Lifted from http://vnboards.ign.com/Darkness_Rising_Discussion_Forum_/b23027/92065617/?0
What is Darkness Rising all about?
It´s the latest expansion for DAoC, featuring horses, champion level sub class ablilities and champion weapons. The capitol cities will be
revamped as well. There will be new quests and tasks as well.
Will there be non - English versions of this FAQ?
Yes, when enough volunteers are found
Can this FAQ be distributed freely?
Yes, , you can post this FAQ anywhere you like but not alter a jota. If you want to add corrections please pm me (Iarn.Greiper @vn for example).
When will Darkness Rising be released ?
11th of October 2005 is the US release by Mythic. For non US servers like those run by GOA no date is given, but the timeframe from
chrismas till February seems realistic.
What are the minimum specs for Darkness Rising?
Pentium III 1.4GHz or AMD equivalent
512 MB RAM
Requires compatible 3D Acceleration card with 64 MB Video RAM
DirectX 9.0 or later
How much does it cost?
US $19.99 [corrected in v0.02, thanks Kunou],no specifics yet for oversea versions.
Is this a box or a download?
This is a download. It is save to assume that there will be ways to get a CD, too. No specifics yet for oversea versions.
Do I need any previous expansions?
You need catacombs. However, if you buy them bundled, you get both for US $ 29.95. No other expansions needed so you can in theory get
the 14 day trial and buy Cats&DR bundle and be fine. However there will be soon a boxed package with a new account key and all expansions for shop sale.
Do I need to buy DR for all my accounts?
If you want to use the new features on the characters on that account or want to enter the new zones, yes. You need to have Catacombs
enabled on every account you want to have DR enabled. For buffbot accounts see below.
Is DR needed for buffbot accounts?
Not really in my personal opinion. The only advantages are minor:
- your BB can ride as fast as you can
- you can enter a few zones botted, but right now the content of the new zones is more quest orientated, so I personally don t expect much
farming there
- your BB might get a new minor buff like a low powered damage add via subclassing (see below)
In the end you have to dicide if you want to spend 20 or 30 bucks on DR. However in no way, DR is as mandatory for BBs like TOA was because of health and mana fonts.
Which patch version will introduce DR?
1.80, so for US server players whis will be the next patch.
Horses were promised since day one. And now I have to buy an expansion for them?
There will be two kinds of horses. One will be free (only in RL terms, you have to pay for it in game). It is aimed for medium level (35) players
and of moderate cost in game (250gold). Then there will be advanced horses which have higher costs and other requirements (see below).
You need to have DR enabled on that character account to own or ride such a horse.
Will Darkness Rising feature new races?
No, but it will bring new lore for existing races.
Will Darkness Rising feature new classes?
No, but you can aquire sub-classing ablilities as you progress champion levels (see below). These abilities are supposed to round your
character, but you will not gain much in power.
How do you advance your character in Darkness Rising?
Once you have spoken to the king´s advisor (see below) you have a new exp bar called Champion Level Exp. See a full description below.
You will start a new quest of epic dimensions as well. Completing the quest will give you benefits like levels you will gain from CL Exp.
Furtunately they interlink and you will get CL Exp for this quest as well.
What are the mechanics of CL exp?
You will get champion level exp for everything that will give you normal exp. That is killing mobs (grinding), doing quests (level 50 quests tend
to give tons of exp, now we now why), or killing players. You get a better CLexp / exp ratio for killing other players but it will be very hard to
gain champion levels by RvR. Doing you champion quest will give you enough exp for some champion levels.
The CL exp needed is the same for any level in contrast to normal exp. There are 5 champion levels. You start at champion level 0.
[numbers needed]
What are champion levels needed for?
Purchasing special horses, purchasing and using horse equipment (see below), getting a hot champion weapon (see below) as well as a
subcassing ability point per level (see below as well).
What do I gain from doing my champion quest?
First you gain champion level exp for every step (the low level steps give little exp, expect to see better number as you advance the quest).
Second after you helped your realm in need of a hero, you get a special weapon by the king at the start of champter 3. When you are done with the quest or CL 5 it will recieve another ability.
As an alternative way you can get that weapon by getting to champion level 5 alone.
What are the requirements for the Champion quest?
You need to be level 30 to start it and be level 50 for the final steps. Obviously the level 50 steps will be the hardest and best rewarded ones.
How do I start the champion quest?
To begin your journey in Albion, seek out an NPC within your Profession's halls (for example, all members of the Defenders of Albion should
speak to Sir Amren). In Hibernia, those of the Paths of Essence and Focus should look in Mag Mell, while those of the Paths of Harmony and
Affinity should look within Alainn Cuir. In Midgard, consult with the Visindakonas within the Temple of the Aesir. They will send you to the
advisor of your realm´s king.
Be careful as those NPC are also connected to the new armor epic intorduced in version 1.79. This used to confuse quite a few players.
How hard is this quest series?
You can master this quest series with a solid group. No über group required, but certainly having a balanced class setup helps a ton. You can
do the low level steps mostly on your own. The first steps are a lot of Fed Ex work, but the excellent story helps.. Farther down the steps
beome more group and combat orientated, with some nice extras like large scale battles with NPC support.
How do I subclass?
At each of the five Champion Levels, you will be given an opportunity to increase your skills and knowledge by selecting Subclass abilities.
These abilities are taught by base-class trainers in the starting cities (for example, the Acolyte trainer in Cotswold), and you may learn the talents of any base-class except your own.
At the moment this is a problem for Midgard since Migard has only a single caster baseclass, but Albion has two. Maybe there will be some
changes later.
Is there a list of subclassing abilities?
I hope we can compile one, soon [any helop is appreciated since I can t access the old forum threads on the subject)
How can I combine subclassing abilities?
[help needed, can you start 2 different trees, train one to 2 and the other to three?]
You choose a branch of the subclass you chose from a selection of 4 or 5 [?]. With every level you advance you can get deeper in that branch
and get another ability. You can not choose an ability form a different branch. As an example when cou train Midgard Seer A1, A2, A3 you
can not train E4.
Are the subclassing abilities game-shaking or most haves?
No, but depending on your character template, they can come quite handy. However don t expect high delves, most spells are more level
20-25 effetcs. However they are not resisted as much.
Do the subclassing abilities follow the the mechanics as standart abilities?
First they delve lower, and have lower values on every aspect (range, radius, other percentages like lifedrain return). Second they have fixed
cast times.
I don t have mana? How can my tank cast spells?
Each class has a manapool based on his acuity stat. For tanks this is strength for example. As it seems now, you can not boost that pool by
buffs.
How much does a mount cost?
level 35 horse = 250gold
level 45 horse = 1plat
Champion Level Horses
level 1 coloured horses = 2plat
level 2 coloured horses = 3plat
level 3 coloured warhorses = 6plat
level 4 coloured warhorses = 8plat
level 5 quest horses = 15plat + quest
[need more specifics]
How do I use a horse?
You have a new button called "Mount" on your central charater screen. When you click it a new window opens. You can place a horse from
your inventory in the specific slow as well as equpment (armor, barding and saddle bags). Then you need to drag that horse in your hotbar as
well. When you click your hotbar or press that hotkey you whistle and after a few seconds you appear on top of your horse. On your horse
you can move as normal but use mounted animations.When you jump your horse jumps.
How do I dismount?
Ideally by clicking your hotkey. However if you take damage you dismount forcefully and take extra damage. In my personal experiences
mobdamage dismounts you as well as lava. Falling seemed to not dismount you, but this could have changed.
Can I emote on horses?
Yes, there are a few new emotes for rider and mount [need list as old forums are gone]. Some traditional emotes like /dance have a mounted
animation as well.
What are the benefits of horse equipment?
Armor and barding are fluff, saddle bags allow you to carry more weight as you can put items there.
Where I can buy horse equipment?
At the local crafter of your choice. All recipes are skill 1000 for various trades. [need specifics]
What are champion tasks?
The name is highly misleading. In fact this is another way to get exp on your way to level 50 via short mini-quests; you will be able to choose
the type of task that you wish to perform from various categories. Look for Lieutenant Mauvere in Tir na Nog, Lieutenant Lomnar in Jordheim,
or Lieutenant Purgis in Camelot for more information.
What can I expect from my champion weapon?
You can expect a weapon that is looking very nice in most cases. You can see a lot of threads of various message boards featuring the graphics like this one: http://vnboards.ign.com/Darkness_Rising_Discussion_Forum_/b23027/92002740/?23
Only few are not appreciated by the player base (berserker and to a lesser extent friar), maybe they will get revamped soon.
However, there is one thing you have to be aware of: because the weapons are unique to a class, friend and foe can learn your class from your weapon. However their stats are nice even compared to the most powerful artifacts and truely stunning on alternate ruleset (so-called Classic) servers.
What kind of weapon can I get? Is this choice final?
You can get any weapon that your class can wield per default. You can choose 2h or 1h if your class can and any kind (slash, pierce etc) if your class can use such weapons.
You can exchange your weapon for a different kind at any time at the throneroom of your realm. The weapon needs to be in perfect condition,
so you can t safe repairs by trading a weapon.
Do champion weapons decay?
They can be repaired as many times as needed. If you want to trade it for a different type (see above), you need to repair it first.
What stats can I expect?
All champion weapons are 100% qua level 51 weapons. Most are slow with a few classes that tend to like fast weapons. Caster stats feature 4 casting speed and damage, most melees have 4% melee speed and damage. Healer types have spell range and speed. All weapons have a souple of + stat and + pool, too.
All weapons have two useables. Most casters have a power replentish /use like Tartaros staff. The second useable is unlocked by finishing the champion quest or reaching cl 5. Just trade your weapon in.
What is Darkness Rising all about?
It´s the latest expansion for DAoC, featuring horses, champion level sub class ablilities and champion weapons. The capitol cities will be
revamped as well. There will be new quests and tasks as well.
Will there be non - English versions of this FAQ?
Yes, when enough volunteers are found
Can this FAQ be distributed freely?
Yes, , you can post this FAQ anywhere you like but not alter a jota. If you want to add corrections please pm me (Iarn.Greiper @vn for example).
When will Darkness Rising be released ?
11th of October 2005 is the US release by Mythic. For non US servers like those run by GOA no date is given, but the timeframe from
chrismas till February seems realistic.
What are the minimum specs for Darkness Rising?
Pentium III 1.4GHz or AMD equivalent
512 MB RAM
Requires compatible 3D Acceleration card with 64 MB Video RAM
DirectX 9.0 or later
How much does it cost?
US $19.99 [corrected in v0.02, thanks Kunou],no specifics yet for oversea versions.
Is this a box or a download?
This is a download. It is save to assume that there will be ways to get a CD, too. No specifics yet for oversea versions.
Do I need any previous expansions?
You need catacombs. However, if you buy them bundled, you get both for US $ 29.95. No other expansions needed so you can in theory get
the 14 day trial and buy Cats&DR bundle and be fine. However there will be soon a boxed package with a new account key and all expansions for shop sale.
Do I need to buy DR for all my accounts?
If you want to use the new features on the characters on that account or want to enter the new zones, yes. You need to have Catacombs
enabled on every account you want to have DR enabled. For buffbot accounts see below.
Is DR needed for buffbot accounts?
Not really in my personal opinion. The only advantages are minor:
- your BB can ride as fast as you can
- you can enter a few zones botted, but right now the content of the new zones is more quest orientated, so I personally don t expect much
farming there
- your BB might get a new minor buff like a low powered damage add via subclassing (see below)
In the end you have to dicide if you want to spend 20 or 30 bucks on DR. However in no way, DR is as mandatory for BBs like TOA was because of health and mana fonts.
Which patch version will introduce DR?
1.80, so for US server players whis will be the next patch.
Horses were promised since day one. And now I have to buy an expansion for them?
There will be two kinds of horses. One will be free (only in RL terms, you have to pay for it in game). It is aimed for medium level (35) players
and of moderate cost in game (250gold). Then there will be advanced horses which have higher costs and other requirements (see below).
You need to have DR enabled on that character account to own or ride such a horse.
Will Darkness Rising feature new races?
No, but it will bring new lore for existing races.
Will Darkness Rising feature new classes?
No, but you can aquire sub-classing ablilities as you progress champion levels (see below). These abilities are supposed to round your
character, but you will not gain much in power.
How do you advance your character in Darkness Rising?
Once you have spoken to the king´s advisor (see below) you have a new exp bar called Champion Level Exp. See a full description below.
You will start a new quest of epic dimensions as well. Completing the quest will give you benefits like levels you will gain from CL Exp.
Furtunately they interlink and you will get CL Exp for this quest as well.
What are the mechanics of CL exp?
You will get champion level exp for everything that will give you normal exp. That is killing mobs (grinding), doing quests (level 50 quests tend
to give tons of exp, now we now why), or killing players. You get a better CLexp / exp ratio for killing other players but it will be very hard to
gain champion levels by RvR. Doing you champion quest will give you enough exp for some champion levels.
The CL exp needed is the same for any level in contrast to normal exp. There are 5 champion levels. You start at champion level 0.
[numbers needed]
What are champion levels needed for?
Purchasing special horses, purchasing and using horse equipment (see below), getting a hot champion weapon (see below) as well as a
subcassing ability point per level (see below as well).
What do I gain from doing my champion quest?
First you gain champion level exp for every step (the low level steps give little exp, expect to see better number as you advance the quest).
Second after you helped your realm in need of a hero, you get a special weapon by the king at the start of champter 3. When you are done with the quest or CL 5 it will recieve another ability.
As an alternative way you can get that weapon by getting to champion level 5 alone.
What are the requirements for the Champion quest?
You need to be level 30 to start it and be level 50 for the final steps. Obviously the level 50 steps will be the hardest and best rewarded ones.
How do I start the champion quest?
To begin your journey in Albion, seek out an NPC within your Profession's halls (for example, all members of the Defenders of Albion should
speak to Sir Amren). In Hibernia, those of the Paths of Essence and Focus should look in Mag Mell, while those of the Paths of Harmony and
Affinity should look within Alainn Cuir. In Midgard, consult with the Visindakonas within the Temple of the Aesir. They will send you to the
advisor of your realm´s king.
Be careful as those NPC are also connected to the new armor epic intorduced in version 1.79. This used to confuse quite a few players.
How hard is this quest series?
You can master this quest series with a solid group. No über group required, but certainly having a balanced class setup helps a ton. You can
do the low level steps mostly on your own. The first steps are a lot of Fed Ex work, but the excellent story helps.. Farther down the steps
beome more group and combat orientated, with some nice extras like large scale battles with NPC support.
How do I subclass?
At each of the five Champion Levels, you will be given an opportunity to increase your skills and knowledge by selecting Subclass abilities.
These abilities are taught by base-class trainers in the starting cities (for example, the Acolyte trainer in Cotswold), and you may learn the talents of any base-class except your own.
At the moment this is a problem for Midgard since Migard has only a single caster baseclass, but Albion has two. Maybe there will be some
changes later.
Is there a list of subclassing abilities?
I hope we can compile one, soon [any helop is appreciated since I can t access the old forum threads on the subject)
How can I combine subclassing abilities?
[help needed, can you start 2 different trees, train one to 2 and the other to three?]
You choose a branch of the subclass you chose from a selection of 4 or 5 [?]. With every level you advance you can get deeper in that branch
and get another ability. You can not choose an ability form a different branch. As an example when cou train Midgard Seer A1, A2, A3 you
can not train E4.
Are the subclassing abilities game-shaking or most haves?
No, but depending on your character template, they can come quite handy. However don t expect high delves, most spells are more level
20-25 effetcs. However they are not resisted as much.
Do the subclassing abilities follow the the mechanics as standart abilities?
First they delve lower, and have lower values on every aspect (range, radius, other percentages like lifedrain return). Second they have fixed
cast times.
I don t have mana? How can my tank cast spells?
Each class has a manapool based on his acuity stat. For tanks this is strength for example. As it seems now, you can not boost that pool by
buffs.
How much does a mount cost?
level 35 horse = 250gold
level 45 horse = 1plat
Champion Level Horses
level 1 coloured horses = 2plat
level 2 coloured horses = 3plat
level 3 coloured warhorses = 6plat
level 4 coloured warhorses = 8plat
level 5 quest horses = 15plat + quest
[need more specifics]
How do I use a horse?
You have a new button called "Mount" on your central charater screen. When you click it a new window opens. You can place a horse from
your inventory in the specific slow as well as equpment (armor, barding and saddle bags). Then you need to drag that horse in your hotbar as
well. When you click your hotbar or press that hotkey you whistle and after a few seconds you appear on top of your horse. On your horse
you can move as normal but use mounted animations.When you jump your horse jumps.
How do I dismount?
Ideally by clicking your hotkey. However if you take damage you dismount forcefully and take extra damage. In my personal experiences
mobdamage dismounts you as well as lava. Falling seemed to not dismount you, but this could have changed.
Can I emote on horses?
Yes, there are a few new emotes for rider and mount [need list as old forums are gone]. Some traditional emotes like /dance have a mounted
animation as well.
What are the benefits of horse equipment?
Armor and barding are fluff, saddle bags allow you to carry more weight as you can put items there.
Where I can buy horse equipment?
At the local crafter of your choice. All recipes are skill 1000 for various trades. [need specifics]
What are champion tasks?
The name is highly misleading. In fact this is another way to get exp on your way to level 50 via short mini-quests; you will be able to choose
the type of task that you wish to perform from various categories. Look for Lieutenant Mauvere in Tir na Nog, Lieutenant Lomnar in Jordheim,
or Lieutenant Purgis in Camelot for more information.
What can I expect from my champion weapon?
You can expect a weapon that is looking very nice in most cases. You can see a lot of threads of various message boards featuring the graphics like this one: http://vnboards.ign.com/Darkness_Rising_Discussion_Forum_/b23027/92002740/?23
Only few are not appreciated by the player base (berserker and to a lesser extent friar), maybe they will get revamped soon.
However, there is one thing you have to be aware of: because the weapons are unique to a class, friend and foe can learn your class from your weapon. However their stats are nice even compared to the most powerful artifacts and truely stunning on alternate ruleset (so-called Classic) servers.
What kind of weapon can I get? Is this choice final?
You can get any weapon that your class can wield per default. You can choose 2h or 1h if your class can and any kind (slash, pierce etc) if your class can use such weapons.
You can exchange your weapon for a different kind at any time at the throneroom of your realm. The weapon needs to be in perfect condition,
so you can t safe repairs by trading a weapon.
Do champion weapons decay?
They can be repaired as many times as needed. If you want to trade it for a different type (see above), you need to repair it first.
What stats can I expect?
All champion weapons are 100% qua level 51 weapons. Most are slow with a few classes that tend to like fast weapons. Caster stats feature 4 casting speed and damage, most melees have 4% melee speed and damage. Healer types have spell range and speed. All weapons have a souple of + stat and + pool, too.
All weapons have two useables. Most casters have a power replentish /use like Tartaros staff. The second useable is unlocked by finishing the champion quest or reaching cl 5. Just trade your weapon in.
