Crowfall - Throne War PC MMO

Redemptor · Mar 8, 2015

I threw my money at it.

Like the developer says, this is quite risky project to try out something so new in the MMO field.

Here is nice interview (part 1) with the developer:

Dihm · Mar 8, 2015

I just want to have a horse cock

Dihm · Mar 8, 2015

But really, of course I'll be a god damn guinea pig. Cuddly Skaven? Works for me

KillBox · Mar 9, 2015

Dihm said: ↑

But really, of course I'll be a god damn guinea pig. Cuddly Skaven? Works for me

Click to expand...

To dawwwwww or not to dawwwwww... not sure.

Dihm · Mar 9, 2015

Daw or daw not, there is no cry

Audit · Mar 10, 2015

Skill system explained.

Crowfall Newsletter said:

Skill Training FAQ + Behind the scenes with the artists!
Posted by ArtCraft Entertainment, Inc.

It's Monday! Another week is here and we're off to a great start toward Stretch Goal #2 - Mounts and Caravans. Today we want to take you behind the scenes with the artists at ArtCraft Entertainment and explain the Skill Training system in Crowfall.

Passive Training / Skills FAQ
How does passive training work?

Passive training allows you to advance your character(s) skills, whether or not you are actively logged in and playing the game.
Narratively speaking, this is represented in the game by having a temple with Thrall priests “praying” for your Hero to remember the skills from his previous life.

Is there active training, too?

Yes, you can advance a skill through use -- but only to get proficiency. Passive training is the primary way of advancing your character's skills.

Can I only train one skill at a time?

Actually, no! You can train a character in three skills at any one time. They don't all advance at the same rate, however.

You select a primary, secondary and tertiary skill to advance. The primary will advance quickest, followed by the secondary, followed by the tertiary.
What scale is used for skills?

100% is the "theoretical maximum" of a human hero. As a point of reference: if your character has a 100% sword skill, then they could compete as an Olympic-level fencer.

Since our players are immortal champions, chosen by the Gods at the time of their death, they often have skills above the “theoretical maximum” that a human mortal can achieve. Anything above 100% is heroic level; bards wrote poems that centered around your skills and your achievements are the stuff of legends.
How quickly do skills advance?

These numbers are still being balanced, but we're generally going for something like this: to reach 100% level with any skill takes 1 month of primary training, 2 months with secondary, 3 months with tertiary.

The results are granted on a diminishing returns curve, meaning that it is much easier to gain the first 10% of any skill than it is to gain the last.

As an upshot of this system, every time you log in, you should see advances in three of your skills!
Can I train more than one character at once?

Yes, if you have an optional VIP membership. A VIP membership allows you to train three characters in parallel. Each character will also have three passive training slots (i.e. it works the same way with ALL THREE characters, as it does with the first one.)

Once I select a primary, secondary or tertiary skill to train, can I change it? Or is it locked?

It is not locked. You can change (and re-order) which three skills you want to train at any time.

Can I train beyond my skill max?

No. You can only train up to your skill max.

Can I increase my skill max?

Yes. Max skills are determined by a combination of your archetype, promotion class, advantage and disadvantage runes, and Disciplines.

How are the skill increases calculated over time?

The gains are done on a diminishing returns curve. While it may be quick to gain those low-end skill points, mastery of a skill (i.e. the upper portion of the range) will take a considerable amount of time. It may be more beneficial to work on a bunch of skills at the low end rather than taking a skill to the absolute max. How you choose to advance is up to you!

What if I hit a skill max, and I am not able to get online?

No problem! You can queue-up additional skills to train.

------

Behind the Scenes with Dave Greco and Jon O'Neal
Art Lead Dave Greco and Lead Environment Artist Jon O'Neal take a moment to discuss the ART in ArtCraft Entertainment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jc5I1WEOXNM
While we are on the topic of Art. Concept Artist Larissa Angus just completed this poster of the Assassin Archetype and we wanted to show you straight away!

What do you think?

NOTE: As of posting this we are just 750 backers away from the 12k backer goal reward of the All-Father statue. So close! If you haven't yet - be sure to let your friends, family and enemies know that now's the time to back Crowfall. You'll want to see them on the battlefield.
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Chewch said: ↑

I think I'm the only person that has put money into it so far.
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I've put down money.

Audit · Mar 10, 2015

MOAR VIDEOZ!

Crowfall Newsletter said:

Behind the Scenes Part 2!
Posted by ArtCraft Entertainment, Inc.

Today's update is video heavy - we heard you like videos!

Up first, we have a brand new behind the scenes with Environment Art Lead Jon O'Neal in which he discusses his process in creating a very early alpha environment art in Crowfall.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZvQaVyNfRk&feature=youtu.be
Also, when we launched our Kickstarter we uploaded many videos on our website at Crowfall.com on the About the Game page - But we realize that not everyone has seen them. It's about time we change that!

Please Note: All in-game footage is pre-alpha, many of the systems shown are in their Research and Development phase and will change drastically between now and launch. (That means elements of combat will be improved / adjusted and in some cases flat out scrapped. We aren't afraid of change if it makes for a better game!)

Campaigns

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2A0iGyfU0wQ
Seasons

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtOKoHEDnwc
The Hunger

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufu-L4dMh7E
The Gods

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Y81IphGnWA
Eternal Heroes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFDaAUC7JKM
Dying Wolds

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zvH0DHioOs
More to come this week!
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Carl Corwyn · Mar 11, 2015

I'm in this game for SO MUCH MONEY...But I used to work for Gordon, so I know he makes good stuff.

Audit · Mar 11, 2015

Carl Corwyn said: ↑

I'm in this game for SO MUCH MONEY...But I used to work for Gordon, so I know he makes good stuff.
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Oooh, sounds like access to the F&R Alpha tests for you.

Carl Corwyn · Mar 11, 2015

"I have been advised by my lawyer to neither confirm nor deny those allegations, Senator."

>.>
<.<

Tuonela · Mar 12, 2015

I backed

Audit · Mar 12, 2015

Another Newsletter update.

Crowfall Newsletter said:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWnQ2o3G8_Y
Wow, what a crazy two weeks!

We started our Kickstarter on February 24th, which means that today is officially the mid-point of the Campaign. 2 more weeks to go!

Needless to say, the response has been overwhelming. Thank you for being willing to support our company, and our vision!

Now, let's talk about the next two weeks.

First, we're going to keep dropping you information about the game, the team, and the ongoing development process. Expect more videos, concept art, game footage, interviews, forum posts, you name it! Second, we're going to fill in the last "big ticket items" of our game vision. We are reaching a point where the designs are less detailed, more like a vision statement of how each system will work, and where it fits into the whole.

We'll be sharing vision statements for...

- Artifacts and Relics. In addition to scavenged resources, Artifacts and Relics are items that you (or your team) can win in a Campaign, to take home to your Kingdom and offer up to the Gods to gain divine favor (time-limited guild and individual effects that persist across all Campaigns)

- Championship Campaign Tournaments. The Tournament system exists as a meta-game layer on top of the Campaigns. To qualify for the Tournament, guilds must be victorious in one or more Campaigns. These elimination tournament ladders will separate the effective guilds from the mediocre, and the great guilds from the good. Complete for the ultimate prize in each band of Worlds (the Dragon Throne, or the greatsword Grievance)

- Eternal Kingdoms and the economy game. Why do I want more parcels of land, and what can I do with them? What drives supply, and how can I maximize my player-run kingdom? How can I build a mercantile empire?

We will be providing you all of this before the end of the Kickstarter (March 26th). We know that every vision document has the potential to alienate as many people as it excites... but, in keeping with our original statement, we realize that this game isn't for everyone and we hope your decided to come along on this journey with us to build Crowfall.

As always, we thank you for your consideration, and we remain humbled by your support. More to come!

Todd

ACE

P.S: We've had a few questions from people eager to know what character customization looks like. While we're a little while away from delivering specifics here's an early concept of our direction right now, using a male Knight as an example!

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Calisrue · Mar 13, 2015

I'm gonna be backing, just not quite sure at what level yet... I'm really liking the Shadowbane background (which I think has been one of the most fun to play MMOs to date) for the creative director because i can see the elements I liked about that game (siege/tactical pvp) and the ability to take weaknesses to get extra character perks - and it addresses one of the major weaknesses, what happens when the battle lines get stale/deadlocked because of faction dominance.

Audit · Mar 13, 2015

More details on character progression.

Crowfall Newsletter[/quote said:

It's time to reveal more details about Character progression! Introducing: The lifetime of a character:

Character Progression FAQ
How does character progression work?

Character progression happens in a few different ways.

At character creation, the player selects an Archetype, and a series of Advantages and Disadvantages.

This is done on a point system; each character (or avatar) has a set number of points that can be spent to improve the character. Additional points can be gained by taking Disadvantages. There is a limit to the number of Advantage and Disadvantage runes that can be added to each character.

After creating the character and advancing your base skills to a level of competency through gameplay, each Archetype has the option to promote to another Class or occupation. We are planning for multiple promotion classes for each base Archetype.

The promotion classes enable the player to skew their character in a specific direction. Want to be a Knight who does more damage? Promote to Swordsman! Want to be a Knight who has even more defensive skills? Promote to Crusader! Want to be a Knight who has a ranged weapon and skills? Promote to Sentinel!

Can I change my Promotion Class later?

No. There are a few changes that are permanent, and this is one of them. Choose carefully.

What does a promotion class grant?

In almost all cases the promotion class increases your skill maximums on all relevant skills. This enables the player to train their skills deeper into a chosen path, becoming a master at what they do.

Most of the time promotion also grants new powers to use in combat and extends the awesomeness of existing powers.

Sometimes promotion will grant a new weapon that can be used along with skills and powers that accompany it. Such as a melee class gaining the ability to use a bow and the skills that accompany bow usage.

Promotion also offers the character a final chance to alter any of their advantages and disadvantages. At this point we think the player fully understands what would be useful to their character as a permanent choice.

What are the requirements to promote?

We are still working on the exact mechanics that will allow a character to promote to their promotion class but are pretty sure it will have something to do with skill points. Either earn a specific total amount of skill points or train some specific skills to a required amount. It might even be a combination of both.

After I select a Promotion Classes, am I done with customization?

No. In addition to promotion classes, characters can also take Disciplines, which are a type of “sub-class” to further customize your character.

Disciplines are applied by collecting Runestones in the game, and applying them to your character. Not every Discipline will be available to every Archetype – but every Archetype will have access to many, many Disciplines.

Disciplines allow you to further customize your characters skills and powers. Want to focus that Knight on more sword damage? Or increasing his Strength attribute? Or turning into a Werebear? These are the types of customization effects that can be added by using Disciplines.

Discipline runes can increase your skill max will certain skills, grant access to new skills and powers, grant you new crafting recipes, or give you the ability to master weapon types that are normally restricted.

The skills, powers and recipes granted by Disciplines are typically very thematic. For example, we wouldn’t have a generic “Weapon Master” discipline that gives you a bonus to swords, spears and shields – but we might have a “Gladiator” discipline that does exactly that, because it makes sense that a Gladiator might have that particular collection of skills.

Discipline Examples:

Alchemist Runestone

“Wine from Water, Lead from Gold”

Grants Potion Recipes

Grants Alchemy Skill

Grants Inventory Bag (Potions) - Potions placed in Potion bag will not explode when hit

Werewolf Runestone

“For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack”

Grants Limited Time Transformation Power - Grants Werewolf combat powers while in Werewolf form

Grants Bonus Damage Vampyre Stat

Increases Movement speed Stat

Grants equipment slot: Jorts

Can my Disciplines be changed?

Yes, you can overwrite existing Discipline Runestones with new ones. Doing so will remove or reduce the benefits granted by the previous Discipline, and destroy the old one in the process.

Do Disciplines have restrictions?

Some of them do, usually in any case where an animation set is required for that weapon which that archetype may not have. For example the Cavalier Discipline (which grants shield mastery and block powers) would not be usable by Duelist archetype, because they do have the necessary skill pre-requirements (shields) or animation sets.

Can you give me some examples of other Disciplines?

Sure. Here are a few examples.

Standard Bearer

Rune Caster

Collector

Lapidary

Beastmaster

Ratcatcher

Blood of the Ancients

Berserker

Swashbuckler

Stonecutter

Commander

Where do Disciplines Runestones come from?

Disciplines are found by participating in Campaigns.

The exact method varies: they can be scavenged (meaning they will spawn in ruins, or uncovered as buried treasure when tunneling in the ground), some can be crafted (using additives and resources found in the Campaign worlds) some can be granted as a special Campaign reward.

Can Discipline Runes be traded?

Yes, but since they can’t be removed (only destroyed), you can only use them if they have not yet been applied to a character.

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Damion Sparhawk · Mar 16, 2015

I pledged for Silver because... well, why the hell not? I get to reserve my name XD

Chewch · Mar 16, 2015

Damion Sparhawk said: ↑

I pledged for Silver because... well, why the hell not? I get to reserve my name XD
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The Nightmare looks cool too. 1.3 is going to happen.

Calisrue · Mar 16, 2015

seriously looking at pounding down the amber level pledge

Audit · Mar 16, 2015

Calisrue said: ↑

seriously looking at pounding down the amber level pledge
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Amber has my eye as well. I've already pledged bronze, so I'm debating on upgrading after my next paycheck.

Audit · Mar 16, 2015

Mounts explained. Apparently you can lose your kickstarter mount if you die in a campaign and someone steals it from you.

Crowfall Newsletter said:

$1.2 Million in pledges - Mounts & Caravans almost here!
Posted by ArtCraft Entertainment, Inc.

Well, this week is certainly off to a great start! A moment ago, we just crossed the (absolutely amazing) threshold of $1.2 million in pledges for Crowfall!

That means we are only $100,000 away from our next big stretch goal, Mounts and Caravans.

Since we're close enough to achieving that goal -- fingers crossed, it looks like we will hit it! -- we are adding an FAQ this morning that covers the basics of mounts and pack animals: how they work, how you get them, and how these Kickstarter reward mounts will be special.

Mount FAQ

What are mounts like in Crowfall?
Mounts are creatures that have been tamed to act as both a companion and a steed. They provide players with a method of moving more quickly around the game, and sometimes giving them the ability to transport more items.

How do I get a mount?

Players with the right skill(s) will be able to tame certain creatures they find in the world, and some of these can be ridden as mounts. Additionally, some magic items will allow the player to manifest (summon) a mount from your inventory.

What determines if I can tame a creature?

All gameplay in Crowfall requires one or more skills; taming and riding mounts are no different! Certain creatures will require higher amounts of skill to tame than others. Skill will also be required in order to keep control of that creature once you have tamed it. Increasing your riding skill will help you tame more wild creatures, which in turns allows you to increase your movement speed while mounted.

Can you tame creatures other than Mounts? What can you do with the tamed creature?

Yes. Some creatures are a pack animals. Taming them allows you to open up a separate inventory on that creature, to add and remove items from it, and to order that creature to take simple commands like “stay,” “come” and “follow me.” If the creature is a regular mount, you can ride it, have it follow you or release it back into the wild (i.e. un-tame it). With figurine mounts, you can also dismiss them (i.e. turn it back into a figurine in your inventory, for later use).

Can mounts be attacked? Do they have health? Can they be killed?

Yes, yes and yes. Mounts are creatures in the world, so they can take damage and be killed.

Will a mount defend himself, or you, if attacked?

Yes, when you are not riding on a mount, the mount will defend itself and/or its master.

Can players use creatures higher than their riding skill allows?

No. The riding skill determines which mounts you can ride, as well as mount speed.

You said that mounts can die. Can figurine mounts die?

Yes, but figurine mounts have multiple lives. When it dies, the item takes some decay, and there is a delay timer before the mount can be summoned again. Remember that these are items, so they follow the same design philosophy as everything else: nothing lasts forever.

Can someone else take my mount?

These are items, so they are subject to the Campaign loot rules. That means there is a risk/reward scenario whenever you decide to use a mount figurine. Be careful where you take them.

What about the Kickstarter reward mounts? Don’t they last forever?

The Kickstarter mounts will be limited in use, like normal figurines – but we WILL give you a way to get the visual appearance back, if they are lost in gameplay. Our goal is not to make these “permanent”, but rather to make them temporary, but recoverable. We do want you to be able to continue to use them over the lifetime of the game, though, to show other players that you were an early backer.

Can I get more figurines in the game? Or only through Kickstarter?

There will be Disciplines that allow players to craft new figurines. However, the Kickstarter reward figurines have a unique appearance. Only Kickstarter backers (of the appropriate tiers) will have access to these mounts.

Can my Centaur character ride on a mount?

No, centaurs already have a base movement speed increase and there will be some other mechanic that allows them to travel at mount speed.

----

Behind the Scenes: Billy & Larissa

Next up in behind the scenes: Lead UX Artist Billy Garretsen and Concept Artist Larissa Angus discuss their roles at ArtCraft Entertainment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5Yf6tN8wJw
Interview with Todd: Part 2

Todd continues to answer questions about the conception of Crowfall and the forming of the company in Part 2 of this interview!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJxpwhNzVDI&feature=youtu.be
Thanks again for your support -- and please continue to pass the word, so that we can hit that goal of $1.3 million!

Todd
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Calisrue · Mar 16, 2015

Audit said: ↑

Mounts explained. Apparently you can lose your kickstarter mount if you die in a campaign and someone steals it from you.
Click to expand...

but there will be a way to regain the kickstarter mount appearance if lost to gameplay it says.. so a temporary loss

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