http://www.realmhq.com/news.php Latest News VNC Web Design - News Generation en Sat, 19 May 2012 05:07:00 PDT 15 http://www.realmhq.com/news.php?section=3&story=118
The Vulcan Edge has been given a level requirement of 100, and the Defender a level requirement of 150. This is to balance the improved battling capabilities offered by shields since their improvement. These items have also been made more accessible to the players that would be using them.

A-Mazing Mastery

The Maze Master is no longer the hot property he used to be; in fact he does not do fire damage when attacking anymore. ]]> Thu, 06 Dec 2007 07:52:25 PST Wizzeh http://www.realmhq.com/news.php?section=3&story=118 http://www.realmhq.com/news.php?section=3&story=116
Pumpkins Lighter

As requested, pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns are returning to their original weights until next festival. This should allow people to once again store and manage their pumpkin collections with relative ease.

Uncharted Territory Fixes

The lake that features in the uncharted territory and Emerald Forest has been corrected to stop inadvertent swimming disasters leaving people trapped with no way out of the water.]]> Tue, 20 Nov 2007 01:16:54 PST Wizzeh http://www.realmhq.com/news.php?section=3&story=116 http://www.realmhq.com/news.php?section=3&story=115 Realm citizens will be pleased to hear another budding young farmer has prepared his fields and opened shop especially to help with the pumpkin collections. Citizens can make their way to Murias to make use of the new patch.

Also, a special something has been provided somewhere that will only be special during the festival period. Just a hint: Do not allow monsters to overtake otherwise peaceful areas in this festival period!

Those engaging in the Monster Bash fights may also like to hear that there is a specially prepared prize that may be found. Just follow your nose, Mmmm!

Artisan's Statuettes Missing
A top artisan of Asgard has reported loss of a shipment of finely crafted Golden Statuettes that were bound for high society buyers.

Those looking for these statuettes may be helped by checking out the strangely similar selection of new Golden Statuettes available for coppers from the Swap N Shop.

Town guards are mystified as to the whereabouts of the missing statuettes. However Swap N Shop has been very helpful by providing examples.]]> Fri, 16 Nov 2007 07:45:13 PST Wizzeh http://www.realmhq.com/news.php?section=3&story=115 http://www.realmhq.com/news.php?section=3&story=114 This year's Harvest Festival is about to begin, and shopkeeps around the land are already preparing for the festive period. Those citizens skilled in pumpkin carving have opened up shop at the pumpkin farms, ready to accept willing adventurers looking for the latest in pumpkin fashion.

This year mages have given a little boost to pumpkin candles, with some rather colourful results!

Dragon Pit Status 2
This week has seen more work on the Dragon Pit version two. We have completed initial design on the new loot scheme, and a review of the plans revealed some minor tweaks are still necessary. Testing of these tweaks is set to begin around the work and fun of the festival.]]> Fri, 16 Nov 2007 07:44:16 PST Wizzeh http://www.realmhq.com/news.php?section=3&story=114 http://www.realmhq.com/news.php?section=3&story=113 Recent storms have caused quite a stir near Caer Fandry. After a particularly bad night last night it appears the mists have receded to the west of Emerald Forest. This land has yet to be explored, but appears to be home to cousins of the Gargoyles that invaded our fair Realm in the misguided attacks of many moons ago. The storms are still ongoing, and the town guard fear further disturbances near this new landmass, but are hopeful of more land revealing itself in the future.

Keep an eye out of the website as you explore the new area faithful citizens, as there will be a chance to make a permanent impact on this fair land of The Realm in the near future!

Dragon Pit Status Update
Dragon Pit was not ready for this update, but we shall give you a status update.

We have already tinkered with the dungeon layout. Explorers should expect to no longer need to do the ooze fights in the new look dungeon. However the hatchery and library have been reformed to balance things out. The new layout should have a significant time reduction for completion the old times of 6 or 7 hours to clear the whole place should now be more like 4 or 5. Loot within the dungeon still needs to be completed, along with final tweaks to the new look Dragon Pit.

Location, Location, Renaming
Ratling Run has been renamed as East Havenwood, so that new players can see a more logical step to the anti-clockwise route around Leinster to get their first few levels. Now you only need follow the compass.]]> Fri, 16 Nov 2007 07:43:17 PST Wizzeh http://www.realmhq.com/news.php?section=3&story=113 http://www.realmhq.com/news.php?section=3&story=112 Reports suggest a brand new and rare coloured shirt has been developed. However the person responsible has yet to announce themselves or reveal their secret, instead pasting advertisements for their own brand of clothing in many towns. Town guards are unable to stop this monopoly, but assure us that this limited edition clothing will find an audience amongst the elite, looking for something to show off their wealth with.

Bug Fixes
All Dragon Pit Only items which were displaying traits not in keeping with their descriptions have had these traits altered to bring them in line with their original programming. This includes all Sorcery and Mysticism bonuses and the Mysticism resistance from the Shield of Infinite Thought.

Also, spawns of the new magical pants/greaves have been increased as they did not meet expectations.

Dragon Pit Revamp
Dragon Pit has been closed pending a revamp. We will be adjusting the dungeon to reflect a more healthy challenge and timescale required

to complete, as well as redoing the treasure/rewards in accordance with feedback from the Realm online community. The revamp is a high priority update and we expect Dragon Pit to reopen very shortly.]]> Fri, 16 Nov 2007 07:42:08 PST Wizzeh http://www.realmhq.com/news.php?section=3&story=112 http://www.realmhq.com/news.php?section=3&story=111 It appears the long closed supply stores dotted around Realm have attracted the attention of numerous monsters. These fiends have looted the shut storages, making off with various metal and fabric supplies. Citizens are free to reclaim these resources by any means necessary - and in reward keep the supplies for their own use.

Squirreled Away
Those pesky rodents and their mice cohorts are being disabled for the duration of the Harvest Festival this year. They won't even show their little furry faces the whole time.

Ghoulish Treat
The not-so-humble ghoul seems to have had a makeover. Whether it is the result of the summer heat, or some new foul magic, all the ghouls appear more rotten, and more distinguishable from their undead brethren.

Remember to keep an eye out for any other changes or additions, as not everything will be listed here every time!]]> Fri, 16 Nov 2007 07:41:15 PST Wizzeh http://www.realmhq.com/news.php?section=3&story=111 http://www.realmhq.com/news.php?section=3&story=110 This year's Harvest Festival, the Festival of Souls, is being prepared for this month. Though the exact dates and times are still top secret, a number of preparatory additions have been added in this update. With all this preparation, it can only mean the festival is not that far off.

You may notice that all existing Jack-o-lantern pumpkins have had a slight upgrade to their looks, to bring their appearance more inline with other Realm artwork, and prepare you for the all new selection that will be available this year.

Thieves' Mask
Yes, it's true. It is ready, and it is out there. Good luck to all hunters of this new rare helmet. But that's not all, there are other secret goodies that aren't mentioned in this What's New, and you'll need to keep an eye out over the next few weeks and months for more finds.

Dragon, or Wyrm?
For clarity to new customers, all Baby Dragons are now correctly named as Wyrms. This avoids the conclusion of having both hatchlings and babies running around - both being called Dragon, but both very different!

New Login
It's been a while, and that old login screen was looking a little tired. We've updated the login to match the default look of the website, and continue the Realm Celtic-esque theme that binds our world together aesthetically.

Bug Fixes
A number of bug fixes and balances have been implemented to ensure the smooth running of The Realm Online. This includes a fix to the Battle Command list skin, which will make life easier for our custom skin builders!]]> Fri, 16 Nov 2007 07:40:28 PST Wizzeh http://www.realmhq.com/news.php?section=3&story=110 http://www.realmhq.com/news.php?section=3&story=109
You are all cordially invited to partake of the new Summer Solstice Festival! The townships of Realm have been secretly planning a fantastic new festival for residents to enjoy in these long summer evenings. Early fruits are on the trees and the prime of the year is here to enjoy. It is the perfect time to spend with friends or that special someone; be it summer love or everlasting joy.

A new player-vs.-player tournament, Finvarra's "Heat of Battle", suitable of players of all skill levels, is just one of the many events coming your way during the Festival.

The festival will begin at 7pm EDT on Wednesday the 27th of June. (That is 12am BST, 4pm PDT and 6pm CDT)

Though we wish the long summer evenings will never end, the festival will run until 6pm EDT on Friday the 6th of July. (And that is 11pm BST, 3pm PDT and 5pm CDT)

We look forward to seeing you during the festival and wish each and every one of you the best of fortune in any events in which you may choose to participate.

Best Wishes,
The Realm Team
Norseman Games]]> Fri, 16 Nov 2007 07:39:24 PST Wizzeh http://www.realmhq.com/news.php?section=3&story=109 http://www.realmhq.com/news.php?section=3&story=108
On behalf of the entire Realm staff, thank you for your patience while awaiting the return of the game's server to operational status.

We encountered a host of issues connecting and configuring The Realm to its new ISP. Most of these issues have been resolved but optimization remains an on-going task for at least the next several days. We expect improved service and reduced latency once the optimization has been completed.

A second issue developed during the move, an issue from which no rescue is possible. The Main server's redundant backup hard disk was damaged during transport. External backup procedures have been implemented.

All actions, items gained or lost, levels earned or lost, and all characters or accounts created since that time are irrecoverable. It is with regret that we must announce a server database rollback to May 13, 2007.

Compensation for both the extended downtime and the "time warp" will be provided. A time credit of 4 days-equal to the duration of the

downtime beyond the 48 hour estimate-will be given to all paid accounts active on the 13th of May. The "time warp" compensation, which is already running, is in the form of increased experience point gains and higher drop rates. The "time warp" compensation will be available until around midday July 2nd.

Our world is a wonderful place. It is precisely because all of you have made it so. You are The Realm. It is you, your friends, and the society that you have brought into being that has elevated all of us to a community that endures.

Scott Wochholz
Producer
Norseman Games, LLC]]> Fri, 16 Nov 2007 07:38:34 PST Wizzeh http://www.realmhq.com/news.php?section=3&story=108 http://www.realmhq.com/news.php?section=3&story=107 The shield skill has been fully implemented in this update. Shields have long been a mostly unimplemented system, something that did not really prove useful to those equipping them, other than to hold extra enchantments.

Below are a few details you will need to know for using your shield:

Firstly, your skill level denotes the chance to block successfully with the shield. When you do block, a cyan coloured message will inform you of your block, so you can easily see when that shield is coming in handy!

Secondly, the AR of your shield will determine how much damage you absorb into the shield.

Finally, the material the shield is made of will determine how strong the shield is. If you block too many attacks your shield will need repair, or may even shatter completely and be destroyed. Note that magical items may have different strengths, due to being made from exotic materials.

The shield system is designed to be of greatest use to high dexterity toons, such as thieves and wizards, giving them a better line of defence when they become the unlucky target of monsters. Do not hesitate, equip a shield today!

Hair Dyes
As promised, more customisation is coming your way this update. New hair dyes in the traditional dye colours have been made available for you to locate. The vendor is rather proud of his collection, and will not let them go cheap...

So be you wanting a magenta crop of hair, or a mop of purple curls...

Critter Settling
The Bears, Frogs, Rabbits and Cardinals will no longer be spawning in the above ground locations. There are two reasons for this removal of critter spawns. Initially, we must keep in mind the brand that is The Realm. The critters are in an odd position of being not quite

Realm style artwork, but still in the game. With a complete brand upheld, we are much more likely to produce an engaging world that is more immersive to players, and less likely to jar with their expectations.

Secondly, the critters currently serve no purpose. Their EXP is minimal, and their original intent as resource collecting beasts is from a pre-3.5 crafting design that will no longer be part of the 3.2 development plan in that form. As such, they now only absorb the already restrictive handles count of passing adventurers.

I hope this helps explain whilst you will not be seeing any wild Rabbits anymore. But that does not mean special events might not scare out a few Bunnies, if we are vewy, vewy, qwiet...]]> Fri, 16 Nov 2007 07:37:32 PST Wizzeh http://www.realmhq.com/news.php?section=3&story=107 http://www.realmhq.com/news.php?section=3&story=106 Today a special Spring Celebration shall begin! Keep an eye out for all oddities! This celebration will be running until next Monday (9th April). All other details are top secret, so I hope you join us over this next week!

Lost... and Found
The /room command has been returned to use for players. Typing "/room" (without the quotation marks) into the text box will return a room number listing that corresponds to the maps on www.realmoracle.com and numerous player-help sites dotted around the internet.]]> Fri, 16 Nov 2007 07:35:49 PST Wizzeh http://www.realmhq.com/news.php?section=3&story=106 http://www.realmhq.com/news.php?section=3&story=105
As this is a huge boost to natural magic power, we've had to change the Magical Amulets, and the Nightmare Helmet.

These items are now working at a tenth of their old power (10%), so the top amulet gives a 40% boost, and the Nightmare gives a 20% boost to Necromancy spells.

As the power has been diminished on the amulets and item(s), we've removed some of the negative elements on the items too. That means the Cast Resistances on those items are history! No more resisting casts!]]> Fri, 16 Nov 2007 07:34:35 PST Wizzeh http://www.realmhq.com/news.php?section=3&story=105 http://www.realmhq.com/news.php?section=3&story=99
The Realm Trading Company has opened branches of Trading Posts all over the Realm. These Trading Posts allow the auction of items without the buyer needing to be present, and are active all day, and all night. To cover such excellent all round service, a small fee is deducted from the final purchase amount.

This new trading option that was player tested on Realm Beta comes with a few new options that were suggested by players, and is a secure trading method. Any errors experienced when using the system should be reported immediately to ts@realmserver.com.

An updated tutorial to the Trade Posts and proper usage is available on the Town Tree Forums, in the Town Hall section (stuck to the top). Please place all questions and concerns in that thread.]]> Tue, 16 Jan 2007 03:15:45 PST Wizzeh http://www.realmhq.com/news.php?section=3&story=99 http://www.realmhq.com/news.php?section=3&story=97
In the meantime, the following information should prove helpful.

If any of the following happens or is needed, please contact Customer Service on cs@realmserver.com:

If your account goes unpaid, please email us immediately.
If you wish to change any ownership details (including transfer of accounts, characters, or account restorations).
If you wish to cancel your account.

Unfortunately new account subscriptions will not be able to be processed at this stage. We will keep people aware of the situation.

When emailing Customer Service, please email from the email address connected to the account in question. If you are unable to, please include the first 4, and last 4, digits of the card used to pay for the account. This is ONLY for verification purposes so that we can take any action on your behalf. Also, please include your account name, but NOT your password. The Realm Team will never ask for your password.]]> Thu, 30 Nov 2006 03:57:10 PST Wizzeh http://www.realmhq.com/news.php?section=3&story=97 http://www.realmhq.com/news.php?section=3&story=89
Thank you for all the kind words and the generous spirit that you have shared with one another, with staff, and with management as you have partaken in a very special month in The Realm's long history. But, alas, the special time must come to an end. We hope your memories of the special rewards and events will last a lifetime. Is that hoping for too much?

Yes. We think so too. In fact, the response was so overwhelming that we may just run specials again some time. Not the same as what we just did of course, that would get boring. But unique specials-from time to time-are a definite possibility.

In today's patch we have also reverted back to the original Daemon art. The reason is very simple: to reduce the size of the client download. Over the years the Realm client has grown in size, and therefore in download time, that potential players still on dial-up may find it less appealing to download than before. Reducing the client size will be an on-going effort. This means that other art may also be reverted, retracted, and/or revised in the weeks to come.

And for the aforementioned specials... well, art can come and art can go. Not all art appearing in The Realm need be permanent. If client needs to grow a bit to permit in-game specials then we trust you will agree that it is worth the temporary increase in download time.

Thank you again for all your support,

Scott
Producer, The Realm Online]]> Tue, 07 Nov 2006 05:24:18 PST Wizzeh http://www.realmhq.com/news.php?section=3&story=89 http://www.realmhq.com/news.php?section=3&story=80
It has once again reached that time of year where the nights are drawing in, the trees turn their many shades of autumn and the harvests draw to a close.

That means it is once again time for the glorious Harvest of Souls Festival!

The gates of the underworld shall be opening this evening, Friday 27th of October at 7pm EST (thats 6pm Central, 4pm Pacific and Midnight GMT). Citizens are warned to watch out for many a spine-chill and scare as the beasts and souls sealed last year enjoy a week of freedom!

We have many events planned, including the yearly Harvest Parade around Leinster. This will be taking place on Saturday 28th October at 2pm EST (thats 1pm Central, 11am Pacific, 7pm GMT). The parade will run as usual, counter-clockwise around Leinster, and citizens are asked to spread themselves along the entire perimeter of the city (though of course, safely within city limits to avoid attacks from the very beasts the town watch keep out). We have many wonderful themed floats this year, all lovingly organised and participated in by the entire volunteer staff and Development/Management teams at Norseman Games.

Other events over the week long celebrations include the Monster Bash, where players are welcomed to Player vs. Player combat with the Staff Monsters in the safety of the training grounds that dot themselves in the many towns and the Badlands, as well as prizes and contests held all week!

The gates of the festival will be closing in a spectacular closing ceremony on Sunday the 5th of November at 7pm EST (thats 6pm Central, 4pm Pacific and Midnight GMT). But who wishes to think of closing ceremonies when this fantastical yearly tradition is just a day away!

All are welcomed to partake of the festivities... see you at the festival dear readers!

Chris]]> Fri, 27 Oct 2006 07:53:36 PDT Wizzeh http://www.realmhq.com/news.php?section=3&story=80 http://www.realmhq.com/news.php?section=3&story=78
During the month of October the following bonuses are available:

- An experience point increase for victory in combat. Players will receive on average 2.5 times the normal experience for every monster killed during the 30 days of compensation!

- There is an increase in the drop rate, across the boards, everywhere in the Realm; be it monster, dungeon chest, dungeon monster... everything will drop more. Items will not drop in new places, however where they do drop, they will ALL be more common for all 30 days.

- An increase in the copper awards for participation in all events.

- Availability of new experience baubles, Realm-wide, as monster loot and chest treasure. The baubles are in three sizes, 1,000 EXP baubles being the most common, 10,000 (a level) medium rare, and 100,000 (ten levels) rarest.

One of four unique Home Guardian statues are available for every character. These transferable items are guaranteed never to become available again and may be sold back to the Swap N Shop. You can pick up your random Home Guardian from the new vendor at the entrance to the Temple Gardens in Leinster during this 30 day compensation.]]> Tue, 03 Oct 2006 03:16:52 PDT Wizzeh http://www.realmhq.com/news.php?section=3&story=78 http://www.realmhq.com/news.php?section=3&story=46

The Festival of Renewal is upon us. Join our Events and Storyline teams in celebrating the blooming of the flowers, the sprouting of the crops and the start of the sunshine and good weather!

The Festival shall be running from the 19th of May to the 28th. Check in-game for games, visits and events happening over the next week.

Rumour has it a strange light has been seen in one of the woods and forests of the Realm; wanderers are being warned to avoid placing themselves in risk of attack from a number of smart (hmm..) staff monsters whilst searching for the source of the light!

(Note Not all events and features of the Festival are mentioned here, please feel free to enjoy the festivities and seek out the extras of the woods6

Staff Monsters are available for PVP - please check in-game on the events channel for more details.)


Login Menu Addition

To aid in the access of accounts for people sharing computers or owning multiple accounts, the login screen now features a drop down menu, with a list of recently accessed account names. (The login password boxes will remain secret and blank).


The Uruz

Some blacksmiths have found they can change the etchings of the Uruz throwing dagger ever so slightly, and make it easier to wield.

As such, the Uruz has now been spotted being wielded by adventurers of the 200th level of achievement!]]> Fri, 19 May 2006 03:44:43 PDT Wizzeh http://www.realmhq.com/news.php?section=3&story=46 http://www.realmhq.com/news.php?section=3&story=41 Summon Doppelganger and Illusionary Foe have been implemented.]]> Tue, 11 Apr 2006 01:06:34 PDT Wizzeh http://www.realmhq.com/news.php?section=3&story=41 http://www.realmhq.com/news.php?section=3&story=29 New Artwork for the Finvarra Cowl
New Artwork for the Daemons
Trade Windows are back
New Artwork for Enid's Needle]]> Thu, 16 Mar 2006 02:09:50 PST Wizzeh http://www.realmhq.com/news.php?section=3&story=29 http://www.realmhq.com/news.php?section=3&story=21
Two miners, seeking their fortune, stumbled across a new gem deposit! These gems looked like no others they had ever seen. Unfortunately, seconds after their amazing discovery, one was heard to say, Burrok, what is that huge stone over there with scales and teeth?

Due to a slight climate change over the past few years (in deference to the giants, it umm got umm warmy lately) a new migration pattern is being noted. Vlodburg, the ogre, was noted as saying, Look at da purty flyin ting. Dey taste just like storm bat.]]> Fri, 03 Mar 2006 02:18:02 PST Wizzeh http://www.realmhq.com/news.php?section=3&story=21 http://www.realmhq.com/news.php?section=3&story=10 It appears the recent dragon attacks have finally shown their impact on the ecology of the Kingdoms. Normally timid animals that kept to the undergrowth have become much more adventurous. Hunters are reporting finding a surge of rabbits inhabiting the fields and forests, and toads have started to appear in the swamplands.

In more worrying related news, it appears bears have been spotted in Downs around Monmouth and the woods near Usk.

Sigurds Retreat
After the surge of visitors to the new town, a large number of citizens have braved the Dragons to make their home in the Retreat. The town is still lawless, and Sigurd himself has not reported to his superiors. Citizens are urged to show caution whilst exploring the town, and keep an eye on their coin purses at all times.

Dragons Den Discovered
The leader of the Dragons, Fafnir, has been traced to a location deep beneath the surface of the swampland. After a recent surge in activity in the swamps, explorers and hunters have discovered the long hidden entrance to this mysterious cavern. The deep dark tunnels and maze-like columns deep within the soil are home to all manner of dangers.]]> Fri, 10 Feb 2006 05:55:54 PST Wizzeh http://www.realmhq.com/news.php?section=3&story=10