that there isn’t any gold/money in Path of Exile but rather a barter system is used. When the player sells an item to an NPC, the NPC offers the player something in return such as a few scraps that will eventually make a scroll of wisdom as an example. When purchasing from the NPC the player must also have a specific item to trade.

 

 

Where this game really excels is graphically.  The dark beauty of the game is striking and rich with ambiance due to distinct maps and a brilliant soundtrack. The combat is typical of the genre yet enjoyable. Path of Exile does offer some interesting features such as skill gems, a vast passive skill tree and an intriguing barter system. If you are new to ARPG, Path of Exile may not be the best to learn on but if you are an experienced hack and slasher then this game should tick your boxes.

Divina Online Reveals CB Launch Date

Divina Online Reveals CB Launch Date

 

 

Gamania Digital Entertainment today revealed the official Closed Beta launch date for its free-to-play, 3D MMORPG, Divina. Starting Wednesday, May 16, at 10:00AM PDT, players will be able to participate in Divina’s May Madness Beta testing, which will feature open world (PvP) combat for the first time, as well as new competitive events. The May Madness Beta will end on Sunday, May 20, at 11:59PM PDT, giving testers five full days to explore Divina and help get it ready for its commercial launch this year.

 

 

“After the success of our recent sneak peek event for Divina, we’re very excited to get our beta testing underway,” said David Wong, COO of Gamania. “The staff and GMs will have more time to get to know players during this test, and we’re anxious to see what everyone thinks about the open world PvP system that will be unlocked. If all goes well, we should be seeing Divina launch sooner than expected this year.”

 

 

To further stress Divina’s server infrastructure, Gamania will be issuing a large number of Closed Beta invites which players can find at one of the beta key giveaways running this week, including right here at OnRPG.

 

 

The May Madness Beta will feature exciting competitive events, pitting players against each other in a mad race to become Divina’s Champion:

 

 

Last Man Standing – Players fight each other in qualifying rounds leading up to the PvP Championships on the last day of beta.

 

Last Guild Standing – Guilds can compete in 5 vs 5 PvP battles up to the Last Guild Standing Championship, deciding the strongest guild in Divina.


Guild vs Guild Dungeon Scramble – Divina’s dungeons are known for their difficulty. Guilds can race each other to be the first to complete the same instance!

 

 

In addition, Gamania will be rewarding loyal players returning to Divina. Those that filled out a survey at the end of the Challenge 72 Beta will receive an exclusive Elite Costume for their highest level character to use during the May Madness Beta. And, all players that get past level 15 in the May Madness Beta will receive an exclusive Haruhime mini-pet when they return for Open Beta!

C9 Championship Tournament Begins with Final CBT

2012 ‘C9’ Championship Tournament Begins with the Final CBT

 

C9

 

Webzen announced the final closed beta test for the Action RPG ‘C9 (Continent of the Ninth Seal)’ where the online tournament of the ‘2012 C9 Championship Tournament’ will begin.

 

 

From May 17th to the 31st, WEBZEN will open the final closed beta test for ‘C9’ where the online tournament for the ‘2012 Championship Tournament’ will take place. The top 2 qualifying teams will be determined to head off to the finals in Los Angeles, U.S.A.

 

 

The online tournament will finish up to the semi-finals, and on June 6th the final top 2 teams will compete at Los Angeles, U.S.A. for the $10,000 (USD) grand prize. WEBZEN will provide the final’s live footage through live stream on the official C9 website.

 

 

The registration for the tournament had finished last May 10th through the official homepage and 32 teams have been selected for the seeding. Among the participants, there are experienced e-sports and online game clans that will add more competition to the tournament.

 

C9

 

Also, WEBZEN is inviting 30 users to participate in the final match held in Los Angeles. The registration for this invitation can be entered through the official C9 Facebook page.

 

 

Meanwhile, during the final closed beta test, a new character ‘Berserker’ will be revealed. As an advanced class of the fighter, the ‘Berserker’ has the most powerful physical attack power using its two handed sword. Users who participated in the Tournament Registration Test last April will be able to continuously play where they left off without creating a new character or enjoy the newly revealed ‘Berserker’. Check him out in action in this new trailer.

 

 

Jihun Lee, Head of Global Publishing, said, “During the finals of the championship tournament, C9’s Producer and developers will join us to add to the excitement.” Also he said, “Users or clans who have not qualified for the tournament, please keep interested throughout the final CBT to find out who the final qualifiers for the 2012 C9 Championship Tournament will be.”

Diablo III is Here! Breathe Easy My Friends!

Diablo III is Here! Breathe Easy My Friends!

 

 

The day is finally upon us and Diablo III is now out much to the delight of gamers old and new. Parties erupted across the world as midnight struck in places such as Seoul, Taipei, Irvine, and London as cosplayers roamed the streets, developers signed game copies, green screen photo ops took place, and much more.

 

 

However most chose to simple countdown till launch with their digital copy in hand and Battle Tags ready. They knew the horrors they would soon face. No I don’t mean demons but queue times and day 1 jitters! Yet they fought on bravely with energy drinks and coffee in hand to be among the first to witness this momentous title in its completion. Overall more than 2 million preorders were made, setting a new Blizzard record. And they know a thing or two about major launches.

 

 

“This launch is a culmination of many years of hard work by our development team, and many years of passionate, dedicated support from gamers around the world,” said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. “We’re grateful for the enthusiasm of our players, and for the help of our beta testers in getting the game ready for release. Now that Diablo III is live, we hope everyone’s ready to have a hellishly good time slaying demons and collecting loot in Sanctuary.”

 

 

Stuck at work and in need of a Diablo III fix? Our partners as Machinima are offering a live stream event straight out of Southern California today and you’re welcome to tune in for all the demon hunting goodness. Just don’t let your boss find out! Also you can join OnRPG’s discussion boards to commune on your first reactions to the game.

TERA: For the Federation 3 – Lok’s Conspiracy

TERA: For the Federation 3 – Lok’s Conspiracy

By Darren Henderson (DizzyPW), OnRPG Journalist

 

 

 

There we were isolated and, although not officially stated, prisoners of Leander. Which wouldn’t have been so bad if not for the dark glare I was receiving from the tanned Castanic who went by the name Jelena. I have no idea what brought her to this point, but I distinctly remember hearing her name come up when researching the Dawn Massacre. She had commanded the Relentless, the one and only air ship to witness the Dawn Massacre and return to Velika ports in working condition. No doubt that day she had faced many brutal decisions and seen many of her fellow comrades fall, not to mention carrying the guilt of not being able to rescue Elleon despite her best efforts. I felt like without Leander’s zen presence restraining her, she might have torn the three of us apart, no questions asked.

 

 

Jelena tossed Fadora and Platy aside and began making swift strides in my direction. Leander stepped between us at the last moment only to find himself pinned against the wall. For a short stature Castanic female, her strength was surreal.

 

 

“He’s lying to you Leander. We have to kill them off or the next Federation ship we’ll be boarding will be en route to our execution!” She spoke quickly with her emotions causing her tone to quiver from low to high.

 

 

“He tells the truth. Unhand me and get back to searching the ship.”

 

 

“You’re not a soldier Leander. You don’t know proper protocol for this type of situation. I’m only being reasonable.”

 

 

Leander removed her hand by force, so that the two stared eye to eye, almost as if they were secret lovers. A serious taboo that would be frowned upon by even the most liberal days of the Elven Counsel.

 

 

“Do you really think I spent the last 60 years as a diplomat traveling through the Federation without learning how to read people? What is the most vital trait to know of a Popori when negotiating?”

 

 

Jelena moved to answer but then her face scrunched up in frustration. It was obvious she had no clue.

 

 

“Popori will always rely on lying,” he continued. “They will lie to any outsider unless they have a vitally important reason to tell the truth, and only if the truth will get them closer to their objective.” He glanced quickly in my direction. “Soldier, what was the name and description of the two soldiers you are looking for?”

 

 

“Surmun… a rabbit lancer like myself but with dark fur and tiny ears. Also Wulynn the legendary five tailed Elin fox.”

 

 

Elleon turned again to Jelena with a matter of fact aura about him as he stated that both soldiers had been alive during the attempted evacuation of the survivors, and both had volunteered to stay behind with Elleon to hold off the endless assault of demons and ensure a safe escape for the Relentless. Most of the known spies had immediately rushed aboard the ship to save their hides, meaning my family had nothing to do with this conspiracy that they still had us left in the dark about.

 

 

As the arguing became more fierce between the two, Platy nudged me and motioned with his eyes towards the darkness at the back of the cargo hold. As my eyes adjusted to the darkness I noticed Fadora standing over a large mass of something, staring intently at a glowing black bead. My eyes adjusted a little more until I noticed a massive orc laying dead in the corner of the room, forcing me to squeek out of habit, breaking Leander and Jelena out of their heated debate. Jelena dashed across the room, gripping Fadora’s wrist and quickly pulling the gem from her.

 

 

“Hey that’s my payment for coming on this silly quest! Hand it over!” Fadora cried.

 

 

“Leander look at this. It’s an artifact of Lok! But it’s engraved with the Orc’s name, Acharak,” Jelena beckoned Leander closer to confirm her thoughts to be true.

 

 

Leander pulled a slayer’s blade that emanated an aura of death so powerful, Platy and I reeled back , overwhelmed by a terrible sickness in our guts. Leander held the gem up to the sword, and the two began to resonate in unison.

 

 

“It’s linked to the weapon the demon in charge of the ambush was wielding. No doubt something was controlling both the demons and the orcs during the Dawn Massacre. I couldn’t believe my eyes that day to see a ragtag group of monsters overwhelming our handpicked battalion of soldiers with superior tactics. This confirms everything.”

 

 

“Leave it to a greedy Castanic to find the clue everyone else overlooked, eh Leander?” Jelena chided. Her mood visibly improved from moments ago.

 

 

“Indeed. We need to send word to our allies in Velika at once. They have to know the Scions of Lok are behind it all!” He went to walk off but Fadora jumped between him and the only exit in the ship. Jelena pushed him back and soon bow was drawn against twin blades.

 

 

“It goes against my religion to let an elf walk away with my hard earned treasure. If you don’t offer compensation I’ll accept it in blood,” Fadora warned.

 

 

“My blades are known as Mercy and Justice for a reason. I sever your nervous system with the first strike so you feel no pain. I kill instantly with the second to put my foes out of their misery. Fire one arrow, and I’ll educate you in the process.”

 

 

“Ladies calm down!” Leander positioned himself precariously between the two fiery Castanics forcing them to lower their weapons. Leander placed the gem in her hand, much to the surprise of all.

 

 

“I’ll let you keep this little trinket if you’re willing to work with me. I want to ensure that you and that odd looking raccoon over there are just as honest as that Popori lancer. We’ve established a base camp in the middle of the tainted gorge that has located the central root of the corruption on this island to be in… well.. the roots.”

 

 

Leander went on to explain that a supernatural energy force was emanating deep within the caverns forged by the giant tree’s roots as they stretched across the island. He promised that Fadora would likely have her treasure, Platy would certainly have his adventure, and I might possibly find clues about Elleon if we ventured into the depths of the tree to uncover the truth.

 

 

I accepted the assignment without question; the thought of uncovering the truth about Elleon’s expedition team granted me a surge of adrenaline that overpowered my cowardice. Platy and Fadora on the other hand took some harsh motivational words to convince. I could tell both of them had gotten into something they wanted no part of and would jump at the chance of escaping. After some ‘encouraging’ words from Jelena, including the mention of how tasty raccoon soup is on a cool summer night, they agreed and we were off traversing the baron landscape as the shadow of the great tree cut off all sources of light.

 

Platy insisted we stop by the gorge base for some quick libations.. not to mention the ladies.

 

Our eyes were heavy as we finally arrived at the cavern. I had been on my feet in full uniform for roughly 21:00 hours and it was taking a toll on me. I knew my stamina was low, and I couldn’t afford any mistakes if the natives of the cave were aggressive. As we sunk deeper and deeper into this alternate world, something clearly unnatural began to occur to Platy.

 

 

His eyes rolled into the back of his head and he began speaking in tongues. He pushed against the side of the cavern and thrust a layer of dust off a large root to reveal a series of magic glyphs embedded in the wall. As he read them off he began to scribble madly onto a piece of parchment that he always seemed to keep close by his side. Just as Fadora and I thought that madness has consumed him, the chanting stopped and he turned to us with glazed bloodshot eyes.

 

 

The Scions of Lok are converting this tree into some sort of energy source. That’s why we Popori can hardly stand underneath its shade without getting goosebumps. But this isn’t your typical mechanical powerplant like in Velika. They’re attempting to utilize the power of the Titans’ dreams to reshape reality.

 

 

“That’s insane! You’ve gone mad Popori.” Fadora mocked.

 

 

“Oh? Then what do you make of this?” Platy pointed to markings clearly made in the ancient language of the Castanics. These were the writings cherished from before the days of Lok’s fall. And now they were a common code language used by the Devas, a group of Castanics still loyal to their fallen god, and zealots ready to stand against any who oppose his will.

 

 

The conversation quickly evolved into some sort of accusation that I could hardly follow. Platy demanded Fadora read the markings but Fadora vehemently denied that she had any connection to the Devas or Lok. She said they should just make their way down the next hall and find the power source of the tree. I could feel the temptation filling her words as she seduced me with the thought of having the power of the Titans at our finger tips. Nothing would be beyond our grasp.

 

 

As I began to fall into a hypnotic trance, Platy broke the spell by lunging on her, teeth barred. He grabbed the stone and slammed it against her bow, causing the two to resonate just as the stone had done so before with Leander’s tainted blade.

 

 

“Down that path we’ll find treasure eh? Power eh?” Platy threw the dark stone as hard as he could down the hallway only to watch it explode as countless spikes shot from the floor and walls. “A typical Devas trap.” He turned back at Fadora, his normally cheerful demeanor replaced by unbridled animalistic hatred.

 

 

Fadora tossed him aside and drew her corrupted bow, firing a quick shot that pierced through Platy’s foot. My inexperience caused me to fumble under pressure and Fadora’s swift spin kick caught me square in the opening above my breastplate. She immediately placed her hand on the dusty root and began chanting alien words, the language of the Devas and Lok.

 

 

“Stop her you fool!” Platy shouted to me as he pulled the bloody arrow from his foot and began healing the wound.

 

 

I clambered to my feet and saw Fadora madly sprinting towards a portal emitting a blinding light in all directions. Every ounce of my being knew that I couldn’t allow her to reach that portal. I threw my breastplate on the ground and took off in a mad dash like only a Lancer trained in long distance running in heavy armor can do. I grabbed onto her just as her hand reached inside the orb, and the experience was unlike anything I’ve experienced before or since.

 

 

Fadora’s beautiful features suddenly transformed into the distorted barbaric look of a Devas priest. Her armor carried the runic markings of a high priestess of Lok and glimmered with dark red ethereal shades. She turned to me and kissed me, then laughed as my entire body shut down. Time slowed to a crawl as my body fell back lifelessly to the ground. I looked up to see a bow and arrow made of cultist magic fire at me. I shut off my mind and focused my entire strength to raising my shield, which shattered into thousands of shooting stars falling around my distorted vision of the world. I felt weightless as I and the remaining handle of my shield flew across the room. I knew what came next.. My body hit the ground with such force that I bounced three times before coming to a stop. Reality was setting in. My blood began to boil as I recalled my last birthday receiving that shield as a gift from Surmun. Despite being the supposed father figure of our family, Surmun never gave away anything for free.. nothing except that shield and my lance. I had just lost one of my last connections to my master and father, Surmun.

 

 

“Hardy little rodent aren’t you Dizzy? No matter.” In an instant she summoned a Guardian of Lok. This giant looming metallic beast spoke in gurgles and gargles, yet somehow his words found meaning in the depths of my mind.

 

 

“Leave this to me milady. Lok be praised I’ll hold these nature freaks down until His seal finishes corrupting the tree.”

 

 

“Please do Karascha. I need to warn you know who of Leander’s intentions. We can’t allow the high command of the Valkyon Federation to gain wind of our plans just yet. I’ll report that the Power of Dawn is safely sealed for Lok’s use. Be a dear and don’t make me look like a liar.”

 

 

The great beast known as Karascha took her final words as marching order and wasted no time setting his sights on me. The ground shook as the beast approached. I took comfort that I had been able to lift my shield thanks to the decrease in weight from dropping my breastplate, but now I stared longingly at the piece of gear resting 20 meters away. With no shield and no armor I didn’t have a prayer.

 

 

“On your feet Dizzy!” Shouted Platy who was crawling to my side, his foot still bleeding profusely.

 

 

He crawled into range just in time for his magic aura to reach me, breathing new life into my body and returning feeling to my limbs. My eyes, growing heavy, suddenly burst to life with vigor that could only be achieved through raw magical enhancements. I rolled to the side just as the beast lunged, leaving a crater in the hard stone where I had lay seconds before. I stumbled to my feet and caught the beast square in the teeth, knocking one of them loose and lodging the tip in his gum-line as his mouth formed around me. He bit down hard on the lance and shook it fiercely attempting to separate me from my last hope of an offense. I held tight as he released the lance, launching me and my weapon across the room.

 

 

I was not used to fighting in such a fatigued state and clumsily tried to scramble into a defensive position as the rumbling of the ground grew like approaching thunder. Platy forced himself to stand and began a half stumble, half run towards the glowing orb while firing orbs of energy furiously. His aim was shaky but one bolt managed to graze the side of the altar, causing the light to dim.

 

 

The Guardian of Lok snarled at Platy and abruptly ended his monstrous momentum as he began to forge magic in the palm of his skeletal hands. Platy sacrificed any chance of dodging this incoming blow as he aimed one final ball of light at the orb illuminating the room. The spell never escaped Platy’s channel as he was floored by Karacha’s fireball and knocked against the glyph covered wall with a sickening thud. It was then that I saw it. There was a break in the beast’s metallic armor at the top of his thighs, revealing the raw soft flesh of the beast. My lance arm was so shaken I couldn’t lift it, but I made do by supporting my right bicep with my left arm. I steadied my aim as I began a slow charge towards the beast, nearly tripping on my own feet during the first few steps.

 

 

It was too late to turn back now. My feet were moving faster than my body could balance and I knew I had to throw my entire body weight behind the next thrust. Platy spit and mocked the beast with the last of his spirit, holding back his claws with well timed blasts of his wand. The beast never saw it coming as I leapt with my full force driving my training spear into his right thigh. The spear, made of petrified wood and shaped by the queen’s personal blacksmith, broke through his skin and then splintered into hundreds of pieces, cutting veins and deep muscle tissue in the process. Platy then cursed the beast one final time before unleashing a shockwave that blew the massive beast off his feet. He stumbled and shrieked as his body body weight forced the remnants of the spear clear to the other side of his thigh. He began madly clawing the ground in an attempt to pull himself into the light of the orb.

 

 

He steadied himself on the pillar as blood poured from his mouth and splintered leg and looked at us with what could only be described as a smile.

 

 

“Akia told me… guard this place until the shield is up. You fought well… but I did it. And soon the demon-god Lok will resurrect me. You haven’t won at all. Ha Ha Ha Ha! Eurgh!” And the Guardian of Lok fell silent for the last time as a shield spread from the light, slowly pushing back anything that came in contact with it. I reached down deep, summoning a second wind to grab Platy and carry him to safety.

 

 

Minutes later we collapsed on the grounds outside of the great tree just as the caverns collapsed behind us. The tree itself had changed from purple and pink to black and crimson. The ground shook violently and I cringed as this was exactly how I had imagined the island from hell. But then, the shaking stopped and peace returned. I heard the murmuring of waking voices coming from the nearby base camp. Suddenly the tree burst into color again as if nothing had happened. I gazed dumbfounded and wondered if there had even been any witnesses.

 

Web Koihime Musou

Based off of the anime of the same name, Koihime Musou is a browser based strategy game. You’ll become a lord of either the Gi, Go, or Shoku kingdoms, and fight against your rivals for control of the land. The game does not require a large investment of time on your part, so it’s simple to pick up and play in short bursts, especially since there are no downloads required.

 

 

Features

Recognizable characters: Join forces with a multitude of Warlords from the anime. With them, you’ll develop your fortresses and prepare your armies.

 

Resource management: Ensure you have the basic resources to build and grow. Manage your barracks for proper troop training. Ensure your armories are well stocked so your army is outfitted with the best of items.

 

Research and development: Each warlord can learn a variety of new skills or abilities. How they learn and develop them is up to you!

 

Economic strategy: Keep a close eye on trends in the economy. Trade your surplus resources to other players to make a tidy profit in materials you might need to fuel your own economy.

 

Alliances: Strategy and skill will help you conquer the land. Join up with friends and new faces, and help each other defeat all opposition!

 

MEAD: Mysterious Message on RIFT Forums

MEAD: Mysterious Message on RIFT Forums

By Shannon Doyle (Leliah), OnRPG Journalist

 

 

 

There has been a lot of discussion on the RIFT boards recently about a post written by a mysterious new dev named 3 3228466 787. They’ve only posted 11 times but those 11 posts have caused more discussion than perhaps any other 11 ever have in RIFT. It all started in the General Discussion with a thread titled Nemo surdior est quam is qui non audiet. Contained in it was a poem, a puzzle for us to figure out. Nearly 32,000 views have been made, almost 400 posts all theorizing on what it all could mean. Even the dev’s name has a hidden meaning.

 

 

The voices echoed in chamber halls,
Through valleys wide and darkened den
The time has come for all to heed
For the flesh of Telara shall be rend

As an answer comes with great resound
The drums of war fill the bitter air
Three points the blade, but two edges bleed
Not merely one thrust for the bloody fare

The fog of war, blood bridle deep
The time is now, a chance to decide
Which song you sing, which promise you keep
To bear upon Death’s dear sweet bride

Growing seeds of domination born
All opposition shall give way
To an empire spanning from sea to sea
The iron Ram the only way

A promise given forever more
To conquer and to shed all fear
Never to rule, but born of war
The Lion’s vigil to protect those held dear.

The Raven’s consequence of a latter day,
Our destruction will meet no end
Telara is doomed by our ill born fate
Unless we continue to ascend.

 

 

Just a few short minutes after this was posted a post directing to it was made by “3”. It was titled There can be no peace and in the message there was a link to the original post with the following: ~”I’m coming.”~

 

 

Similar threads were started on the Public Test Shard and Dungeons & Raids, all of them directing people to this puzzle. It wasn’t long before the theories started. All sorts of ideas were posted which gave us the fifth post by “3”:

 

 

“Choices are the hinges of destiny”

~Pythagoras

 

…. To Protect

……. To Save

……… To Rule

 

What is your choice, Ascended?

 

 

The clues all seemed to lead people towards a third faction, or certainly at least 3 faction pvp. But if there were a third faction, who would it be? Crucia was the first thought. But no, “3” turned that down in his/her next post:

 

There is no Crucia. There is only

 

 

The next few posts done by “3” were all a series of numbers, obviously a code. After a day of speculation there was an official announcement, testing of a new pvp feature. Details on it are few; right now they need bodies, and a name. Our good friend “3”, in his/her last post suggested the name “the Mysterious”. All of this has only fuelled the conversation on the original thread.

 

 

Now, normally I would throw Ardua at it and he would devour it out of a love of all things mysterious, but since he’s busy with his first weekend of The Secret World beta coverage I’ve gone out into the world to ask people what they think about it.

 

 

Foghlada, the leader of Gaiscioch, on Faeblight, “3 Faction PvP, phone cipher, classic.“

 

Ferox of Hammerfist Clan on Faeblight, “Crazed dev left a Nostradamus-like poem, maddeningly ambiguous. “

 

Sherplunk of Threesprings: “ If they’re adding a 3rd faction just to create RvR zones it seems like a waste IMO, just will split playerbase up more”

 

Mnm of Millrush: “Its PvP related and there’s a PvP patch coming to the PTS soon….and I love these kinds of ARGs.”

 

 

It would seem minds are pretty well made up on what it is all about, but naturally details aren’t being confirmed or denied by the devs. Only time will tell what it is all about and what details we’re missing. If you want to read all the theories head on over to the discussion on the RIFT forums: http://forums.RIFTgame.com/RIFT-general-discussions/general-discussion/316613-nemo-surdior-est-quam-qui-non-audiet.html

 

 

And don’t forget to stop by our own OnRPG forums and join in the conversations there about this article and many others featured on this website. http://www.onrpg.com/boards/only-onrpg/