Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Massively goes to WAR: The Tome of Knowledge]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/massively-goes-to-war-the-tome-of-knowledge/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/massively-goes-to-war-the-tome-of-knowledge/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/massively-goes-to-war-the-tome-of-knowledge/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

We've talked with designer Carrie Gouskos about her work on Warhammer Online's Tome of Knowledge and now you get to see what all of the fuss is about. This all-in-one in-game information tracker is so incredibly useful, every MMO on the market will implement a version of it in the next year or two. Yes, it's that good. Think of it as a lore wiki, quest tracker and creature database tailored to your individual character and available at any time while in the game. Check out the gallery to see what we are talking about.

Gallery: Warhammer Online

MassivelyMassively goes to WAR: The Tome of Knowledge originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carrie-gouskosfeaturedjoystiqfeaturesmassively-goes-to-warmythic-entertainmenttome-of-knowledgewarwarhammer-onlineThu, 18 Sep 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively goes to WAR: Guide to the Empire starting zone]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/massively-goes-to-war-guide-to-the-empire-starting-zone/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/massively-goes-to-war-guide-to-the-empire-starting-zone/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/massively-goes-to-war-guide-to-the-empire-starting-zone/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Looking for a quest guide? You won't need it for Warhammer Online. The game holds your hand through every quest through a combination of in-game quest tracking, map marking and recording your every step in the Tome of Knowledge. How about a leveling guide? You won't need one of those either. Run through quests, PvP and hit the Public Quests and before you know it, you're on to the next tier of content.

What we offer you here today is a look at the points of interest in the Empire starting zone. From character creation to major quest hubs to Public Quest locations to the first Open RvR area, we have a bird's eye view of where you will be spending the first 8 levels of your fledging adventurer's life.

Gallery: Guide to the Empire starting zone

Empire Character CreationGrimmenhagen VillageGrimmenhagen farmhousesNordenwatchGrimmenhagen Fields

MassivelyMassively goes to WAR: Guide to the Empire starting zone originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 18 Sep 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bright-wizardempirefeaturedgrimmenhagen-villlagejoystiqfeaturesmassively-goes-to-warmythic-entertainmentnordenwatchwarwar-priestwitch-hunterThu, 18 Sep 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[A World of Warcraft player's guide to Warhammer Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/a-world-of-warcraft-players-guide-to-warhammer-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/a-world-of-warcraft-players-guide-to-warhammer-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/a-world-of-warcraft-players-guide-to-warhammer-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Whether or not you see many similarities between Blizzard's epically popular title and Mythic's Warhammer Online, the reality is that World of Warcraft players are going to feel very comfortable in the brand-new game. Much of the framework that has made the world of Azeroth so successful over the last four years is in full force within Warhammer. Questing as a central component to leveling, an intuitive user interface, and combat very much like that found in Warcraft are all going to be great handrails to incoming players.

There are plenty of MMO players (rightly) curious about what kind of game Mythic has created for them. For the curious Azerothian citizen, despite the familiar handholds, there are a number of big differences and additional features you're just not going to have experience with. Warhammer's a brand new world, with a lot of different sights, cultures, and expectations. To help you out as a brand new WAR player, we've compiled a guide to ease that transition, in the same tradition as our guides to Age of Conan and Guild Wars. WoW players, welcome to a brand new world ... one without gnomes!
Warhammer Online Coverage Did you enjoy this? Make sure to check out all of our previous Warhammer Online features, and don't miss any of our ongoing coverage as Massively goes to WAR!

Continue reading A World of Warcraft player's guide to Warhammer Online

MassivelyA World of Warcraft player's guide to Warhammer Online originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 09 Sep 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardfeaturedguidejoystiqfeaturesmassively-goes-to-warmythic-entertainmentwarwarhammerwarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftwowwow-players-guideTue, 09 Sep 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[How to get to Altdorf, Ekrund, the Blighted Isle, or Nordland at level 1]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/06/how-to-get-to-altdorf-ekrund-the-blighted-isle-or-nordland-at/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/06/how-to-get-to-altdorf-ekrund-the-blighted-isle-or-nordland-at/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/06/how-to-get-to-altdorf-ekrund-the-blighted-isle-or-nordland-at/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

You've jumped into Warhammer Online, and you're ready to go. You've picked your class and you're happy with your class mechanics ... but perhaps you don't want to play in your race's assigned tiers. Or maybe you just want to head to the mighty human city of Altdorf. We hear it's lovely this time of year. Heading to the Order capital city or one of the other starting zones is as easy as hiking to the first RvR War Camp in your starting zone ... but where is that? If you've never played before, how do you know?

Well, we've got what you need. Click through below the cut for full details and maps on how to get to the first war camps in Nordland, the Blighted Isle, and the zone of Ekrund. Make sure you tell the Dwarven flight masters that Massively sent you!

Continue reading How to get to Altdorf, Ekrund, the Blighted Isle, or Nordland at level 1

MassivelyHow to get to Altdorf, Ekrund, the Blighted Isle, or Nordland at level 1 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 06 Sep 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>altdorfdwarvesempirefeaturedguidehigh-elvesmassively-goes-to-warmythic-entertainmentwarwarhammer-onlineSat, 06 Sep 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively goes to WAR: An overview of Melee DPS careers for Order - White Lion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/06/massively-goes-to-war-an-overview-of-melee-dps-order-white-lion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/06/massively-goes-to-war-an-overview-of-melee-dps-order-white-lion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/06/massively-goes-to-war-an-overview-of-melee-dps-order-white-lion/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Continue reading Massively goes to WAR: An overview of Melee DPS careers for Order - White Lion

MassivelyMassively goes to WAR: An overview of Melee DPS careers for Order - White Lion originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 06 Sep 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elves-of-warhigh-elfmassively-goes-to-warmythic-entertainmentorder-melee-dps-careerpet-classwarwarhammer-onlinewhite-lionSat, 06 Sep 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively goes to WAR: An overview of Melee DPS careers for Order]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/06/massively-goes-to-war-an-overview-of-melee-dps-careers-for-orde/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/06/massively-goes-to-war-an-overview-of-melee-dps-careers-for-orde/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/06/massively-goes-to-war-an-overview-of-melee-dps-careers-for-orde/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


You don't have to side with Destruction to do some damage in Warhammer Online. Order has two melee classes that crank out the dps up close and personal in two distinctly different ways. The Empire Witch Hunter uses a combination of rapier strikes to build up Accusations and then uses them to power a devastating Execution shot from their pistols. The High Elf White Lion wades into the thick of combat with his faithful pet lion by his side using it to distract and ravage his enemies.

Read on after the jump for a more in-depth class into these two Order melee dps careers.
Warhammer Online Coverage Did you enjoy this? Make sure to check out all of our previous Warhammer Online features, and don't miss any of our ongoing coverage as Massively goes to WAR!

Continue reading Massively goes to WAR: An overview of Melee DPS careers for Order

MassivelyMassively goes to WAR: An overview of Melee DPS careers for Order originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 06 Sep 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elves-of-warempirefeaturedhigh-elfjoystiqfeaturesmassively-goes-to-warmythic-entertainmentorder-melee-dpspath-of-confessionpath-of-inquisitionpath-of-judgementpath-of-the-axemanpath-of-the-guardianpath-of-the-hunterwarwarhammer-onlinewhite-lionwitch-hunterSat, 06 Sep 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively goes to WAR: An overview of Ranged DPS careers for Destruction]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/05/massively-goes-to-war-an-overview-of-ranged-dps-careers-for-des/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/05/massively-goes-to-war-an-overview-of-ranged-dps-careers-for-des/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/05/massively-goes-to-war-an-overview-of-ranged-dps-careers-for-des/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Let's face it: DPS classes just have more fun. Tanks have to always worry about being between the squishies and the pointy things. Healers have to make sure their fellows are standing upright. All DPS classes have to do is be pointed in the right direction and relatively sober. That fun factor is even more true than the norm in Warhammer Online, as the Destruction races offer up some gloriously sadistic ways to squick the other side.

There are three ranged DPS classes on the Destruction side, and with only their two melee counterparts to rely on they'll be taking up a lot of the damage-dealing slack once the game goes live. Players who choose these classes are going to have a heck of a lot of fun variously shooting, exploding, and damning the souls of their opponents. That's just how DPS players like it, too. Join us for a walk on the dark side with the Squig Herder, the Dark Elf Sorceress, and the Chaos Magus.
Warhammer Online Coverage Did you enjoy this? Make sure to check out all of our previous Warhammer Online features, and don't miss any of our ongoing coverage as Massively goes to WAR!

Continue reading Massively goes to WAR: An overview of Ranged DPS careers for Destruction

MassivelyMassively goes to WAR: An overview of Ranged DPS careers for Destruction originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 05 Sep 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>destructiondpsfeaturedjoystiqfeaturesmagusmassively-goes-to-warmythic-entertainmentsorcerersquig-herderwarwarhammer-onlineFri, 05 Sep 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX08: New features coming to Warhammer Online for the open beta]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/massively-at-pax08-big-war-update-coming-for-open-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/massively-at-pax08-big-war-update-coming-for-open-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/massively-at-pax08-big-war-update-coming-for-open-beta/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


While talking to Mythic's Jeff Hickman at PAX08, he mentioned a rather large update coming for the open beta hitting around September 7th (the date of the Open Beta). Some of the content in the upcoming patch includes player vaults, guild vaults, auction house, tons of fun new emotes, and a lot of general effects cleanup. There's even a new Public Quest and standard quest tracker for the user interface. It sounds like Mythic is making a really big push for the launch of the game. So even if you're in the beta now, expect some pleasant surprises once you hit the Open Beta or Live game in just a couple of weeks.

We've got tons more information coming from our time spent with the Warhammer Online guys at PAX08. Keep your eyes peeled for further updates.

MassivelyPAX08: New features coming to Warhammer Online for the open beta originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingeaelectronic-artselves-of-warfeaturedjeff-hickmanmassively-goes-to-warmythicmythic-entertainmentopen-betapatchespax-2008updatewarwarhammer-onlineFri, 29 Aug 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask a WAR Beta Tester: Laying the groundwork]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/ask-a-war-beta-tester-laying-the-groundwork/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/ask-a-war-beta-tester-laying-the-groundwork/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/ask-a-war-beta-tester-laying-the-groundwork/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Last week we turned to you, the Massively community, for questions about Warhammer Online. We've been in the Beta for a while, and we've got lots of information about the game just stewing in our brains. Hopefully features like Massively Speaking #19 and our State of the Game piece have conveyed some of the ways we're thinking about the game.

But your questions are really what we want to get answered. Today we're going to take a first crack at what was asked last week. We're going to take care of some of the most basic questions, clarifying things like server balance, armor differentiation, and whether the game is any fun at all for non-Warhammer IP fans. We're betting that these answers will prompt even more questions, and that's good! Every time we put up an "Ask a WAR Beta Tester" article, we want you to throw us more questions in the comments. Click on below the cut to read our answers, and to give us even more questions!

Continue reading Ask a WAR Beta Tester: Laying the groundwork

MassivelyAsk a WAR Beta Tester: Laying the groundwork originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ask-a-beta-testerfeaturedmassively-goes-to-warmythic-entertainmentwarwarhammer-onlineMon, 25 Aug 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively goes to WAR: An overview of Tanking careers for Order]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/massively-goes-to-war-an-overview-of-tanking-careers-for-order/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/massively-goes-to-war-an-overview-of-tanking-careers-for-order/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/massively-goes-to-war-an-overview-of-tanking-careers-for-order/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Massively goes to WAR this fine Monday morning with an overview of tanks on the side of Order in Warhammer Online. The Dwarven Ironbreaker and the High Elf Swordmaster have two very distinct styles and ability sets, but they are both very good at what they do. Let's look further into the two careers that are the crux of any successful group.

The Dwarf Ironbreaker
This career is more like a classic tank you would see in other MMORPG's: various taunts, damage skills and shield maneuvers keep the attention of the enemies while the others in the group pour on the damage and/or healing. The unique abilities that set this career apart from the High Elf tank are the Grudge and Oath Friend mechanics.

Every time your dwarf is struck in combat he gains 5 Grudge. Every time the Ironbreaker's Oath Friend (see below) is struck in combat he gains 10 Grudge. Grudges can then be used to unleash powerful abilities. The dwarf can build up a maximum of 100 Grudge points, but they will fade after 30 seconds out of combat.

Continue reading Massively goes to WAR: An overview of Tanking careers for Order

MassivelyMassively goes to WAR: An overview of Tanking careers for Order originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dwarf-ironbreakerdwarven-ironbreakerfeaturedgrudgejoystiqfeaturesmassively-goes-to-warmythic-entertainmentoath-friendoath-friendsorder-tankpath-of-brotherhoodpath-of-stonepath-of-vengeancewarwarhammer-onlineMon, 25 Aug 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Digital Continuum: Memoirs of a WAR beta tester]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/23/the-digital-continuum-memoirs-of-a-war-beta-tester/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/23/the-digital-continuum-memoirs-of-a-war-beta-tester/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/23/the-digital-continuum-memoirs-of-a-war-beta-tester/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


I've given my thoughts on the Dark Elf section of Warhammer Online, but now that the whole NDA is lifted I can finally speak about my experience with the beta as a whole. I've been in it for a long time. A really long time, in fact. We're talking about, well, since the thing started. Which gives me something more to say than the typical tester talking about this game. In my time interacting as a member of the beta community with Mythic -- concerning Warhammer Online, of course -- I think I've seen more progress made on any MMO in the span of about a year than I have in any other in beta. And I've been in a lot of them.

So what's the big deal? New MMOs are always facing the issue of going up against World of Warcraft's several years of polishing. Everyone has always wondered what it would take to deal with that issue, too. Mythic seems to have decided it will take raw, unadulterated determination. The kind that a child displays when presented with the opportunity to have a new toy. It also helps to have a license that Blizzard themselves once attempted to acquire because of its depth. Ironic? Only if WAR really does take a big chug out of the World of Warcraft milkshake.

Continue reading The Digital Continuum: Memoirs of a WAR beta tester

MassivelyThe Digital Continuum: Memoirs of a WAR beta tester originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 23 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-guardchaoschoppadark-elvesdwarveseaelectronic-artsempirefeaturedgreenskinshammererjoystiqfeaturesknight-of-the-blazing-sunmassively-goes-to-warmythicmythic-entertainmentpaul-barnettpaxstuntiesthe-digital-continuumwarwarhammer-onlineSat, 23 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Check out video of Warhammer Online's /special emotes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/check-out-video-of-warhammer-onlines-special-emotes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/check-out-video-of-warhammer-onlines-special-emotes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/check-out-video-of-warhammer-onlines-special-emotes/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

In most MMOs, avatars have the opportunity to get down with their bad selves. The /dance emote is a perennial favorite emote, begun in the days of online gaming lore and arguably perfected by World of Warcraft's hilarious pop-culture shout-outs. Warhammer Online is a different sort of animal, though. You don't dance during war, damnit! When this was first announced back in March, people were a bit confused. Is Mythic anti-fun?

It turns out they're just anti-dance. Every race in Warhammer Online has at least one wacky antic they can do by typing /special. In fact, typing /dance actually prompts you with the text "[your character] doesn't feel like dancing, they feel like doing /special." Not all of them are in the game yet, and some of them still have to have some kinks worked out, but we have videos of everything in the game as of right now. Click on through below the cut to check out the first (and funniest) of the WAR /specials: The Greenskins!
Warhammer Online Coverage Did you enjoy this? Make sure to check out all of our previous Warhammer Online features, and don't miss any of our ongoing coverage as Massively goes to WAR!

Continue reading Check out video of Warhammer Online's /special emotes

MassivelyCheck out video of Warhammer Online's /special emotes originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 22 Aug 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>emotesfeaturedmassively-goes-to-warmythic-entertainmentspecialvideowarwarhammer-onlineFri, 22 Aug 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ Massively goes to WAR: Character creation video for Destruction classes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/massively-goes-to-war-character-creation-video-for-destruc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/massively-goes-to-war-character-creation-video-for-destruc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/massively-goes-to-war-character-creation-video-for-destruc/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


We've already posted video of character creation from Warhammer Online's Order races. Now it's time for video of Destruction creation (oxymoron? You decide.) The three vids after the jump show different options for the Goblin, Chaos (Human) and Dark Elf races as well as different gender models where applicable.

You'll notice that there are no female choices for any Goblin career, no female choices for the Chaos tank and melee dps career and no male option for the Dark Elf Witch Elf career. We guess Marilyn Manson in a bikini wasn't that appealing when it came down to it.

Continue reading Massively goes to WAR: Character creation video for Destruction classes

Massively Massively goes to WAR: Character creation video for Destruction classes originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chaosdark-elfelves-of-warfeaturedgoblinhumanjoystiqfeaturesmassively-goes-to-warmythic-entertainmentwarwarhammer-onlineThu, 21 Aug 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively goes to WAR: Character creation video for Order classes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/massively-goes-to-war-character-creation-video-for-order-classe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/massively-goes-to-war-character-creation-video-for-order-classe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/massively-goes-to-war-character-creation-video-for-order-classe/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Those who bought the Collector's Edition of Warhammer Online get their preview weekend in a few days. And open beta will start soon after that. But for those who can't wait, we've recorded video of some of the character creation options in the game.

After the jump you'll find three videos, each covering one of the races of Order: Dwarves, Empire (Human) and High Elf. We recorded both male and female choices and a number of different random variations to give you an idea of what you can do.

Looking forward to playing Destruction instead? Those racial videos are right here.

Continue reading Massively goes to WAR: Character creation video for Order classes

MassivelyMassively goes to WAR: Character creation video for Order classes originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>character-creation-videodwarfempirefeaturedhigh-elfhumanjoystiqfeaturesmassively-goes-to-warmythic-entertainmentorder-character-creationwarwarhammer-onlineThu, 21 Aug 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively goes to WAR: An overview of Healing careers for Order]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/massively-goes-to-war-an-overview-of-healing-careers-for-order/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/massively-goes-to-war-an-overview-of-healing-careers-for-order/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/massively-goes-to-war-an-overview-of-healing-careers-for-order/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

If this was any other game, our discussion of the healers of Order would be pretty darn borning. Most MMOs portray healers as nancy boys in dresses or effete tea-sipping high society ladies, content to stand in the back and give a good "here, here!" every once in a while. Sure, they cast a lot of spells and they're always appreciated but ... isn't there something just a bit suspicious about someone who is always in the back row?

That's not a complaint you could possibly level against the men and women who heal for Order in Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning. These stalwart soldiers of the faith, bastions of runic power, and masters of the arcane arts are front-line fighters all. They might not do as much damage as their DPS comrades, but they're certainly not all 'hanging out' near the back either. Join us for a stroll with the healing heavyweights of Order: The Archmage, The Rune Priest, and the head-cracking Warrior Priest.

Continue reading Massively goes to WAR: An overview of Healing careers for Order

MassivelyMassively goes to WAR: An overview of Healing careers for Order originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archmagefeaturedmassively-goes-to-warmythic-entertainmentrune-priestwarwarhammerwarhammer-onlinewarrior-priestWed, 20 Aug 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's state of the game: Warhammer Online beta]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/massivelys-state-of-the-game-warhammer-online-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/massivelys-state-of-the-game-warhammer-online-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/massivelys-state-of-the-game-warhammer-online-beta/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

During Age of Conan's launch, we took a final look at the game as it existed in Beta, a 'state of the game' that took in everything we knew about the title at that point. Today this blogger has attempted to do the same for Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning, the fantasy MMO slated for release by EA and Mythic Entertainment on the 18th of September. If anything, Warhammer Online is a title with a more tightly-wound, highly anticipatory audience than Conan was. The long history of the Warhammer IP, the evocative nature of the tabletop roleplaying game, and a legion of wargaming followers across the globe has made this a must-play game across numerous demographics.

Adding on to that the game's lengthy development lifetime and very aggressive marketing campaign leads to a recipe for hype few MMO titles have seen before. Reading the blogosphere in the last few days might have lead you to the conclusion that Warhammer is the second coming. Or, alternatively, that it's an unfun grindfest that apes World of Warcraft poorly. As is so often the case, the truth falls somewhere in between.

In actuality, I believe Warhammer Online offers a fundamentally fun experience. It's a tried and true variation on the core fantasy MMO trope, with a few substantial departures from the 'norm' ... possibly enough to change the direction of this genre for years to come. Read on for this blogger's view on where the game is today - regardless of problems, pitfalls, and promise.
Warhammer Online Coverage Did you enjoy this? Make sure to check out all of our previous Warhammer Online features, and don't miss any of our ongoing coverage as Massively goes to WAR!

Continue reading Massively's state of the game: Warhammer Online beta

MassivelyMassively's state of the game: Warhammer Online beta originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsfeaturedmassively-goes-to-warmythic-entertainmentstate-of-the-gamewarwarhammer-launchwarhammer-onlineWed, 20 Aug 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask a WAR Beta Tester: Let's get this show on the road!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/ask-a-war-beta-tester-lets-get-this-show-on-the-road/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/ask-a-war-beta-tester-lets-get-this-show-on-the-road/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/ask-a-war-beta-tester-lets-get-this-show-on-the-road/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Given all the posting about the Elves of WAR in the last few weeks, we're sure you won't be surprised to learn we've been playing a bit of Warhammer Online. In fact, some of us have been playing for quite a while. We've got loads to tell you abou - we've got a ton of features planned; classes, RvR, zones ... lots of great stuff. But we're also willing to bet there's a ton you want to know that we won't cover in our guides.

We want to answer as many of your questions as we can, and we're going to do it in a series called "Ask a WAR Beta Tester". We've got a panel of Warhammer Beta experts standing by, poised to answer the smallest question you might have about the game. Want to know about the Greenskins? Maybe something about those quirky healing classes? put your question in the comments, one per post please, and we'll address them right quick here on the site. We're going to try to do this on a regular basis, so drop your questions early and often! Fire away!
Warhammer Online Coverage Did you enjoy this? Make sure to check out all of our previous Warhammer Online features, and don't miss any of our ongoing coverage as Massively goes to WAR!

MassivelyAsk a WAR Beta Tester: Let's get this show on the road! originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ask-a-beta-testerfeaturedmassively-goes-to-warmythic-entertainmentwarwarhammer-onlineWed, 20 Aug 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively goes to WAR: An overview of Tanking careers for Destruction]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/19/massively-goes-to-war-an-overview-of-tanking-careers-for-destru/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/19/massively-goes-to-war-an-overview-of-tanking-careers-for-destru/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/19/massively-goes-to-war-an-overview-of-tanking-careers-for-destru/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Meat shield. Damage sponge. Brick house? You know them as tanks, we know them as bipedal beefnauts. The players who wade through the battlefield wearing nothing but the heaviest of heavy metals. In Warhammer Online, the side of Destruction has two tanks to pick from and both of them are very angry individuals. Maybe it's because of all that trauma that they're constantly taking to the head. Then again, they could just be crazy. You'd have to be, to want people to beat on you constantly. Either way, we've got the skinny on the Greenskin Black Orc and Chaos Chosen.

Continue reading Massively goes to WAR: An overview of Tanking careers for Destruction

MassivelyMassively goes to WAR: An overview of Tanking careers for Destruction originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Aug 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-orcchaoschoseneaelectronic-artsfeaturedgreenskinsjoystiqfeaturesmassively-goes-to-warmythicmythic-entertainmenttzeentchwarwarhammer-onlineTue, 19 Aug 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively goes to WAR: An overview of Ranged DPS careers for Order]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/19/massively-goes-to-war-an-overview-of-ranged-dps-careers-for-ord/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/19/massively-goes-to-war-an-overview-of-ranged-dps-careers-for-ord/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/19/massively-goes-to-war-an-overview-of-ranged-dps-careers-for-ord/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The Warhammer Online NDA has lifted. So let's get to the good stuff. We're kicking it off with a series of guides to the careers in WAR.

Ranged DPS classes come in three flavors in Warhammer Online: steampunk pet class (Engineer), bow-and-blade Legolas clone (Shadow Warrior) and classic glass cannon (Bright Wizard). But which one is right for you? If race isn't a deciding factor, check out a brief overview of all three careers below to help you make your choice.

Dwarf Engineer
The good news is these Dwarfs can make gun turrets, flash grenades and throw out barb wire to trap your enemies. The bad news isn't so bad, but your turrets don't move. Whereever you drop them is where they stay. You can stay by their side and shoot your enemy with your gun or melee with your enormous wrench while lobbing grenades for extra damage output. But in many situations, your group is going to be running amok, so be prepared to replant your turret on a regular basis.
  • Rifleman: Focuses on long-range combat
  • Grenadier: Focuses on bombs and grendades
  • Tinkerer: Focuses on deployables and turrets
The Tinkerer path is particularly interesting. It gives you access to abilities that allow you to use your turret to restore your Action Points or heal your group. This class's mirror on the Destruction side is the Chaos Magus.

Continue reading Massively goes to WAR: An overview of Ranged DPS careers for Order

MassivelyMassively goes to WAR: An overview of Ranged DPS careers for Order originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Aug 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Our long-running Massively goes to WAR series comes to an end with the lifting of the NDA. Our visit to Mythic Entertainment's offices back in May, along with additional information we've picked up along the way, has all been wrapped comfortably under this banner for your enjoyment. We'll have loads to talk about in the coming weeks, but for now enjoy this look back on our pre-NDA lift exploration of Warhammer's world.
E308: Warhammer Online is pretty much done
We had a chance to chat today with Josh Drescher and Adam Gershowitz, two of the leading lights behind EA Mythic's Warhammer Online. Even just two months after our huge Massively goes to WAR series, there were new elements to view and discuss.
Comic-Con 08: Hands-on with Warhammer Online
Last week at Comic-Con in San Diego, I sat down with Warhammer Online producer Jeff Skalski and got my hands on the beta for the first time. I could go in-depth on all the new features and functions of the game, but our own Michael Zenke beat me to the punch on that one. Instead I want to give my impressions of the game from the perspective of a long-time MMOG player with little time to play these days and even less interest in PvP.
E308: Exploring an improved Inevitable City in Warhammer Online
Last week we got the chance to see an updated version of the capital, and learned about what the extra time removing the other capitals has netted the Mythic Entertainment development team. Read on to hear Adam Gershowitz talk about city improvements, the endgame reward cycle, and how the two-cities structure has focused the player experience.
E308: Warhammer's designers explain the career/city removal
Careers lead Adam Gershowitz and Associate Producer Josh Drescher were instrumental in making our Massively goes to WAR series a success. Our lengthy discussion with the two Warhammer Online designers resulted in our in-depth analysis of (at that point) every class slated for the game.
Warhammer Online Coverage Did you enjoy this? Make sure to check out all of our previous Warhammer Online features, and don't miss any of our ongoing coverage as Massively goes to WAR!

Continue reading Massively goes to WAR round-up

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Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classescraftingfeaturedmassively-goes-to-warpublic-questspvprvrwarwarhammerwarhammer-onlineTue, 19 Aug 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Elves of WAR: Disciple of Khaine levels 11-15]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/18/the-elves-of-war-disciple-of-khaine-levels-11-15/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/18/the-elves-of-war-disciple-of-khaine-levels-11-15/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/18/the-elves-of-war-disciple-of-khaine-levels-11-15/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Levels 11 through 15 for the Disciple of Khaine --much like the other classes -- give you your three first Career Tactics. These passive abilities allow you to slightly alter the way your class functions in combat. However, at this level you're only allowed to slot one Career Tactic at a time. One of these first Tactics increases your survivability by improving the effect heals have on you by 10% -- it's shared between the other Dark Elf classes, too. However, the other two Tactics are aimed at increasing your damage output in two very different ways. Divine Fury boosts your overall damage by 25% at the cost of reducing your healing effectiveness by 20% and Khaine's Blessing bumps up your auto-attack speed by 50% every time you land a critical hit.

Your rank 2 Morale is much more interesting, though. It hits every enemy around you for 80dmg and then heals your entire group for the total amount of damage dealt. Having no range, you only need to make sure you've got a nice bulk of targets in the near vicinity. Combined with the Divine Fury tactic, you can actually heal a bit more than normal with this particular attack, too.

Continue reading The Elves of WAR: Disciple of Khaine levels 11-15

MassivelyThe Elves of WAR: Disciple of Khaine levels 11-15 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Aug 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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For levels 11 through 15 of the Witch Elf class, you'll be seeing your first three Career Tactics come into play. These are passive traits that tweak the way your character will fight. You can only have one Career Tactics equipped early on, which means you'll have to choose just one for now. Our personal favorite is the Tactic that gives you a 33% chance to build on extra Blood Lust (BL) every time you use a BL building ability.

Other gains for the Witch Elf class include a particularly nasty rank 2 Morale ability that sucks Action Points (AP) and Strength (for 30 seconds) from its target. This ability effectively solidifies the Witch Elf as a class that can be designed to endlessly annoy and grief a tank. So if there's a particular type of player you want to see suffering, then you'll need to make sure you grab the Force of Will ability. Finally, you'll get a disarm ability at level 14 that will see a lot of use in RvR situations against both tanks and other DPS classes.

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MassivelyThe Elves of WAR: Witch Elf levels 11-15 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In the first five levels of this High Elf melee dps career, we got a lion, an axe and an attitude. Time to take it on the road for five more levels and all the new abilities that come with it.

Level 6 - Sundering Chop
40 AP, Instant cast, 5ft range
A powerful axe chop which deals 28 damage. If you are behind the enemy, then this attack will ignore 50% of their armor.

With you lion set in tank mode with Trained to Threaten, this axe attack replaces Hack as your spam attack. It costs a little more in AP, but does about 50% more damage if you are behind the mob.

Continue reading The Elves of WAR: White Lion levels 6-10

MassivelyThe Elves of WAR: White Lion levels 6-10 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The first five levels of the Sorceress class outfitted her with the basics spell-wise. These next five levels, however, add plenty of tricks into the mix. There's still more direct damage to be had, especially with your first morale ability. However, a lot of what you're getting in levels six through ten are buffs and debuffs or Augmentations and Hexes, as Warhammer Online likes to call them.

Umbral Strikes is going to be your bread and butter buff for a while after you get it, as the spell gives everyone in your group a 25% chance to cause extra damage whenever they attack. One particularly interesting ability allows you to deal slightly more damage to a target of your choosing over a period of time, but less damage to everything else as a cost. This one seems like an obvious choice for epic monsters or maybe that particularly annoying tank in RvR. Your level ten spell is probably the second most important spell, next to your brand new buff. It's a classic AoE root that no spellcaster should be without, really.

Continue reading The Elves of WAR: Sorceress levels 6-10

MassivelyThe Elves of WAR: Sorceress levels 6-10 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 17 Aug 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Levels six through ten for the Disciple of Khaine see you receiving not only your first morale ability (hint: it's a big heal) but also your first revive spell at level ten. The especially nice thing about the Dark Elf healer's revive spell is that it costs no Action Points (AP) to use and it builds 20 Soul Essence (SE) on top of that, too. The only drawback is that it's got a six second casting time, which doesn't make it the most immediate revive in the heat of battle. Another first for these levels is a very nice de-taunting spell that's definitely handy to have for later Public Quests.

Continue reading The Elves of WAR: Disciple of Khaine levels 6-10

MassivelyThe Elves of WAR: Disciple of Khaine levels 6-10 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 17 Aug 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Our overview of the High Elf ranged dps career, the Shadow Warrior, may not be enough for you. So here we are with an examination of every skill from level one through five. It's the latest installment of Massively's pre-NDA coverage of Warhammer Online, the Elves of WAR.

Shadow Warriors are the quintessential bow-and-blade class, with skills in long-range, short-ranged and hand-to-hand combat. They have three stances they can switch between at a moment's notice that buffs each combat speciality. The first one, Scout Stance, is explained below along with the other beginning abilities.

Level 1 - Scout Stance
5 sec cooldown
A long distance bow stnace that increases your Ballistic Skill initiative by 2 and the range of your bow attacks by 10%.

Level 1 - Eagle Eye
45 AP, 2sec cast, 5-100ft range
A well aimed arrow that deals 53 damage.

Level 1 - Grim Slash
40 AP, Instant cast, 5ft range
Deals 30 damage to your target.

These are your two basic attacks, ranged and melee, with a ranged buff. Encounters are simple as shoot until melee range, then spam Grim Slash.

Continue reading The Elves of WAR: Meet the Shadow Warrior levels 1-5

MassivelyThe Elves of WAR: Meet the Shadow Warrior levels 1-5 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 17 Aug 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We gave you the first five levels of the Witch Elf and hey, that was pretty awesome. However, now we've got the next five levels and they're totally cooler than the last five. We swear! It's within these levels that you'll get your first morale ability for the Witch Elf class, which adds another layer to the combat. Up until this point, combat in Warhammer Online feels somewhat typical, aside from the Blood Lust (BL) mechanic for the Witch Elf. So once you've earned this Rank 1 morale ability, you'll find yourself experiencing a more complete and varied combat system.

Continue reading The Elves of WAR: Witch Elf levels 6-10

MassivelyThe Elves of WAR: Witch Elf levels 6-10 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 16 Aug 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maybe the High Elf melee dps and healer careers aren't your preferred playstyle. It's time to look at the High Elf tanking class, the Swordmaster, in our continuing exclusive pre-NDA coverage of the Elves of WAR. We've already written up an overview of the class and its chain-combo fighting style, but now let's start from the beginning and work our way up.

Level 1
Graceful Strike - 40 AP, Instant cast, 5ft range
Leads to Improved Balance
A swift attack that deals 10 damage and Cripples for an additional 20 damage over 5 seconds. Monsters struck with this technique will hate you more.

Throw - 20 AP, 1sec cast, 5-65ft range
A basic throwing attack that inflicts 10 damage. Has a chance to deal 90 damage to a severely wounded traget if you are behind them.

Throw is good for pulling, but Graceful Strike is your bread-and-butter dps plus taunt ability and it starts your combo chain by shifting you from Balance to Improved Balance.

Continue reading The Elves of WAR: Meet the Swordmaster levels 1-5

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The first Public Quest (PQ) we came across while playing our Dark Elves was a very cool experience, especially considering that this is only the first of many PQs. We suppose it's in Mythic's best interest to -- pardon the term -- wow players early and often and the Spires of Narthain PQ does exactly that. Around level four or five, you'll be headed to the area your map has conveniently indicated for you to complete some quests. Suddenly, an objective indicator will show up in the upper-right portion of your screen. What's this? Well, you've arrived at the Spires of Narthain, the last bastion of High Elf defense in this area. Get ready for some action.

Continue reading The Elves of WAR: Dark Elf Chapter I Public Quest, Spires of Narthain

MassivelyThe Elves of WAR: Dark Elf Chapter I Public Quest, Spires of Narthain originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Earlier in the week we gave you a broad overview of this Warhammer Online class based on our higher level beta experiences. Today, we continue our exclusive pre-NDA look at the Elves of WAR with a look at the White Lion class from the ground up.

The White Lion career is a melee dps class on the side of Order only available to High Elves. With a loyal lion pet by their side and an enormous axe in their hand the White Lion is very good at taking down enemies, especially small groups of them.

Continue reading The Elves of WAR: Meet the White Lion, levels 1-5

MassivelyThe Elves of WAR: Meet the White Lion, levels 1-5 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 15 Aug 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Massively's exclusive pre-NDA coverage of the Elves of Warhammer Online continues with this sneak peek at the beginning levels of the High Elf healer class, the Archmage.

The Archmage has an interesting mechanic it shares with the Destruction Goblin Shaman, a ying/yang relationship between his offensive and healing spells. Every time an Archmage casts a healing spell, he gains a point in Force up to 5 points maximum. Every point of Force will reduce the casting time of offensive spells by 20%. That means at maximum Force, your next nuke will be insta-cast. For offensive spells that are already insta-cast, each point of Force will increase that spells potency by 5%. Once an offensive spell is cast, Force resets to zero.

The same holds true in reverse. For every damage spell the Archmage casts, he gains a point of Tranquility, resetting the counter when he finally uses his stored up Tranquility to power a defensive spell. Out of combat, any gained points will quickly fade.

Level one through five spell details after the jump!

Continue reading The Elves of WAR: Meet the Archmage, levels 1-5

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Massively's exclusive coverage of the Elves of WAR continues with a look at the first five levels in the Warhammer Online for High Elves. Whether you roll an Archmage, Shadow Warrior, Swordmaster or White Lion, your High Elf will follow the same quest line, unless you fly to one of the other racial starting areas. Either way, prepare to have it out with Dark Elves from the get go.

Upon creating your High Elf you start the game in the outpost of Moonrise on the Blighted Isle. You'll have some basic abilities/spells already slotted in your hotbar. There is only one quest giver in the outpost, Silvshara Greywind. She gives a kill quest for six Dark Sprites in the forest, then five Dark Elf Infiltrators.

After completing the kill quests, your High Elf will be level two and be able to train in a new spell/ability by talking to the NPC with the bullseye over their head. If you don't have enough cash, you can kill a few more Dark Elves in the forest for coin and loot you can sell to the vendor.

Your next quest sends you to the quest hub in Calumel to the southeast. On the way there, you'll find an Elf who will give you the quest to shoot Harpies with the Eagle Claw Bolt Thrower next to him. This uses none of your spells/abilities, but puts you in shooter mode where you take control of the launcher and aim the crosshairs at the Harpies. This is just training for RvR use of harpoons and other siege equipment later in the game. But don't pass this up as it's easy exp and he will send you on to the same place you were heading anyway.

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MassivelyThe Elves of WAR: Level 1-5 quests for High Elves originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkaneth-dark-elvesazurewoodblackarksblighted-isledark-elfdark-elveselves-of-warfeaturedhigh-elfhigh-elf-starting-areahigh-elveshouse-arkanethjoystiqfeaturesmassively-goes-to-warmoonrisemythic-entertainmentpublic-questsscornlashshining-guardwarwarhammer-onlineThu, 14 Aug 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Elves of WAR: Meet the Sorceress]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/the-elves-of-war-meet-the-sorceress/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/the-elves-of-war-meet-the-sorceress/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/the-elves-of-war-meet-the-sorceress/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Do dark magical forces beckon you? It could be that the Dark Elf Sorceress -- Sorcerer for males -- is just the class for you in Warhammer Online, so long as you don't mind being an Elf. The Sorceress is -- for all intents and purposes -- your typical mage-type class. Don't take that statement at face value, though. There is a nice twist to the class that helps keep things interesting while you nuke the snot out of everything in sight. The difference between, say, a Sorceress and an Archmage is the disdain for any adherence to the balancing act with magical energies. Where a High Elf crafts her magic with a careful touch, a Sorceress steals as much as she can and flings all of it at her enemies at once. This doesn't come without a risk, of course.

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MassivelyThe Elves of WAR: Meet the Sorceress originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Aug 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Bloody Handed god has priests like any of the other gods in Warhammer Online, only his priests come with a twist. They are known as Disciples of Khaine and they relish dealing death to their enemies like the rest of their brothers and sisters. These dark, devoted believers of Khaine deal death a bit differently, though. They take their enemies' strength and give it to their allies in order to bolster the battle towards Dark Elven favor. Typically you'll see a Disciple of Khaine carrying disturbingly-shaped ritual blades, which are the implements used to suck the Soul Essence from their foes. Although, they're also able to carry a chalice in their off-hand as well.

For players looking to go toe-to-toe with their enemies while keeping their allies fighting the good fight, this class is a very nice fit. Unlike your typical mace-swinging healer of old, this is a class that wouldn't think twice about running someone through with their twisted blade.

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We know some of you probably aren't looking to have quests and their delectably gooey centers spoiled for you, so with that in mind we've got something else for you to sink your teeth into. While there may only be three Dark Elf classes for now, they're at least compelling classes for anyone looking to be a dark, brooding badass. For this post, we're going to focus on the Witch Elf and her nasty array of sharp, stabby, poisonous and just all-around deadly attacks. Each ability is listed in the order you acquire it as you level up and train. Also, keep in mind that the damage listed is only the initial ability and its leveled-up version.

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We've seen the first quest for the Dark Elves in Warhammer Online, and it wasn't quite what we were expecting. You could definitely say we were happily surprised. So to be honest, we didn't expect the second quest to be so much cooler than the first. After turning in Blood Feud, you find yourself tasked with a much more vicious quest called, "The Joys of War" This time you're ordered to operate a massive siege weapon, which will rid the beach of pesky High Elf warriors. It's really their own fault for getting in your armies' way of conquering The Blighted Isle.

The High Elves aren't expecting this terrible attack, because they're an honorable race of snooty know-it-all types. Why would anyone do such a dishonorable thing? Well, to win the war, obviously. It was so much fun watching those tippy-toeing High Elves prance up the beach while we nailed them (literally, in a sense) in the face for 30,000 damage with high-grade Reaper Bolt Thrower spikes.
Warhammer Online Coverage Did you enjoy this? Make sure to check out our other exclusive Elves of War features and all of our previous Warhammer Online features. Plus, don't miss any of our ongoing coverage as Massively goes to WAR!

MassivelyThe Elves of WAR: "The Joys of War" originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Aug 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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So what's the very first thing you do when you log into Warhammer Online as a Dark Elf? You accept the quest "Blood Feud" and get right to the High Elf killing, of course. Surrounded by the towering ebony ships known as Black Arks, the very first thing you see is a Dark Elf man. He has light purple skin, is wrapped in red robes and metal bracing and his name is Gorthan Rakar. He has a job for you:

"Thousands of years have pased since our treacherous kin, the so-called High Elves, betrayed us by choosing the follow the pretender king, and used their vile magics to sunder our lands. So long have we waited for our revenge, and today, with the strength of the Black Ark behind us, we will have it!"

After reading these words, you turn around and see before you a wide breadth of beach covered in NPC Corsairs fighting Sea Guards. It is up to you to aid in the slaughter for if not you, who else?
Warhammer Online Coverage Did you enjoy this? Make sure to check out all of our previous Warhammer Online features, and don't miss any of our ongoing coverage as Massively goes to WAR!

MassivelyThe Elves of WAR: Your very first Dark Elf quest originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Aug 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Massively continues its exclusive pre-NDA coverage of the Elves of Warhammer Online with this spotlight on a master of Ranged DPS for the side of Order, The High Elf Shadow Warrior. They come in three flavors, Scouts (long-range dps specialists), Assault (close-combat) and Skirmish (short-range bow specialists). Each one of these masteries has a corresponding Stance that boosts their key abilities:

Scout Stance - Increases your Ballistic and Initiative scores and your maximum range
Assault Stance - Increases your Strength and Weapon skill as well as increases your Armor by 100%
Skirmish Stance - Increases your Toughness and crit chance.

This career comes with a long list of bow attacks and a fair amount of blade attacks. Shadow Warriors also get the Vengeance of Nagarythe ability. Every 3 mins you can increase your damage by 20% for 15 seconds and unlock special additional abilities on many of your exisiting attacks for the duration.

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MassivelyThe Elves of WAR: Meet the Shadow Warrior originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Massively continues its exclusive pre-NDA look into the Elves of Warhammer Online. This article focuses on the Swordmaster, the High Elf tanking career specializing in combo chains called the Blade Dance. Through the use of enchanted Great Swords and Shields as well as natural elven agility, Swordmasters not only endure the incoming attacks of their enemies, but also unlock powerful abilities as the battle progresses.

Every Swordmaster has a Balance state. At the beginning of battle, their Balance state is Normal, but special attacks improve their Balance and unlocks a new set of attacks. When the Swordmaster reaches Perfect Balance they can unleash their most fearsome abilities, but at the cost of resetting their Balance back to Normal.

Being a tank class, most of their abilities are focused on taunting, debuffing and protection of their allies through attacks on the enemy. But through mastery trees, each player can customize the class in different ways. Through the Khaine (offense), Vaul (defense) and Hoeth (magic) mastery trees the Swordmaster will not only gain new abilities, but will buff core abilities that improve Balance in a way that works with the chosen playstyle. Plus, there are three different blade enchants the Swordmaster has access to, though only one can be active at any time, that will also get buffed by the corresponding mastery tree.

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MassivelyThe Elves of WAR: Meet the Swordmaster originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 11 Aug 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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So we've given you some hot-off-the-pre-NDA lift information on both the Dark Elves and High Elves. Now we pose to you a "Would you rather" situation: Dark Elves or High Elves? We're aware that Elves tend to be a love-hate relationship with most of us. So even if you would much rather run around as an awesome Greenskin or an Order race, we simply must know which of two evils would you pick and why?

We can certainly understand if you'd want to play as the sinister, wicked and all-around clinically insane Dark Elves. Though there are likely plenty of people who enjoy running around in bright nansy-pansy High Elf robes with giant, golden swords, too. Our strategy is to pretend they're not most certainly surrounding us at every moment. If we succumbed to the truth of it, the world we've built up around ourselves may just crush us into tiny, gooey blogger giblets.

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Would you rather play High Elves or Dark Elves? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 11 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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