Design Notes
September 30, 2013
Week of OMG!!!
We Have SO MUCH For You This Week
I'm going to keep this short, because the team has got a LOT of work to do if we're going to get everything out on time! Make sure to check out the current Reminders Design Notes post to stay up to date.
Can't handle the chaos... or so many releases!
Monday, September 30th
That is TODAY!
- Later tonight, the limited time gear in the Wheels of Doom and Destiny merge shops will be leaving... permanently. If you haven't gotten your "Skulls and Doom" or "Ancient Skulls and Doom" blades yet, now's the time!
Merge your Fortune Potions from the Wheels to create these blades!
- Check out our Pumpkin Carving Contest! Read Beleen's Design Notes for more information.
- Our Friday the 13th maps become Legend-only until December, when we have another Friday the 13th event!
Tuesday, October 1st
5th Upholder begins! Upgrade your account to get a sweet character page badge, access to FIVE Star Swords, and all the Legend-only perks you always get! (Like a free spin on the Wheel of Doom or Destiny, pets, exclusive storylines, and more!) If you already have an upgraded account and the upgrade will be active - or expires - on November 1st, then congratulations, you're already a 5th Upholder!
Legion Star Sword not pictured.
If you were an Upholder before and lost access to your Star Sword, never fear! You'll be able to go into your Book of Lore Upholder badge and access the shop to get it once more! We've had a LOT of people ask us to do this over the years, and now it is finally happening!
If you supported AQWorlds from the start as a Founder, you'll be able to access ALL of the Founder dragon pets... including this year's Green Armored and Galactic Armored Dragon pets!
Wednesday, October 2nd
Treasure Map time! Talk to Cleric Joy in Battleon to purchase a Treasure Map. Then use the clue in the item's description to find the location of the treasure hidden somewhere in-game.... and access ALL of the gear we've EVER added to the shop, plus the new Royal Dragoon set!
X marks the spot for treasure beyond measure!
Thursday, October 3rd
Run around corraling the server hamsters desperately trying to flee from the Friday insanity!
Friday, October 4th
Hang on to your helms, it's going to be a BIG release!
- Quibble's Talk Like a Pirate Day shop leaves! Last chance to get all of his awesomely piratical gear!
- The Blood Shadowcaster set arrives with the 3 month membership! If you purchase this package in October, you are automatically a 5th Upholder!
- All the previous year's Mogloween events return! Get your trick or treat ON!
- BattleMage Class releases! Memet will do a skills writeup later this week.
- Chaos War rares shop leaves... forever! (The Chaorrupted Locked Blades will NOT go rare.)
- We continue the Swordhaven Chaos Saga where we left off last week. If you haven't caught up yet, DO IT NOW! The cliffhanger ending was EVIL!
September 27, 2013
Spin the Wheels for Gear
New Gear in the Wheel of Doom and Destiny for a Limited Time!
/join wheel to spin the Wheel of Doom or the Wheel of Destiny and get all-new items! The Wheel of Doom has a very high chance to drop the Blade of Doomination, available until the end of October! Use your Fortune Potions in the Doom Merge Shop to create the Dual Blades of Doomination!
The Wheel of Destiny drops the Black Leopard SkinWalker and the White Leopard SkinWalker armors, both at very high drop rates! Use your Fortune Potions in the Destiny Merge Shop to get helms, tails, and weapons that go with the armors!
MORE New Gear in Shops!
Longer Design Notes about our latest Chaos storyline, the Royal Wedding, are coming in just a little bit! Until then, check out the other new gear we've released this week!
- NEW items in our Suggestion Shop! Ideas from players like you are turned into in-game items ALL our heroes can use!
- NEW seasonal shop! Talk to Twilly in Battleon and purchase a Fall Seasonal Token to unlock ALL the Forest Destroyer gear in the Fall Seasonal Shop!
September 27, 2013
The Royal Wedding Begins
The Future of Swordhaven is Secure... Or is it?!
As King Alteon continues to fall deeper and deeper into Chaos, Princess Brittany and Lord Brentan are working feverishly to prepare for their wedding, but Chaos keeps interfering! They need YOU to help keep Chaos from ruining their wedding! ... And to keep King Alteon sane just a LITTLE longer!
HURRY!
/Join ceremony if you're all caught up on the Swordhaven Chaos saga! If you're not, /join archives and talk to Denara to begin it! Then get to the /ceremony as FAST as you can, because Chaos is NOT waiting around!
Official Royal Wedding Invitation!
You get yours here, but Roald, the Royal Herald, is going to need your help handing out invitations to the REST of the townspeople. Then head back to the Ceremony, because the King is starting to drive Lord Brentan crazy... literally?!
D'awww! Our princess has grown so much!
The FEELS! Oh, the Feels! Chaos Invasion!
It's a wedding on Lore. Of COURSE things are going to go wrong! And that thing that goes wrong is... you guessed it... CHAOS! Princess Brittany - like all princesses - wants to have the wedding day of her dreams. With your help, you can keep it from becoming a nightmare!
But no matter what you do to help, you NEVER walk away from a Royal Wedding empty-handed! If you're up to date on the storyline, you can access the Royal Rares shop right away! Find the Royal Eternal Flame, the Chaos Peacock pet, and more!
Return next Friday to unlock even MORE rare gear as we finish what Alteon started in tonight's release! Because the end of this section of the story is SO intense, Ghost wanted to give it extra-special attention. I had him end the release where it did so that he could put a full week's effort into making the end of the wedding as... purple... as a good Chaos should be!
What will Happen Next?!
I've seen a LOT of theories about how this wedding will end... and none of them has been 100% right yet! Let us know what YOU think will happen - or what your reactions to the release were - by posting on our forum, Facebook, or Tweeting directly to us: @Alina_AE and @ArtixKrieger!
September 25, 2013
Reminders of Awesomeness
Don't Forget These Important Dates!
September is almost over, which means 5th Upholder is ALMOST HERE! We've got a lot coming up in the next few weeks, so note your calendars, Heroes!
5th Upholder is Coming October 1st!
AQWorlds 5th Upholder begins October 1st! Support AQWorlds by upgrading your account any time in October to become a 5th Upholder and unlock the 4 star swords you see below, PLUS the 5th Upholder character page!
To become a 5th Upholday, you have to either upgrade during the month of October OR have an upgrade that is still active on November 1st. We'll have more details about what being an Upholder means and how to become one on Monday!
AQW 5th Birthday / AE 11th Anniversary begins October 11th!
This October 11th, prepare to attend Artix Entertainment's BattleCon, our first ever in-game, all-game convention!
- Live and pre-recorded streaming panels (schedule changing daily, will be posted ahead of time)
- Live and pre-recorded Question & Answer sessions
- Featured Artist Alley (where all the non-rare gear from your favorite featured artist shops returns)
- Vendor booth with information and gear straight from all our other games
- Exclusive quests and MANY cosplay-themed rewards (what kind of cosplay-mashup gear do YOU want to see?!)
- PLUS an expansion to the Secret Underground Lab map from last year's event (this time it will stay in-game PERMANENTLY!)
- And so much more!
REMINDER: the Chunin Class from last year's birthday event leaves October 11th!
Earn Double ACs Offer this October 4th - 6th!
Starting at noon server time on October 4th and running through midnight October 6th, you'll get double the amount of AdventureCoins when you complete Matomy offers on our AExtras site!
Mogloween Returns October 4th!
Prepare for the spookiest time of the year... by taking on trickers and treaters throughout Lore! The previous years of Mogloween releases will return next Friday, with a rare shop and challenge boss* at the end of the month!
* In order to make sure we have enough time to finish the Chaos Sage storyline this year, we are going to have lighter holiday releases until the end of 2013. But MAN, is the end of the Chaos Saga going to make up for it. Any guesses on what will happen?
More Dates to Remember!
- Fall Seasonal Shop releases THIS Friday!
- Suggestion shop updates THIS Friday!
- Friday the 13th maps turn Legend-only on Monday!
- BattleMage Class releases next Friday!
- The Chaos War Rares shop leaves NEXT Friday!
- Quibble's Talk Like a Pirate Day shop leaves NEXT Friday!
- Treasure Map shop updates NEXT Friday!
- 3 month Shadow Sorcerer package (replacing LightCaster) releases NEXT Thursday!
- No Featured Artist shop next Tuesday, but will return in late October.
- AQW/AE Birthdayversary event begins October 11th!
- The Swordhaven Chaos finale releases October 18th!
September 24, 2013
Zoshi’s Story
Tales of the Monster Hunter
Happy Tuesday hero! Later on today, the Featured Artist Shop in the Game Menu will showcase monster-hunting items from Zoshi the Monster Hunter.
But just who is Zoshi? I know Zoshi is a super talented artist, and I know I’m a super talented coffee consumer, so last night I met up with him at the local AdventureBucks Coffee and listened to his story.
Beleen: *slurp* Mmmm… this Venti Mocha Trobblechino is so yummy! *sluuurrrrrp*
Zoshi: Haha, slow down Beleen, or you’ll get a brain freeze.
Beleen: Tehehehe, *slurrp* I need a brain to get a brain freeze =p
Zoshi: Hahaha! You’re too funny.
Beleen: …I’m being serious… laugh out loud! So tell me *sluuurrrp* a little bit about yourself, Zoshi.
Zoshi: Back when I was a low-level warrior, my neighbor—a fellow Dragon Hunter—introduced me to DragonFable. After slaying countless beasts, I acquired a taste for giant monster battles. But then I wanted to test my blade against the universe, so I shot for the stars in MechQuest. And when AdventureQuest Worlds came out, I was completely obsessed.
Beleen: Just like how I am completely obsessed with giant coffee milkshakes!
Zoshi: Exactly! I couldn’t pull myself away from AQWorlds, and became enveloped within the awesome Artix community. A few months ago, I started helping Maegwyn on MechQuest, and now my artistic endeavors are directed towards AQWorlds. I’m just so thankful Maegwyn gave me the chance to shine!
Beleen: *slurrrrp* I like shiny things, too! So what’s your favorite thing about working with Artix Entertainment?
Zoshi: My favorite thing about AE.... where do I even start? I love the community more than anything. You guys are so unbelievably nice and I really appreciate all of your awesome feedback on everything! I love the weekly releases and constantly moving from one piece of art to the next. I never get tired of making things because every week there’s a new theme to look forward to.
Beleen: Awwwee, that’s sweeter than my Mocha coffee!
Zoshi: It’s true! I just really love and appreciate art and haven't stopped making art since I found my calling :)
Beleen: Awesome! *sluuurrrrrp* Do you have anything else you’d like to share with intrepid artists?
Zoshi: Absolutely! Hey, everyone: Don't let anyone tell you what’s good for YOU. You must do whatever makes you happiest!
Beleen: How inspirational! And you’re absolutely right! Your happiness is your number one priority, so do whatever it takes to be happy =D
Zoshi: And being able to release my personal collection of Monster Hunting items for every AQWorlds hero to enjoy makes me happy! Just, please, Beleen, when you color customize your Dragon Hunter armor with BRIGHT PINK, stay away from Artix!
Beleen: …I can keep no such promise… mwahahaa….. *ssssllurrrrrpppp*
Want to make Zoshi even happier? Tell him how much you like his new Monster Hunting items on his Twitter!
And stay tuned, because Zoshi’s Featured Artist Shop will be arriving in-game later today.
Battle on!
xoxo Beleen
September 24, 2013
Swordhaven's Royal Wedding
Chaos is not invited to the wedding, but YOU are!
Journey to Swordhaven this Friday at http://www.AQ.com to help King Alteon ensure that the wedding of Princess Brittany, heir to Swordhaven's throne, goes off without a hitch! Prevent Chaos invaders from crashing the wedding and destroying Alteon's dreams of peace!
Look how BIG our little princess has grown! Her big day is upon us, and YOU need to make sure nothing happens! (Because something ALWAYS happens when we have weddings in AQWorlds!) Prepare for both a Wedding Rares shop and a permanent Royal Souvenirs shop that unlocks once you complete the release!
- Rare Royal Eternal Flame
- Rare Royal Peacock Pet
- Noble Wedding guest armor sets
- And so much more!
There will be SO MANY FEELS... oh your feels will really be feeling this Friday. Because who doesn't love a Good wedding? If you cry at happy events like this, you'll want tissues handy! A lot of them!
September 23, 2013
Artist Showcase Shop Returns!
Yippie! Tuesday is dedicated to Zoshi!
Happy Monday hero! Did ye enjoy Talk Like a Pirate Day? AYE AYE!
Now that ye pirate ship has set sail, ye wants to plunder new treasures, ye say? Well… OKAY!
The grand return of the Featured Artist Showcase Shop hits Battleon tomorrow! Come Tuesday afternoon in the Game Menu, you will receive a FULLY LOADED Artist Showcase Shop featuring exclusive Zoshi the Monster Hunter items.
Give me Zoshi!
One of the most exciting things about the Artist Showcase Shop is getting to see the featured artist unleash their artistic expressions, leaving a lasting impression in our hearts and on the battlefield! Check out all of Zoshi’s items arriving tomorrow =D
Armors:
Dragon Hunter - Color Customizable!
Hydra Hunter
Ronin Hunter
Titan Hunter
Daggers:
Atlas Gatlings
Ronin Katanas
Staff:
DragonFire Spear
Bow:
Hydra Bow
Sword:
Hydra Rapier
Pet:
Hydra Battle Pet
WOWZA! Now that’s a monstrous collection suited for any Monster Hunter! And come tomorrow afternoon, you too can become one of Zoshi’s fellow Monster Hunters and easily slay any foul beast that crosses your path.
Even though Zoshi is up-to-his-neck in monster battles, the two of us have scheduled a date later this evening at the local AdventureBucks Coffee Café so I can interview him. I shall report back to the Design Notes with my findings!
Until then…
Battle on!
xoxo Beleen
September 19, 2013
Talk Like a Pirate Day
YARRR! Quibble's Pirate Shop is Here!
Log in NOW for the 2013 Talk Like a Pirate Day Quibble shop! We've got a LOT in store, so let's get right down to the news you're waiting for: WHAT will the shop include?!
Four Naval Commanders Sets!
Some of the most popular gear in AQW, the Naval Commander armors will let you look your best while beating the worst bosses we can throw at you... perfect for scoring the greatest loot and the best booty in-game!
Galactic Naval Commander
- Galactic Naval Commander Armor
- Galactic Eyepatch Helm
- Galactic Elegant Eyepatch Helm
- Galactic Tricorn
- Galactic Elegant Locks
- Galactic Bandana
- Galactic Starswept Locks
- Pirates Starry Parrot Pet
- Galactic Parrot Cape
- Galactic Cutlass
- Dual Galactic Cutlasses
Chronolord Naval Commander
- Chronolord Naval Commander
- Chronolord Tricorn Helm
- Chronolord Tricorn Locks
- Chrono Goggles and Locks
- Chrono Parrot Pet
- Chrono Parrot Cape
- Chrono Cutlasses
Legion Naval Commander
- Legion Naval Commander
- Legion Naval Anchor Cape
- Legion Naval Ship Wheel Cape
- Legion Naval Skull
- Legion Naval Tricorn
- Cthulu's Legion Pet
Undead Legion Naval Commander
The Undead Legion Talk Like a Pirate Day gear will ONLY be available to members of the Undead Legion and will cost Legion Tokens.
- Undead Legion Naval Commander
- Undead Legion Skull
- Undead Legion Tricorn
- Undead Legion Naval Ship Wheel Cape
- Undead Legion Cthulu Commander Helm
Gothic Pirate Captain Set!
Everyone's favorite Gothic Pirate Captain, Voltaire, guest starred in our Friday the 13th: Curse of the Vampirates event last week! In honor of our latest, spookiest, most piratical Friday the 13th yet, we've themed this year's Pirate Captain on Voltaire's NPC!
- Gothic Pirate Captain Armor
- Gothic Pirate's Elegant Locks
- Gothic Pirate's Hat
EVEN MORE GEAR!
Don't miss all the extra gear releasing this week!
- Chaos Pirate Quibble Bank Pet
- Voltaire's Tophat house
- ALL 40+ naval-themed tophats and the merge shop for them will go live with tomorrow night's release!
September 19, 2013
Artix Game Cards
Use Artix Cards to Buy Points and Upgrade!
You can purchase Artix game upgrades using physical retail store scratch-off PIN cards. Buy a card at a store near you, and then use the PIN number on that card to get ARTIX POINTS. These points are special universal currency that you can then use to get any Artix game upgrade!
What Are Artix Points?
Artix Points are a special currency which you can purchase and spend to upgrade in any of our games! We offer multiple payment methods for purchasing Artix Points, or redeem either Artix Upgrade Cards or UltimateGameCards to receive them. Artix Points Gift Certificates are also available via our online store, HeroMart , if you would like to purchase an upgrade for someone else.
Where to Buy Cards
Artix Upgrade Cards are currently available in the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.
- Artix Entertainment Scratch Cards
- Ultimate Game Cards
- Coinstar & Rixty Cards
- Gift cards from: Subway, Burger King, Circle K, Shell, Citgo
• In the United States: GameStop, ToysRUs, CVS Pharmacy and AAFES (Army & Air Force Exchange Service)
• In Canada: Available at Mac's, Sobeys, Needs, Safeway and Esso
• In New Zealand: New Zealand Post, WoolWorths in Mount Maunganui's Bayfair Shopping Centre
• In Australia: Drake Supermarkets, Big W, WoolWorths and Dick Smith
To purchase Game Cards in other countries, the following options exist:
• UltimateGameCards available worldwide
• PaySafeCard in Europe
• CherryCredits in Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, and Australia
• Other PlaySpan cash methods available worldwide
How to Redeem Artix Cards
- Log in to your Artix Account, or create a new free account
- Click Get Points and click Upgrade Cards
- Enter the PIN Code and follow the instructions.
- You can redeem more than one card to collect enough Artix Points to get the biggest upgrade you want!
How to Redeem Other Cards
- Log in to your Artix Account, or create a new free account
- Click Get Points and select the amount of Artix Points you want.
- Choose the payment method, or type of card you wish to use.
- Click Buy Now and follow the instructions.
How to Use Artix Points
- Log in to your Artix Account
- Click on My Games
- Scroll down to see a list of game accounts linked to your Artix Account.
If you do not see the game account listed there, click Link Account - Click on the yellow button under Account Info and Upgrades.
- Select a game account, character or game upgrade package.
- Confirm your purchase using Artix Points and you're done!
NOTE: It is much faster and easier to purchase Artix Points online using PayPal or Credit Card. Our websites are secure and it makes the moglins happy. But if you are unable to do online purchases or feel safer buying Artix Game Cards in person, they are available at many retail stores.
New to AQWorlds?
Before you can spend your Artix Points, you must already have an AQWorlds game account.
Create a New Game Account
September 19, 2013
September SUATMR Winner
Congratulations to Akriloth, our September SUATMR Winner!
After being chosen out of tens of thousands of entries, Akriloth - NOT the dragon, but the heroic Dragon*Con-attending friend-to-all won our September "Shut Up and Take My Rares" contest!
If you see him in-game, congratulate him and MAYBE you'll be lucky enough to hear about his hang-out with Dage!
September 18, 2013
Talk Like a Pirate Day Gear
Quibble's Pirate Shop is Almost Here!
Tomorrow night, log in for the 2013 Talk Like a Pirate Day Quibble shop! We've got a LOT in store, so let's get right down to the news you're waiting for: WHAT will the shop include?!
Four Naval Commanders Sets!
Some of the most popular gear in AQW, the Naval Commander armors will let you look your best while beating the worst bosses we can throw at you... perfect for scoring the greatest loot and the best booty in-game!
Galactic Naval Commander
- Galactic Naval Commander Armor
- Galactic Eyepatch Helm
- Galactic Elegant Eyepatch Helm
- Galactic Tricorn
- Galactic Elegant Locks
- Galactic Bandana
- Galactic Starswept Locks
- Pirates Starry Parrot Pet
- Galactic Parrot Cape
- Galactic Cutlass
- Dual Galactic Cutlasses
Chronolord Naval Commander
- Chronolord Naval Commander
- Chronolord Tricorn Helm
- Chronolord Tricorn Locks
- Chrono Goggles and Locks
- Chrono Parrot Pet
- Chrono Parrot Cape
Legion Naval Commander
- Legion Naval Commander
- Legion Naval Anchor Cape
- Legion Naval Ship Wheel Cape
- Legion Naval Skull
- Legion Naval Tricorn
- Cthulu's Legion Pet
Undead Legion Naval Commander
The Undead Legion Talk Like a Pirate Day gear will ONLY be available to members of the Undead Legion and will cost Legion Tokens.
- Undead Legion Naval Commander
- Undead Legion Skull
- Undead Legion Tricorn
- Undead Legion Naval Ship Wheel Cape
- Undead Legion Cthulu Commander Helm
Gothic Pirate Captain Set!
Everyone's favorite Gothic Pirate Captain, Voltaire, guest starred in our Friday the 13th: Curse of the Vampirates event last week! In honor of our latest, spookiest, most piratical Friday the 13th yet, we've themed this year's Pirate Captain on Voltaire's NPC!
- Gothic Pirate Captain Armor
- Gothic Pirate's Elegant Locks
- Gothic Pirate's Hat
Wheel of Destiny Arrives Friday!
Fate, fortune, luck, and doom all play a part in every battle in AQWorlds... but sometimes, a hero wants to look on the bright side of a coin toss. That's why Shiny, the Moglin of Desires, has built his own version of the Wheel of Doom!
Choose which Wheel to spin - Doom OR Destiny - because both your single and stacks of tickets will work for both! Legends get 1 free spin on the Wheel each day, but will need to choose whether to use it on the Wheel of Doom OR the Wheel of Destiny!
Available in both Wheel merge shop until September 31st!
Each Wheel has the same prizes, merge shop, and drop rates. But if you prefer to hope in bright surroundings rather than dream in a room filled with doom, then /join Destiny this Friday! If you /join doom NOW, you'll find both the "Skull and Bones Blad" and the "Ancient Skull and Bones Blade" in the merge shop until September 30th!
Chika's Sakura Birthday Shop!
If you follow Artix, Cysero, or my Twitter account, you'll see us talking to our friend Tom, who lives in Japan and often sends us mounds of epic goodies! Today, he and his wife, Chika, were at the Lab visiting from overseas!
We had a special surprise for Chika: not only did we have a birthday shop full of sweet Sakura-themed gear, but we let her roll the release live! (After warning her NOT to push the BIG RED BUTTON that shuts all the servers down without warning)
Chika's Sakura Shop contains:
- Sakura Kimono
- Sakura Fan Staff
- Jeweled Sakura Wand
- Dancing Sakura Shortsword
- Dancing Sakura Daggers
- Brutal Beauty Mace
- Sakura Scythe
Everyone at AE wishes Chika a happy birthday and hopes you'll share in the celebration by checking out her birthday shop! It will be in-game until September 30th!
Friday: You'll be Kraken Like a Boss!
Legends can battle their way to the watery home of the Chaos Kraken in Bonebreak Deep to retrieve the incredibly valuable treasure stolen from Gustav duGrog! Fair warning: this challenge fight is one you'll want to dive into with an entire party!
All players can take on monsters in the Skullpunch map to get resources to create 1 of over 40 Naval-themed tophats! These top hats are available to ALL players, though Legend versions will have an extra bonus to undead monsters!
September 17, 2013
How To Talk Like a Pirate!
Yarr ye ready for Talk Like a Pirate Day?
Ahoy me maties! Glad to see ye made it in one piece (great TV show, me parrot concurs)! This Thursday be International Talk Like A Pirate Day!
Aye yes, and ye best be ready too, ‘cause we don’t take too kindly to lilly livered landlubbers. Har har har! But ye be in luck, that ye be! Me n’ me AQW Crew put together a lil’ lessen for ye. Yaaaar!
Pirate 101: There be Rules, Sailor
Thee first thing ye need to know ‘bout becomin’ a pirate: ye gatta believe yer a pirate! If ye don’t truly believe ye be a Swashbuckler, then aint nobody else ganna be fooled! Best follow these steps below.
- We pirates don’t be good at speakin’. We scowl a lot, and we like to mutter most o’ our words. Best get used to it, matey!
- Ye gatta run yer words together. Ye gatta slur. Don’t use no proper sentences, either!
- If ye still got yer hands, use a motherload o’ gestures. Movin’ yer hands about when ye speak be key to a pirate’s life. It also be good fer ye circulation!
- Pirates be loud n’ lusty. Thee louder ye be, THEE SMART’R YE SOUND!
- Never say “you” or “your” unless ye wishes to walk thee plank. It be “ye” an’ “yer” in the Pirate’s life! Savvy?
- Oh, and it be “me” and not no “I” or “mine”! Fer example, “that be me booty, ye no good two toothed thievin’ scallywag!”
- Drop the “g” after words endin’ in “ing”. There be no need fer that “g” after many words, like goin’, and fightin’, and fishin’, and swimmin’!
- Make up words if ye have to! We pirates don’t be minding a wee bit o’ hornswaggling!
- Never leave port without ye good luck charm, or there be mighty dire consequences! Me never leaves home without me lucky pink skull pendant!
Pirate 101: Swanky Pirate Lingo
Below be a list o’ the best pirate-speak in all thee seven seas! When ye read this, ye be ready fer Talk Like A Pirate Day on September 19!
- All hands on deck! – A cry that calls for immediate action.
- Ahoy! – A general greeting, meaning "Hello!"
- Arrr! – A pirate’s most commonly used word that has no solid definition.
- Avast! – A cry that generally means “Stop and give attention.” Can also mean "Whoa!” or "Check it out" or "No way!"
- Aye! - "Yes!"
- Belay - To immediately cease or stop.
- Booty - Anything of value that a pirate can plunder.
- Cat’o’Nine Tails – A whip made up of nine knotted ropes.
- Crow’s Nest – A lookout point at the top of the tallest mast on a ship.
- Cutlass – A curved sword, favored by many sailors.
- Davy Jones' Locker – Technically means the bottom of the sea. It is also where the souls of drowned pirates go.
- Grog – A pirate’s beverage of choice.
- Hoist the Colors! –To raise the Pirate flag before attacking.
- Hearties –Shipmates and friends.
- Hornswaggle—To cheat or to lie.
- Lad—A name for a young gentleman.
- Lass - A name for a young woman, usually more polite.
- Lubber or landlubber—A name give to those who prefer land over the sea.
- Motherload –A term for a very large amount of booty or treasure.
- Salt or Old Salt—The name given to veteran Sailors. Also used to enhance the flavor of food.
- Savvy – Meaning to understand or “okay”.
- Smartly – To do or to perform something quickly.
- Scurvy –A common condition of sailors who go too long without eating fruits and vegetables.
- Shiver me timbers! –"Well, I'll be" or "What a surprise!"
- Swag—The common term for riches and/or gold.
- Walk the plank – To be forced to walk the length of a plank that has been placed over the side of a ship. The outcome is not promising.
Pirate 101: Pirate Booty ‘n Treasures
Pirates be lovin’ some booty! And ye too can plunder yer loot from Quibble’s Treasure Chest makin’ landfall in Battleon come Thursday. Some o’ thee best booty in all the seven seas includes:
- 4 New Naval Commanders:
- Galactic Naval Commander
- ChronoLord Naval Commander
- Legion Naval Commanders:
- Teal Version
- Blue Version
- Flyin’ Cthulhu Pet
- Galactic Cutlass
- Tricorn Hats ‘nd Eyepatches
- Pirate Angler Armor Sets
- And on Friday, 40+ Pirate Top Hats be matchin’ ALL Naval Commanders—past ‘nd present, ‘nd some even got beards for ye hairy hearties!
Pirate 101: PARRRRTY!
On behalf o’ the AQW Crew, ye now be ready fer Talk Like a Pirate Day! Grab ye cutlass and ye captain’s hat, ‘nd don’t be forgettin’ yer lucky charm! At any time ye be needin’ a smartly reminder, come back ‘n get a refresher!
Savvy, pirate?
Skulls and crossbones, Beleen
September 16, 2013
Surviving Friday the 13th
You Got Lucky on this Unlucky Day!
If you’re reading these Design Notes… then congratulations! You survived the Curse of the Vampirates Friday the 13th Event!
Amongst the heated battles and hilarious puns, your fellow heroes snapped photos of their adventures during this special event.
Takao No Kami’s crew harpooning the Kraken!
Rexobrother and his mates plundering Captain Von Poach.
Ramu6262 soloing the dreaded Vampirate Captain.
Hats off to DNA94 and their hearties with their Infinity Tricorn hats!
Think ye captured epic screenshots too? Prove it by showing me on my Twitter!
Ye now be ready for Talk Like a Pirate Day, making landfall this Thursday, September 19. Spoilers be over the horizon… so stay tuned, matey!
xoxo Beleen
September 13, 2013
Friday the 13th is LIVE
Voltaire and The Curse of the Vampirates Awaits!
Ahoy, matey! Friday the 13th is making landfall RIGHT NOW! Talk to Voltaire in Battleon to /join Skullpunch and board a pirate ship captained by Voltaire, our favorite pirate musician, then head to the mysterious Treasure Island to dig up buried booty.
- Friday the 13th Special Event!
- Musical Guest Star Voltaire
- Event Rare items!
- 4 new Maps to explore
- Battle Bloodthirsty Vampirates
- Voltaire Voice Acting in Cutscenes
- Killer tunes for killer monster battles
- Use a Treasure Map to dig up buried treasure
- Befriend a new NPC
- The motherload of all treasure can be yours!
- OMG there's so many puns, too...
- How lucky—you can play through all previous Friday the 13th events!
You think Friday the 13 superstitions are scary? Just wait until you battle these bloodthirsty monsters—THEN you’ll know the true definition of scary! And brace yourself… because the Wheel of Doom Merge Shop is LIVE!
Wheel of Doom: Merge Your Drops!
The all-new Wheel of Doom merge shop lets you take the potions and boosts you get from every spin and merge them into over 25 all-new, exclusive items! Get the Castle Crusher armor, dual pink katanas, the Chaos and Shadowscythe Cannoneer sets and coming NEXT FRIDAY: the Dual Cursed Legion Cutlasses, available until September 31st!
Quibble Coinbiter Arrives Thursday!
Once you've completed our Pirate-themed Friday the 13th event, set your sights on NEXT THURSDAY, September 19th, when Quibble arrives with a boatload full of Talk Like a Pirate Day-themed rare items!
Next Friday, battle through the deep sea to face the Chaos Kraken as our two-week Friday the 13th / Talk Like a Pirate Day crossover event continues! Legends can take on the Ultra Chaos Kraken for exclusive drops!
Friday the 13th is Brutal!
While we waited for the testers to run through the release, Memet filled an EXTRA-tall order for some epic helms! She took Voltaire's Tricorn hat and put hats on hats on hats... and then put them ALL on top of BrutalCorn! You can find the following helms in the Cursed Rares shop. But beware, a funny hat will only distract your opponent for so long!
Hanging out can be brutal.
Neck pain from too many hats makes BrutalCorn ANGRY!
Tallest hat wins in Hat vs Hat combat!
NPC Changes!
If you're looking for Drew the American Ninja and the MechQuest shop, you'll find them in Akiba and TheSpan, respectively. The 5 Daily quests to get the Realm Guardian set can be found when you head left out of Battleon into the Stonehand map.
September 12, 2013
Pre-Show Shop Rock Shop
Tomorrow: Rock Out Before You Battle On!
Rock out this Friday the 13th at http://www.AQ.com/ when you login and battle through our "Curse of the Vampirates" event! And what better way to get ready to adventure with Voltaire than by grabbing an axe to grind some bone-heads? NONE! So make sure you check out the pre-event Bad-Axe Guitar Shop, releasing late-afternoon tomorrow with some of the best six-string slashers EVER!
Slash scallawags with a six-string!
While the Naval-themed guitars will sell for AdventureCoins, there will also be several Legend-only guitars and the Octo-eight String Axe free-player guitar sold for gold... along with some other nautical new gear to get you ready to set sail for BATTLE!
It takes EIGHT ARMS to rock with THIS guitar!
September 12, 2013
Bring All Yer Mates to AQW
Invite your crew to battle alongside you!
It’s a privilege being in the presence of Lore’s greatest hero: YOU! But every adventurer needs a a good crew to sail with, a first mate for every fight... so why not invite your friends to try your favorite online adventure game AQWorlds this Friday the 13th?
In AQW, EVERYONE can join the Skull N Bones crew!
Dive straight into our Friday the 13th: Curse of the Vampires event alongside your best friends as pirates plunder Lore and show them where the tastiest treasure lies! When you Refer a Friend, you will get bonus Gold and Experience, a free Friend Gem, and 250 AdventureCoins for FREE when your friend becomes an upgraded Member!
Of course... you gotta help your friend defeat all those tough monsters in return!
How do I Refer a Friend?
- Click on the Manage AQW Account link.
- Login with your AQW game Username and Password.
- Select 'Referred Friends' from the menu on the left.
- To invite a friend, enter their email in the textbox labeled "Friend's Email" and then Submit! Or you can copy and paste your exclusive Referral Link on your blog, on your status, on Twitter… anything you want!
- You can also Refer your Friend from in-game! Speak to Twilly in Battleon to send your friends Referral emails directly from AQWorlds.
Friends don't let friends eat undead sushi!
What about those sweet rewards?
Friends give the best presents*! For every Friend you Refer, you will receive:
- Gold and Experience based on the amount of Gold and Experience that your friend earns each day—the more they play, the stronger AND richer YOU become!
- 1 Friend Gem for each Referred Friend once they reach Level 5—Friend Gems buy all sorts of awesome items from Twilly’s Referral Shop in Battleon.
- 250 Free AdventureCoins when your referred friend becomes a Member—Upgraded Members always have the most fun, and you can get 250 ACs just for recruiting AQWorlds’ newest Member!
Best Friends for Unlife!
*Unless your friends give you a “surprise” box of pickles… like what Faith and Ai No Miko gave me! Icccky =p
How do I keep track of my Referred Friends?
Keeping track of your Referred Friends is easy with the Account Manager. After logging in with your Username and Password, click the “Referred Friends” link on the left side of the screen. You will see a list of all the Friends you Referred and whether or not they have Upgraded to a Member!
September 10, 2013
News to Know: Shop Edition
Your Favorite Gear Won't Always Be Here!
With new gear coming every week in AQWorlds, we cycle things in and out on a regular basis. Take a look below to find out when these awesome items are leaving, and when more are arriving!
Professor Dolfo is waiting for YOU north of Battleon
- Summer Shop - leaves this Friday, September 13th
- Obrigado Brasil Shop - leaves this Friday, September 13th
- Aranx Birthday Rares Shop - leaves this Friday, September 13th
Aranx's birthday rares shop only comes once a year!
- Fall Seasonal Shop - arrives the Tuesday after fall begins, September 24th
- LightCaster 3 month upgrade package - leaves later this month, replaced by Shadow Sorcerer
- Friday the 13th Rares shop - arrives this Friday, September 13th (not the same as Quibble's shop)
- Featured Artist Shops - return later this month. Because of how much is going into this week's Friday the 13th release, we are focusing ALL art talent on that.
Yarrrr, this be shiny loot for Talk Like a Pirate Day!
- Talk Like a Pirate Day Quibble Shop - arrives next Thursday, September 19th
- Wheel of Doom merge Shop - arrives this Friday, September 13th in the /doom map! Use the 100% drop Doom Draughts and XP Boosts to get other gear, including other boosts and exlusive items ONLY found in the merge shop!
Friday the 13th Returns... Again!
Legends can replay all of our Friday the 13th events all year long, but for the week before and the week after any Friday the 13th in-game event, ALL of our creepiest Friday the 13th events are open to ALL players! /join Voltairetown to access all of the previous events featuring Voltaire, Deady, and more!
Stuffed animals are creeeeeeeeepy!
THIS year's Friday the 13th event begins Friday night at sundown! Voltaire, Vampirates, and VERY VERY MUCH loot! Are you ready for Deady?!
September 10, 2013
Nautical Naughtiness
Arr ye rrready for Friday the 13th?
Ahoy, matey! Friday the 13th is making landfall THIS Friday in your favorite online adventure game!
A fan favorite since the first Friday the 13th release, the gypsy pirate musician Voltaire sails back to Battleon for this spooky in-game event. Board Voltaire’s pirate ship bound for the mysterious Treasure Island to dig up buried booty. You are setting sail on Friday the 13th… what could POSSIBLY go wrong?
Whoops. Spoke too soon. A conniving crew of bloodthirsty Vampirates, led by the infamous Captain Von Poach, have their sights set on your booty… erm, I mean, treasure. Can you outwit this batty Captain and find the buried treasure before he does? On this Friday the 13th, you’ll have a lot more to worry about than spooky superstitions!
This special in-game event truly is special. Why? Because YOU and your friends are the ones responsible for creating it! That’s right—after reading each and every one of your comments on the AQWorlds Facebook page, we chose our favorite ideas (and the most realistic ones) and included them in Friday’s upcoming event.
So go ahead. Brag and boast to all of your friends that YOU helped Artix, Alina, and the rest of the AQWorlds team create an in-game event. Feels pretty darn good, doesn’t it? =D
Thank you so much for being a part of AdventureQuest Worlds!
xoxo Beleen
(Un)lucky Moglin
September 09, 2013
Friday the 13th & More!
Voltaire Comes Back to Lore!
This Friday is Friday the 13th, and Pirate Captain Voltaire and First Mate Deady are going to be sailing into Lore with a spooky new nautical adventure! Join them this Friday as they battle sea monsters and race to reach a priceless buried treasure before Captain Von Poach, the Vampirate, can get to it!
Artix is having so much fun he's even forgotten about the undead pirates!
If you're still craving more of Voltaire after Friday the 13th (and I know you will be), check out more of his music, books, toys, and general awesomeness on his website!
Friday the 13th Rares Shop!
The Friday the 13th Rares shop will be arriving with Voltaire this Friday. Despite the pirate theme we've got going on this week, this is NOT Quibble's Talk Like A Pirate Day shop, which will be coming next Thursday. More details on this shop when I've got 'em!
Mmm, barnacely goodness!
Wheel of Doom Merge Shop!
Got more Doom Strength Draughts than you can possibly use? Well, now you'll be able to use them to forge new gear (or create different potions) in our new Doom Merge Shop. Merge gear includes:
- Doom Epic Flail
- Doom Failed Epic Flail
- Doom Frozen Tentacles
- Cloak and Sword
- Shadowscythe Cannoneer
- Chaos Cannoneer
- Shadowscythe Cannoneer Helm
- Chaos Cannoneer Helm
- Doom Dodge
- Doom Haste
- Doom Endurance
Quibble Leaves Tonight!
It's time once again for Quibble Coinbiter to leave BattleOn in search of new and wonderful things to sell when next he returns. If there's something you wanted to get, do it now before he heads out!
DragonCon Pet Coming Soon!
DragonCon attendees, you have not been forgotten - this year's pet is in the works and looking great! Here's a preview of what this little guy is going to look like:
Striking fear into the hearts of players everywhere.
This pet is so cute it's making me feel like the flu gumbo I brought back from DragonCon has disappeared! Actually, no - that was probably all the Vitamin C I've been taking. That's taking my luck into my own hands! If Friday the 13th brings you guys any bad luck, Tweet at us to let us know what you did to turn it around and make it become good luck! We'd love to hear about it!
September 09, 2013
Friday the 13th Event!
This Friday is Friday the 13th!
Friday the 13th! The 13th of Friday. Friday Friday Friday. Friday the 13th is this Friday!
Friday the 13th on the brain. Friday the 13th on the game…design notes. Friday the 13th, Friday the 13th, OMG Friday the 13th THIS FRIDAY!
That is all. Back to work.
xoxo Beleen
September 07, 2013
The Wheel of Doom Speaks
Find Out When the Wheel Gives Rewards!
Each time you spin the Wheel of Doom and get a bonus item, you'll get a new message in your chat window telling you exactly what you got! You will not see a message if you get the regular Wheel drops (the 100% 1hr XP Boost and Doom Draught rewards).
And if anyone else on your server has received one of our rare 1% Wheel of Doom drops, you'll also see a message about that! (You will NOT see messages about other hero's rewards unless it is a 1% Treasure drop.)
We will be keeping an eye on the servers this weekend to see how often those messages appear. Can you help us keep count of how many times you saw Heroes get Treasure items from the Wheel?
Doom for Bugs!
Over the course of the past week, Yorumi has been working on fixing display bugs in the Wheel of Doom. You should no longer see pop-ups for Wheel drops you did not really get!
Please let us know if this visual glitch (caused by lag) is still happening! If you have any doubts about what you DID get from the Wheel, just check the message the Wheel says in your chat window. That will always tell you the correct reward you got!
September 07, 2013
Obrigado for Playing
Feliz dia da Independência, Brasil!
Thanks for your battling alongside us as we fight Chaos in AQWorlds, and congratulations on the anniversary of your Brasilian Independence Day! To make sure ALL our players can share the holiday excitement, we've made the Brasilian Independence Day items available to everyone!
Obrigado Brasil!
There are some awesome Brasil-themed items as well as all of the items from last year!
This year the shop has:
- Chaos Warrior Macaw +3 pet (does more damage to Chaos monsters!)*
- Arara Caos Capa pet
- Dragao de Independencia 2013 armor
- Azul Macaw 2013 pet
- Ouro Macaw 2013 pet
- Verde Macaw 2013 pet
- Amarelo Macaw 2013 pet
- Jubilo Macaw 2013 pet
- Soldados Brasileiros 2013 armor
- Punhais Brasileiros 2013 dagger
- Espada Brasileira 2013 blade
- Capacete Brasileiro 2013 helm
- Defesa Brasileira 2013 helm
- Runas de Ataque 2013 dagger
- Runas de Protecao 2013 cape
* Bold items will go rare.
Our FIRST Donation Hero: Moato!
To continue the thanks-giving theme, we'd just like to say OBRIGADO, MOATO!** Because of you, one of our Ultimate Item of Donated Awesomeness winners from the Wheel of Doom has a shiny-but-slightly-used Dark Caster armor!
Who IS this generous Donation Hero?
Her name is Moato, and she is AWESOME! To let another player experience the fun of battling through Lore as a Dark Caster, she donated her armor to the Wheel of Doom!
Moato: you are OUR hero!
When her donation email was randomly selected from those who had donated the Dark Caster armor, we contacted her directly to confirm she still wanted to donate the gear. After she replied back, we removed it directly from HER inventory and gave it to another player. That is true generosity!
** Let's all sing now, "obrigado moato, mr. roboto"
We asked Moato over email how she found out about AQWorlds:
A friend of our played a game call Adventure Quest(first time hearing it on fact), and I went to the website and made an account and loved it. Then I saw MechQuest, DragonFable, and soon made accounts of those, and soon upgraded with them. But anyway, I saw WarpForce on the side and tried that out, and also saw this game. Again made an account in 2009 and haven't really stopped playing it(except when I'm playing EpicDuel, or other games). And THEN I saw the Design Notes about the wheel and donating stuff.
What is a Donation Hero?
We've got a LOT of people who want to donate rares to the Wheel of Doom. You guys are CRAZY-generous! To do that, please send an email to [email protected] with your account name and the list of item/s you'd like to donate.
One Hero's Treasure can be another Hero's Treasure... but only in the Wheel of Doom!
We will only contact prospective donators before removing items, so be sure to send the email from an address you check regularly.
Talk Like a Pirate Day/Friday the 13th Crossover!
This Friday, Voltaire returns with a ship full of booty and a hunger for MORE LOOT in our Friday the 13th/Talk Like a Pirate Day crossover event! Flashback to the 1st Voltaire event from 2009 as we head back onto a pirate ship to explore parts unknown!
Shiver me timbers... it's Friday the 13th soon!
With creepy undead sailors, a ship that will take you from sunny shores to the depths of the ocean (or despair), and an undead sea-beast that just wants a HUG (that's all, we promise!), you'll want to make sure you've brushed up on your pirate lingo and have your biggest undead-slaying blade on hand!
Quibble's Swordhaven Shop leaves Monday!
Quibble Coinbiter's Swordhaven shop has been around for a while, and if Quib's going to have enough time to gather his Talk Like a Pirate Day gear from his time-travel fairy connection, he's going to need to leave soon!
This Monday night, September 9th, he'll leave for parts and times unknown, but he WILL be back on Thursday, September 19th, with a shop full of piratey gear to make you /cheer!
September 06, 2013
Siege the Day
Arm the Townspeople and DEFEND SWORDHAVEN!
Hurry to Swordhaven tonight to take on Chaos and save Swordhaven! Someone is making sure that NO ONE in King Alteon's fair city can ignore the peril they are in. As Chaorrupted creatures begin to invade, you are needed to defend the city and locate the source of the Chaorruption!
Chaos Drifters burrow underground, leaving trails of Chaorruption.
Talk to Griffin, the Royal Armsmaster, to begin distributing weapons to the citizens in the market. Then head to the Castle Gate and talk to Commander Rufus. Play our Castle Defense minigame to help stop the waves of monsters attacking the walls, then take on the Chaos General!
Quest for the resources to defend the castle!
As you watch tonight's cutscenes, you'll see King Alteon go from Phase I of his Chaorruption to Phase VI. As the Chaos floods through his system, moving steadily towards his heart, he must fight harder each day to survive! The question is: what will Swordhaven do if he doesn't... and what will YOU do if he does?!
Happy Birthday Aranx!
To one of our favorite artists, you may be Good, but we think you're GREAT! You know YOLO, and that's why we're making this birthday EXTRA-special! Happy birthday, and thanks for making such incredible gear for all our heroes to celebrate with you!
Talk to Aranx in Battleon to find:
- Fallen Amadis Armor
- Descended Amadis Armor
- 8 helms
- 4 capes
This gear won't be here long, so get it before it's gone!
Wheel of Doom... Destiny... and Merge Shop!
The Wheel of Doom is a frightful place, but gives you the chance to get AWESOME gear! For those of you who prefer sunshine and colors to doom and gloom, we are working on Shiny's Wheel of Destiny! It will have exactly the same items and work in exactly the same way... but will lend a bit more color to your day than Swaggy's Wheel!
Doom or Destiny... YOU decide!
Doom Potion Merge Shop
EVERY time you spin the Wheel, you receive a 1 hour XP Boost AND a Doom Strength Draught,. You also have a chance to get a bonus item (an armor, weapon, pet, class, or more!), but you will ALWAYS get the Doom Draught and the XP Boost.
Because some of you are racking up spins (Legends get a free spin every day!), you've got a LOT of Doom Draughts in your backpack. So next week, we want to release a Doom Potion merge shop, which would let you exchange all those Doom Draughts for other consumable items, exclusive Doom Merge gear, or resources you need for other quests/shops in-game!
We are still finalizing the details of this plan, so let us know your thoughts!
Back to School XP Boost All Weekend!
Log in all weekend long to get 10% MORE XP from every battle and quest in AQWorlds! Upgrade to access the Legend-only servers and get 15% more XP!
Boost On!
Our Friday the 13th / Talk Like a Pirate Day crossover event releases NEXT FRIDAY! More news on that in Monday's Design Notes!
Because we made an error in the Design Notes earlier this month, Quibble's shop will return until next Monday to let everyone have a last chance to get his gear. With the Talk Like a Pirate Day Quibble shop coming in on September 19th, we want to give the poor boy a bit of a break.
September 04, 2013
Video Game News from DragonCon
Brutalcorns, Ninjas, Potatoes, BladeHaven 3D and more!
We are back home from DragonCon 2013 and we brought you.... STORIES AND PICTURES!!!! Critical hit that read morebutton to see our teaser trailer for our upcoming mobile game, Battle Gems! Also read all of the video game announcements and sneak peaks of upcoming AE game events.
Goodies from the Artix Entertainment Panel
Thank you to everyone who came to our panel! We tied for the most popular gaming track panel that day.
Our panels have a long history of being unusual, crazy, and milk-shooting-out-your-nose ridiculous. With George Lowe (the voice of Space Ghost coast to coast), Cysero, Alina, Dage the Evil and myself presenting.... we did not dissapoint. We had three hours of stuff to talk about -- but only one hour to do it. Here is what happened!
Battle Gems! (Video Premiere of teaser trailer!)
We are building a new mobile game... and unlike certain "candy" games, you will not be embarrased to tell your friends you play it. It is a Puzzle Battle RPG game unlike any other. Well, it is a little like one of our previous games... but as those who got a sneak peak of playing it at Dragon*Con, it has a lot of interesting new game play mechanics. Behold... the official video premiere of the Battle Gems teaser trailer!
Battle Gems is part of Project:Omni, which is the code name of our new process to build games for all devices from iPhone, Android, iPad, Tablet, and game-ready toaster ovens.
We are still building the game, and it should be available this October. Be sure to follow the games progress here on Artix.com and on the official BattleGems Facebook page.
REAL LIFE BrutalCorn summoning!
"BrutalCorn is real... you just need to believe"
The laughter filled chants of 200 fans summoned a real life Brutalcorn into our panel. But since Brutalcorns are dangerous we needed someone to slay it. Naturally, little girls armed with baseball bats called forth. The fighting was intense... the mythical beast was finally dispatched when a AQWorlds player with a real life "Blade of Half Off" delivered the slaying blow.
Real life "Blade of Half-Off" made by a player. He got us to sign it!!!
Want to get in shape at Con? Wear full plate armor and chainmail!
Voltaire crashed our panel!
Everyone's favorite gypsie/goth/pirate musician crashed our panel to talk about AQWorld's next Friday the 13th Event. (WITHOUT talking to us first, LOL!) It seems Talk like a pirate day and Friday the 13th are only a week apart -- so, he was thinking we should do a week long cross-over event! Since Voltaire's new look is very piratey in real-life... how could we argue? Voltaire also brought posters and toys of his new character "Candy Claws" an evil bat like creature that will very likely be appearing in the event. This was a pretty big year for Voltaire, he released a new book "Call of the Jersy Devil" and a new album with a very controversial cover featuring what looks like George Takei and him on the cover. (Note: I actually went and met George Takei at DragonCon and gave him a copy, then got him to sign another copy for Voltaire. 100% true.)
One more note about Voltaire.... and this is really a credit to all of his fans. Originally, Dragon*Con did not invite Voltaire and several of the other regular music groups back to DragonCon this year. But Voltaire's fans started a massive facebook revolt and got DragonCon to invite him and schedule a show. Depsite being late Sunday night, it was still one of th ebiggest and most highly anticipated shows at con. WAY TO GO FAN POWER! (What do you expect from DragonCon fans? These are the same people that got the Firefly movie "Serenity" made!)
"Candy Claws" -- Several of these were hurled at the audience. If only Ozzy had been there... he would have tried to eat it.
AdventureQuest Worlds (11th anniversary event announed!)
Every year we wish you with with us at this convention.... then... IT HIT US! How about we have an in-game convention! A week of special events where you can meet the staff, dress up, sketch along with live draws, go to video concerts with us and do a digital recreation of everything that happens at a real convention! Now... we just need a name for the convention! BattleCon? AECon? AdventureCon? What do you think?
Blade Haven 3D (New mobile game announced!)
Surprise! We announced our OTHER mobile game project. The creative 3D artists that were working on AdventureQuest3D are not sitting idly twiddling their fingers while we build Battle Gems. They are building a 3D version of our swipe and slash game, BladeHaven. In this new game, you will play the story of Galanoth the DragonSlayer. (Ooooh... pronounced: "GAL - LEN - OTH")
The game features monters from our world.... and OMG did people cheer when they saw the Trolluk. But it was not a normal Trolluk... it was actually the smaller, thinner creature that precedes the Trolluk. Follow the official BladeHaven 3D Facebook and Twitter to watch them create this game. We believe BattleGems will be out in October and BladeHaven3D will be out in December.
Stories from the Fan Table
Thank you so much to all of the wonderful players who came to visit us at our fan table. We took turns running the table. Amongst AE's community staff Gjappy (The ArchAngel), ACW0, Poe Boy, Neomanni, Stratos, Eukara, Koi, Kamui and Ash were there! We gave out a "sticker of the day" for each day a person visited the panel. Stickers gave a half off discount for some things... and if we messed up and put the sticker over you badge ID number, you won the... um... inability to get into places requiring your badge number like the Cheese Grinder in the gamy lobby. Sorry!
View from behind the fan table. Panaramic taken by Roshuno.
Have a Joker? Go fish!
One of the coolest presents ever brought to us at a Con was this golden box full of surprises! Each compartment has a clever pun and a surprise inside. Thank you ACW0!!!
Kid Friendly MMOs Panel
Panel Moderator: "Today we have with us the makers of kids games...."
Artix: "Actually, we do not make kids games..."
Panel Moderator: "Then how did you get on this panel!?"
Artix: "We make video games for players of all ages."
Panel Moderator: "Oh...."
Artix: "The reason our games are for all ages is because of how a lot of the game devs are in real life. For example, I do not drink, smoke, nor do drugs. Never have. Never will. Well.... maybe I will try drinking when I am like 80. Hmmm. Nawww."
Panel Moderator: *chuckles* "So your games are good for young children?"
Artix: "Yes, that is why in the opening of AdventureQuest World's storyline we have one villain rip the soul out of the chest of another major villain and crush it in his clenched fist."
Panel Moderator: "..."
Alina and I were also on a panel with some of the team from Sony Online Entertainment to talk about gaming for younger players. It was very early in the morning so there were only a handfull of people in the audience. Never the less, I went all out and made it very unpredictable and controversial. You would have been so proud of me. Alina spent most of the panel sitting in horror with hopes that I would not say anything else that would make the Sony staff start throwing things at me. I love the Sony guys, but you should have seen the look in their eyes when I let them know I had John "Smed" Smedly, the CEO of Sony Online Entertainment's cell number in my phone and said I was calling him to tell him they were doing a great job during the panel. (In case any of the Sony team is reading this, I would like to apologize for that story I told before the panel. You guys are great and no one there was responsible for that mishap that happened three years ago. Except for that one DragonCon official who was in the back of the room who laughingly told me he was.)
American Ninja Warrior panel
Drew Drechsel, Ryan Stratis, Aersion (formerly Roam), a cast of ninja contests and myself showed videoes and did a Q&A about how to get on and compete in the show American Ninja Warrior. I need to tell you... Drew & Ryan are true champions. It fills my heart with happiness that good, honest, and really nice people like them are amongst the shows top competitors.
Other DragonCon randomness.... (SHHHH)
Cysero was clearly the winner of "who can vine harder" at Dragon*Con. Vine is a new video app for the phone which takes 6 second videos. The internet has been so creative with it.
We did not have our usual Suite at DragonCon this year... apparently Stan Lee took it O_O.
In other random stories from this year -- yes, we had a secret midnight panel. But, LOL, despite actually having a director secure us the room, the panel was STILL broken up less than 13 minutes into it by security (tradition!). We did not even have time to text people who I promised to tell once the panel started. Why? This is pretty funny. I was late getting there and another group of people took control of the room without knowing what was really going on. Those of us who were there to run the secret panel were in the audience. I went around getting people to come to the panel and securing their loyalty with the hillarious plan of staging a coue (yes, I was raising a rebellion to take over a panel that was ours already.) But a technical malfunction summoned techs who realized that the panel was not even on the time sheet and a handful of confused officials broke up the event before I could hatch my diabolical room-conquering scheme. We deny the existance of any other secret panels which may or may not have happened at DragonCon.
Are you looking for that something special for your favorite Jedi?
Bathrobes for Super Heroes
George Lowe (voice of Space Ghost) questions the validity of the Xellos inspired pink potato. Apparently someone at the fan table told people you needed to kiss the pink potato to get a pin. Somewhere there is a GIANT photo gallery of people kissing that potato.
I snuck this photo while they were watching the BattleGems video.
Hah! Best photo ever. Guess Cysero was hungry at the fan table.
OMG! She brought the original moglin plushies from waaaaaay back when to get them signed! SO COOOL!
Which look is Faith giving? "Shop smart... shop HeroMart" ...OR... "You are in big trouble, MR."
Rawr! I will try to post some more photos on my facebook account for you when I can. *whispers* I am being yelled at for taking too long to make this post and am supposed to get back to working on the games! Thank you for reading this. Thank you to all of the players (both new and old) who came by to see us, and to the online staff for helping to run the booth! It is amazing how much people care about the games and new things we are building. Words cannot express the joy we feel to a part of something you love. Now that we are back at the lab, with our mental batteries fully recharged, our inspiration meters at full (and a weee bit o' Con Rot) we are pushing full throttle to the next major game releases! Thank you again and... BATTLE ON!
"Brutualcorn is real... you just need to believe."
It has been a blast DragonCon... see you next year!
(Probably. How is PAX?)
Things to do right now!
- Like BATTLE GEMS on Facebook
- Like BLADEHAVEN 3D on Facebook
- Comment what you think we should call our in-game convention!
- Play AdventureQuest Worlds and find someone who can tell you this year's code for the Dragon*Con handout flyer special item... the Doctor When themed "Sonic Sword-Driver"
September 04, 2013
Aranx’s Birthday on Friday!
Angels know how to celebrate!
I bet you’re wondering what Beleen does on a daily basis. Besides tormenting poor Artix with an endless onslaught of pink shenanigans, I help write quests, storylines, cutscene scripts, item descriptions, the weekly newsletter, design notes, Facebook updates, random Twitter tweets, the Artix weekly write-up, and item uploads (setting them up, uploading, testing, re-uploading, testing some more, finding bugs...trying to squash bugs...having Alina squash the bugs for me...and getting the files ready for Friday night).
And today I had the pleasure of uploading Aranx’s birthday items into our database (and of COURSE I had to share them with you)!
I uploaded, tested, named, and described 9 of Aranx’s Birthday Items ascending from the heavens this Friday night for his special day. Above you will see the Descended Amadis Armor, equipped with color custom Descended Amadis Wings and the Tousled Archangel Hair (helm).
If you wish to follow a darker route, check out the above armor. He’s wearing the Fallen Amadis Armor, the Scar of the Fallen Amadis helm, and the massive Fallen Amadis Annex wings.
And here’s a few more birthday presents Aranx has for you.
…oh how I wish Aranx would have a birthday every week!
But this weekend we can all enjoy Aranx’s birthday. Yippie!
xoxo Beleen
AQ3D
BattleGems
BioBeasts
Dragons
Undead Assault