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Knowing how random my schedule is, keep in mind that none of the estimates are written in stone. The update could come sooner than expected, just as it could come later than expected. As was said, "it will be a while" before this is complete. The class update along with the necessary updates alongside it would together be the largest update DStorm has ever had by far (probably even beating the "update" when DStorm was implemented in the first place).

I know that members will be wanting the update as soon as possible, and I understand that completely. I just ask for a little patience, it would be a big thing to mess up if the system is cranked out with balance issues from the start.

Anyway...

What exactly is coming? I previously talked about the classes, but I didn't really talk much about what else is changing. The battle system will need to be updated, the races will need to be reworked, and the stats will need to be updated (there will probably be more stats than we have right now). While there is more stuff, outside the class trees the entire "game" would be simplified but just made deeper. This is all to facilitate the implementation of new types of abilities, as well as to give characters tangible strengths and weaknesses regardless of what class(es) they take. I'll try to find workarounds for as many calculations as possible, excluding addition and subtraction which are necessary for obvious reasons. This isn't a game for math majors, and should have more logical strategies as opposed to calculated strategies.

My goal is to make DStorm more fun and tactical, but also easier to understand.


So when are the updates going to happen? In terms of what will be visible on the site, this is the order that I expect at this moment:

1. All initial status effects and classes will be listed (though not linked) on the preview class page. This will happen fairly soon... And indeed, the list is not currently complete.
2. All of the concentrations and block titles will be listed. I'm working on them offline, and will probably not add anymore class pages to the site until I finish all of them. When they're finished I will probably end up adding class trees in groups to the site (in a close timeframe). This will most likely happen about a month from now.
3. There will be a stat preview of some sort so the following updates make sense to everyone.
4. The big update... Implementing the abilities. They will be added to the site class-by-class so balance testing can be done by GMs if they wish (in the Colosseum). This is the biggest part of the update and I truthfully don't have a good estimation for when it will be done. To complete this phase will probably stretch into the beginning of 2007, though it's a bit early to be more specific. During this phase there will be a growing amount of content though, so you can at least be entertained by that.
5. The races will be updated because of the upcoming lack of class effects for character stats. A few new races may be added at this time, but if not, I guarantee that more will come later. This will probably be fairly soon following the abilities being completed unless there is a difficulty I don't know of yet.
6. Cleaning up. Update the rules where it's necessary. When finished, implement the classes. The new system is live.

Also, there will be a banner for every class (like Adventurer currently), but I'm not sure exactly when they will be implemented. It will probably be a class-by-class update following when the system goes live, with a few exceptions that could be added before then. One already asked, but I'll say here for everyone that I don't need assistance with them. Thanks anyway though.

So... That is what I expect right now. This stuff could come sooner, it could come later, this is all a rough estimate. Worry not, for there will be other content made available before the new classes are live, so don't expect nothing to happen because of the update.

Oh, and here's the class preview again: http://www.cspacezon...ndex.php?pid=61