About the growth (and demise) of MMORPGS in the PH

Nowadays, MMORPGS are one of the popular sources of entertainment for Filipinos, as well as one of the most popular business opportunities, with the growth of Internet cafes and game publishers. Online gamers would flock at their favorite gaming spots and spend lots of time grinding and doing quests to fortify their characters, no matter what attack style they would be. More importantly, MMORPGs are also a way to socialize, with chatting and forming parties with friends and fellow players.

The MMORPG phenomenon started with Ragnarok Online, published by Level Up! Games, way back in 2003. Although not many people play the game like it used to be back in the early years, it was still marked as a unforgettable memory and still garnered a strong following, with lots of updates to keep it going.

More importantly, Level Up! Games now has a long list of online games for players to enjoy, including Flyff (formerly under NetGames Inc., which is now disbanded), Grand Chase, Hello Kitty Online, Perfect World, Rohan Online, and even KOS: Secret Operations, its first MMOFPS. It even brings international games to Pinoys, like Neo Steam, Silkroad Online and Deco Online.

From one online game publisher, others decided to step up to the competition, like E-Games. E-Games also managed to attract attention like its predecessor, with RAN Online as its debut MMORPG. And now, it still continues to entice gamers with Cabal Online, Dragonica, Runes of Magic, Nostale, Granado Espada, Audition Dance Battle, OP7, and its newest titles, Superstar (karaoke) and Band Master (instruments). And so there you have it, many more publishers will soon be coming, and still counting.

But if there are more online games coming into the spotlight, there are other online games reaching their end, which led to their ultimate demise. If you ever checked Alcarcalimo's post about the closing of Lineage 2 SEA here, and even the latest news about ZX Online's upcoming shutdown here, you'll get my point. I know it's melancholic, but as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end.


So there, now you understand what is like to be a customer in the online gaming market, whether you're a hardcore gamer, casual player, or itching to try something new. I hope this will open your eyes to enjoy the life of an online gamer

Too late for coming back

I had mentioned in one of my previous posts that I decided to leave my Lineage 2 SEA characters in indefinite hiatus because I couldn't afford to update to the Final Gracia patch due to intense system requirements and that it'll eat up a lot of hard drive disk space. I was hoping that I'll come back once I upgrade my PC or at least buy a new one with compatible specs for the game, and that I may enjoy the adventures in Ether again.
 
Until I checked out Alcarcalimo's blog and saw this.

It's stated there that i AM Interactive decided to shut down its operation on both L2 and Exteel due to termination of its contract with NCSoft. And since it already happened, I realized that it's already too late for coming back. *Sobs*
 
I will miss my Paladin, my Silver Ranger, my Soul Breaker, and all my other characters who became part of my journey in Ether. I still had my fanfics about my Paladin with his Doombringer lover, and I was hoping to rekindle my interest in L2 so that I could come up with new stories for my other avatars, but I guess the flame went dead already.

Good thing I still had some screenshots, though. Here are some of them:






My Paladin (back at the Heaven's Oracle days)





My Paladin and her Doombringer lover (main characters in my L2 stories)





 
My Soul Breaker (also from the HO days)






My Silver Ranger






My Artisan (I just wish she would be a Warsmith)






My Dark Elf Wizard (future Spellhowler)
 
Well, that's all I could have for my L2 memories. I will always remember those days.


Ciao! ^^

It's been a long time, eh?

So I've gone through long another hiatus... AGAIN! I had no time to update this blog due to so many thing to take care of, like real - life situations (I just graduated from high school, by the way). It was indeed very frustrating for me... ><

So in order to make up for this very loooooooong standstill, I'll rant about what I've gone through so far:

I couldn't play the PH version of Luna Online because it's somehow not compatible with my PC, so my older sis and I decided to play the private server, CelestiaLuna (Too bad it's offline right now). My main character is a female Elf Phalanx (tank - type), currently at lvl 100. I'm currently focusing on both my elven Treasure Hunter and human Thief (my soon - to - be Assassin). Let me tell you, it's indeed VERY expensive to craft (especially if you're aiming for lvl 90+ sets). We had to stick to voting in order to get GPs necessary to buy stuff from Item Mall (can't have Premium Points through donating because it's also expensive... ><).

As for Lineage 2, I'll be definitely leaving my avatars there in an indefinite hiatus (I couldn't afford to play the Final Gracia patch because it requires intense graphics, and it will consume a lot of hard drive disk space). I don't know if I'll come back there... :(

About Rohan? Well... I'm fed up with playing it due to lag, because my character is killed due to it.

I came back playing Cabal only recently, because I couldn't stand being disconnected everytime I play it in my PC back in Pasig, so I played it before in Netopia in Bacolod. My Force Shielder is now lvl 96. Been through lots of patches, and I still found it weird for normal Battlesuits (before the Reinforced one) to look like dresses... ^^

Right now, I've been thinking of trying out Runes of Magic (published by E-Games). Too bad I couldn't go to the Domination IV event (and even the upcoming Ozine Fest), because I'm currently in Negros right now... :(

Anyway, just finished the latest version of DirectX so that I could play my favorite online games smoothly. Currently installing the latest client of Cabal right now.

That's all for now... Ta - ta... ^^

Back to both Ether & Nevareth once again

Since I was able to buy iCoins again for my Lineage 2 load last Thursaday, I was able to dust off my characters in Aria after being in hiatus for more than 2 months. By the time I checked what happened to my clan, HeavensOracle, I noticed that the clan had undergone several changes, like Massacres a.k.a. DeMucci being the new clan leader, as well as some members leaving the clan and being replaced by new ones. Good thing I was able to ask him to recruit my Silver Ranger back into the clan, although she’s currently listed now in the 1st order, OrderofHell, unlike my Soul Breaker which was included in the 2nd order, OrderofHeaven.

As for my Paladin, which I haven’t leveled – up for months due to lack of time & potions, my prince had asked me to leave HO so that I could transfer to his current clan, ShadowAngels. But unfortunately, I have to wait for at least a day so that I will be able to join SA, and I’m really disappointed that he decided to sell off his promised gifts for me: the CI Nightmare Heavy Armor Set as well as the CI Dark Legion’s Edge, just because he thought I’m going to quit! How stupid of me! I just wished I could use L2 during vacation, but the PCs there in my parents’ place suck… T_T

About my Force Shielder in Cabal, I couldn’t level it up right now since I only have 1 hour to use the Internet (and I knew my Wizard friend would become so happily air headed to kick my butt with his spells again!), so I decided to use my Force Blader in the meantime. But don’t worry, I’ll still be able to use my FS if I have spare time, since I wanted my friends there to add my FB to their friends list so that I could PM them even though I’m using a different character. I still not in the mood to use my Force Archer since I found out that FAs are like Wizards, for they have low HP like them… :(

Indeed, being strictly controlled by my relatives really sucks, but I have no choice but to follow them, or else I’m dead! Waaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!! T_T

My various plans this coming trip to Negros Occidental

If you ever read a previous entry in my blog, you may notice that I was supposed to depart to my parents’ place in Negros Occidental last Saturday, March 28. But the truth is I was scheduled to go there this coming Wednesday, April 1, at around 8 A.M. Tomorrow, I’ll be packing my stuff and get them in check to make sure I would not miss something important during my stay there for at least 2 months. It was a bad thing for me, though, for I would wish to go to either the Ozine Fest ’09 in SM Megamall or E-Games Domination III at SM Mall of Asia, both scheduled this coming week, to get the latest installer for either Lineage 2 or Cabal Online. Unfortunately, that chance was already lost, and I had to wait for another year. *sigh*

But anyway, I have various plans for the online games that I’ve enjoyed. Whether I would have the chance to accomplish them or not would depend if the PCs in my parents’ place would be prepared for them. The plans are the ff.:

Lineage 2 – I’m still waiting for my prince to give me his promised gift for my Paladin. If all else fails, I would still continue on leveling up my alternate toons.

Cabal Online – I’ll continue to complete more quests and level up both my Force Shielder and Force Archer. Perhaps I would even join a guild and create a Force Blader as well.

Fiesta Online – Been in hiatus for a few months already. Might come back and dust off both my Clever Fighter and Archer.

Rohan Online – Will continue to level up and complete quests for my Human Knight, as well as to try out my Assassin. Might also create a half – elven Archer as well.

Aside from these, since I might have unlimited time in using the Internet, I’m also planning to watch the anime show entitled Special A. I just saw the Japanese comic version of it, and believe me, it’s really funny.

Speaking of anime, I’ll also watch Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood in Animax (thank God for cable TV), since it’ll be airing in the same time. I wish I would also watch Tears to Tiara (the anime version of the RPG game), but unfortunately, it’ll be aired early in the morning in my time zone.

Of course, I can’t just stay at home for my whole summer vacation. Just like any person, I would also like to swim if there is any chance to go to the beach or resort. I also need to be prepared for entrance exams if necessary, because up to now, I’m still deciding as to what school / university would be good for me to pursue my college education once I graduate from high school, since I’ll be in fourth year this coming June.

That’s all for now… :)

skyhunter18, finally a Silver Ranger

Ahhh… finally, my beloved elven archer in L2, skyhunter18, was finally promoted to Silver Ranger and also became an academy graduate as well. All my hard work in completing the three quests for job change was finally paid off. I never knew that completion would happen so fast, but anyway, let me tell you what I progressed to get there:

From the last time I stopped in the second part, the Testimony of Life, I was tasked by Isael Silvershadow of the Hunter’s Village to go back to Thalia, who was located east of Iris Lake, south of Elven Vilage, after finding all 6 parts of the Talin’s Spear by killing Leto Lizardman Shamans and Overlords in the Plains of the Lizardmen. But before I continued with second quest, after I talked to Isael about accomplishing the search for the parts, I first resumed with the third part of job change, the Test of the Sagittarius. From the last time I stopped there, Magister Gauen had asked my archer to go to Sagittarius Hamil in Floran Village to find out where the Serpent Demon Kadesh was hiding after I finally found all the parts of the Crescent Moon Bow, the weapon that must be used to kill the creature. After I used the Scroll of Escape exchanged from Dimensional Diamonds to reach Floran Vilage, she went straight to Hamil. He told my archer that Kadesh was regaining dark energy through the Leto Lizardmen, meaning she had to go back to the Plains of the Lizardmen (again) to confront the dark power so that Kadesh will be summoned. And so there she went, killing first the Leto Lizardman Shamans and Overlords for their blood, because that would help to summon Kadesh. But by the time I hunted for 15 vials, the duration of her newbie buffs was over, so I had to SOE back to Oren to rebuff. But then, my Internet time was almost up, so I had no choice but to log off and resume again some other time.

Last night, I decided to continue first the second part, so I teleported first to Gludio, then to Elven Village. After being rebuffed by the Newbie Guide, she ran straight near Iris Lake to talk to Thalia. Thalia asked my archer to do something unimaginable: to kill the unicorn with Talin’s Spear for its tears. Of course, it’s inevitable to consider that life will be restored by sacrifice, but then one has no choice but to do so if necessary.

So my archer ran straight to the spot where the quest monster, the unicorn of Eva, was found. Once I’ve finally located the unicorn, I equipped her with the spear immediately.

From Lineage 2 pics

I was filled with pity upon seeing the magnificent creature, but still, what must be done must be followed. And so, I had no choice but to let my archer pierce it until it’s dead and its tears were collected in the grail. Oh, that poor creature…

Once she returned to Thalia, the female elf told her more about the sacrifice that must be done to save the Mother Tree, which was why it’s necessary to kill the unicorn. Afterwards, I SOE’d back to Elven Village to talk to Hierarch Asterios. The Hierarch gave her the Chamomile Charm for finally accomplishing the task. And finally, she went back to Master Cardien in the Warrior Guild in Dion. The Master then spoke that the Testimony was finally finished, and my elf was finally given the Mark of Life as the ultimate reward.

Satisfied with the completion of the second part, I must continue with the last part, the Test of the Sagittarius, so I went back to Oren, then to the Plains of the Lizardmen to kill more Leto Lizardmen until the monster she was supposed to kill appears. But what I didn’t realize was that after she just killed a Leto Lizardman Archer, the 15 vials of lizardman blood suddenly vanished, and then poof, the creature finally appeared. That creature was none other than the Serpent Demon Kadesh, which looked exactly like a Trives in the Seal of Shilen in Aden Territory. It was really unexpected of me to see that the quest monster finally appeared after collecting just 15 quest items. It was because, according to the quest guide in EllieBelly’s website, at least 100 vials of lizardman blood must be collected before Kadesh would appear. But anyway, now that I’ve seen that abomination, my archer dispatched it right away with the Crescent Moon Bow equipped, without using any skills. It was because something bad will happen if I did, though I’m not sure about it.

From Lineage 2 pics

Now that the serpent was finally dead, with the Talisman of Kadesh in her possession, she must return to Sagittarius Hamil in Floran to report about the creature’s death. As recognition, he gave her the last item necessary for her promotion: the Mark of Sagittarius.

Now that my archer finally had 3 marks necessary for her job change, I went to the Warrior Guild in Giran and let her meet Grand Master Hannavalt. And finally, the moment I’ve been waiting for had finally arrived: her promotion to Silver Ranger.

From Lineage 2 pics

Since my archer also became an academy graduate, she was also given an Academy Circlet as reward for her promotion. I also let her equip the Elven Bow of Nobility bought by my Soul Breaker and stored in the cargo box, as well as some Iron Arrows, because of course, bows are considered futile without arrows. The armor she’s currently wearing right now was the Rind Leather Armor set, though I decided to wear it while completing these quests for extra protection.

Ok, enough chit – chat for now… Gotta get my prince’s gift now for my Paladin… weheee… ^_^

Of departure, recognition, victory and current progress

Last Thursday, we honor candidates (Yeah, I’m one of them, believe me) had thrown some sort of despedida for two of my classmates, Kate and Ellesse, for they will spend their summer vacation in America. Most of us had become teary – eyed because, of course, it’s really sad that sometimes we need to go on separate ways during such vacations. I hope that would help them remember even though they’re going to be far apart.

Speaking of summer vacations, I’ll be going to my parents’ place in Negros Occidental this coming March 28, 8 days after the high school recognition day. Yep, I’ll probably be one of those lucky and deserving honor students who will receive medals as fruits of hard labor during the event, and it’ll be considered a victory for me.

But before that, my school had already achieved such, for the cheering squad was declared champion during the National High School Finals of the National Cheering Competition a while ago. Can you imagine, 13 other schools competing for the same title, including the former defending champion, School of St. Anthony? The reward was indeed worth months of practicing for the pep squad and doing the best of supporters to cheer for their beloved school. It’s also a good thing that despite the tough competition, camaraderie and sportsmanship were practiced, which was a must in every battle that we have to face.

About my current experience in Lineage 2, I’m currently accomplishing the last two parts of the job change quest so that my elven archer will graduate from the HO academy and become a Silver Ranger: Testimony of Life and Test of the Sagittarius. I’ve finished the first part known as Trial of the Seeker. Believe me, completing them was indeed difficult, considering that I have limited Internet time. I wish I could freight my paladin’s 3 million adena for the shortcut quest, but I’m afraid that my beloved tanker will become poor, so I refused. I hope it’s worth the hard work, anyway.

Gotta continue the quests now… More chit – chat soon… ^^

Alcar’s new favorite + Glimpse with the fallen angel + Legacy amidst death

Last night, when I logged in to Xfire, it was unexpected of me to see that Alcarcalimo was online, playing Rohan: Blood Feud. I decided to chat with him, since it was been months since my last talk with him. While I’m searching for the exact spot where the weathered rock was placed in the Wastelands using the quest guide for my current quest, Fallen Angel – Request of Dusk, in the IGN L2 Vault website, we had a talk about his newest favorite online game. Alcar told me that his character was a Dhan, a race composed of humans skilled in assassination, since daggers were considered the race’s main weapon. He then asked me if I’ll be going to try the game, and I said yes, though I was pissed off with the Revenge System, one feature in which a character can teleport to the killer’s location, when he or she is killed, and exact retribution. In fact, I’ve heard of Rohan before in the February issue of GAME! , and I’m currently waiting for my copy of the March issue so that I’ll receive the free Rohan DVD installer included there. If I would create a character there, I would be either a human or half – elf, since humans are considered as knights there and half – elves are excellent archers.

Now that I knew the exact location of the weathered rock (thanks to the quest guide), I logged in to L2 and continued my elven archer’s quest. I was halted because of my difficulty in searching the rock and that my internet time’s already up. Good thing by the time I continued the quest, I was able to find the rock with ease. By the time my archer looked upon its white surface and sang the song of prophecy, she was finally face – to – face with the celestial being.

In Eva’s name, she remarked, she has magnificent wings. She must be the fallen angel!

From Lineage 2 pics

By the time my elven archer cured her wounds with the medicine, the angel spoke words of gratitude and explained the reason why she was there in the Wastelands using her mind. Yes, her lips did not move, but at least the crystal that was given to my archer was able to record the words she said. By the time the angel vanished from my archer’s sight, she sent the recorded message right away to Grand Master Tobias. In the end, she received the adena & EXP / SP reward for completing the quest.

But before all that, there was a shocking news that saddened the fans of Francis Magalona, the master rapper of the Philippines. I heard from my grandmother that he passed away due to leukemia. The last time I saw him in TV, he wore a cap to conceal his head, which was bald due to his chemotherapy sessions. Even I became crestfallen by the news. Believe me, I may not be a fan of rap songs, but what amused me was that his rap songs were all about nationalism, about being proud to be a Filipino. Even in his death, the legacy still lives on, and it must be continued.

Now I’m thinking, if I would have the chance, I would buy one of the T – shirts from his famous clothing line, 3 Stars and a Sun. I can’t wait to have one! ^^

That’s enough talking for now… More interesting stuff to come in soon! :D

Lost Freedom

Sorry for not being able to update my blog for weeks. I've been given limitations on using Internet right now, simply because I was caught watching something mature. I would rather not tell you the story, for I've been depressed for my whole vacation.

But anyway, I have plans that I must accomplish, just like the ff.:

- Leveling up my Paladin so that I couls be given access to Blazing Swamps, which is my next venue for the quest Supplier of Reagents.

- Promoting my elf to Silver Ranger ASAP, as well as my Artisan to Warsmith.

- Continuing my Cabal Online adventures as a Force Shielder (I've been in hiatus from Nevareth for months), and creating both a Force Archer and a Force Blader, maybe still in Saturn or starting anew in Mars (my older sister's Wizard lives there, believe me... -.-)

But thankfully, I've watched Code Geass to relieve the boredom of my vacation. I won't spoil the story if you didn't watch the show it, so you better start now.

That's all for now... ^^

Twilight + Fiesta Online + my clan alterations

Yesterday, I just watched Twilight together with some of my classmates in Megamall, and I'm impressed on how the story was presented. I noticed that there were some slight changes in the plot of the movie, for there might be some scenes coming from the book that were not supposed to be viewed. Despite not being able to watch the first parts, I was able to get the perspective of the movie.

For those of you who haven't watched the movie, it's actually based on the novel of the same title, authored by Stephenie Meyer. It's about a human named Isabella Swan who met a strange being, a vampire, by the name of Edward Cullen. As she discovers his identity and his connection with the vampires, she begins to accept him, and most of all, they have developed a relationship. I won't spoil the details on how all these happened, so you better watch the movie, or better yet, read the novel.

Last Wednesday night, I have tried a new online game called Fiesta Online. I first heard of it when I saw the poster on the internet cafe which is also the place for me to buy L2 load. I got the installer free with my December - January issue of GAME! magazine (I'm subscribed to the magazine, by the way). Eager to try it out, I deleted PW first, then I installed Fiesta onto my PC. I even registered for a MYGAME account (MYGAME's the local publisher of the game, the ones also responsible for bringing Special Force Online to the Philipines) so that I counld try it. Good thing the game's free to play, so I don't have to worry about buying load for it.

By the time the update's finished, I logged in and created a character. I named my toon Crestfallen (same as my Force Shielder in Cabal), for I chose to be a Fighter. Fighters can opt to be damage - dealers because of their two - handed weapons, or tankers because of the usual one-handed sword + shield combination. I decided to choose the latter path. By the time my toon was in Argos (the starting point), of course, I followed the tutorial quest, so that I'll get used to the game. Afterwards, I have to talk to NPCs who have quests available at ceratin levels. Yeah, you got that right, the quest system there is indeed similar to Cabal, with items, exp. points & even fame as reward. But still, I have to do these quests one step at a time, although it's better to combine one quest with another with a similar purpose.

That's also where my toon learned to pick out mushrooms & flowers, open clams, chop wood & gather herbs for certain ingredients needed for potions, buff scrolls & even enchantment stones (aside from killing mobs, of course). The Alchemy system is when you'll create potions & stones, as well as to assemble & decompose items (You can choose only 2 production skills, though). My fighter had learned potion production for my pots, as well as stones needed to refine items (believe me, refining items is still risky, as always). I even learned how to use a pickaxe as well for mining ores, as well as to use the mount to reach my destination faster.

As for my skills, I bought skill scrolls from the skill master when I reached the skill requirements. Good thing there's also Skill Empowerment designed to enhance your skills, like adding damage, increasing buff effectiveness & even decreasing cooldown time. Up to now, I still have to get used to that system.

Overall, it's indeed a great experience, although there are lags that would ruin the gaming fun (believe me, it still exists... ><). If you want to meet me in - game, whisper Crestfallen, and I'll try to help you in everything I can.

From fiesta online pics

As for my L2 life, I noticed some changes in my clan, HeavensOracle. My clanmate Hellborne replaced Iriss as the leader of the 2nd order, as the latter will join another clan. Even my clan leader, EvaRavenspell, had her Warsmith, MayaRavenspell, replace her main avatar as the new clan leader. But still, it didn't dampen my interest with the clan, as I made friends with one of the new members, beautyheal, a Bishop from Malaysia.

Well, that's all for my chit-chat. Later days... ^^

Weird tagline + Another promotion

My pally just saw a weird tagline from that Dark Elf while I was waiting for my clanmate to give me accessories in MRT. It really reminds of that show in Bubble Gang on GMA 7 wherein there is that spoiled brat and her housemaid. Here's the screenshot:

From Lineage 2 pics

By the way, my former Warder just graduated last Saturday from the HeavensOracle academy. It really took me a long time to finish the job change quest (Certified Soul Breaker), with hunting for wyrm hearts as the most difficult part. But then, she wasn't instantly leveled up to 40, so after I finished the quest, I filled up all of her remaining experience in the Field of Whispers in Heine Territory. And so, voila! I went back to Giran so that she will have the promotion.

From Lineage 2 pics

Immediately after this, I used some of my remaining Dimensional Diamonds to purchase a SOE to her home town, the Kamael Village at the Isle of Souls. There, I bought all the Battle Manuals of her Soul Breaker skills from Trader Milfia. I had to freight all my uneccessary stuff to my Dwarven Artisan, so that I'll have space to put almost all of her manuals in her WH, but I left those required for her lvl 40 - 43 skills in her inventory. Excited about these new skills, I tried them near the Malle Lizardmen Barracks, and believe me, I'm impressed.

Yesterday, after I used my future Silver Ranger for a few hours, I used my fresh Soul Breaker again, since my prince ArkAngle will give me C-grade equipment in Rune Township. How kind of him! He gave me a normal Theca set as congratulatory gift.

From Lineage 2 pics

And so, he told me that I had to give my Paladin's Samurai Long Sword to her. I'm really reluctant at first, but he said that he'll give me a B-grade weapon for her by the time I come back. And so, I followed him. I'm really impressed at the result of weapon conversion, from SLS, into an Admiral's Estoc. (Never mind about the bottom, I was so in the hurry during the time I took it.)

From Lineage 2 pics

And also, about the Alchemist event, my pally current has 3 transmutation circles in her recipe book. It's really hard for my toons to get the chest keys needed to open these chests near the NPC. I have to use all of the mats harvested by them to create Philosopher's Stones. So far, I got Greater Healing potions as reward.

That's all & thank you... ^^

Castle Siege: My first experience

My paladin was finally back in HeavensOracle, but this time she's included in the 2nd Order: OrderofHeaven. I asked my clanmates if it was necessary for me to join the castle siege, and EvaRavenspell, my clan leader, replied that it would be nice for me to participate, although it's not much of an obligation. Although hesitant at first, I decided to join in to give myself a try. Here's what happened during the first two days of my castle siege participation:

Last Saturday night, Eva sent us a letter that we're going to help DesertWolf in capturing Aden Castle. Believe me, Aden was the only castle left unnoticed in the past sieges, and it was the first time for me to discover that a clan was intrepid enough to capture it. We met at the gate infront of the castle in order to prepare ourselves. The signal was finally given that we should run towards the right side, and woosh, here we go, we ran as fast as we could. But then, I noticed that HO was not alone in helping. Among those that joined the fray include Infinity, SignumVires, Yakuza and others.

From Lineage 2 pics

At first, I started going towards the inner castle after the walls were demolished by those Swoop & Wild Hog cannons. But then, I noticed how difficult it was to get in. Imagine a middle-level character trying to storm in together with those high-level soldiers... My HP almost got depleted because of one of the castle guards, but good thing one of my partymates (Ichiee was the party leader during that time) warned me to go back outside before it’s too late. It was because we’re tasked to watch over the flags posted outside the castle and wipe out every enemy that has the intention of wiping them out. We waited until DW succeeded in engraving the seal in the castle, and so we ran out of the castle in order to reach Gludio.

Since teleporting to towns was restricted during the siege, we had to go there the hard way: porting to Giran harbor first, then running towards the spot near Dion town so that we could SOE there, then porting to Cruma Marshlands, and finally, running and swimming to Gludio. I stayed in the town for safety, since Endless and the other clans are struggling to get Gludio Castle. I felt so tired and so I took a nap, and when I woke up, I was shocked that the siege has finally ended. Really tedious, but good thing I remained alive during its whole duration.

But it’s much worse yesterday, when we’re going to help our ally (again), but this time, in defending Giran castle. We met near the gatekeeper, then ran towards the castle. I knew it’s still too early, but being punctual was important. And so, we waited until the signal was rung. Again, as mentioned before, we also have allies in defending, and included there were AbyssalHeroes, Hybrid, etc.

From Lineage 2 pics

We’re supposed to check the sides, as well as the front, for both Endless and Justice, since they’re our main targets. The worst thing that happened to me was when I suffered from too much lag, and I got disconnected. Arrrrghh!!!! I was back to town when I logged in again and as a desperate way, suggested by my prince, I used my event points in riding the Wyvern. I got disconnected (AGAIN!) while I was on my way, and so I tried again the 2nd time. Thankfully, I arrived at the castle safely and dismounted it.

I continued with my usual task of watching over at the sides and at the front for any enemy presence, and indeed, it became really intense, as our comrades scrambled at all sides in order to kill them. By 6:00 p.m., the siege was supposed to be over, but only Rune Castle finished it on time. I was so bored, so I SOE’d back to Giran, then ported backed to Aden Town and continued my level grind in Aden Cemetery until my paladin reached level 52 (I halted when she’s 51 because of the siege). Believe me, I was shocked when my clanmate rhea19 told us via clan chat that the clash was still ongoing. But I’m so weary to go back, and my prepaid usage time was about to get expired. So I just SOE’d back to Aden and went to the Warrior Guild to learn new skills, and alas, my time was already up.

Overall, my first two days for castle siege experience was not that bad. It’s really tiring, but still it’s worth the trouble. I really can’t wait to equip that Zubei Heavy Armor set my prince gave me before the siege started. Whoopdedoo!

And so that closes my talk for now… ^^

And so the sem break ends...

Today's the last day of my semestral break, and I'm going back to school tomorrow. But just before I prepare, let me share to you my L2 life so far:

My paladin has already reached level 50 due to leveling up in the Sea of Spores (I was doing the Dig up the Sea of Spores quest during that time) & the Forest of Evil, located between the Ivory Tower and the Tower of Insolence. It's also the second time of joining the Seven Signs, and I'm fighting for the Lords of Dawn again, but this time, it's for the Seal of Avarice. During her stay in the Catacomb of the Apostate, aside from killing those mobs for quest scrolls for the Yoke of the Past quest, there was one party who was found dead because of being owned by them. Here's the screenshot:

From Lineage 2 pics

To relieve from boredom, I chatted with my prince ArkAngle about random stuff, including the party there. Believe me, I was flabbergasted by the time he said to me that these party members are using bot 24/7. At least being kissed on the floor would teach them a lesson.

About my alternate toons, my Warder has 5 more levels to go before she'll become a Soul Breaker, and my Elven archer has already reached level 28. My greatest accomplishment I got so far was when my Dwarf was promoted to Artisan. Here's the proof:

From Lineage 2 pics

And so I tried vending via private creation using the two recipes: the SSD recipe that Alcarcalimo's Dwarf, FlintForger, gave to me and even the SpSD recipe that my main has picked up somewhere. But then again, no one dared to give materials for me to craft. Oh well, at least that's one of the pains of a vender. As for her combat abilities, I chose both blunt-type & polearms as her weapons, for I have to be flexible depending on the situation that I have to face, either in solo or in a party.

Oh, and one more thing. During the period of raising & smashing pumpkins, I received lots of potions, some enchant scrolls & even A-grade crystals as rewards. As for the point zone event, I received a Black Feather Mask for my Paladin, a Monocle for my Warder, and even some fireworks, too

Well, that's all for now! Doodlez! ^^

A bittersweet promotion

From yesterday until a while ago, my former Human Knight had spent the last 2 levels of her first class completing the Conquest of Alligator Island quest in Innadrill Territory. By the time she reached level 40, I decided to accomplish the shortcut job change quest, the Good Works Reward. Thanks to one of my former clanmates, who lent me the 3 million Adena, I was already one step towards her goal. I was also able to get back a part of the cost spent for the Antidote to given by one of the quests NPCs, thanks to the Black Marketeer of Mammon (you may be familiar with this dwarf, as he's the person to transact to when your Cabal, either Dusk or Dawn, won control over the Seal of Avarice after the one week quest period of the Seven Signs, by the way). And after talking to the Grand Master in the Warriors' Guild in Giran (the venue of the Good Works Reward) about the 2nd job change, the moment that I've been waiting for so long had finally arrived: She was now a Paladin, and also one of the graduates from the academy of HeavensOracle, for she was given an Academy Circlet as proof. I couldn't help but to smile, and deep inside, I was rejoicing with glee.

From Lineage 2 pics

From Lineage 2 pics

But then again, it also turned out to be melancholic, for once I graduated, I will once again be clanless. I really wished that I would still stay, but I should move on and prepare myself, for if I return, it will be a must for me to participate in both the fortress & castle sieges. But don't worry, my depature from the clan will be just brief, and besides, my Warder also became one of the academy members.

I would really like to thank my former HeavensOracle clanmates, especially to EvaRavenspell, Hellborne, SevenSins, Iriss, yching, Daeris & killuminatti, for letting me experience what is like to have comrades in a clan, and even to ArkAngle, for lending me the 3 million Adena for the shortcut job change quest and even for giving me C-grade equipment as a farewell gift. Kudos to you guys, and don't worry, as MacArthur said, "I shall return".

That's all for now! doodlez! ^^

Of Double Promotions & Other Future Plans

I just created a new character in Cadmus last night, which was a female Dark Elf. I used the same IGN of my Human Knight in Aria as her name, as suggested by my friend Alcarcalimo, who also re-rolled as a DE, in order not to ruin my reputation. During that time, I finished the tasks given by the Newbie Guide, from the Mass of Darkness quest to the Spirit of Craftsman quest. Then, a while ago, as the final task, I accomplished the Offspring of Nightmares quest. By the time my DE reached lvl 18, I decided to take on the Path of the Palus Knight, since I wanted to become a Bladedancer like him. It really took me a while to finish it, but yet again, it was worth it. Here's the proof:

From Lineage 2 pics

Since the Smash 'em Pumpkins event was on-going, I was able to collect pollen in order to trade in for seeds. Everytime I had the seed, I would summon it, feed it with pollen 5 times, then attack in order for it to open. Of all my attempts there, the young squash transformed into a Low Quality Squash, then after I cracked the squash, I received potions as reward. I'm hoping that someday, I'll receive better rewards.

I also used my Elven archer in Aria, and just like what happened to my Palus Knight, it really took me a while to finish the job change quest to become an Elven Scout. Here's the screenie:

From Lineage 2 pics

Talk about double promotion! Wohoo!!

As for my knight in Aria, she just received her 60k+ Ancient Adena reward for participating in the Seven Signs event. I noticed that as she ran towards the Priest of Dawn to receive the gift, one of the Orators of Revelation buffed me with a buff skill known as Blessing of Revelation, which decreases weight penalty & increases resistances to debuffs. I checked on the items that can be exchanged for that currency, and one of them was the Party Mask. I really wanted to take it, but the downside is that the AA required for it is 600k. Yikes! I guess I have to participate again in the event to get more AAs.

Since my semestral break will start on Monday, I'll do 2 quests & the shortcut job change quest in order to become a Paladin, complete quests for my Warder & Elven Scout, and even to try out new skills for my Palus Knight in Cadmus in preparation for the new set of tasks to be completed by her.

I guess I'm satisfied right now with the results. Time to go! ^^

Cadmus, Cadmus... Should I go there?

I just read the latest post in Alcarcalimo's L2 blog that he'll re-roll in the new server, Cadmus, tomorrow as an Assassin (I'm not sure if he'll be like his dark-haired soon-to-be AW Morfindien, though). Yeah, you heard that right, that means that his Bladedancer will still be in (permanent) hiatus mode, although he'll still use it sparingly from time to time. If you want to read about it, look at the link below:

http://alcartravels.blogspot.com/2008/10/re-rolling-to-cadmus.html

Despite the feeling that I'm excited to try out the new server and to re-roll as a Bladedancer (it was because of the cool dance buffs), I was currently in the state of anxiety. It was because of these reasons:

- My knight has 2 more levels to go before she'll become a Paladin, and I need to ask my HO clanmates for 3m Adena for the sake of completing the shortcut quest.

- My archer has to complete the job change quest to become an Elven Scout.

- I couldn't leave my clanmates behind in Aria, so I had to stay there again after I tried out my new toon in Cadmus.

- I cannot log in tomorrow, for I still have to focus in school, so I'm assuming that he'll be far ahead of me, and it'll be hard for me to catch up with him.

- I'm still thinking of what quests to do for my Kamael Warder.

If that would be the case that he'll leave his characters behind in Aria & that he'll be lavishing the pleasure of starting over in Cadmus and stay there until eternity, then that means our friendship will no longer be crystal clear from now on, with the focus blurred to the point of blindness and I'm not happy about it. I hate to say this and to somewhat offend him, and please pardon me, but I can't help it. If that's what he really wants, so be it. I hope we'll still keep in touch, though... >_<


Gotta go to sleep now... I'm so tired *yawns*...

An interesting read + current L2 updates

While I was browsing through the L2 forums a few days ago, I've found an intersting story to read. It's all about the anxiety of being in love in someone, only to discover that he / she is left alone in the end. By the way, this was written by clone03 in the forums:

Why I Don't Speak To You??

Why don’t I speak to you? It’s clear to see that you’re making every palatable effort just to talk to me. You’re apparently trying to act friendly to somebody who tries so hard to keep you invisible. What does it feel like to talk to a brick wall? Well, try to master the feeling and get used to it; you’ll be encountering that same feeling a lot more every time you try to talk to me.

I’ve been chasing you for five months. That’s right, five grueling months. I trusted you with anything and everything. It’s been weeks since I’ve been having this fever. I cannot eat properly and my eyes are sore for crying myself to sleep every night. I can’t believe you did this to me. You, of all people. You, who’ve said that you’re deathly afraid of losing me and hurting me. You who’ve stated that you’re thankful for having someone like me. You who’ve said that you’ll never go far away from me; even the skies would tell me that you need me so. You…

To tell you the truth, I’ve already forgiven you… Yeah, it may sound weird, but that’s true! Well, I did love you once upon a time, and every time you’ve hurt me, I’ve cried it out at night and smiled it out in the morning. Prayers for you always came first before my prayers for my true friends, my family, and yes, even myself. But then again, I cannot but ignore you.

I’m a man who, in the youngest of ages, have seen and felt things that even a grown man shouldn’t see in a lifetime. I know how it feels like when the Angel of Death stares at me face to face. I’ve downed every problem I had so far. Death no longer scares me. Darkness no longer haunts me. The unknown makes me laugh. I have no fear, or at least, it used to be that way. Now I have only one fear… YOU!

I’m afraid of YOU! You hurt me so bad that I can still feel my heart race like a supersonic jet every time I hear your name or see you walk by. I’m afraid that you’d hurt me again. I’m afraid that, when we start speaking to each other again, you’d lie to me again. It would have been fine if you would lie and never let me discover the truth. However, I, a human lie-detector, would eventually figure it out, and it hurts me so.

So now, you’re probably asking yourself, “When the heck have I ever lied to him?” I don’t know maybe you should just keep that question to yourself. Try to remember the definition of lying, “lying is when you say what you’re not supposed to say and when you don’t say what you’re supposed to say”. That should be enough of a definition for you…

You know what; you still mean the world to me right now. You’re still the first name that pops out of my head when the sun rises and the last thing that circles my head before my consciousness shuts down for sleep. That’s why every little thing you do hurts me so much. Even the smallest of lies and cheapest of tales hurt me so much. It cuts deep in me like a samurai through butter.

I don’t want to feel this way anymore. I’ve got to move on. So many people are counting on me. So many lives are depending on me. The safety of the people I care for the most is in my hands. I don’t need a weakness right now. I don’t need someone who lets me second-guess my talents and abilities. I don’t need someone to cry over. In short, right now, I don’t need someone like you.

Please understand. It’s not your new girlfriend. It’s not your successful school life. It’s not the platoon of friends you carry around or the battalion of girls waiting at your doorstep. It’s simply between us. It’s between the events that have happened between us.

Honestly, the memories I’ve spent with you were, so far, some of the happiest in my life. I want to keep it that way. When I remember you, I want to remember not the hell you’ve put me through, but the heaven that I’ve shared with you.

I am, after all, once upon a time, your “best friend” and your “love”. I know you better than anyone in the world does. I know you better than your pretty face and your beautiful body. I know you better than your generic clothes, your baby cologne and your 99-peso lip gloss. I know who you are and what you truly feel about the world. That is why I can always say that, in this world, you cannot but lie. It’s what you do. It’s how you protect yourself. It’s how you defend yourself from getting hurt. It’s how you soften up your enemies before you go for the kill.

As sure as I am that one plus one equals zero, I’m sure that, when we speak again, you will not lie to me. You’ll do it all over again, and I’ll feel this way all over again.

I, like you, have to protect myself. I’ll let my feelings for you pass. I’ll let time heal my broken heart and my shattered self-esteem. That way, when we talk again, you can lie all you want. You can even stand in front of me and tell me that you’re seated down. By that time, it wouldn’t matter to me anymore. It wouldn’t hurt me as much as it does right now. It wouldn’t cost me sleepless nights and lost appetites.

Someday, when I’ve lost my love for you, when I’ve forgotten all the things you’ve put me through, maybe we can start all over again. We could be friends.

Friendship is all I can offer you because I cannot trust you any longer. If you want my trust back that bad, work hard for it, as have I.

And one more thing… Why am I always grumpy whenever you’re around? It’s not because I haven’t forgiven you for fooling me, because I have. It’s because I haven’t forgiven myself yet for letting myself be fooled by you…

Melancholic, isn't it?

Ok, mushy feelings aside. My knight was able to finish the Gather Ingredients for Pie quest, and she was given 50 Varnishes as a reward. I was also able to accomplish the Trial of Duty, the first part of the 2nd job change. But then something vexing happened. I was just teleported to Hunter's Village to give the quest items to Israel Silvershadow when suddenly, I got disconnected, and worse, I discovered that Aria's down, AGAIN! Good thing I posted the update in the forums... >_<

Fortunately, the server's up again after some time, and I still managed to finished the other half of the quest. The rewards were indeed worthy as well, for I was able to level up and to tune-up some of my current skills. As for my Kamael Warder, I requested my clan leader EvaRavenspell to recruit her into the academy. But the problem was that, one of the members was kicked out of the clan, meaning there was an invite penalty, and I have to go online again later in order to be included. I also managed to squeeze some of my remaining game time to my archer, so that she'll be at lvl 18 in order to do the job change quest in order to become an Elven Scout.

Well, that's all for now. See you in-game! ^^

Octobermania + Current L2 accomplishments

Last Sunday, I went to Megamall together with my chaperone to witness CosplayMania '08. By the time we arrived at the venue, which was at Megatrade Hall 3, there were so many people, especially the cosplayers, and the waiting line was really long. Good thing I bought lunch just before we went in to pay the entance fee and get tickets. I even got a free P20 L2 card for presenting one of my used ones, too.

As expected, I saw the spot for the L2 Octobermania event. I even noticed that the decoration used during the Ozine Fest '08 last summer was used again, but this time the Kamael logo at the top was replaced with the Octobermania logo. I played the memory game at the back to pass the time, since the registration for free play will start at 12:00 noon. At the game, one will have up to 5 chances to get a pair of the same cards, and freebies will be given depending on the trial. I got the Kamael pair at the 2nd trial, and my freebies include the DVD installer, a ballpen & even one of the cards. I chose the same card as the pair that I was able to find. I even wrote the IGN of my knight together with my guild at one spot of the freedom board, too.

I was able to register for freeplay, and during that time, I used my knight & started the Gather the Ingredients for Pie quest. While I was playing, I met the child of one of the players who played as a Paladin (I'm not sure if the father is the owner of Atreo, one of the best-known paladins of Blackbird, or someone else, though). That child played his female Warrior, and I assumed that he'll choose to be a Gladiator, since his avatar wielded dual swords. Since the freeplay duration lasted for only 1 hour, my knight got about 1/4 of the number of required quest items, and I SOE'd her back to Gludio before I left. I even met Guardian Telrun in person as well playing his Kamael.

I even watched the Battle Tournament at the Underground Coliseum. Before the match started, Guardian Mephistopheles introduced to us players the new Guardian, Alkaia, and even gave me a mouse pad for answering his question correctly. There were some slight errors going on, and even delays while waiting for the Aria division match to begin. But then again, at the go signal, it was an all-out mayhem, especially when the characters killed each other through skills as well as to destroy resurrection towers. The winners even rejoiced at the announcement. I wasn;t able to watch the Blackbird part, though, since I became so tired. But before I left, I glanced again at the freedom board, only to discover that it was filled with so many names already, and I even bought a mouse pad as well as a keychain.

As for my L2 life, I have good news. Last Saturday, I started the job change quest for my Kamael, and she sucessfully became a Warder. Here's the proof:

From Lineage 2 pics

Right now, she's at level 21, currently trying out her rapier skills. But the current problem is that in order to finish the option side-quest of the Subjugation of Lizardmen quest, she needs to kill the Serpent Demon Bifrons for the item inside the chest. It means that I'll have my first time battle with a raid boss! Yikes!!! I really need a party right now ASAP!

As for my knight, she's currently at level 34, one more level before she can do the Trial of Duty quest, one of the 3 job change quests necessary to reach her 2nd class (I'm still not sure if I can afford to do the shortcut 2nd job change, though). I still need to continue to aformentioned Gather Ingredients for Pie quest, though.

For my other plans, I still need to use my Elven archer and do the job change quest to become an Elven Scout. I might even plan to re-roll in Cadmus next week either as a Dark Elf to become a Bladedancer, a Human to become a Warlord, or another Elf to be either a Swordsinger or Plainswalker.

Anyway, that's all for now! More things yet to come! ^^

A new Guardian in the house!

I just checked the first post about the Guardian team topic in the L2 forums, and I noticed that it has been edited yesterday. It has been revealed that the new Guardian will be female, just like one of the L2 current Guardians, Ashlianna. And now, the identity of the new Guardian has been revealed.

The new Guardian's name was Alkaia, and by the time she was introduced to the community, she was warmly welcomed by the players, including me and tsukihime, who had started a welcome thread for her in the Aria sub-section of the Worlds section. According to the Guardian team topic, she has an identity of being a female Kamael (although it might soon change). Alkaia even announced that there will be a new event going on this comming October 21 (It's found in the Events section of the forums, by the way). As of now, she's still shy, because of her being blushed due to the warm welcome she had received by us, by don't worry, she'll soon cope up and be confident as part of the community.

But remember, just like the other Guardians, treat her nicely, or you'll suffer the consequences... mwahahahahaha... >:D

That's all for now... Ciao! ^^

L2 plans after exams

Since my periodical exams will start on Tuesday, and it will last for 3 days, I decided to tone down my urge to complete quests in L2. Yeah, there are some things in which I need to rush, but for now, I need to wait a little more.

But don't worry, I have plans that I will accomplish after the last day of exams. Here are the following:

For my Human Knight - completing the Acts of Evil Quest

For my Kamael - continuing the Muertos Feather quest + starting the Few, the Proud & the Brave quest

For my Elven archer - starting the Rancher's Plea quest + the Job Change quest to become an Elven Scout

Other plans - creating a dwarf for the sake of crafting items, especially soulshots & spiritshots

These might change, though, so it might not go on as planned... >_<

Anyway, that's all for now... ^^