February 2011

Essential Maintenance to the Formosa Shard Submitted by UO_Herald on February 28, 2011 at 7:33 PM CST Originally posted 28 Feb 2011 21:16:26 EST by Rowland Cox on the UO Herald: Update  3.00pm EST - Today Ultima Online will conducts its final hardware transition to BLADE servers for the Formosa Shard. We will be finishing the migration of the Formosa shard Wednesday 2nd March around 2.00pm EST (3.00am CST Taiwan). The downtime for Formosa will be approximately 4 hours. Thank you for your patience. [Discuss This Article]

House of Commons update Submitted by UO_Herald on February 28, 2011 at 6:45 PM CST Originally posted 28 Feb 2011 19:34:25 EST by Calvin Crowner on the UO Herald: Update 4.00pm EST -   The Ustream account is: BioWare_TownHall   The Channel is: Ultima Online House of Commons http://www.ustream.tv/channel/ultima-online-house-of-commons Here is a reminder that the UO: Video House of Commons is scheduled for March 1st at 7:00 p.m. EST. Topics of Discussion will include: Follow up to the Video Dev Diary released last week Current Story arc and events The Restoration of Magincia and the concept of the player-driven town Publish 70   We will update this information with the video stream link as soon as it’s available. [Discuss This Article]

Harbinger Part III Submitted by UO_Herald on February 25, 2011 at 6:57 PM CST Originally posted 25 Feb 2011 20:37:36 EST by Calvin Crowner on the UO Herald: Uskadesh ripped the knife cleanly from the last of his crew, his wings and robes doused in blood.  The look of denial and confusion clear in the dying gargoyle’s eyes as the minister cleaned the blade on the jaw of the recently deceased. He spoke soothingly, bending his neck so the young one could hear, “These are the last words you will hear: know you have served your queen valiantly.” With that he was on his way:  a message to give and glory to receive. The guards-in-training had shown flashes of brilliance in their fight. However, even has a minister he had many years more battle experience in battle than the whelps were dispatched with scant effort. He felt comfort and peace in that this nasty piece of business was finally and victoriously ended.  But, running for so long was taking its toll.  His wings and lungs screamed for rest.  A half moon assisted him with the shroud of shadow as he sprung and forced his body through the wilderness toward the rendezvous point. In Uskadesh’s flight he could feel the presence of hounds growing around him as he closed the distance to his destination.  Virtuebane had arranged for a form of entourage.  Quite fitting, he thought.  I think I shall have a few of these as pets as part of my reward. To read the full story on the forums, click HERE.

Harbinger Part II Submitted by UO_Herald on February 25, 2011 at 2:58 PM CST Originally posted 25 Feb 2011 16:07:53 EST by Calvin Crowner on the UO Herald: Uskadesh felt his body might be catapulted over the side of the ship at any moment. If nothing else, he was thankful he didn’t have to run his errand on the deck of a foreign vessel. He winced adjusting his shoulder, feeling his wings press against the sea’s attacking winds.  The minister flared then tucked his wings inward, balancing himself on the deck. He embraced the sea as Gargoyles embraced anything powerful and deadly: with reverence.  Salt, mist, and the pungent promise of a distant storm bit his nostrils. There was hardly a need for a proper crew, so he mustered several recruits enlisted for The Void guard post, offering them a chance for adventure. He’d eliminate them once his task was done. This was going to be a one-way journey in many respects. They’d passed a few merchant vessels, and for the most part the trip to this point had been uneventful.  Most of the human ships gave them wide berth once they could distinguish the Gargoyle crew. He shook his horns laughing, and shouting to the helmsman, “We should raise pirate colors, perhaps we’d get a better reception from our neighbors.” To read the full story on the forums, click HERE.

Ultima Online Developer Diary Video - At Curse.com Submitted by UO_Herald on February 24, 2011 at 10:04 PM CST Originally posted Feb 24, 2011 by Kody on Curse.com: The life of an MMO far exceeds that of other game types, and Ultima Online is no exception. Though the game has been out for more than thirteen years now, BioWare Mythic continues to develop new content, work on game client improvements, and aims to entice players with a better starting experience. In this developer diary, members of the Ultima Online team discuss some of the things they're working on for 2011. Included is a new player experience created from the ground up to make getting into the game more enjoyable. The area -- specifically for new players -- will allow for BioWare Mythic to also streamline the size of the initial download of the game. The team hopes to reduce it from its current 1GB size to around 200MB. They've managed to achieve those goals by setting up a limited number of art assets for the new player area, with a background download taking place for the rest of the game while you play through the starting zone. "This game has touched developers and players alike, and it's really exciting to be part of the legacy of Ultima and Ultima Online," said Calvin Crowner, Producer on Ultima Online. "And I just got this sense that, everybody needs and deserves to play this game." There's a greater focus on story in quests now as well, shying away from generic "go kill ten monsters" and instead engaging you in "why" you're helping a quest giver. But don't expect long, drawn out story arcs that take hours -- or sometimes days -- to complete. The goal is more bitesized chunks of content that engages you in the story and gets you out quickly. [Discuss This Article]

Harbinger Part I Submitted by UO_Herald on February 24, 2011 at 8:50 PM CST Originally posted 24 Feb 2011 21:29:19 EST by Calvin Crowner on the UO Herald: “How do you feel?” Uskadesh’s voice cleaved through Zhah’s focus. Disappointment obvious on her face, a dulcet yet dangerous alto dripping from her lips: “I am as I should be.” The Queen’s offices held sound quite well. While comforts were normally minimal in Ter Mur – in-keeping with the austere ethics and ritual of her people -- Zhah often felt the need to retire to this space. She now felt the need to indulge in the deep crimson of the rugs beneath her talons. Often she’d allow her mind to drift in the tapestries, stories of battle and death sewn therein. Today a solitary slab of hand-crafted marble tore into every image shifting through her mind. The final resting place of the lady warrior bobbed as if a cork in a mass of dark water and shadow. Dark ripples spread from lovingly-carved white stone … now and then colliding and retreating against hidden walls. “Death of a friend does tend to set things in perspective, Young One.” Zhah paced the carpets in savage elegance, eyes downcast, savoring the texture embracing her calloused feet. “You are no longer a mentor, Uskadesh. I am now your Queen.” Silence. To read the full story on the forums, click HERE.

Balhae Issue Resolved Submitted by UO_Herald on February 24, 2011 at 8:46 PM CST Originally posted 24 Feb 2011 20:34:52 EST by Rowland Cox on the UO Herald: The Balhae Shard is operating normally again. The low population cap was caused by a networking issue after the migration of the Balhae Shard, and is now fixed. Thank you for your patience. [Discuss This Article]

Relocating Houses in Magincia Submitted by UO_Herald on February 24, 2011 at 8:44 PM CST Originally posted 24 Feb 2011 15:51:14 EST by Rowland Cox on the UO Herald: To make way for future developments in Magincia, any houses not currently in the northern sandy beach area of Magincia will be relocated there today. Thank you [Discuss This Article]

Essential Hardware Maintenance to Asia Shards Submitted by UO_Herald on February 22, 2011 at 10:00 PM CST Originally posted 22 Feb 2011 20:09:29 EST by Rowland Cox on the UO Herald: Beginning 11 a.m. February 23rd (Japan dates and time) Asia Region Shards will begin an essential hardware maintenance, to support the migration to the new BLADE servers. Asia Region Shards affected are: Arirang Balhae Formosa Yamato Izumo   The expected downtime is 8 hours.   Thank you for your patience during this transition. [Discuss This Article]

In the Shadow of Virtue: A Time of Mourning Submitted by UO_Herald on February 22, 2011 at 5:55 PM CST Originally posted 22 Feb 2011 15:12:38 EST by Sherry the Mouse on the UO Herald: Slowly Sherry climbed up upon the table bearing the marble coffin. Within the coffin held the body of her beloved friend Dawn. Tears slowly ran down into her whiskers as she curled up in one of the flowers that adorned both sides. She could not believe that Dawn was now dead. It was just moments ago it seemed, that she had confided in Sherry, telling her of the plans of the sword and how hopefully it would work and Virtuebane would be eliminated. She had spoke of her concern and love for Ors, why he had not been found. How she wanted to lead a search for him, but her kingdom needed her in this time of unrest and chaos. She had chosen to lead her kingdom and eliminate the oppressive foe, and yet it had been she that had taken the final blow, by her husbands hand.  He who had been under Virtuebane’s spell, and he who had taken his own life after being released from his mind bond,  after seeing his beloved wife lying at his feet, dead from his hand.   Through the evening, Sherry watched as people from all lands, came to pay respect to Dawn. She watched as Dasha, Dawn's close friend, had come in, laid her her hand gently on top of the Marble coffin and softly spoke a prayer in the  ancient language of the Meer. She saw Queen Zhah walk solemnly toward the coffin, her great head bowed. She gently lay her taloned hand upon it and spoke softly, " Your death will not be forgotten, Your enemies become my enemies,Your death shall be avenged by your countrymen and friends. Fare well Queen Dawn".  Following Zhah Sherry observed Uskadesh Zhah’s Minster of War lower his head with a slight smirk on his face, Sherry thought to herself what a strange reaction. All through the long evening Sherry watched and stayed by Dawn's body. Too saddened to leave the one person who had believed in her. What the coming days would bring, she did not know. Exhausted from her tears, Sherry curled up next to the coffin that held her friend and Queen, Dawn the Valiant, and slept. [Discuss This Article]

Essential Hardware Maintenance to Asia Shards Submitted by UO_Herald on February 21, 2011 at 7:33 PM CST Originally posted 21 Feb 2011 13:32:37 EST by Rowland Cox on the UO Herald: Update 4.00pm EST - To minimise distruption the downtime will now not affect Korea and Taiwan.   Beginning 7 a.m. February 22nd (Japan dates and time) Asia Region Shards (to Include Japan, Korea, and Taiwan) will begin an essential hardware maintenance, to support the migration to the new BLADE servers.   The expected downtime is 16 hours.   Thank you for your patience during this transition. [Discuss This Article]

Asia and Pacific Shards Hardware Maintenance Submitted by UO_Herald on February 17, 2011 at 4:25 PM CST Originally posted 17 Feb 2011 13:29:55 EST by Rowland Cox on the UO Herald: Update - 5:20PM EST: All servers have been updated and this maintenance is complete, thank you all for your patience and welcome back! Beginning 7 a.m. February 19th – February 24th (Japan dates and time) Asia and Pacific Region shards (to Include Japan, Korea, and Taiwan) will begin migration to the new BLADE hardware. Maintenance windows for the first few shards may extend beyond eight hours. This is due to limited space in the facility, and some hardware organization may be required as systems are migrated. As installation continues downtimes should diminish. The intent is to keep downtime as low as possible and get you back to playing. We will provide downtime expectations as each shard migrates. For Oceania We have identified a vendor who will allow us to support Ultima Online in an environment within Australia. However, it will be necessary to test and setup all of the customer support tools, and account information communication before finally moving the shard. Also, for the new location in Australia, we need to make certain you will get acceptable and playable pingtimes. In the interim it will be necessary to host Oceania again in California for a short time. We do not expect the transition to take longer than two additional weeks from the beginning of Asia Pacific server migrations. Thank you for your patience during this transition. [Discuss This Article]

UO Loves You Submitted by UO_Herald on February 15, 2011 at 12:22 AM CST Originally posted 14 Feb 2011 19:07:14 EST by Rowland Cox on the UO Herald: On this day of celebrating the generosity of St. Valentine Ultima Online sends it’s appreciation to our players with the next 14 days of cost savings on the UOGamecode store. Here are the following items on sale at the store: 7 Character Slot Combo. Regular Price: $29.99. SALE PRICE: $19.99. 7 Character Slot Single. Regular Price: $19.99. SALE PRICE: $14.99. 11th Year Anniversary Set. Regular Price: $29.99. SALE PRICE: $14.99.  Character Transfer. Regular Price: $19.99. SALE PRICE: $14.99. Advanced Character Token. Regular Price: $29.99. SALE PRICE: $19.99. Gender/Name Change Combo. Regular Price: $34.99. SALE PRICE: $14.99. 6 Month Gametime. Regular Price: $59.99. SALE PRICE: $54.99. And if you have not logged in yet … come get your Valentine’s Day bears. [Discuss This Article]

Producer's Update Submitted by UO_Herald on February 15, 2011 at 12:13 AM CST Originally posted 11 Feb 2011 16:58:12 EST by Calvin Crowner on the UO Herald: It’s been some time since we brought you an update so here’s the micro-version of our current plans. Valentine’s Day has arrived in Sosaria and our videotape for the yearly update is at last complete. We had some interruptions with weather, vacations, and updating live production servers but the team is up to some really awesome stuff. In the queue are: Valentine’s Day – Bear Delivery! Price Drops for the UOGamecodes store (to include 6  month game time discounts) for the end of February Virtue Bane Story Arc Finding a local host for Oceania Restoring Magincia The video tape will cover: The verdict on the classic shard, how we plan to grow the game, updates for the Enhanced Client, and finally our plan for increased pace for arcs, updates, storytelling and connecting with the community over the next 10 months. When? The arc for Virtue Bane should be within the next few days, with a completion at the end of March culminating in the Restoration of Magincia.  Please note that the events of the next few days are a transition period toward the Restoration of Magincia. The events have been orchestrated for the past several months, please respect the Event Moderators during what likely to be very crowded participation and most importantly, have a great time! [Discuss This Article]

In the Shadow of Virtue: A Thin Ray of Light Submitted by UO_Herald on February 10, 2011 at 4:59 PM CST Originally posted 10 Feb 2011 13:44:16 EST by Mark Steelman on the UO Herald: Sword in hand, Dawn cautiously peered through the narrow window facing the balcony.  With her free hand she buttoned her overcoat.  It was late, she wasn’t sure how late.  She had been lying in bed trying to sleep when she had heard a soft knock on her balcony door.  Both moons were new this night and it was darker than usual.  She blinked her eyes a few times to clear the cobwebs from her weary mind.  On the stone railing of the balcony crouched a lone gargoyle, facing out into the courtyard.  Long robes and a hood concealed their identity. Dawn slid the bolt from the balcony door and opened it, keeping her sword between herself and the stranger.  A hushed but familiar voice spoke as the gargoyle turned and lifted her hood, “I’m glad you were able to wake; I understand humans need a lot of sleep.” To read the full article on the forums, click HERE.

Publish 69.6 on Origin - Available Today! Submitted by UO_Herald on February 8, 2011 at 7:04 PM CST Originally posted 8 Feb 2011 19:01:33 EST by James Nichols on the UO Herald: Greetings, Later today Publish 69.6 will spread some love on the Origin shard. In the meantime we wanted to share the notes for your reading pleasure, thanks!   Publish 69.6 Happy Valentine’s Day!  Please make sure you check your picnic basket for your Valentines gift. (Note:  The gift does not have any properties so please do not buy anything that might state otherwise).  Please make sure you sign in before March 9th to get your gift. Gypsy camps have been disabled temporarily while we investigate their relation to an issue causing items to be destroyed. Enhanced Client Cliloc updates Snow Removal Classic Client Cliloc updates Snow Removal [Discuss This Article]

Server Update 02/08/11 - European Shards Submitted by UO_Herald on February 8, 2011 at 6:58 PM CST Originally posted 7 Feb 2011 19:08:44 EST by James Nichols on the UO Herald: Greetings, Tomorrow, 02/08/11, at 8:00PM EST (01:00 GMT 02/09/11) the Europa and Drachenfels shards will be brought offline for hardware updates. We anticipate the shards to be back online before 2:00AM EST (07:00 GMT). Thank you and we'll provide any needed updates during this and future updates on the Herald! [Discuss This Article]

Immediate Maintenance - Legends Shard Submitted by UO_Herald on February 8, 2011 at 6:56 PM CST Originally posted 7 Feb 2011 11:09:14 EST by James Nichols on the UO Herald: Greetings, The Legends shard is being brought offline momentarily for immediate maintenance to resolve connectivity issues with in-game support options. We anticipate the maintenance will be completed before 11:00AM EST and thank you for your patience during this downtime. [Discuss This Article]

Server Updates 02/02/11 - Multiple Shards Submitted by UO_Herald on February 1, 2011 at 5:24 PM CST Originally posted 1 Feb 2011 18:39:14 EST by James Nichols on the UO Herald: Update - 4:05PM EST: All servers have been updated and this maintenance is complete, thank you all for your patience and welcome back! Greetings, On Wednesday, 02/02/11, beginning at 11:00AM EST the following shards will experience rolling downtimes as we deploy hardware updates (in this order): Great Lakes Legends Catskills Siege Perilous Downtimes will vary depending on the population of the shard and therefore we cannot provide an ETA; however, higher populations should expect potential downtimes up to 8 hours. Shards will become available once their upgrades are complete and we will work to have all upgrades completed by 6:00PM EST. [Discuss This Article]

Player Notice - High Priced Ethereal Clothing Submitted by UO_Herald on February 1, 2011 at 2:06 PM CST Originally posted 1 Feb 2011 13:01:46 EST by James Nichols on the UO Herald: Greetings! Please be aware that ethereal clothing items are currently hued the wrong color. This is in error and will be corrected, players are advised not to pay exorbitant prices for these items as they will be returned to their default state, thank you. [Discuss This Article]