Cross of Auria News

Patch notes plus an inside look on what's coming up. Have a look!


3.1.2.2 [Build #59, Release Date: April 02, 2020] New:
- A mysterious vendor has made her way into The Black Forest! Be on the lookout as her stock changes from time to time. In addition to gold, she sometimes requires items for trading. Her current stock focuses on item enchantments.
Changes:
- Frostbrood units now have a chance to drop Frostbrood Tokens.
- Gazers, Bubbles and Slimes now have a chance to drop Congealed Element.
- Changed the movement frequency and speed of world-spawn Orcs.

Development Notes (Future Additions): - “Frostfire” Set
-- A new armor set with resistances to Fire and Ice is in the last stages of tweaking and will be available at the Black Forest vendor in (hopefully) the next update. Additionally, a new weapon type will be available for one of the party members at the same vendor. This set, in addition to gold, will require Congealed Fire and Congealed Frost to purchase.
-- Most of the data for this set is already finished and was released with this build.

- Equipment Grading System:
-- A new system is currently in development to make armor and weapons easier to inject into the game by grading entire sets with a point value and then distributing those point values percentagewise across the equipment slots. The working model distributes a set’s points by: 20% Head, 50% Chest, 10% Glove, 10% Boot, 10% Back. Additionally, this is further modified by equipment types with each stat (ATK/DEF/MAT/MDF/AGI/LUK/MHP/MMP) having a multiplier based on whether the piece of gear is Cloth, Leather, Mail, or Plate.
--- Example: A “25 point” def/mdf set would distribute 5 points to the headpiece, which would then divide those points with 70% (or 3.5 points) going to Defense and 30% (or 1.5 points) going to Magic Defense. These numbers would be further adjusted based on whatever the multiplier for each fabric type ends up being, which if Cloth had a 1* multiplier for Defense would result in 3.5 going into DEF, but a 0.5* multiplier for magic defense resulting in 0.75 going into MDF.
--- NOTE1: The actual multiplier values for each stat relative to the equipment fabric type will be published alongside this system’s initial release with pictures or a tutorial video to make it significantly easier to understand.
--- NOTE2: The point value of sets will be released on a case by case basis, but it would be up to the players to figure out what the distribution would actually be, or simply pick up the items in game when available.
--- NOTE3: This system will not function retroactively for sets already in the game. Aka; no current items in game will have their values changed.

- Lvell Expansion:
-- A new section of Lvell is coming in an update soon which will feature 7 new structures, one of which is Lvell’s own Hunter Lodge! The Phoenix Ash will function similarly to the Rabbit’s Foot with quests that progress in level, difficulty, and complexity. The rewards are not yet set in stone, but Hunter Tokens will still come at the end of each quest and a vendor will be present to accept them in exchange for Phoenix Ash specific items and gear.
-- Most of the data for this new section of the city has been released into the game with this build but is currently inaccessible.

- An’ura Reconnaissance (Cont’d)
-- The new An’ura-based questline introduced in 3.2 is still in development. Without spoiling too much, the goal is to create a “dungeon” expansion of the Den with challenging enemies and a twist ending. Additionally, a new friend may make use of the Arrowheads (this will be the only mention of that. Ever.) Dungeons will likely feature menu lockouts and save points – a throwback to some of my most favorite games of all time.

- Hell’s Gate Ignited
-- A new Hell’s Gate based questline with a hub and spoke layout is in pre-planning stages. The quest will begin in Sha’ri (bottom-right city).

- The Orc War (Cont’d)
-- The main story is still being worked on in the background and will most likely begin to roll out after An’ura Recon has concluded. Once the player embarks on the Orc War questline, they will not be able to return to the current state of the game for a short while.

- Agartha Activities
-- The Pit’s extension to level 30 is in the planning stages pending main story enemy additions to the game.
-- There is no in-progress development regarding additions or changes to the Colosseum for the time being. Once the Orc War story is fully released, the next wave of Colosseum instances will enter development. From that point forward, these instances will be in some form of weekly rotation, with only one being available each week. The An’ura version will be brought to level 30 when it returns following the launch of the Scarlet version.

If you noticed the Orcs not despawning, this will fix that! All Orcs on the map should function properly now.

3.1.2.1 [Build #58, Release Date: March 28, 2020] Fixes:
- Fixed the despawn trigger on all Orcs on the map.

I might be quarantined, but the An'ura and the Orcs are not! The Oros tribe has officially begun their march upon Revan, starting with scouts! These encounters begin once the player has access to the expanded world map - after the third trip to the Veil. Oros members may be found on the world map, in Frost Forest, in Alpha Ruins, and in the Black Forest! These battles function similar to the low level world battles - they will continually respawn until the Orc War is concluded and battles will begin on contact with them. However... some of them may be inclined to chase Ruby & friends down!
Without giving too much away, some of the An'ura function similarly and use the same map sprite as the Orcs (aka; a green orc guy). Whenever I am able to commission an insect looking map sprite, the An'ura on-the-map enemies will be updated.
Only the first step of the new An'ura quest chain is currently available. Keep your eyes on these updates to find out when and where the next will release!

3.1.2 [Build #57, Release Date: March 27, 2020] New:
- Orcs have begun to scout The Four Kingdoms! They can be found on the world map and in various other zones.
- The first part of “An’ura Recon” is now available! Find Azrael in the den to begin your adventure. (Keep a look our for additions to this quest chain in future updates)
Changes:
- “AP” changed to the engine native term “TP”.
- Many sources which say AP updated to say TP. Some (probably) still remain and will be caught and updated later.
- TP cost of Poison Cut raised to 15 from 5.
- TP cost of Slash raised to 10 from 2.
- TP cost of Slice raised to 25 from 20.
- TP cost of Chop raised to 20 from 10.
- The 10% Poison state is now removed at battle end.
- Rage now increases the attack power of the afflicted character by 25%.
- Minor terrain changes to Baker Emma’s room.
- Minor terrain changes to Ewynn’s room.
- Minor terrain changes to the Alchemist’s room.
- TP gain of Shot increased to 10 from 0.
- TP cost of Cut reduced to 25 from 40.

If you need to revert to a previous version of the game...
(1) – Right click Cross of Auria from the Steam menu.
(2) – Click “Properties”
(3) – Go to the “Betas” tab.
(4) – From the drop down menu, select the build titled "safezone", which will set the build to 3.1.1.1.
(5) – Do whatever you needed to do, then save on the world map.
(6) – Repeat the above steps, but select “none” or "default" instead to re-download the most current version of the game.

Today, I continue to focus on removing old unused plugin commands. I planned on holding out to do another big patch, but then I discovered that Dixon and Dan's customized vendor situations broke the economy entirely.

At this point, the 3.0.3.3 branch has been disabled but not deleted. In the event of an absolute dire emergency, it will be re-enabled. Until then, this 3.1.1.1 branch will serve as the new retreat point. This was done largely to prevent economy shattering.

Turning our eyes to the real world for a minute, I've been able to do more recently due to the quarantine and shutdown. Ideally, I'll be able to make some more progress before it's all over. Don't forget! If you want to connect with me outside of these little patch notes, my Discord that is mostly used for my slow-moving streaming career is always open @ https://discord.gg/zsF6DD7

3.1.1.1 [Build #56, Release Date: March 20, 2020] Fixes:
- Quest Log references have been removed from all Rabbit’s Foot and Dixon dialogue.
Changes:
- The Recipe for Moderate HP Potions is no longer obtainable. The corresponding Rabbit’s Foot quest now awards a small amount of XP instead. Players who still have this recipe may safely sell it for 250G.
- Changed cost and text for Dixon’s Special Potion.
- Price adjustments to all of Professor Dixon’s stocks.
- Minor dialogue change to Caravan Dan’s scenario.
- Armor types have returned. It is no longer possible for each character to equip items outside their preferred type (Alex = Cloth, Miles = Leather, Ruby = Mail, Riley = Plate). Currently equipped armor mismatches will be returned to the inventory.
- Minor terrain changes to The Rabbit’s Foot.
Other:
- Older versions from the game have been deactivated. It is no longer possible to revert Cross of Auria to a previous version. This release will serve as the checkpoint moving forward (if necessary).



Danger looms on the horizon...

The key focus from this week's update is the internal item restructuring, which will leave some players who log in wondering what happened to the items they had. Rather than wipe out everyone's inventory, I've decided to leave them intact regardless of what items you may now have. This item change will make development easier on me moving forward, but may require a new game file for you if you update to this version before getting to a point where you hold no quest items.
If you log in and decide that you need to roll back rather than restart, please use the following steps:
Warning: Please save on the world map before reverting to a previous version.
Rollback Steps:
(1) – Right click Cross of Auria from the Steam menu.
(2) – Click “Properties”
(3) – Go to the “Betas” tab.
(4) – From the drop down menu, select 3.0.3.3 (which is the most stable recent build).
(5) – Complete any remaining quests which cause you to hold quest items.
(6) – Save on the world map.
(7) – Repeat the above steps, but select “Default” instead to re-download the most current version of the game.

Warning - This is the final time 3.0.3.3 will be used as a rollback checkpoint. At the launch of the next update, you will be unable to revert your file and the following changes will be permanent.
- Items from #149-220 which are currently Timelost Item (former holder of Weak Potion, Essences, etc) will be re-written or removed from the game entirely. If you log in to any Timelost Items, sell them immediately. If you have and "blank" items, using them should destroy them from your inventory.
- Lost quest items will be inaccessible and require a game restart.
- Any remaining debug items in game will be removed.

Patch Summary
- Item list restructured on the back end, resulting in Timelost Items or changed inventory items.
- Some minor fixes.
- Mixing table now available in Lvell and Auria.
- Economy slightly restructured.

In the next update, my quest to remove the previous Quest Log components from CoA continues! Currently, all Rabbit's Foot quests are still affected by Quest Log dialogue and extra script commands, which currently have no function beyond confusing players.

Final note, the "x. Patch Notes" file contained within the game files incorrectly shows this release date as 2019. That's just me forgetting I'm getting older. :D


3.1.1 [Build #55, Release Date: March 17, 2020] Note: Updating to this build may require a new game file if your current position in game meets certain criteria. Please review item [A] under “Changes” for more details. If your file does currently fall under this category, avoid updating to this build until you are clear of the effects of the change, or make a new game file. New:
- A new friend has come to Auria/Entrance – the Delivery Boy! He is tasked with delivering to Ruby any missives that were previously obtainable from the world map or other less than realistic sources. He may be found in the expanded entrance of Auria that comes after the party’s stay at the Inn.
- Some enemy attacks now inflict Silence or Disable, which restrict access to Magic and Skills respectively.
- Mixing tables are now available in Auria and at Ruby’s house! From here, restorative and damaging items may be created.
- All non-mechanical and non-rift enemies have a chance to drop Essence of Life, which may be used to craft health potions.
- All non-rift magic specialist enemies have a chance to drop Essence of Magick, which may be used to craft magick potions.
- Added the new aekashics quarantine pack for potential future use. (Small game size increase)
Fixes:
- O’lan now appears in the expanded version of Market Town if the player is holding the corresponding missive.
- The Mystery Shop will no longer grant the player the first-time bonus twice.
- The Mixing Table at Rayman’s House now reacts to the player properly as long as Frost Essences are held.
Changes:
- [A] The internal list of items has been slightly restructured. Items removed from the game have been replaced with Timelost Item, which may be sold for gold. It is strongly recommended to sell these before the next update, as they will be removed from the game entirely which will leave empty item spaces and non-functioning items in your inventory. [Note: Some items have changed positions entirely - It is strongly recommended at this point to make a new game file OR be completely sure you are not holding any critical quest progression key items such as the Ewynn sidequest book. If you are not holding any critical items for quest progression, you will still be able to continue without restarting.]
- The way items drop from enemies has been restructured and reduced.
- The internal list of items has been restructured and reduced. Percent based regeneration items have been removed entirely.
- Some enemies now have a 1% chance to drop Mysterious Coins.
- Bosses now have a 3% chance to drop Mysterious Coins.
- Mechanical enemies no longer drop restorative items.
- Rift enemies outside the Coliseum no longer drop restorative items.
- Enemies in Frost Forest no longer drop restorative items.
- Soul Drain now reduces the target’s Soul resistance by 30%.
- Most non-humanoid enemies no longer drop gold. Some exceptions remain.
- Gold drops from most humanoid enemies have been increased.
- The price to buy and sell for restorative items has been adjusted.
- Vendor stock in Market Town has been adjusted.
- Minor terrain changes to Ruby’s House.
- Slightly reduced encounter rate in Den An’ura.
- Tokens now sell for 50 gold.