So, after life happened and my kids are now the age I was when I first got a computer my youngest teenager wanted to discuss my favorite multiplayer game. It was an easy answer for me since the majority of my time was sitting in a tower popping boxes, hunting, and hanging out in town square talking with all those I use to spend way too much time with, it was an easy answer, Gemstone. I started playing Gemstone 2 or 3 and I believe that was back in 1994 where we logged in through AOL and were charged by the hour and the game was free. Then eventually before the great migration to Everquest by most of my clan we started paying for premium accounts. So needless to say, it's been quite some time for me, and I had to restart my account. So here I sit looking at stormfront trying to figure out how to begin the slow process or re-orienting myself to my surroundings so I can enjoy this game with my daughter and show her how I wasted all my time in my youth. So, I have some questions that I hope someone here in this forum can answer.
1. I believe I own a house, but I have no idea where it is so how do I find it?
2. Where are the most populated and or active areas in this world now?
3. Are there any specific mechanic changes I need to be aware in the last 20+ years?
I hope to meet old friends and new friends in this next chapter. Happy adventuring.
RACEAR
OM1E5GA
Re: 27 years later
01/11/2022 04:19 AM CST
1. not sure on this one
2. The Landing is pretty much still the most active town, though most towns have their own dedicated population bases.
3. Ha! It'd likely be easier to list the things that haven't mechanically changed since then! In 2003 we went from GS3 to GS4, which included the introduction of the level cap of 100, complete re-dos of stats and skills, the addition of gnomes, aelotoi, half-krolvin, and erithians as playable races, among other things.
Since then paladins and monks have been added as professions, all the spell lists have seen significant changes with a couple approaching being completely re-written, lock mastery was introduced, alchemy was introduced, GOS was introduced, alchemy became a skill in all the pure guilds, cobbling was introduced, how weapon properties work has been almost completely over-hauled, Voln symbols were over-hauled, teleportation was over-hauled, player-run shops became a thing, sailing became both a transport option and alternative combat option, the Adventurer's Guild was introduced, Collectables became part of the treasure system, enchanting was completely rewritten, ensorcelling was introduced, weighting/padding became a warrior skill, blessing/sanctification was rewritten, the ANALYZE verb was released, Combat Maneuvers and Shield Skills were introduced.... definitely NOT in that order. There's also prolly a few dozen other big changes that aren't coming to me off the top of my head.
The New Player Guide on the wiki might be a little too basic for you, but it's a good start: https://gswiki.play.net/New_Players%27_Guide
Other then that, beginner's guides that can help you get your barrings can be found here: https://gswiki.play.net/Category:New_Player
Starchitin, the OG
A severed gnomish hand crawls in on its fingertips and makes a rude gesture before quickly decaying and rotting into dust. A gust of wind quickly scatters the dust.
2. The Landing is pretty much still the most active town, though most towns have their own dedicated population bases.
3. Ha! It'd likely be easier to list the things that haven't mechanically changed since then! In 2003 we went from GS3 to GS4, which included the introduction of the level cap of 100, complete re-dos of stats and skills, the addition of gnomes, aelotoi, half-krolvin, and erithians as playable races, among other things.
Since then paladins and monks have been added as professions, all the spell lists have seen significant changes with a couple approaching being completely re-written, lock mastery was introduced, alchemy was introduced, GOS was introduced, alchemy became a skill in all the pure guilds, cobbling was introduced, how weapon properties work has been almost completely over-hauled, Voln symbols were over-hauled, teleportation was over-hauled, player-run shops became a thing, sailing became both a transport option and alternative combat option, the Adventurer's Guild was introduced, Collectables became part of the treasure system, enchanting was completely rewritten, ensorcelling was introduced, weighting/padding became a warrior skill, blessing/sanctification was rewritten, the ANALYZE verb was released, Combat Maneuvers and Shield Skills were introduced.... definitely NOT in that order. There's also prolly a few dozen other big changes that aren't coming to me off the top of my head.
The New Player Guide on the wiki might be a little too basic for you, but it's a good start: https://gswiki.play.net/New_Players%27_Guide
Other then that, beginner's guides that can help you get your barrings can be found here: https://gswiki.play.net/Category:New_Player
Starchitin, the OG
A severed gnomish hand crawls in on its fingertips and makes a rude gesture before quickly decaying and rotting into dust. A gust of wind quickly scatters the dust.
KRAKII
Re: 27 years later
01/11/2022 08:56 AM CST
"sailing became both a transport option and alternative combat option" -- Starchitin
I think of things like Voln Fu, brawling, ranged/thrown versus melee being "alternative combat" options.
OSA I would call of an "alternative hunting option".
.
.
To the OP: As you know, the Premium fee per month is a LOT less painful than the "car payment" range that you were used to in AOL hourly days... :)
Welcome back.
I think of things like Voln Fu, brawling, ranged/thrown versus melee being "alternative combat" options.
OSA I would call of an "alternative hunting option".
.
.
To the OP: As you know, the Premium fee per month is a LOT less painful than the "car payment" range that you were used to in AOL hourly days... :)
Welcome back.
GS4-NETZ
Re: 27 years later
01/11/2022 09:58 AM CST
Welcome back! The great thing about GS is while some mechanics may have changed you'll still find Sleepy at the west gate of Wehnimer's Landing if he's not in Helga's Pub! There have been many changes to combat mechanics and spell circles too numerous to mention in one place.
You'll want to bookmark this link: https://gswiki.play.net/Main_Page <--- it is up-to-date and has just about everything you want to know about GS.
Another source of information and socializing can be found on Discord. Here is an invite: https://discord.gg/MjuUxE7H
Enjoy!
FGM Netz
World Team
Congress of Ghosts 5118
You'll want to bookmark this link: https://gswiki.play.net/Main_Page <--- it is up-to-date and has just about everything you want to know about GS.
Another source of information and socializing can be found on Discord. Here is an invite: https://discord.gg/MjuUxE7H
Enjoy!
FGM Netz
World Team
Congress of Ghosts 5118
LUXELLE
Re: 27 years later
01/11/2022 11:39 AM CST
Welcome home!
I do not think a premium home survives account cancellation, though.
My advice is take it slowly as if you were a new player and GS is a brand new game to you. As stuff comes back to you, you'll be thrilled!
I returned to GS after 19 years. Rolled a completely new character. It is sort of WORSE than being a new player, because when I would remember stuff, it ... no longer worked that way :)
GemStone is still the very best adventure with a terrific group of people.
~Luxie
--
ESP TUNE TOWNCRIER or ;tune towncrier
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Send in news: https://bit.ly/2ISsz2l
P.S. Help Wanted, Inquire Within
KRAKII
Re: 27 years later
01/11/2022 12:12 PM CST
"with a terrific group of people." -- Luxelle
Except for, you know. That one guy. Yeah, him, with the, you know, the thing. <mutter, grumble, swear, kick puppy>
Except for, you know. That one guy. Yeah, him, with the, you know, the thing. <mutter, grumble, swear, kick puppy>
