#zburn

The day is here!

As I announced a few days ago, the first quest, called Gears of Thara is supposed to start today and the portals just have been open. So, everyone interested in mysterious quest and even more mysterious reward, please, head to the center of your Hub. There will be an NPC, dressed in silver robe with jewelry made of golden gears, waiting there for you. A committal payment of 10 Build Grist is required to enter, after which you can teleport to the starting point, or come back and do it later, as long as you have Gears Token on you.

Remember not to trash this item, because it is required to finish the quest. Otherwise, no matter how well you and your team will do, you will be denied the final prize.

So, what else do we know about the quest?

Let me recap some basic info I did acquire:

It is, first come, first win quest. Aka, only one, first team to arrive at the final destination, is going to receive the final prize. I heard all participants are supposed to get some reward, but what it is, remain unknown until the end of event. 

What we know now, is that it is more of a quest campaign with one final giant prize then one quest on itself. Each quest rewards us with grist and some special little, limited time accessories and items. 

The final prize is supposed to be some kind of one of a time ship upgrade unavailable for purchase later on. 

The events lasts from today and for week until 27th. 

At starting point you can gather up and get into a team unless you have full one already formed. Reminder, there are quest entries for 4-people questers and 8-people questers. IF you attempt to cheat for easier difficulty, whole team will be punished and banned from the event. 

That is all information available so far. I will be present at the quest, trying to bring you updates as it progress.

Stay tuned,

Well,someone is aware of starter packs for each faction ship! As this info was notspread all that widely across the Hubs, I will cover it for you.Not that those are just starter boosting packs, all faction have way to upgradetheir ships to similar or better tech modules.

Let’s start then:Light Hub ships start of with most advanced,smoothest and fastest FTL drives that starter ships can get. It allows them topass from gate to gate faster or make smoother escapes. Void Hub ships are equipped with cloakingdevices, that allow them to hide from sight and radars. Space Hub ships are capable of longest FTL jumps.They do not necessary mean they will be fastest, but they do not have to jumpfrom gate to gate, their FTL drives simply allow to make one jump over adistance instead of 3-4. Time Hub ships have corrosion beam installed,that may help during attacks and is also very useful for mining.Rage Hub ships have ability to freeze ships inspace, using tracker beams, which is very useful for raids or apprehending afugitive.Hope Hub ships on the other hand are equippedwith beam up devices, that allow them to pick up people without the need todock or land. 

Blood Hub ships have larger starter passengercapacity, while most starter ships have capacity of 2-4 players, Blood shipscan take up to 6-8, depending on model.Mind Hub ships have upgraded scanners installed,which allows them not only much better ship detection but also to discoverhidden items and mines in game locations.Heart Hub ships have holographic projectorinstalled, that allows them to fool others into thinking their ships issomewhere else, cause confusion or create illusion of bigger numbers.Doom Hub ships simply have better starter shipweaponry at the start, whileLife Hub ships follow up with improved shields.Finally, BreathHub haveships with most manoeuvrability.

Also, I heard rumour all of them havetiny mascot and air freshener to hang around the cockpit. ;)

That will be all, please come back with questions, I will be glad to answer!

There is a news you all been waiting for! (Alright maybe not all but I know I was). I am glad to inform you about the first multifaction, group quest in zBurn. Group quest you ask? Why would we even get group quests? For special, SkaiaNet issued prizes and extra xp that’s why! The quest is made for group of 4 or 8 players (with adjusted difficulty) between level 10 and 15! If you are higher or lower, the quest will just not be available for you, even if you in the group, you won’t get xp or the final prize, so might want to skip towards that level ten fast. If you overachiever then sadly it can’t be helped. 1) What is the quest about? Well, I did not get many details, since it is supposed to remain the mystery until the quest starts. But I know it is supposed to happen on specially, time-limited high-tech based planet and take a course of few days. We are supposed to expect thrill, riddles and basically everything for everyone. The little info leak I managed to get is that the final prize is supposed to be some fancy upgrade to your ship, which you may apply instantly, or at later date, and it is supposed to make the ships of the winners one of a kind! 2) When does the events start? The quest starts on 21st of November so it leaves you enough time catch up, get better weapons or other equipment before the date. The quest is only there for limited time of a week, so if you join in, let’s say on 24th you will only have three days left to complete the quota. It is one team wins sort of quest too. I am not sure how they going to achieve it, by pvp or time limit, but I assume we are going to find out soon. 3) Where can I pick up the quest? There will be special location unlocked just for that, which is currently locked away, but the coordinates will be given away at the center of the HUB by pink bear NPC (so cute but why? Don’t ask me, I am beat). 4) What if we do not have a ship, do we have to pay pilot to get to the spot? It is unconfirmed and unofficial info, but I heard there will be special onetime teleport available after accepting the quest! 5) Anything else? Remember that zBurn strongly encourages cooperation and proper team build up, so the mixed teams of various classes will most likely work for your advantage. Assuming only typical fighting classes will be best way to brute your way through things, might end up with you hitting a metaphorical wall, while the Spies, Merchants and Hackers in the other group already figured a way around.

 Remember, quest starts on 21st of November, get your friends and colleagues ready and yourself properly weaponized and equipped!

This, again, is unusual post for this blog, but it is more important than anything I posted so far.

ANNOUNCEMENT:

Hubs are being sabotaged by organized group of players. Yes, I repeat, group of players, planning to sabotage or right down destroy all the factions hubs. The group is aiming attacks at Hubs power sources and so far has been successful in damaging at least part of the equipment. So far there are reports coming from Blood, Light, Space and Time Hubs, but it is safe to assume this is a global program. This is a serious threat and to underline that, it is definitely not part of the game quest, since informed Sentinels quickly jumped to action of taking care of observing and maintaining safety in the Hubs. Please, remain calm, the situation so far is under control but remember to inform your Hub engineers to check out the functionality of Hub’s power sources. If there has been tampering involve, communicate with Sentinels to ensure the safety of your faction. So far the attacks only aimed at the power source, but I advise everyone to remain cautious and aware of actions of people around you. If you notice anything out of ordinary, players attempting to mess Hubs technology or enter places usually restricted for specialized classes, inform your local Sentinel or  send tips my way, if you rather remain anonymous.

Who are the Sentinels? None of us know more than the fact they can be found in each faction hub, enforcing laws and overall remaining that mysterious group of game generated beings with even more secrets behind them. Is guarding their main goal or is there something more behind that mask? Is their ultimate goal to protect players from each other, enforcing rules or is there an ultimate motive behind their actions and presence? Mystery, as we all know, can be fascinating, but it remains an unknown and unknowns can be terrifying. And fear, fear can lead to terrible, terrible things. And everything in space and beyond knows, we already have things to fret about! This is why, I took it upon me to face those questions and provide to you as many answers and reassurance about your safety in the walls of your faction hubs. I admit, Sentinels, just as we all, are all very different and I had to bash my head against the metaphorical wall a couple of times, before I managed to find someone, who was willing to cooperate with me. I would like to Introduce you to Sentinel #7473374, who I decided to call Tate. Tate is tall, looming presence, but turned out to be sweet enough to answer (most) of my questions.*

Faith: Welcome Tate. On behalf of all the zBurn community, I would like to ask you some questions, do you mind? Tate: My name is Sentinel #7473374, but I will provide as much help as I am allowed to. Faith: Wonderful, I could not ask for more. Let’s start with some ice breakers. What do you do for fun? Tate: What is fun? Faith: Oh… Haha, I am sorry, I keep forgetting some things are not universal aspects. Hm, what do you do when you are done with your Sentinel duties. What do you do when you are not working. Tate: That information is confidential and not required for players. Faith: Well, you could shed a little light, there must be something you can tell us? Tate: Sometimes we play chess. Faith: Chess! Interesting. And who usually wins? Tate: In Time hub, Sentinel #M1ND734D is currently unbeatable. Faith: Gonna have to keep my eye out for that champ! Anyhow, let’s move on to something that really interests our readers. We do know Sentinels are responsible for enforcing laws in Hubs, am I right? Tate: That is correct statement. Faith: But, are Sentinels restricted to Hubs area or are you going to be responsible for enforcing laws across the new galaxy as well? Tate: No, we are merely to be present at Hubs, law enforcements out of the Faction Hubs is to be organized by players alone if they wish for it to exist. Faith: Hm! So you are saying that outside of this safe zone, all of the galaxy and world around us is destined to be shaped by players or player constructs? Tate: That is exactly what I meant. Faith: Huh. Well! That is bound to cause some chaos out there. Tate: Noone ever said it will be easy, player Faith Petite. Faith: Well, how official! Faith is enough. Is there anything more about the goal of the game you could tell us? Tate: My knowledge on the topic is restricted by my programming. There is nothing more I could tell you, even if I wanted to. Faith: Well. Moving on then.  We do know you are here to enforce the laws. But none us are aware of what the laws are. Not like anyone handed us pamplets. Mind shedding some light on the matter Tate?! Tate: It is Sentinel #7473374, player Faith Petite. And yes. Yes I can. There are minor rules varying in between Factions, but the main set of rules are. 1. Players are not allowed to harm another player, be it Faction member or a guest, unless they are trespassing without allowance or show hostile attempt first. 2. Players are not allowed to enter yellow restricted areas. 3. Players are not allowed to have weapons equipped and loaded in their dorms or the neutrals areas of the Hub. 4. Player is not allowed to take possession of other player without their allowance. 5. Player is not allowed to damage Faction Hubs equipment, unless it is required by a quest. Faith: Seems straight forward. Now, what would the punishment for such acts be? Tate: If it was done one  or two times, Players are usually left with a warning. If it turns into repeated offence, we can follow two paths. Either put on temporary ban from faction Hub, that can be paid off by grist, or if it does not turn to be enough to remove the player forcefully from the HUB or the game itself, forever. Faith: Oh, Yikes. Haha. We better be good kids around the Hubs huh? Tate: That would be advised course of actions, yes. Faith: Hm, well, thank you Tate. Now. Are sentinels only law enforcement group implemented in the game? Tate: (Smiles) Now, that would ruin a surprise if I just told you everything would it not? Faith: Whoa, a rare smile. That is kind of what we are trying to do here, remove the veil of mystery, satisfy players curiousity! Tate: Players will find out soon enough. Some are already leaving the Hubs to explore space. Faith: That is true! Hm… There is one question that remains unanswered tho. There is this special little place in each Hub. The place where all the Sentinels go, when they are not roaming the corridors. What can you tell us about the place. What is its purpose. Tate: I am afraid that is question I can’t answer for you, player Faith Petite. Faith: Not even a little bit? Like, peek under skirt a little, we do not need to see the underwear! Tate: There is no underwear in the Sentinel’s rooms. Faith: Oh, that was a metaphor! Rooms huh? So they are like dorms where Sentinels… rest? Tate: Among other things. Faith: What a tease. You can’t really tell us something like that and not expect the curiosity to not take over! Tate: Well, I suppose, this might be a point, player Faith Petite. Some things are just supposed to remain secrets. Faith: You are not going to tell us anything, no matter how many times I ask will you? Tate: No, I will not. You are correct. Faith: Sigh! Well, I know you are a busy man and I will not keep you from your duties any longer. But is there any final message you would like to pass to our players? Tate: (smile) Stay safe, do no break the rules and under no circumstances attempt to get into restricted areas. Faith: You heard the man, folks! Thank you very much and see you all soon.

*Fair warning! Sentinels have various personalities and I would approach them with care. Aka, please do not do that at home!

Welcome back my fellow readers, to second post on zBurn times! Day 4th huh? Time sure pass by, it is a shame levels just do not want to do the same do they? Fret not, I come today with:

FOUR WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR GAME EXPERIENCE.

As we all know from the start, the game is not exactly holding our hands and leading us there but once you figure out the basics, getting deeper into the game just does not seem all that hard. Wrong! zBurn has a lot of hidden Easter eggs and tiny chidden tools that are not that that intuitive!

I will flesh out the once I managed to find out.

Here we go.

1. EXP building seems hectic doesn’t it? The increased numbers for each level is just not boosted enough by continued quests and grinding is just dull! Here we go tho. Remember those first, five starter quests you gotten from the NPC at the entrance? The kind buddy that lead you to your room and help you start? What most players do not know is that you can come back to him after finishing the first five quests and get them again, at slightly increased difficulty and giant exp and grist boost! And you can do it up to five times. Trust me, that is one of the easiest ways to gather that pressure xp and hit that level ten mark quickly!  There are three types. Once that work for day, once that work for three and once that work for week local hub time!

2. Stuck with your base level weapon and it just does not do the trick on higher level monsters but you are also gathering that precious grist to get ship and pilot license asap? Here is what you need to do. If you go to the NPC at weapons vendor in your hub and speak proper password they will offer you one weapon of choice, that is decent sturdy and deals enough damage to get over that basic cap. And it is free. Underneath is a list of passwords for each faction, provided by my super extra helpful readers. space: nebula time: stop breath: wind blood: handshake doom: ending life: beginning heart: realization mind: discovery hope: future rage: negate void: null light: illuminated

3. Cooperation and grouping. See, you might not have figured it out yet but this mmo is strongly build on cooperating with other players. A lot of places or quests are not even available unless you are holding hands with a buddy (Please be warned, some other races skin and other body fluids might cause mild to severe allergic reactions, I will cover it in other article). So, what you supposed to do? Find yourself a friend or five and quest in a group. It will automatically boost your exp levels gained and you get to meet new people. Win/win, if you ask me. 4. Not that much into group questing or your class simply does not invite rowdy group of friends to gather along (spies I am looking at you). There are exp boosts. Yes, you heard right. But you won’t get them in the zBurn shop or at the vendor. What you require is cooperative merchant and engineer. Merchant has access to ‘blueprints’ for exp boosts and grist transfers, while engineer is capable of making such things for you.

This has been experience boosting and kicking article, provided by yours truly.