June 14, 2006

Update #24 Goes Live for Everquest 2

Coinciding with the digital release of The Fallen Dynasty adventure pack, Sony Online Entertainment has released Live Update #24 for EverQuest II, a free game update available on all servers

SOE has announced that Live Update #24 for EverQuest II has gone live on all servers of the game. The game introduced several new elements to the game, including the new Betrayal system, streamlined tradeskills, new mysteries in the Commonlands and Nektulos Forest, and an all-new Consignment system, as well as many fixes to other parts of the game. Read below to see more on the major additions.

Sell-Out! A New Betrayal System and Exiles Quests in EQII!

If you’ve ever wanted to join the ranks of famous turncoats like Benedict Arnold, Brutus, Cassius and Guy Fawkes, here’s your chance! Characters at level 10 or higher can renounce their allegiance to their home city and join their one-time enemy. Becoming a traitor comes at a price, however; until you've proven your worth, you’ll be unwelcome in both Qeynos and Freeport.

Known as an “Exile,” you’ll have to work your way up to gaining the trust of your newfound allies and be accepted within their walls as a citizen. Until then, your new home will be Haven, an underground “Casablanca” for those that have turned their backs on their original faction. But beware; if you dare to betray on the PvP servers and become part of the Exile faction, you’re fair game, open to attack from adventurers representing both Qeynos and Freeport, and they're fair game to you too. That’s the price you’ll pay for your traitorous ways!

Streamlined Tradeskills and an all-new Consignment System

For those aspiring to be the “Bob Vila” or “Emeril” of Norrath, Tradeskills have been streamlined to make crafting a lot more fun. Refine and interim recipes have been removed, so now you can construct final combines with just raw materials. So take heart, bakers; now you can bake that pie you’ve always wanted faster than in your actual kitchen!

Tradeskill-related harvestables now have the chance to yield multiple items in a single harvest. As your skill level passes the maximum harvesting skill level for a given area, you’ll increase your chances at getting rare materials and multiple item harvests. If you have a little chat with your local woodworker, he can provide you with new harvesting tools that reduce the time it takes to harvest.

Live Update 24 also introduces a revamped Consignment system. Think of it as “Craigslist Freeport” or “Craigslist Qeynos.” Players can now list items for sale even if they don’t have a home in their host city. Just speak to a local broker, and she’ll show you how to sell that spell, helmet, or weapon for in-game coin so you can put a down payment on that new condo you’ve had your eye on…

Trouble Brewing in Norrath: Nektulos Forest and the Commonlands

In Nektulos Forest, there are rumors of strange new creatures lurking in the woods of Nektulos, and the Freeport Militia has been dispatched to investigate. Despite their added presence, however, wanderers had best beware; this new threat and the malicious nature of the seemingly alive forest will teach a deadly lesson to the unwary.. Live Update 24 has also improved the population and reduced the barriers to travel in the zone, making it even more fun to adventure in.

Meanwhile, in the Commonlands, the Bloodskull orcs are consolidating and building fortifications and the Blackshield smugglers are increasing their activity in the area. But not all the changes are menacing. On the plains near the druid ring signs of new life are springing forth, perhaps pointing to a new influence that has touched the land.more than barren plains… For those hardy soloists, there’s also a new line of solo quests in the Commonlands. Gerun Pontian’s got the 411; you can find him near the gates to West Freeport. Finally, the Commonlands has been revitalized with new sights, quests and adversaries.

On another note, EverQuest II, The Fallen Dynasty is now available for digital download for $7.99, or at no charge for Station Access subscribers of two months or longer. For more information, check out the web site at www.thefallendynasty.com. Those who want a taste of the EverQuest II experience can try the game free for seven days by visiting www.trialoftheisle.com deleted a quest.

SOE, the SOE logo, EverQuest and PlanetSide are registered trademarks of Sony Online Entertainment LLC. Untold Legends is a trademark of Sony Online Entertainment LLC. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.

del.icio.us | Digg This | Glink It

---