Live Update 1.74

World

  • Added new respawn points at B3 and E5.
  • Added bank and inn at G4
  • Split up the market on D4 to prevent lag. Casualwear can now be found at the E5 street-market, and plumbing supplies are now available in each race’s Factional HQ, at D8 and E1 respectively.
  • Updated terrain for squares A4, B5 and D6; this is to prevent a possible exploit. All squares should now be completely square.
  • New: The Plains of Conflict! Expand your game in ways you never thought possible, as the Plains of Conflict lay ready for war! New squares at J3-M6 contain mystery and peril, and great rewards for the boldest of pieces. See out the Old Hermit at H4 to begin your adventure!

Class Changes and Fixes

Pawn

  • In response to feedback, we have changed the way en passant works, to something we feel is more fun and intuitive. In situations where en passant would apply, players may now each flick their Pawn at the opposing forces as hard as possible. Any enemy pieces knocked down are removed from play.
  • Added ‘Rook’ to list of available Prestige Promotion Classes available to Pawns that make it to the other side of the board.

Rook

  • Lowered duration of the Thousand Yard Stare freeze debuff added last patch. Further balance testing showed that 20 turns proved to be excessive. To compensate, the reuse timer has also been lowered from 4 turns to 2. This should create a more energetic and dynamic experience for Rook players.
  • Fixed casting effects on Drawbridge, Gatehouse of Agony, Protection from Bishops and I’m a Castle, Stupid! broken last patch. Oops!

Knight

  • Reverted Knight Movement back to pre-1.73 rules. Sorry guys… the two-forward, one-to-the-side, hook thing is confusing and we remain committed to find a better way, but teleporting to any empty square on the board was causing far too many technical difficulties. We plan on completely revisiting the role of the Knight in 1.8 though, so hang in there.
  • Increased fire and ice resistance to effectively counter the Queen.
  • Removed Candlemaking trade skill bonus – this was never intended to be a Knight class skill.

Bishop

  • Reduced mana costs for Lesser Heal, Talk To The Mitre and Pretentious, Moi?
  • Increased mana costs for Eat Crozier, Bitch!, Smitify and Ezekiel 25:17.
  • These changes should make the Bishop more desirable in groups, and less effective solo, as intended.

Queen

  • Increased pet control limit to four Pawns. The Queen may also now optionally choose to tame a single Rook, Knight or Bishop instead of Pawns. Be wary though, as control is far more easily broken by these powerful pieces!
  • Lowered speed of I’ll Go Where I Damn Well Please! by 20%.
  • Bohemian Rhapsody now affects all friendly pieces within three squares.
  • Three new hairstyles added. Speak to your factional Stylist to access these!

King

  • May now choose to start the game already Castled. We will continue to review 'Pre-castling' on the live servers and see if it causes any balance issues.
  • Increased revenue generated by land by 5%. Greatly enhanced land management options.
  • Removed reagent requirements for Faster Damnit, I’m the King!, Heartbreak Hotel and Aki-raaaaaaaaaa!. These abilites mana costs have increased to compensate.
  • Increased resistance to Come See The Violence Inherent In The System! slightly; this was far too unbalanced previously.
  • Lowered King Respawn timer.

Black:

  • Racial ‘Void of Eternity’ attack timer increased to 5 turns, bringing it in line with White’s Don’t use Void of Eternity on me! racial ability.

White:

  • Added new Shield of Righteousness racial special to counter Black’s Destroy Shield of Righteousness ability.

Crafting:

  • Coopers now have the chance to make Really Good Barrel! on a critical success. These barrels are like Standard Barrel, but really good.
  • Taxidermy fuel components are now available for all Rank Eleven recipes. Get stuffing!
  • Pot Pouri quests now available from The Aromatherapist in each Factional HQ.

Misc:

  • Many adjustments and tweaks to prepare the game for the upcoming expansion; ‘Chess: Three’s A Crowd!’ We can confirm that there will be a third faction added, but are still unable to comment at this time on what colour it will be.
  • Added jolly festive hats to all Pawns.