A public test server for experimental balancing changes is now online. The server is based on a snapshot taken earlier today, with all characters available for play. The test client can be downloaded here.

What's changed? The formula for PvP mage vs mage damage resistance has been revised. As many players have noticed, the previous formula was not designed for the high levels achieved by the community, scaling to an extremely high amount of magic resistance. This would cause situations where two mages would negate too much damage from each other.

The new, flatter formula targets characters above level 250-300 with a much slower increase in natural magic resistance beyond this point. Lower level characters will most likely not notice a change at all.

PvM damage and other classes are not affected.

We are seeking feedback on this change and other PvP issues: do you think this is an improvement? Please let us know what you think! All comments and suggestions are appreciated.

Sincerely,
Zezenia Staff

After careful consideration, we have decided to merge Everath into Pharos on Sunday, January 20th 18:00 UTC. The details are:

- From now on, New Pharos will continue with a standard 2x experience rate.

- Most characters will keep their current experience. Highest level Everath characters will receive a boost to compensate for the lower experience rate. If applicable, you will see your new level on the account page.

- All houses will be cleared and auctioned again. House items will be moved to your depot. Homeowners will receive 14 days of premium time and a special gift as compensation for the inconvenience.

- The two servers will go down for approximately one to two hours to complete the merge. Elysium and Novus will remain online.

- Character creation on Pharos will open after the merge.

In addition, we intend to test balancing changes to PvP magic resistance with the community before the merge. A public test server with further details will open Monday evening.

Sincerely,
Zezenia Staff

We're sorry to disappoint you and would like to assure you that the previously announced merge is not going to happen. While we believe the way forward is to merge servers and remove high speed experience rates, the method we chose to accomplish this was not the right one. This is why we have two new proposals to share, and the reasons for doing so:

A) Everath + Pharos + Novus

All three PvP servers join Novus at a 3x experience rate, continuing with a 2x rate. High level Everath characters and all Novus characters receive an experience boost. Other characters remain as is with their previous experience, without any reductions.

Why? News of a merge have split people back to the old servers from Novus, crippling the new world. It's clear that the player base is not large enough to support four servers. Merging all three worlds brings the PvP community together on a single, sustainable server.

Why not? Novus is a clean slate without the burdens of the past, and performing this merge would throw it away. Dropping the experience rate without adjusting previously gained experience would not be fair towards new characters on the remaining world.

B) Everath + Pharos

Everath and Pharos join into New Pharos with a 2x experience rate. High level Everath characters receive an experience boost. Other characters remain as is with their previous experience, without any reductions.

Why? This is likely what most people expected. The merged server brings new life to old characters. Novus stays as a fresh start for new characters and those looking to escape the wars of the old world.

Why not? The PvP player base is split between two servers, which may not be sustainable.

Your feedback

There is no perfect solution to merging the worlds, nor is there a solution that will make everybody happy. Some sacrifices must be made, and that's why we must hear what you think! Please let us know in the comments. We will not be making any hasty changes until a clear path forward is determined.

Sincerely yours,
Zezenia Staff