Microsoft Games Archive/Dark Majesty/Expansion Pack FAQ

Original Link (now dead) - http://www.microsoft.com/games/zone/asheronscall/dark_majesty_faq.asp

ASHERON'S CALL: DARK MAJESTY FAQ

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[6.27.01]

Overview

Q: What is Asheron's Call: Dark Majesty? Is it a new game? Is it AC2?
A: No, Asheron's Call: Dark Majesty is an expansion pack that includes the original Asheron's Call, and all-new exclusive features and content. It is not a new game from the ground up like the sequel to Asheron's Call.

Q: When is Asheron's Call: Dark Majesty coming out?
A: It will be available in stores Winter '01.

Q: Do I need to buy the original game before buying Asheron's Call: Dark Majesty?
A: No. Asheron's Call: Dark Majesty contains the full version of Asheron's Call, including all the monthly event data as well as new features and content.

Q: Do I need to create a new character in order to play Asheron's Call: Dark Majesty?
A: No, you can use your existing characters.

Q: If I already own Asheron's Call, do I need to buy Asheron's Call: Dark Majesty to keep playing?
A: No, you can continue to play without buying the expansion pack, but you will not be able to enjoy the new features Asheron's Call: Dark Majesty has to offer.

Q: How much will Asheron's Call: Dark Majesty cost?
A: It will cost $19.95 and includes one free month of service. This one free month of service will apply to both new and existing players.

What's New in Asheron's Call: Dark Majesty

Q: So, why would I want to buy the expansion pack?
A: First, only players who have purchased and registered the expansion pack will be able to OWN HOUSES! Yes, Asheron's Call: Dark Majesty will feature true 3D landscape housing. Secondly, only players who own the expansion pack will have access to secure item storage. Lastly, you need the expansion pack to explore the new landmass - which has lots of new quests and enemies for players of all levels. It is much bigger than any of the additions we have done before!

Q: What if I don't buy Asheron's Call: Dark Majesty, what am I missing?
A: You'll still be able to participate in the overall ongoing story, and be able to roam over most of Dereth - but you will not be able to own a home, or visit the new land mass.

Housing Q: Does everyone who buys Asheron's Call: Dark Majesty get a house? What if I don't get one right away, can I still get one later on?
A: Housing space in Dereth is limited. At the launch of Asheron's Call: Dark Majesty, there will be approximately 1000 homes available in each world (they're not just sites, there will houses on each site they just may not be on the market yet, correct?); however, more can be opened in following months in response to demand. We will manage the growth of housing very carefully.

Q: What do I need to do to buy a house?
A: We're keeping the details under wraps. For now, we can say there will be a purchase cost and ongoing upkeep payments that must be made to maintain ownership of a house; if those payments are missed, the house will be put back up on the market.

Q: Can my friends visit me in my house? What about people who don't have the Expansion Pack?
A: Yes, as a homeowner you have complete control over who can come in your house (even when you're away) and who cannot. People who do not have the expansion pack will be able to visit your house if they have your permission, but won't be able to access your storage.

Item Storage

Q: How will item storage work?
Each house will contain a chest. The chest can store up to X items. The owner of the house may also store items as decorations in their house (e.g. hanging the sword of great woe on the wall, laying down a series of rugs, blah, blah, blah - you get the picture).

Q: Can people steal stuff from my house?
A: It's possible. You may authorize people who have also purchased the expansion pack to have access to your storage chest, giving them extra item storage even if they don't own a house themselves. These authorized people will have full access to your storage chest, so only give those rights to players you trust! However, only the owner of the house can remove items used as decorations; accordingly, items used as decorations will be secure from theft.

New Landmass, Monsters, and Story Arc

Q: So, what's the new land?
A: It is a vast new land. We will provide more details later, but its name is Marae Lassel, which translates to "The Sheltering Isle." Sounds like a nice, peaceful place, eh?

Q: How big is Marae Lassel?
A: We are not releasing exact dimensions at this time. However, the new landmass will have multiple towns on it, if that gives you an idea of the scale.

Q: I imagine there are new monsters too.
A: Yup. Without revealing too much, we can say some of the existing creatures in Dereth have mutated dramatically, and there are some brand new enemies as well. They all contribute to the third epic story arc to take place in Asheron's Call. As you may know, the first arc concerned Bael'Zharon and the shadow attacks; the second is well under way right now; and the third begins when Asheron's Call: Dark Majesty launches. We'll be showing screenshots and artwork over the next few months to give you a better idea of what we're talking about.

Other Questions

Q: What other cool stuff will be in Asheron's Call: Dark Majesty?

A: Right now, we're only saying that housing, item storage, and the new lands will be in the expansion. These features are our primary focus for the expansion pack., but we may add things as time permits.