Thoughts on shard-wide 'Replica Of An Empty Mysterious Crystal Display' event

[G.v.P]

I really thought this weekend's 'Replica Of An Empty Mysterious Crystal Display' event was handled poorly by EMs. First off, this item is very unique, and a lot of people wanted one. However, for whatever reason, most shards, if not all, seemed to only allow the item spawner to remain for mere minutes. In fact, on some shards, there was intense fighting due to generated spawn which disallowed some local fighters from even getting a replica.

I understand there has to be balance between griefers, xtraders, RPers, and the casual users in the middle, but EA, please, in the future, have your EMs clearly state what is going on. If you're going to make an invasion force for example, and screw over anyone who fights that force while xtraders get all the items through the narrow window the event item is up, that's just horrible event design in my opinion. Either put the reward on the creature, like an arty pop into every one's pack (which xtraders can't damage for loot), or do the reward when EVERYTHING is dead.

 

[Yen Sid]

Indeed, I missed the event and from the sounds of it, it will be hard to get one of these on my home shard since the window to get one was short and because of that there won't be that many. Too bad really, a very neat item.

 

[Merion]

I got one, but only because I got bored of fighting those blackrock golems and was hanging out in the throne room at the right time.

G.v.P. is totally right that it went terribly wrong. The most dedicated players who hunted down the last golems and demons, maybe even did some RP, were the ones that missed the reward.

How about just making things like that a drop? Once you damaged any event mob enough to get looting rights, you get the reward item dropped in your pack at the end of the event.

 

[Travis82]

I don't even think it happened on formosa yet i mean really shouldn't it happen about same time on every server?? asia 8pm usa 8pm japan etc.. you get it. this event was handled soo poorly i would be ashamed if i was an EM.

 

[Mapper]

Same situation on Europa, People were busy fighting and hadn't heard Dawn whilst the gift giver outer was switched on.. then off!

So quite a few people never got a gift.

 

[Travis82]

The gift thing is separate, it's the fact the UO team cant get everything in sync here. This event should be an embarrassment to the team. They cant even get the damn event going on all servers. Just poor quality from the uo staff.

 

[Gheed]

We counted 281 [young] chars created in haven in the hour before the event. Most of those were gated straight to the throne room and loged off there. The item spawner at the end was up less than 5 minutes. During that time it was switched on and off. So most of those [young] chars probably didn't get the reward. Most of the folks through the event did. The only one that made a fuss was some fella wearing armor looted from an elite gaurd. I dont think that was intentional.

 

[Crysta]

On LS they waited till they thought all the monsters were dead (one still somehow managed to wander in as they were about to hand the things out at the end, and we got to kill it with the EM trainer character and Dawn), then the EM character ran around all of Brit telling the people scattered around when we'd be meeting in the castle afterwards. To my knowledge, everyone that took part was able to get one.

Now if only those damn golems hadn't been so annoying to fight...

 

[Apetul]

Most people doesnt know that the real reward was the armor on the Queen Guards. Platemail leggings, chest, gloves, arms, mempo (sic) and a skullcap. All pieces Marble colored. And a dark red hallberd. 6 guards on every shard, that died and people was able to loot the corpses. Thats what the xsharders were looking for, but of course normal players were fighting the spawn... so no cool rewards for them.

PS: On LS, there was 6 guards (like any other shard) but mysteriously one of them just dissapeared couple minutes before the spawn start to attack the town and he probably died just in front of a *lucky* guy.

 

[Crysta]

They all moved around a lot, and then toward the end they all vanished. Are you really sure they even dropped on LS? I mean.. I would have at least expected to see their bodies if they had gotten killed, with how much I was running around. NPC humans leave "A Human Corpse" bodies, and those stick out from all the player names pretty well..

 

[Apetul]

The EMs were moving the guards just because most xsharders were hidden next to them. Thats why a couple phoenix were spawned too, to reveal the hidden players because the area damage.
And yep, human corpses (blue) lootable by anyone and they died because the red blackrock monsters (i dont remember their names) were doing area damage to the Guards. I got some armor pieces from one of them.

 

[Crysta]

Damn.. I really wanted a pair of those glasses, too. And I was wondering about the phoenix corpses I saw.. was a good idea on their part. From some of the stories in here and that i've heard elsewhere, it seems the LS EMs handled it better than most this time.

 

[Curran]

Well, better than me. I opened up 1 body (only 1) and my game locked up. I was dead upon logging back in and the armor was gone, of course! I just have bad luck that follows me around like a plague.

 

[RavenWinterHawk]

I was away. I missed the event. What was it about? Sounds like it was about killing the guards and looting the new fangled colored armour. In addition, the goal was to wait at the gift giver and click it really fast to get stuff. Sounds fun.


I vote all EM events be changed to static vending machines. And the EM stands there and changes the color of the item every 5 minutes.

Awesome event wish I would of killed guards and click the machine. I wonder what kind of lore and history go with guard whacking and machine clicking... There must be something from Ultima 5 that cover this.

I guess I am the only one that has a problem with UO's direction. Don't get me wrong I like vending items. Its fun. But something seems odd with this event, the Bane complaints, the NPC giving out blue potions and the I want I want want or I didnt get, I didn't get.

Please randomize adventure. JMO.

 

[Daga Taga]

I thought the event on LS went very well. It was nice that they went around Brit telling people to meet in the throne room in ten minutes. Those Blackrock Elementals where insane and the griefers are always annoying, but I thought it was a good event.

 

[sablestorm]

Why is it that the XSharders are able to get multiple items while others complain about getting none? Because the Xsharders pay attention?

On Pacific, all you had to do was follow Queen Dawn around and fight what she fought. I pulled up her hit point bar and defended my Queen throughout the entire battle. Yes, I died a few times and had to relocate her, but this is Britain. We've been playing in this town for years so should it really be that difficult? What's more, on Pacific, the EMs were in general chat informing everyone where we were headed to next.

I can't speak for other shards, but I really don't see any excuses for Pacific.

 

[R Traveler]

Current global events are crap by design. Too many xsharders just for final "gift" adding lot of lag.

 

[NuSair]

I believe that the problem with the event was that it was just too random.

There should have been outpost or barricades or something similar where the creatures were spawned- or have messages appear on the screen telling characters where to go (like a global message).

Part of me likes having the armor of the guard lootable, it's pretty cool. But when designing something like that, they need to realize that people from other shards are going to show up on other shards because different shards are run at different times. That HAS to be considered. And it really isn't fair to mess with people who that is their home shard just because people create newbie characters to get the vendor machine loots or even the guard armor loots.

 

[Adol]

I agree that the reward item was up for far too short a time, and was especially hard to locate on Europa with all the Young characters blocking the throne room; people were there for quite some time before they even realised, under the press of bodies, that the event was over.

However what bothered me the most was that it led to a very unsatisfying narrative... I knew before hand going in that it was an event we were designed to lose, the Crystal had to be taken to advance the plot... However, on Europa we had rather good organisation; we had defenders on the drawbridge, a contingent in the throne room, and a healing hospital just south of the throne. Queen Dawn then ordered people to advance into Britain to defend the city from the Golems, whilst I and others warned of being flanked. So about half of the army stayed put. What should have happened was a tonne of Golems marched into the throne room, and beat us up to force the Crystal from us. Job done, revenge motives given, no one looks very smart and every one gets ready for round 2... What apparently actually happened was a force of Invisible Ninja Golems ran silently into the room, and the Crystal just vanished whilst about 50 people (and 100 Youngs) looked around and went "Eh? What?" It also led to Queen Dawn looking quite ridiculous because moving away from the throne room now seemed to have been the worst option; no one died to the invisible item filchers, and from a non-plot related stand point, those fighting outside often didn't even get back in time to see the reward dispenser. I normally role play when I can, so as not to spoil it for others, but I had to sigh "Epic queen fail" in Event chat at that all the same...

 

[AirmidCecht]

I would rather mourn the loss of our guardsmen than loot their corpses dry. I will vouch for LS with Crysta however and say that our Royal Guard Trainer fought along side us and instructed us all to head for the Castle. After Queen Dawn appeared (and dialogue shared), a Blackrock Golem charged the Castle and not until it was dead was their any talk of replicas.

I think it is important to note that every shard has its own unique personality that each EM has to factor in. Some are plagued with interruptions and unforseen things while others are more interactive with roleplaying the storyline. Let's not forget our EM's come from the community of players and as such are doing what they can with the story and rewards as instructed. I think some events become learning lessons for how to do it better, whether we think it's fair or not.

 

[MalagAste]

On GL's most everyone who participates in the EM events knows that we use the EM Event chat.

We were told where to assemble and when and our EM's took the time to go and "search" for any more monsters being fought and gave us time and direction to them.

Thank you Elizabella and Malachi for being excellent EM's. As for the spawner on the replica from what I understand it was set to only be available for about 10 min. And those who were assembled in the Throne Room got theirs and it went fine.

Most of those who "didn't" get one were just whining because they didn't have time to go get 30 extra characters and run them in.

I can guarantee that anyone who was paying attention not only had time but the ability whether they were in 2d or the EC to get the item. Those who "missed out" either were AFK or totally not paying any attention to what was going on.

And as far as I'm concerned those who "missed out" while it is a shame... really it's not that big of deal.

And truly the time allowed to click the item was MORE than enough. It was designed to be open to all who participated not ever tom, **** and harry on the shard and not every yahoo from all the other shards looking to make a buck.

So how do you offer things to those who participated without allowing an overflooding of the item and giving out freebies to folk who did nothing at all???

Well... You do exactly what was done or you do like Melissa and you have one big "end boss" and everyone who does damage to it well enough to loot gets something in their pack.... either way your going to end up upsetting someone...

 

[DarkScripture]

And LS takes it for the win!!!
Our event was perfect.. Our EM run around with us. Told us to look for more creatures around town.
Then told us to meet back in the throne room in 10 min.. After The speech from Queen Dawn, THEN we could get the display for only a few min time. I LOVE the idea of making these very limited.. I personally missed out on the Majik Flipper Event and did not get a pair. This very limited window for THOSE THAT TOOK PART did in deed get a reward for their efforts. Not one person that took part in our event missed getting one. There were ppl crying that they should have left it longer.. Why ?? If you did not help why should you be rewarded? All you really had to do was be part of it.. Come Naked .. Stay Dead ,, still get a reward.. Bank sit and you can cry all day about what you missed out on. The only valid complaint I read on our shard, was not being able to be on due to real life and thus missing the chance at the event. I would personally like to take the time to complement our LS EMs for a fine job. **claps**

 

[Angel Tears/RP]

"Madness is badness of spirit, when one seeks profit from all sources” - Aristotle

 

[Lady Storm]

Well the question i asked about the origin em event never got answered but ill do you all a favor go to Oceania and get you one. the Ems were kind for the players who didnt get on game cause of time constraints.

the item is in the throne room active still

 

[Llewen]

The event went really well on Cats as well, as far as I can see. Dawn led everyone back to the throne room when the fight was over and we all got our reward, plus a few hundred extras. I very much doubt this is going to be an incredibly rare item. I may be wrong, but I don't think they will be too hard to get.

 

[canary]

However what bothered me the most was that it led to a very unsatisfying narrative... I knew before hand going in that it was an event we were designed to lose, the Crystal had to be taken to advance the plot... However, on Europa we had rather good organisation; we had defenders on the drawbridge, a contingent in the throne room, and a healing hospital just south of the throne. Queen Dawn then ordered people to advance into Britain to defend the city from the Golems, whilst I and others warned of being flanked. So about half of the army stayed put. What should have happened was a tonne of Golems marched into the throne room, and beat us up to force the Crystal from us. Job done, revenge motives given, no one looks very smart and every one gets ready for round 2... What apparently actually happened was a force of Invisible Ninja Golems ran silently into the room, and the Crystal just vanished whilst about 50 people (and 100 Youngs) looked around and went "Eh? What?" It also led to Queen Dawn looking quite ridiculous because moving away from the throne room now seemed to have been the worst option; no one died to the invisible item filchers, and from a non-plot related stand point, those fighting outside often didn't even get back in time to see the reward dispenser. I normally role play when I can, so as not to spoil it for others, but I had to sigh "Epic queen fail" in Event chat at that all the same...

I agree with this totally. I actually went to British's castle (I was at the time by myself) solely to guard the gem. Imagine my surprise when the guards died one by one invisibly and the gem disappeared without as much as a 'hello' from an EM or whatever. There was no way that I (or others) could stop it from happening, and that's not really fair to your players. It's the same issue I had when Clanin was killed.

I get they need to advance the plot. I don't get it when I'm forced into a position that what I do has zero impact. Plus, showcasing the gem (gee, lets show off a REALITY SHAPING GEM in the castle! No one will take THAT!) like that only to have demons invade Britain, kill innocents and such makes Queen Dawn look like a dimbulb. I mean, on GL we were given in game notice FAR AHEAD that the demons wanted something, all signs pointing to Britain.

 

[canary]

And as far as I'm concerned those who "missed out" while it is a shame... really it's not that big of deal.

Yes, to YOU... because you got one. Or, perhaps, more than one.

I myself received the item as well. But I'm not going to dismiss those who actively worked with the story and didn't understand the need to get back to the castle ASAP, and are now not happy.

 

[Lady Storm]

I double checked the statue is still on in castle on Oceania.

 

[Uvtha]

Be happy you get an event. As far as I know we don't have an EM, and they are turning away people who apply.

 

[It Lives]

Quit Griping, there are some for sale on pac for 40 mil whats the problem?































(sarcasm)...... Yay ems!

 

[aoLOLita]

Legends event went well, I think, even though I did not get any guard armor. I too was under the impression that it was the monsters - not the guards - that had the good loot. The Reward generator was on long enough for me to run two characters that fought there ( I switched from archer to msytic at half-time) and slipped in a third char as well. One for me and two for a couple guild mates that missed the event. I dont about the new client, but i like the artwork on this item using th eold client

Another thing I appreciated was the advance notice. We had a good 24 hours + heads-up! Thank you EM/s!

 

[Lady Storm]

Forget that!! 40mill my tush make a char go to oceania and get you a few geesh!! ask a friend or x trader when the next time they are shipping stuff off and perhaps get one in trade geewiz guys go get you a few.

 

[Trevelyan]

Moved: http://vboards.stratics.com/showthread.php?t=219012

 

[canary]

Lovely idea, would love to see it implemented, but UO is notoriously known for taking the easiest route available.

I must say, I LOVE the fact you added healers to your idea. It always bums me out that there are those (especially at EM events) who provide great support services, stay in the background and heal but they never receive any reward or accolades.

I'm not putting the blame of this squarely at the EMs feet, btw. I adore the team we have on my home shard. Basically, I just feel this forced fiction was kind of thrust upon them and they've got to make gold out of poo.

 

[Trevelyan]

The best bit is healers are *needed*. A dedicated healer would earn more points for spending time in there all the time. A non-dedicated healer would earn some points for healing the guards but the aim is to actually get guards up there.

I think it is important that points are NOT known by the player - no notification or anything. Players should be rewarded for doing something necessary, rather than doing something necessary to be rewarded.

The problem at the moment is players are rewarded for both doing nothing. A note: you could get rewarded by idling in the healer area, but you'd have to be actually *there* to resurrect NPCs that appear.

 

[Zurhet Pebblethief]

Lovely idea, would love to see it implemented, but UO is notoriously known for taking the easiest route available.

I must say, I LOVE the fact you added healers to your idea. It always bums me out that there are those (especially at EM events) who provide great support services, stay in the background and heal but they never receive any reward or accolades.

I'm not putting the blame of this squarely at the EMs feet, btw. I adore the team we have on my home shard. Basically, I just feel this forced fiction was kind of thrust upon them and they've got to make gold out of poo.

We had a dedicated healer/rezzer/re-supplier on Cats and it worked great for us, I was pleased that they too were able to collect the replica though they didn't do any fighting. The Catskills EM's did a fantastic job of coordinating the event and instructing people on where and when things were happening.

 

[GarthGrey]

Here's my little thought, someone xx this xxxxx has xxxx so annoying it's xxxx, and not just in this thread. As for the event, good job to those that had the time to do it. A little thing like work gets in the way and prevents me from partaking in any events. But again, congrats on getting your 40-50mil valued item this month.

 

[Prime.]

EM on Lake Austin called everyone to the throne room and made sure no one was killing any golems before he made the statue obtainable! Thanks Pallando! ^^

 

[Aurelius]

However what bothered me the most was that it led to a very unsatisfying narrative... I knew before hand going in that it was an event we were designed to lose, the Crystal had to be taken to advance the plot....

It's a mess of a 'scenario' by the looks of it - it might be a salvageable situation if it's actually been nicked by Sherry, who saw what was about to hit the castle and took it for safety. I could live with the idea of a stealthy thief-skilled mouse getting past the crowds far more than the apparently invisible and undetectable ninja daemons that seem to have done the job.

 

[NewThunder]

Legends event went well, I think, even though I did not get any guard armor. I too was under the impression that it was the monsters - not the guards - that had the good loot. The Reward generator was on long enough for me to run two characters that fought there ( I switched from archer to msytic at half-time) and slipped in a third char as well. One for me and two for a couple guild mates that missed the event. I dont about the new client, but i like the artwork on this item using th eold client

Another thing I appreciated was the advance notice. We had a good 24 hours + heads-up! Thank you EM/s!

The Legends Event was not even lead by Queen Dawn!!

 

[ATLPvPer]

The Legends Event was not even lead by Queen Dawn!!

I thought it was. maybe I'm thinking of another shard ???

 

[chuckoatl]

It was led by queen dawn on every shard. On pretty much every shard the display case didnt drop until all the monsters were dead. If the EM's pretty much did everything for you ex: telling you exactly where to go, what to kill, what not to kill. Theere would be no point to the event. If you want stuff just given to you go play farmville or something. You have always had to do a little work in UO stop crying about it.

 

[Symma]

LOL kind of glad we don't get these events on Siege.

 

[soze]

I thought it went very well on sonoma.

 

[NewThunder]

It was led by queen dawn on every shard. On pretty much every shard the display case didnt drop until all the monsters were dead. If the EM's pretty much did everything for you ex: telling you exactly where to go, what to kill, what not to kill. Theere would be no point to the event. If you want stuff just given to you go play farmville or something. You have always had to do a little work in UO stop crying about it.

No on Legends Queen Dawn did not lead. not sure why the queen wasn't there but she wasn't.