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Update - Thursday May 29
Bug Fixes

* Fixed the alignment of the "Test My Computer" option on the login screen.


Update - Thursday May 29
Support Features

Added the "Test My Computer" option to the login screen. Clicking this link launches a diagnostic test that measures:

* Adapter settings
* Network connections
* External address
* Server connectivity
* Network paths
* DirectX diagnostics

When the test is complete, click "View Results" to open a text file with a list of the testing results. These results are useful to diagnose connection and playability problems, and will lead to faster resolution of open support tickets. This file is saved to your root Guild Wars directory, which is by default located in C:\Program Files\Guild Wars on Windows XP, and C:\Users\USERNAME\Documents\Guild Wars on Windows Vista.

Added a hotkey combination to address a video problem where the screen resolution would sometimes get stuck in a higher mode than the computer could render. Holding down CTRL-ALT-SHIFT while launching Guild Wars will now reset the resolution to 800x600.

Bug Fixes

* Fixed a bug that caused some disguise tonics to interact improperly with Junundu form in Guild Wars: Nightfall.
* Fixed a bug that caused the Ranger skill Distracting Shot to not receive a damage increase from some Preparations.
* Fixed a bug that caused the Paragon skill Cruel Spear to inflict Deep Wound even if it was blocked.
* Fixed a bug that caused the Paragon skill "Brace Yourself!" to not affect self-knockdowns, such as Grapple.
* Fixed a bug that caused skill templates that included PvP skills to become blank when the template name was changed.


Miscellaneous

* Scrolls of Hero's Insight received from the Imperial Quartermaster in Kaineng Center will now appropriately stack with the same scrolls bought from scroll traders.
* Spafrod Iceblood in Sacnoth Valley now correctly drops his own green item instead of Lord Glacius' Staff.
* Sol Pyrrhus in Stingray Strand can now craft armor rating 51 Monk Pants.
* Updated the sale value of Tempered Glass Vials to match their crafting cost of 20 gold.
* Clay Bricks have been removed from all material crafter inventories.

Update - Thursday June 5
Updated Zaishen Rewards

* Updated the Zaishen Chest drops to replace the Phantasmal Tonic with a new tonic for the month of June.

Zaishen Rewards Calendar

In the first scheduled update of every month, one new flavor of the ever-popular transmogrifier tonics will be added to the Zaishen Chest, replacing the tonic from the month before. These special tonics, usable only in outposts and towns, will transform your character into the embodiment of that particular potion.

Open the chest for a chance to find one of these special tonics. If you're very lucky, you may even find an Everlasting tonic. These super rare variations have infinite uses, so they'll never run out.

Bookmark this calendar and be sure to check it in the beginning of every month to learn what new tonic has been added to the chest. For more information about Zaishen Rewards, [url=\"http://www.guildwars.com/competitive/tournament2008/zaishenrewards/\"]see this page[/url].


Automated Tournaments

* Updated Automated Tournament map rotations.


Bug Fixes

* Fixed a bug with the Monk skill Divine Intervention. Sometimes the skill would not prevent lethal damage.
* Fixed a bug that caused some Dart Traps in Eye of the North to shoot through obstacles.
* Fixed a text bug where the player's name did not display in a Luxon Priest's dialog.


Miscellaneous

* Updated Iceblood's Warstaff to list the casting time reductions as two separate abilities rather than one combined ability.

Update - Thursday June 12
Skill Updates

In this update, we are again changing a few key skills for PvP only or for PvE only. However, most of the skill balances are the same for both the PvP and PvE aspects of the game.

PvE and PvP

Most of these changes improve upon existing skills. A few are power reductions that are not expected to be detrimental to PvE play. Three skills (Soul Bind, Rust, and Lightning Touch) are having their core function changed to make them more useful outside of niche circumstances. The following skills will change in both PvE and PvP:

Elementalist

* Rust: increased Energy cost to 10; decreased casting time to 1 second; functionality changed to: "Deals 10..70 cold damage. For 5..20 seconds, target foe and all adjacent foes take twice as long to activate signets."
* Lightning Touch: functionality changed to: "Target touched foe and all adjacent foes are struck for 10..60 lightning damage. Foes suffering from a Water Magic hex are Blinded for 3..8 seconds. This skill has 25% armor penetration."
* Arc Lightning: increased conditional damage to 15..75.

Mesmer

* Drain Enchantment: increased Energy gained to 8..17.
* Drain Delusions: increased multiplier for Energy gained to 4; increased recharge to 12 seconds.
* Wastrel's Worry: increased damage to 20..100.

Monk

* Strength of Honor: increased recharge to 15 seconds.
* Holy Wrath: increased recharge to 10 seconds.
* Aura of Stability: decreased duration to 3..8 seconds.
* Balthazar’s Pendulum: decreased duration to 5..10 seconds.

Necromancer

* Fetid Ground: decreased Energy cost to 5.
* Suffering: increased Health degeneration to -1..3.
* Vile Miasma: increased Health degeneration to -1..5.
* Soul Bind: decreased casting time to 1 second; functionality changed to: "For 30 seconds, every time target foe is healed, the healer takes 20..80 damage. This hex ends if target is suffering from a Smiting Prayers hex."

Paragon

* "Can't Touch This!": decreased Energy cost to 5.
* Barbed Spear: increased Bleeding duration to 5..20 seconds.

Ranger

* Antidote Signet: functionality changed to: "Cleanse yourself of Poison, Disease, Blindness, and one additional condition."
* Barbed Arrows: increased duration to 24 seconds; removed easily interruptible; you now have -40 armor while activating this skill.

Warrior

* Bull's Charge: increased movement speed to +33%.
* "Charge!": increased duration to 5..13 seconds.
* Symbolic Strike: increased conditional damage to 12.

PvE Changes

The improvements here are appropriate for PvE but would not benefit PvP play balance. The following skills will change in PvE:

Dervish

* Mystic Regeneration: decreased recharge to 5 seconds; increased the maximum number of enchantments counted to 8.

Mesmer

* Energy Drain: increased multiplier for Energy gained to 3.

PvP Changes

The significant power reductions here are important to address current PvP play balance but are not necessary for PvE. The following skills will change in PvP:

Mesmer

* Mantra of Inscriptions: decreased the recharge of signets to 5..35% faster.

Ritualist

* Ancestors' Rage: increased duration to 2 seconds; decreased damage to 5..50; functionality changed to: "For 2 seconds all foes adjacent to target ally are struck for 5..50 lightning damage each second."
* Splinter Weapon: decreased damage to 5..30.

Warrior

* "For Great Justice!": functionality changed to: "For 20 seconds, when you hit with an attack, you gain 1 additional strike of adrenaline."

Bug Fixes

* Rift Wardens in the Underworld now only teleport the player speaking to them if the Underworld Chest has appeared.
* Fixed a missing player name in Norgu’s dialog in the Throne of Secrets.
* Fixed a bug that caused Heroes and henchmen to occasionally respond improperly to placed flags when fighting enemy Spirits.
* Fixed a bug that caused some catapults to hit the area around themselves with their attack.
* Fixed a bug that caused Siege Devourers in Assault the Shaman to occasionally not hit enemy Charr they were targeting.

[b]Update - Thursday July 10[/b]
Updated Zaishen Rewards

* Updated the Zaishen Chest drops to replace the Automatonic with a new tonic for the month of July. More information on Zaishen Rewards can be found here.

Automated Tournaments

* Updated Automated Tournament map rotations.

Skill Updates

For more information on these changes, please see the Developer Updates page.

PvE and PvP

Assassin

* Aura of Displacement: now has a .75 aftercast.
* Dark Prison: now has a .75 aftercast.
* Death's Charge: now has a .75 aftercast.
* Shadow Prison: now has a .75 aftercast.
* Shadow Walk: now disables your attack skills for 1 second.

Dervish

* Signet of Mystic Speed: increased recharge to 20 seconds.

Mesmer

* Mantra of Inscriptions: now affects only those signets that you successfully activate. Interrupted and disabled signets no longer benefit from this skill.

PvP Changes

Dervish

* Chilling Victory: this skill is now in the Wind Prayers attribute line.

Monk

* Signet of Judgment: decreased damage to 5..50; decreased range to half.

Necromancer

* Enfeebling Blood: increased health sacrifice to 17%; decreased duration to 1..16.

Miscellaneous

* Chant and shout effects are no longer applied to allied Guild Battle NPCs.

Bug Fixes

* Fixed a bug with the Ranger skill Conflagration that made it not affect the ranged attacks of monsters.
* Fixed a bug that sometimes caused Mhenlo to display the same dialogue option twice in the Consulate Docks outpost.
* Fixed a bug in the Factions quest "Night Raiders" that could prevent players from completing it.
* Fixed a graphical bug that occurred when Gwen was equipped with the Deldrimor Armor in a PvP arena.
* Fixed a graphical bug on the Elementalist's Elite Flameforged armor that showed the wrong texture on the character's neck.
* Fixed a bug with the monster skill Twisting Jaws that allowed monsters to instantly cast it.

Miscellaneous

* The Xunlai Tournament House NPC now offers prizes for the June tournament and can be found in the Great Temple of Balthazar, Lion's Arch, Kaineng Center, and Kamadan.


[b]Update - Wednesday July 2[/b]
Bug Fixes

* Fixed a crash that occurred when a player manually ordered Heroes to use certain skills.


[b]Update - Wednesday July 2[/b]
Dragon Festival 2008

* Decorated Shing Jea Monastery and Kaineng Center in preparation for the Dragon Festival.
* Beginning at Noon Pacific (-7 GMT) on Thursday, July 3, 2008, the Shing Jea Boardwalk, Dragon Arena, and Rollerbeetle Racing will be opened for the duration of the weekend.
* Captain Rujiyo will be gathering adventurers in Shing Jea Monastery for special festival missions at various times throughout the day on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
* For the final events on Sunday July 6, Emperor Kisu will visit Shing Jea Monastery every two hours, with the first event starting at 2:00 AM Pacific (-7 GMT) and the last event starting at 11:59 PM Pacific (-7 GMT).
* Imperial Supply Master Kagno will appear in Shing Jea Monastery as the event comes to a close at 11:59 AM Pacific (-7 GMT) on Monday, July 7. He will remain there for one week to exchange 250 Victory Tokens for the new mask in case anyone misses the exchange with Emperor Kisu.
* For the full mission and event schedule, please see the Dragon Festival 2008 event page.

PvE Changes

Back in May, Shadow Form had its duration increased and emerged as a key part of several highly efficient farming builds. To lower the efficiency of Shadow Form farming without removing it as an option, we are changing both the skill and some creatures in the Underworld.

Assassin

* Shadow Form: the caster of this skill now does 50% less damage while it is active.

Underworld

* Added Hex Breaker to the Mindblade Specters in the Underworld.
* Several Banished Dream Riders in the Chaos Plains region of the Underworld have been replaced with Cursed Dream Riders.
* When Cursed Dream Riders are killed, they cause Mindflay Specters to spawn. Mindflay Specters have Signet of Disenchantment instead of Hex Breaker.

For more information on these changes visit the Developer Updates page.

Bug Fixes

* Fixed a bug that caused the Elementalist skill Steam to deal fire damage instead of cold damage for its conditional damage.
* Fixed a bug that caused Sunspear Rebirth Signet to aggro mobs near the target.
* Fixed a bug that caused the Ranger skill Conflagration to affect spears.

Miscellaneous

* Added dialogue to the Xunai Tournament Agent to remind players to register their account.
* Changed Guardsman Zingpah's dialogue in Kaineng Center to reduce confusion.
* Improved Hero AI to use skills such as Conjure Flame and Ebon Dust Aura based on their weapon's current damage type when effects changing the damage (such as Winter or Staggering Force) are active.
* Improved Hero AI for the Assassin skill Shattering Assault. Heroes will now use this skill if the target is not enchanted.
* Improved Hero response to a player manually ordering them to use a skill. Heroes should now respond faster to orders.
* Improved Hero AI for the Dervish skill Pious Assault. Heroes will now use this skill even if they are not enchanted.
* Improved Hero AI for the Assassin skill Disrupting Dagger. Heroes will now use this skill to interrupt spellcasting enemies rather than use it frequently against non-casting targets.
* Improved Hero AI for the Dervish skill Conviction. Heroes will now use this skill even if they are not enchanted.

It's about time! A Well needed update has finally been issued!

------------------------------------------
[u]

[i][b]
Update - Thursday August 7[/b][/i][/u]

[b]Updated Zaishen Rewards[/b]

* Updated the Zaishen Chest drops to replace the Automatonic with a new tonic for the month of August. More information on Zaishen Rewards can be found here.

[b]Automated Tournaments[/b]

* Updated Automated Tournament map rotations.

[b]Guild Battle Changes[/b]

* There is no longer any Victory or Death effect.
* There is no longer any Victory is Ours effect.
* The Guild Battle NPCs no longer walk to the flag stand.
* The Guild Lord's Health has been reduced to 1680.
* Removed all skills on the Bodyguard except Oath of Healing.
* Removed Precision Shot from the Archers.
* Whenever a team gets a moral boost that team's Guild Lord gets an additional +300 maximum Health for the rest of the game.
* The final, 28-minute tie-breaker is determined by the team that did the most damage to the enemy Guild Lord. This tie-breaker is now effective in all GvG matches.
* Amulet of Protection: reduced the amount of damage the Guild Lord can take to 25 per second at the beginning of a match, scaling up to 300 damage per second later in the match.

[b]Skill Updates[/b]

For more information on these changes, please see the Developer Updates page.

[b]PvE and PvP[/b]

[i] Assassin[/i]

* Flashing Blades: functionality changed to: "(5..30 seconds.) You have 75% chance to block while attacking. Block effect: 5..20 damage to your attacker."
* Golden Skull Strike: this skill no longer requires a lead attack; reduced Dazed duration to 1..5 seconds.
* Hidden Caltrops: increased recharge to 12 seconds. Functionality changed to: "(10 seconds.) Causes 50% slower movement. End effect: inflicts Crippled condition (3..15 seconds)."
* Shadow Form: reduced the damage penalty to 33%.
* Way of the Assassin: functionality changed to: "(20 seconds.) You attack 5..35% faster and have +5..35% chance to land a critical hit."

[i] Dervish[/i]

* Onslaught: increased Energy cost to 10. Functionality changed to: "(5..20 seconds.) You attack and move 25% faster."
* Vow of Strength: functionality changed to: "(20 seconds.) Adds +5..35% damage to your attacks against foes not suffering from any conditions."
* Zealous Vow: increased Energy gained per hit to 1..7; decreased to -3 Energy degeneration.

[i] Elementalist[/i]

* Glimmering Mark: decreased casting time to 1 second; increased recharge time to 10 seconds. Functionality changed to: "(10 seconds.) Deals 5..25 lightning damage per second. Ends if you cast a spell that targets this foe."
* Master of Magic: decreased Energy cost to 5; decreased recharge to 20 seconds. Functionality changed to: "(1..61 seconds.) Your elemental attributes are set to 12 and you gain +0..2 Energy regeneration."
* Mirror of Ice: increased casting time to 1 second; increased recharge to 30 seconds. Functionality changed to: "(60 seconds.) You deal 5..35 cold damage whenever you cast a Water Magic hex."
* Thunderclap: decreased casting time to 1 second; increased recharge to 20 seconds. Functionality changed to: "Deals 15..75 damage. After 3 seconds, inflicts Dazed condition (1..10 seconds) to target and adjacent foes. 25% armor penetration."
[i]
Mesmer[/i]

* Air of Disenchantment: functionality changed to: "Also hexes foes near your target (5..20 seconds). Remove one enchantment from target and nearby foes. Enchantments expire 150..300% faster on those foes."
* Extend Conditions: functionality changed to: "Spread all conditions from target foe to all foes near your target. The durations of those conditions are increased by 5..100% (maximum 30 seconds)."
* Lyssa's Aura: increased recharge to 30 seconds. Functionality changed to: "(10 seconds.) You have 0..4 Energy regeneration. Renewal: every time you cast a spell on an enemy."
* Signet of Midnight: increased casting time to 2 seconds.
* Tease: decreased casting time to .25 seconds. Functionality changed to: "Interrupts a skill. Interruption effect: also interrupts all foes in the area and you steal 0..5 Energy from each interrupted foe."
* Visions of Regret: functionality changed to: "Also hexes foes adjacent to target (10 seconds). These foes take 15..90 damage whenever they use a skill."
[i]
Monk[/i]

* Aura of Faith: this skill is now in the Protection Prayers attribute line; decreased Energy cost to 5; decreased casting time to .25; decreased recharge time to 8 seconds. Functionality changed to: "(3 seconds.) Target ally gains 50..100% more Health when healed and takes 5..50% less damage."
* Empathic Removal: functionality changed to: "Removes one condition and hex from target ally and yourself, and heals for 50. Cannot self-target."
* Healing Burst: decreased recharge time to 4 seconds. Functionality changed to: "Heals for 5..130. Also heals party members for 5..20 in area of your target."
* Signet of Rage: increased non-conditional damage to 5..50; decreased conditional damage to 5..10.

[i] Necromancer[/i]

* Life Transfer: decreased recharge to 20 seconds. Functionality changed to: "Also hexes foes adjacent to target (6..12 second). Causes -3..8 Health degeneration. You have +3..8 Health regeneration."
* Order of Undeath: increased recharge to 15; decreased Energy cost to 5. Functionality changed to: "All but one of your minions die. If that minion is non-Elite, it deals +5..30 more damage, has +5..20 Health regeneration, and attacks 33% faster (20 seconds)."
* Pain of Disenchantment: decreased casting time to 1 second; increased recharge time to 15 seconds. Functionality changed to: "Target foe loses 1..3 enchantments. Removal effect: that foe and all adjacent foes lose 10..100 Health."
* Vampiric Spirit: functionality changed to: "Steal 5..50 Health from target foe. You have +5..10 Health regeneration (10 seconds)."

[i] Paragon[/i]

* "It's just a flesh wound.": functionality changed to: "Remove all conditions from target ally. This skill fails if you have a Deep Wound. Cannot self-target."
* "The Power is Yours!": decreased recharge time to 0; decreased Energy cost to 0; increased adrenaline cost to 4 strikes. Functionality changed to: "(3 seconds.) Allies within earshot gain 0..1 Energy regeneration."
* Soldier's Fury: functionality changed to: "(10..35 seconds.) You attack 33% faster and gain 33% more adrenaline if under the effects of a shout or chant."
[i]
Ranger
[/i]
* Expert's Dexterity: this skill is now a stance; decreased activation time to 0; increased recharge time to 20 seconds. Functionality changed to: "(5..20 seconds.) You attack 33% faster and you gain +2 to your Marksmanship attribute."
* Incendiary Arrows: changed skill to an attack skill; removed activation time; decreased recharge time to 3 seconds. Functionality changed to: "Hits 2 foes near your target and inflicts Burning (1..3 seconds)."
* Melandru's Shot: decreased Energy cost to 5; decreased activation time to 1 second; increased recharge time to 10 seconds. Functionality changed to: "Deals +10..25 damage. Inflicts Bleeding (5..25 seconds) and Crippled (3..15 seconds) if target foe was moving or knocked down."
* Scavenger's Focus: this skill is no longer a preparation; decreased Energy cost to 5; decreased activation time to 0; increased recharge time to 20 seconds. Functionality changed to: "(10 seconds.) You gain 3..12 Energy if you strike a foe who has condition."
* Scavenger's Strike: decreased Energy cost to 5; increased recharge time to 10 seconds. Functionality changed to: "Deals 10..25 damage. You gain 3..15 Energy if target foe has a condition."
[i]
Ritualist[/i]

* Consume Soul: increased casting time to 1 second; increased recharge time to 5 seconds. Functionality changed to: "Steal 5..60 Health. If target foe was a summoned creature, you steal all of that foe's life."
* Defiant was Xinrae: this skill is now in the Restoration Magic attribute line; decreased Energy cost to 5; increased casting time to 1 second; increased recharge time to 20 seconds. Functionality changed to: "(15..60 seconds.) You cannot lose more than 20% of your max Health from a single hit. Drop effect: steal 30..90 Health from nearby foes."
* Reclaim Essence: functionality changed to: "All your Spirits die. If a Spirit dies in this way, you gain 5..20 Energy and all of your Binding Rituals are recharged."
* Xinrae's Weapon: this skill is now in the Restoration Magic attribute line; decreased Energy cost to 5; decreased recharge time to 3 seconds. Functionality changed to: "(8 seconds.) The next time target ally takes damage from a foe, that damage is limited to 5% of target ally's max Health and that ally steals up to 20..80 Health from that foe."

[i] Warrior[/i]

* Battle Rage: functionality changed to: "(5..20 seconds.) You move 33% faster and gain double adrenaline from your attacks. End if you use any non-adrenal skills."
* Defy Pain: decreased adrenaline cost to 5 strikes. Functionality changed to: "(20 seconds.) You have +90..300 maximum Health, +20 armor, and take -1..10 damage."
* Quivering Blade: increased adrenaline cost to 5 strikes. Functionality changed to: "Deals +10..40 damage. Inflicts Dazed condition (5 seconds) if target foe was moving."
* Warrior's Endurance: this skill is no longer a stance.
[b]
PvP Changes[/b]

[i] Monk[/i]

* Spirit Bond: increased recharge time to 5 seconds.

[i] Ritualist[/i]

* Weapon of Warding: increased recharge time to 8 seconds.

PvE Changes

[i] Monk[/i]

* Unyielding Aura: decreased casting time to .25 seconds; decreased recharge time 10 seconds. Functionality changed to: "Your Monk spells heal for +15..60% End effect: a random other party member is resurrected and teleported to your location."

[i] Asura[/i]

* Air of Superiority: increased duration to 20..30 seconds.
* Asuran Scan: increased duration to 9..12 seconds; increased damage bonus to 45..75%; decreased casting time to 0.
* Mental Block: increased duration to 5..11 seconds.
* Mindbender: increased duration to 10..16 seconds.
* Pain Inverter: increased damage bonus to 100..140%.
* Radiation Field: increased duration to 4..6 seconds; increased Disease duration to 12..20 seconds.
* Smooth Criminal: increased duration to 14..20 seconds; increased Energy gained to 7..10.
* Summon Ice Imp: increased level to 14..20; increased duration to 40..60 seconds.
* Summon Mursaat: increased level to 14..20; increased duration to 40..60 seconds.
* Summon Naga Shaman: increased level to 14..20; increased duration to 40..60 seconds.
* Summon Ruby Djinn: increased level to 14..20; increased duration to 40..60 seconds.
* Technobabble: decreased Energy cost to 10; decreased recharge to 10; decreased Dazed duration to 3..5 seconds.

[i] Dwarf[/i]

* "By Ural's Hammer!": functionality changed to: "(7..10 seconds.) You have +2 Health regeneration and do +25% damage. Lasts 7..10 more seconds for each ally in earshot under 50% Health."
* "Don't Trip!": decreased Energy cost 5.
* Alkar's Alchemical Acid: increased damage to 40..50; increased conditional damage to 45..70; increased conditional duration to 14..20 seconds.
* Black Powder Mine: increased damage to 20..30; increased Blind and Bleeding duration to 7..10 seconds.
* Brawling Headbutt: increased damage to 45..70.
* Breath of the Great Dwarf: increased Health gained to 50..60.
* Drunken Master: increased duration to 72..90.
* Dwarven Stability: increased duration to 24..30; increased Health gained to 55..100.
* Ear Bite: functionality changed to: "Deals 50..70 piercing damage and inflicts Bleeding condition (10..25 seconds)."
* Great Dwarf Armor: increased duration to 22..40.
* Great Dwarf Weapon: increased damage to 15..20; increased knockdown chance to 28..40%.
* Light of Deldrimor: increased damage to 55..80.
* Low Blow: increased damage to 45..70.
* Snow Storm: decreased Energy cost to 10; increased damage to 30..40.

[i] Ebon Vanguard[/i]

* Deft Strike: increased damage to 18..30; increased Bleeding duration to 18..30 seconds.
* Ebon Battle Standard of Courage: increased duration to 14..20 seconds.
* Ebon Battle Standard of Honor: increased duration to 14..20 seconds; increased damage to 8..15; increased damage against Charr to 7..10.
* Ebon Battle Standard of Wisdom: increased duration to 14..20 seconds; increased recharge reduction to 44..60%.
* Ebon Escape: increased Health healed to 70..110.
* Ebon Vanguard Assassin Support: increased level to 14..20; increased conditional duration to 24..30 increased non-conditional duration to 12..15.
* Ebon Vanguard Sniper Support: functionality changed to: "Deals 54..90 piercing damage and inflicts Bleeding condition (25 seconds). 10% chance of +540..900 piercing damage. 25% chance of +540..900 piercing damage if target foe is a Charr."
* Signet of Infection: increased Disease duration to 13..20.
* Sneak Attack: increased Blind duration to 5..8.
* Tryptophan Signet: increased duration to 14..20; increased movement speed reduction to 23..40%.
* Weakness Trap: increased Weakness duration to 10..20 seconds; increased lightning damage to 24..50.
* Winds: increased Spirit level to 4..10; increased duration to 54..90 seconds.

[i] Lightbringer[/i]

* Lightbringer Signet: this is no longer elite. Functionality changed to: "You gain 3..5 strikes of adrenaline and 16..24 Energy if you are within the area of a demonic servant of Abaddon."

[i] Luxon/Kurzick[/i]

* "Save Yourselves!": increased duration to 4..6 seconds.
* Aura of Holy Might: increased holy damage to 40..50.
* Elemental Lord: increased duration to 40..60 seconds.
* Ether Nightmare: increased Energy lost to 5..8.
* Selfless Spirit: increased duration to 15..20 seconds.
* Shadow Sanctuary: increased Health regeneration to 7..10.
* Signet of Corruption: increased damage to 20..30.
* Spear of Fury: increased damage to 30..40; increased adrenaline gained to 3..6.
* Summon Spirit: increased Health gained to 60..100.
* Triple Shot: decreased damage reduction to 40..25%.
[i]
Norn[/i]

* "Dodge This!": increased duration to 16..20 seconds; increased damage to 14..20.
* "Finish Him!": increased damage to 44..80; increased duration to 12..20.
* "I am the Strongest!": increased number of attacks to 5..8; increased damage to 14..20.
* "I am Unstoppable!": increased duration to 16..20 seconds.
* "You are All Weaklings!": increased Weakness duration to 8..12 seconds; decreased Energy cost to 5.
* "You Move Like a Dwarf!": increased damage to 44..80; increased duration to 8..15 seconds.
* A Touch of Guile: increased damage to 44..80; increased duration to 5..8 seconds.
* Club of a Thousand Bears: increased damage to 6..9.
* Feel No Pain: increased duration to 30 seconds; decreased Health regeneration to 1..3; increased recharge time to 20 seconds.
* Raven Blessing: functionality changed to: "You lose all effects and take on the aspect of the raven (60 seconds). All your attributes are set to 0 and raven attacks replace your skills, and you have 80 armor, 660..700 Health, and a 20..30% block chance."
* Raven Talons: functionality changed to: "Deals 20..35 piercing damage. Inflicts Bleeding and Cripple conditions (4..10 seconds)."
* Ursan Blessing: functionality changed to: "You lose all effects and take on the aspect of the bear (60 seconds). All your attributes are set to 0 and bear attacks replace your skills, and you have 100 armor and 750..800 Health."
* Ursan Strike: functionality changed to: "Deals 40..75 damage and 40..75 slashing damage."
* Ursan Rage: this skill is now touch range.
* Volfen Blessing: functionality changed to: "You lose all effects and take on the aspect of the wolf (60 seconds). All your attributes are set to 0 and wolf attacks replace your skills, and you have 80 armor, 660..700 Health, and 2..4 Health regeneration."
* Volfen Bloodlust: this skill now affects all nearby allies.
* Volfen Pounce: this skill is now a stance.

[i] Sunspear[/i]

* "There's Nothing to Fear!": increased damage reduction to 20..35%.
* Critical Agility: increased armor to 15..25.
* Cry of Pain: increased damage to 65..100.
* Eternal Aura: increased holy damage to 65..100.
* Necrosis: increased damage to 60..90.
* Never Rampage Alone: decreased Energy cost to 15; increased duration to 18..25 seconds.
* Seed of Life: increased duration to 2..5 seconds.
* Vampirism: increased level to 4..10; increased duration to 75..150 seconds.
* Whirlwind Attack: increased damage to 13..20.
[b]
PvE Creature changes[/b]

* Updated the skill sets of the bosses Edibbo Pekpek and Alana Pekpek to work with the new Glimmering Mark. They now have Conjure Lightning and Whirlwind instead of Lightning Strike and Lightning Javelin.
* Skeleton Monks in Hard Mode will now use Vengeance instead of Unyielding Aura.
* Kisai will now use Blinding Surge instead of Glimmering Mark when encountered in the Norn Tournament.
* Reduced the armor of the following bosses: Demetrios the Enduring, Coventina the Matron, and Willa the Unpleasant.

[b]Underworld changes[/b]

* Reapers now become invulnerable once all quests have been completed in the Underworld.
* Replaced Cursed Dream Riders with Banished Dream Riders.
* Shortened the distance Banished Dream Riders will follow a player.
* Banished Dream Riders now stand stationary and overlook a small complement of added Wailing Lords.
* Mindblade Spectres' base attack is now ranged.
* Increased the Health of Mindblade Spectres by 500.
* Reduced the run speed of Mindblade Spectres.

[b]AI Updates[/b]

The following AI updates apply to Heroes, henchmen, and Hard Mode NPCs.

[i] Assassin[/i]

* Heroes now use Dark Escape less frequently when about to engage in combat.
* Heroes are less likely to use Signet of Shadows on a non-Blinded target.
[i]
Dervish[/i]

* Heroes are less likely to use Chilling Victory on a target when the target's Health is greater than theirs.
* Heroes will be less likely to use Lyssa's Assault without an enchantment active.
* Heroes are less likely to use Crippling Victory when a target has more Health then them or is already Crippled.

[i] Elementalist[/i]

* Heroes are less likely to use Lightning Bolt on stationary foes.
* Heroes use Shock Arrow more efficiently.
* Heroes use Glowstone more efficiently.
* Heroes use Glowing Gaze more efficiently.
* Heroes are more likely to use Glowing Ice on targets suffering from a water hex.
* Heroes no longer use Blinding Flash on casters or Blinded targets.
* Heroes are less likely to use Blinding Surge if only a single target will be affected.
* Heroes use Mind Blast more effectively.
* Heroes will use of Flare on targets regardless of their remaining Health.
* Heroes use Invoke Lightning more efficiently.
* Heroes use Chain Lightning more efficiently.

[i] Mesmer[/i]

* Heroes are less likely to use Lightning Bolt on stationary foes.
* Heroes use Shock Arrow more efficiently.
* Heroes use Glowstone more efficiently.
* Heroes use Glowing Gaze more efficiently.
* Heroes are more likely to use Glowing Ice on targets suffering from a water hex.
* Heroes no longer use Blinding Flash on casters or Blinded targets.
* Heroes are less likely to use Blinding Surge if only a single target will be affected.
* Heroes use Mind Blast more effectively.
* Heroes will use of Flare on targets regardless of their remaining Health.
* Heroes use Invoke Lightning more efficiently.
* Heroes use Chain Lightning more efficiently.

[i] Monk[/i]

* Heroes will be more likely to use Signet of Devotion in useful situations.
* Heroes will be more selective when using Supportive Spirit.
* Heroes will use Balthazar's Pendulum on targets that are under attack and have been knocked down.
* Heroes will no longer spam Vital Blessing on pets.
* Heroes use Zealous Benediction less frequently when a target's Health is above 50%.
* Heroes use Mending Touch more effectively.
* Heroes will no longer use Martyr when they are the only character suffering from a condition.
* Heroes maintain Smiter's Boon whether in combat or not.
* Heroes are less likely to use Bane Signet and Castigation Signet against targets that aren't attacking.
* Heroes will now use Blessed Light less frequently if the character is only suffering from a condition or hex.
* Heroes use Healing Breeze and Watchful Spirit more effectively.
* Heroes will now use Purifying Veil as a condition removal.
* Heroes will now maintain Healer's Covenant during combat and remove it after combat has ended.
* Heroes will maintain Vigorous Spirit more frequently on themselves and allies.
* Heroes now cast Defender's Zeal on any attacking target.
* Heroes will now cast Patient Spirit on themselves when manually ordered to use the skill with an enemy targeted.
* Heroes are less likely to use Pensive Guardian on allies who aren't under attack.
* Heroes are less likely to use Divine Healing and Heaven's Delight with allies outside of earshot range.
* Heroes are less likely to use Extinguish if only one ally is suffering from a condition.
* Heroes are less likely to cast protective enchantments that trigger on attack unless the party is in combat.
* Heroes will no longer become confused when Dismiss Condition is queued without a viable target.

[i] Necromancer[/i]

* Heroes are less likely to use Enfeeble on foes that are already suffering from Weakness and are more likely to use Enfeeble on melee or ranged enemies before targeting casters.
* Heroes are less likely to use Reckless Haste on enemies that don't use physical attacks.
* Heroes will no longer use Weaken Armor on foes who are already suffering from Cracked Armor.
* Heroes now use Soul Bind on any target that is low on Health.
* Heroes will always attempt to maintain Dark Bond on themselves.
* Heroes will always attempt to maintain Infuse Condition on themselves.
* Heroes are less likely to use Angorodon's Gaze unless they are suffering from a condition.

[i] Paragon[/i]

* Heroes will only use Disrupting Throw on targets suffering from a condition.
* Heroes will no longer use "Brace Yourself!" on an ally when they are already under the effect of this skill.
* Heroes only use Maiming Spear on foes that are suffering from Bleeding and aren't suffering from Deep Wound.
* Heroes will no longer use Merciless Spear on foes that have more than 50% Health or are already suffering from Deep Wound.
* Heroes will now use "Make Haste!" on allies when targeting an enemy.
* Heroes will now use Bladeturn Refrain, "Lead the Way!" and Blazing Finale skills on allies.
* Heroes will now use Burning Refrain and Enduring Harmony on allies when appropriate.
* Heroes will no longer use Natural Temper when they're enchanted.
* Heroes will now use "Fall Back!" as a speed boost.
* Heroes are less likely to use Godspeed while stationary.

[i] Ranger[/i]

* Heroes are more likely to use preparations outside of combat.
* Heroes now use Barrage more frequently against single targets.
* Heroes now maintain Muddy Terrain during combat.
* Heroes are more likely to use Bestial Mauling when their target is knocked down.
* Heroes are more likely to use Punishing Shot and Magebane Shot as an interrupt.
* Heroes will now use Poison Tip Signet out of combat and will no longer re-apply the skill while it's still active.
* Heroes are less likely to use Throw Dirt against enemies that don't use physical attacks.
* Heroes use Antidote Signet when suffering from any condition.

[i] Ritualist[/i]

* Heroes are more likely to use Xiko's ashes for Health regeneration.
* Heroes are more likely to use and maintain Ritual Lord outside of combat.
* Heroes will now use Resilient was Xiko outside of combat if they are suffering from hexes or conditions.
* Heroes will now prioritize targets more effectively when casting Weapon of Warding.
* Heroes will now assign a higher priority to allies under attack for Weapon of Remedy and Vengeful Weapon.
* Heroes will now use Gaze of Fury on enemy Spirits before selecting allied Spirits.
* Heroes will now prioritize the recipient of Weapon of Shadow to be allies under melee or physical ranged attack.

[i] Warrior[/i]

* Heroes are more likely to use Xiko's ashes for Health regeneration.
* Heroes are more likely to use and maintain Ritual Lord outside of combat.
* Heroes will now use Resilient was Xiko outside of combat if they are suffering from hexes or conditions.
* Heroes will now prioritize targets more effectively when casting Weapon of Warding.
* Heroes will now assign a higher priority to allies under attack for Weapon of Remedy and Vengeful Weapon.
* Heroes will now use Gaze of Fury on enemy Spirits before selecting allied Spirits.
* Heroes will now prioritize the recipient of Weapon of Shadow to be allies under melee or physical ranged attack.

[i] Miscellaneous[/i]

* Heroes are less influenced by the weapon they have equipped when determining the range at which they'll engage an enemy.
* Heroes with ranged weapons equipped will no longer move into melee range when a point-blank area-of-effect skill is equipped but disabled.
* Heroes will now give up on targets that exit their combat range instead of staying locked in pursuit.
* Heroes are less likely to use shouts, echoes, and chants if another ally has just used the same skill.

[b]Bug Fixes[/b]

* Fixed a bug that caused Air of Superiority to trigger on enemies that didn't award experience.
* Fixed a bug that prevented players from canceling their Heroes' maintained enchantments while the player was dead.
* Fixed the warning text displayed when mousing over an attribute that the player didn't have enough points to increase.
* Fixed a bug that caused the Charrslayer Weapons to do less damage then intended.
* Fixed a bug that caused Rebel Yell to not correctly award adrenaline.
* Fixed a bug that caused Mark of Instability to incorrectly cause knockdown for target other ally's dual attacks.

[b]Miscellaneous[/b]

* The Xunlai Tournament House NPC now offers prizes for the July tournament and can be found in the Great Temple of Balthazar, Lion's Arch, Kaineng Center, and Kamadan.
* Based on feedback from the last Dragon Festival, Emperor Kisu will no longer trade you a festival hat if you already have a hat of that kind in your inventory for all future Dragon Festivals.
* Decreased the Elonian Elite Skill Hunter title to 140.
* Added the Master of the Isle to the Great Temple of Balthazar. This NPC allows players to enter a PvP version of the Isle of the Nameless.[u][/u]

[b]Update - Thursday August 14[/b]
Guild Battles

* Guild Lords no longer walk out at 20 minutes.
* The Victory or Death message will no longer display at 18 minutes.
* Gates barring entry to guild halls will now open when the match starts. Gate locks have been removed from these gates.
* Guild Thieves have been removed.
* Bodyguard: the Bodyguard will now shoot fireballs from his staff instead of arrows.

Skill Updates

Elementalist

* Glimmering Mark: this skill no longer ignores armor.


[b]Update - Friday August 8[/b]
Skill Updates

* Glimmering Mark: skill description has been updated to reflect that the hex ends on skills, not spells.
* Way of the Assassin: this skill now only works with daggers; reduced attack speed increase to 5..20%.

Bug Fixes

* Fixed a bug that caused the Flashing Blades block effect to trigger when not attacking.
* Fixed a bug that caused Confusing Images to remain active after casting a spell.
* Fixed a bug that caused Incendiary Arrows, Barrage, and Volley to occasionally not fire an arrow at the target.
Fixed a bug that caused "By Ural's Hammer" to fail to consider Spirits as allies.


[b]Update - Friday August 8[/b]
Bug Fixes

* Fixed a crash bug.
* Fixed a bug that caused abnormal Energy amounts to display during Observer Mode.
* Fixed a bug that caused Vampiric Spirit to give more Health regeneration than intended.
* Fixed a bug with Hero combat range.

Update - Friday September 5
Bug Fix

* Fixed a bug that prevented players without access to the Eye of the North expansion from entering the Golem Tutorial Simulation.


Update - Thursday September 4
M.O.X. the Golem Hero

The golem hero, M.O.X., is now available to players who own all three campaigns: the original Guild Wars, Factions, and Nightfall.
To obtain M.O.X.:

* in Tyria: Leave Lion's Arch through the northwest gate and you will find M.O.X. in North Kryta Province.
* in Cantha: Leave Kaineng Center through the southeast gate and you will find M.O.X. in Bukdek Byway.
* in Elona: Leave Kamadan through the north gate and you will find M.O.X. in the Plains of Jarin.

Note: Characters from all campaigns must be at least level 10 before they can recruit M.O.X. into their parties.

You will find more detailed information about M.O.X. on the M.O.X. announcement page.
Igneous Summoning Stone

The Igneous Summoning Stone bonus item, which summons the Fire Imp combat ally, is now available in game to players who have previously purchased any of the following products from the in-game store or PlayNC.com: the original Guild Wars, Factions, Nightfall, Eye of the North, Game of the Year Edition (North America), or the One Million Edition (Europe).

To create the Igneous Summoning Stone, type /bonus into the in-game chat window. As a bonus item, the Igneous Summoning Stone can be created as many times as desired per account. Bonus items cannot be traded.

Note: The Igneous Summoning Stone is intended to help players level up new characters so it can only be used by characters under level 20.

You will find more detailed information, including other ways to obtain the Igneous Summoning Stone, on the Fire Imp announcement page.
Bug Fixes

* Fixed a graphical bug that covered up a portion of the map in the Gates of Kryta mission.

Miscellaneous

* Replaced the Eye of the North logo on the title screen with the classic Guild Wars logo.
* Changed the ctrl-click text for the PvP buff from "I am under the effects of PvP!" to "This is PvP!"

Update - Friday August 22
Bug Fix

* Fixed a bug that caused Heroes outside of combat to not use skills with a long casting time.


Update - Thursday August 21
Skill Updates

PvE and PvP

Elementalist

* Glimmering Mark: increased damage to 10..30.
* Glowing Ice: Energy gain reduced to 2..9.
* Icy Shackles: snare duration reduced to 1..10 seconds.

Ranger

* Disrupting Lunge: recharge time increased to 20 seconds.

PvP

Monk

* Smiter's Boon: recharge time increased to 90 seconds, Energy cost increased to 25, duration reduced to 5 seconds.

AI Updates

* Updated the AI for Heroes and henchmen to fix an issue that caused them to sometimes attack enemy targets from too far away.
* Updated the AI for Heroes and henchmen to improve their ability to recognize when their leader is fleeing from combat.
* Updated the AI for Heroes and henchmen to fix an issue that caused them to occasionally become confused and run in circles.

Update - Wednesday September 10
Bug Fix

* Fixed functionality of the skill Order of Undeath to reflect the values listed in the update notes.


Update - Wednesday September 10
Updated Zaishen Rewards

* Updated the Zaishen Chest drops to replace the Trapdoor Tonic with a new tonic for the month of September. More information on Zaishen Rewards can be found here.

Automated Tournaments

* Updated Automated Tournament map rotations.

Guild Battle Changes

* Added "Oath of Protection" to the Bodyguard: "While the bodyguard is alive, the Guild Lord takes 20% less damage."

Hall of Monuments

We are releasing the previously announced changes to the Hall of Monuments in two stages. The first stage lets players enjoy adding their accumulated Tormented Weapons to the Monument to Valor sooner than otherwise. Support for this first stage is expected to be released in October's scheduled content update. At this time, there is no expected release date on the remaining account-wide changes to the Hall of Monuments.

Skill Updates

Today's update makes a few skill changes to address outstanding PvP balance issues, returns Order of Undeath to its old functionality, and closes a PvE exploit. The PvP-oriented changes start with some Elementalist skill changes to adjust the balance between Mesmer/Elementalist and Elementalist primaries. Because this imbalance isn't necessarily game-breaking, we've been conservative with these changes. In Guild Battles, the bodyguard, as long as he's alive, will now reduce damage done to the Guild Lord. Based on player feedback, we've reverted our changes to Order of Undeath. Finally, we fixed an exploit with Unyielding Aura's unlimited range.
PvE and PvP

Elementalist

* Glowing Gaze: functionality changed to: "Deals 5..50 fire damage. You gain 5 Energy plus 1 Energy for every 2 ranks of Energy Storage if target foe is Burning."
* Glowing Ice: functionality changed to: "Deals 5..50 cold damage. You gain 5 Energy plus 1 Energy for every 2 ranks of Energy Storage if target foe is hexed with Water Magic."
* Glowstone: functionality changed to: "Deals 5..50 earth damage. You gain 5 Energy plus 1 Energy for every 2 ranks of Energy Storage if target foe is Weakened."
* Icy Shackles: Energy cost increased to 10.
* Master of Magic: now ends whenever a non-Elementalist skill is used.
* Mind Blast: recharge time reduced to 2 seconds.
* Shock Arrow: functionality changed to: "Rapid projectile: deals 5..50 lightning damage. You gain 5 Energy plus 1 Energy for every 2 ranks of Energy Storage if you hit an attacking foe. 25% armor penetration."

After last week's modest adjustments to selected Water Magic skills, we've found that fast-casting Mesmer/Elementalists are still superior to Water Magic Elementalist primaries in Guild Battles. We've made Glowing Ice, Glowing Gaze, Glowstone, and Shock Arrow return Energy based on Energy Storage to give Elementalist primaries an advantage. Icy Shackles' cost has been increased to 10 energy as well, in an aim to make it less affordable for Mesmer primaries. We've removed a second of recharge from Mind Blast to make Fire Elementalists more viable in GvG. With the removal of NPC-killing as a core GvG tactic, we believe that the types of builds enabled by a more effective Mind Blast will not be detrimental to overall playbalance. Master of Magic was meant to support Elementalists with multiple elemental attributes, but it ending on Energy Storage and unattributed skills really limited that potential. We've changed this spell to end on non-Elementalist skill use instead.

Necromancer

* Order of Undeath: functionality changed to: "Your minions deal +3..16 damage and you lose 2% of your maximum Health when a minion hits." Energy cost increased to 10, duration reduced to 5 seconds.

We'd underestimated how many players used Order of Undeath at its previous functionality. Since the new implementation hasn't garnered a similar amount of play, we've reverted this change.

PvP Changes

Ranger

* Sloth Hunter's Shot: unconditional damage reduced to 5..20, conditional damage reduced to 5..25.

Sloth Hunter's Shot did a little too much damage. We don't want to eliminate the damage-style Ranger from play, so we've done a small damage reduction on this to bring it more in-balance.

PvE Changes

* Unyielding Aura: Now only works on party members within spell casting range.

Players were able to use an exploit with Unyielding Aura to transport themselves across the map. We've added a range limit to prevent this exploit.

Bug Fixes

* Fixed a bug that caused shields to display inside M.O.X.'s arm.
* Updated the FMOD sound library to correct several issues, notably a crash bug on multi-processor computers.
* Fixed a bug that caused players to stop moving when casting Ursan Force.

Miscellaneous

* Xunlai Tournament Agents now offer prizes for the August tournament. These agents can be found in the Great Temple of Balthazar, Lion's Arch, Kaineng Center, and Kamadan.
* Xunlai Tournament Agents in newly created districts will not hand out Tournament Reward Points until 15 minutes after the district is created.
* Shortened the distance that Justicar Thommis will chase fleeing characters in the Slaver's Exile dungeon.
* Removed rats and oozes from Kamadan, Lion's Arch, and Kaineng Center.

[b]Update - Friday September 19[/b]
Miscellaneous

* Rescued Kamadan's kidnapped Hero Skill Trainer, Pikin, from his corsair captives.

Update - Thursday September 25
Bug Fixes

* Fixed a bug that prevented conditions from lasting their full durations on the Guild Lord in Guild Battles.


Update - Thursday September 25
Guild Battles

For more information on these changes, please see the Developer Updates page.

* Removed the reduced durations of hexes and conditions on the Guild Lord so that they last the normal amount of time.
* Refined how aggressiveness is measured for teams in Guild Battles. Dealing damage to the enemy Guild Lord still increases your team's aggressiveness. Casting enchantments and weapon spells on your Guild Lord now decreases your aggressiveness. If neither Guild Lord is killed before 28 minutes have passed, the more aggressive team is awarded the victory.

Originally, the reduced duration of hexes and conditions was meant to keep powerful, long-lasting effects from bypassing the Guild Lord's high armor, making him unable to do damage, or abusing his AI. As the game has matured, we've discovered this is not necessary and also creates problems (such as making spells like Wastrel's Worry stronger when used on the Guild Lord). We've removed this mechanic entirely.

Our goal is to encourage active and tactically rich play in Guild Battles. Because of this, we've used each team's "aggressiveness" to determine which team should win if neither Guild Lord is slain. Recently, some degenerate builds were developed to exploit how aggressiveness was calculated. Using six or seven Monks, these builds would attempt to prevent any damage to their Guild Lord while sending a token offense to deal nominal damage to the enemy Guild Lord. We've changed how aggressiveness is determined to prevent these builds from playing a role in the upcoming Monthly Tournament and in the future. In the long term, as necessary, we will make adjustments to ensure that the primary objective in Guild Battles is to kill the enemy Guild Lord.

Update - Thursday October 9
Updated Zaishen Rewards

* Updated the Zaishen Chest drops to replace the Macabre Tonic with a new tonic for the month of October. More information on Zaishen Rewards can be found [url=\"http://www.guildwars.com/competitive/tournament2008/zaishenrewards/\"]here[/url].

Automated Tournaments

* Updated Automated Tournament map rotations.

Guild Battle Changes

* The number and placement of NPCs have been changed in all Guild Halls.
* Removed Cyclone Axe from the Guild Lord.

[i]Using a large number of pets, minions, and Spirits, players could use Insidious Parasite to make the Guild Lord instantly kill himself with Cyclone Axe. With the changes to Guild Battles in the last few months, Cyclone Axe was no longer an important skill for the Guild Lord, so we simply removed it from his skill bar.

For well-matched teams, it has been taking a little too long to kill the NPCs in a Guild Hall and clear the way for an attack on the Guild Lord. To address this, we've looked at each Guild Hall and selectively removed and relocated NPCs. In general, we removed NPCs who weren't guarding either the perimeter or the Guild Lord himself, and we've thinned perimeter NPCs in spots where multiple NPCs were guarding the same area. In most cases, NPCs at the front gate or near the Guild Lord himself were not removed because these affect the ebb and flow of combat rather than simply adding to the duration of a Guild Battle. [/i]

[b]Skill Updates[/b]

This update is focused on PvP, but the changes should also mesh with PvE play. We made some Fire Magic skills more powerful, modified a few skills which were too powerful at 0 attribute investment, and fine-tuned the balance between Ranger elites. We've also taken this opportunity to fix an abuse of the Guild Lord's AI and make Lyssa's Aura more attractive.


[b]PvE and PvP[/b]

Assassin

* Hidden Caltrops: reduced hex duration to 1..10 seconds; reduced Crippled duration to 1..15 seconds.

[i]Hidden Caltrops' previous durations allowed someone to be permanently snared without the caster having any attribute investment in Shadow Arts. We reduced the hex duration and reduced its overall effectiveness at low attributes.
[/i]
Elementalist

* Immolate: increased damage to 20..75.
* Meteor: reduced casting time to 2 seconds.
[i]
We increased the damage of Immolate and reduced the casting time of Meteor to give Fire Elementalists a few more options.[/i]

Mesmer

* Lyssa's Aura: increased Energy regeneration to 0..5.

[i]Lyssa's Aura required a hefty 14-point Inspiration Magic investment to get 4 Energy regeneration, which is unrealistic on most builds. We increased the Energy regeneration by 1, which in turn lowers the attribute requirement to make this skill useful.[/i]

Ranger

* Burning Arrow: increased Burning duration to 1..7 seconds.
* Incendiary Arrows: increased recharge to 5 seconds.
* Melandru's Shot: reduced recharge to 8 seconds.

[i]Since being reworked, Incendiary Arrows has outshined other, previously desirable Ranger elites for most players. We toned down Incendiary Arrows by increasing the recharge, but we also decided to raise the Burning duration of Burning Arrow and lower the recharge of Melandru's Shot. This should better balance the Ranger condition-spreading elite skills against each another.
[/i]
Warrior

* Backbreaker: functionality changed to: "Deals +1..20 damage. Causes knock-down (2..4 seconds)."

[i]Along with the "For Great Justice!" change below, this is targeted specifically at Assassins using a particular multi-weapon build to keep enemies permanently knocked down. This change will have no effect on most Warriors who use a hammer.[/i]

[b]PvP Changes[/b]

Warrior

* "For Great Justice!": reduced duration to 8 seconds.
[i]
This skill already had a separate PvP version; so this change does not affect PvE. "For Great Justice!" made it too easy to fuel adrenal skills when used with daggers, considering their double-strike capability. This was used commonly within Hero Battles to rapidly build adrenaline. We've reduced the duration to limit this interaction.[/i]

Open Travel: Territory and District UI Changes

* This is the final update to language districts.
* In this update, restrictions to Japanese language districts will be removed and players of all language districts will be able to travel back and forth without restrictions.

[b]Bug Fixes[/b]

* Fixed a sound issue which may be affecting some specific on-board audio chipsets.
* Fixed a bug that caused some high-end weapons to be created without an inscription slot if they had the Deathbane property.
* Fixed a bug in the Nightfall quest "Last of the Breed" that could cause Mirza Veldrunner to take more Giant Tusks from the player than the quest required.
* Fixed a bug that could cause Unyielding Aura to fail to resurrect a dead ally in range if other dead allies were out of range.
* Fixed a bug that caused Muddy Terrain to occasionally not affect Dark Escape.
* Fixed a bug that allowed a group to register for a Guild-versus-Guild Automated Tournament without an officer from the group leader's guild.
* Fixed a bug that could occasionally cause the Spear of Archemorous to duplicate itself.
* Fixed a bug that caused Stout-Hearted to not display the damage it deals.
* Fixed a bug that could cause players to have two elite skills while riding a Junundu Wurm.
* Fixed a bug that caused the /zaishen and /rank emotes to not play if the user was running, but still set their cooldown timer.
* Fixed a bug in the Underworld quest "The Four Horsemen" that sometimes caused horsemen's deaths to not be counted for quest completion.
* Fixed a bug that caused Heroes to occasionally start casting and canceling skills repeatedly when their target was moving away from their position.
* Fixed a bug that sometimes caused Leah Stone to disappear before reaching her final resting place.
[b]
Miscellaneous[/b]

* Xunlai Tournament Agents now offer prizes for the August tournament. These agents can be found in the Great Temple of Balthazar, Lion's Arch, Kaineng Center, and Kamadan.
* When any of these skills complete, the target will now resurrect quicker: Rebirth, Sunspear Rebirth Signet, and dismissal of Unyielding Aura.
* Tormented Weapons can now be placed in the Hall of Monuments.
* Removed Iron Mist from Gadd.
* Streamlined Leah Stone's path and increased her speed for the bonus in Abaddon's Mouth

[b]
Upcoming Changes[/b]

This month's content update is lighter than usual as we are currently working on a larger update due next month. Next month's update will focus primarily on balance and pacing issues associated with many PvE titles.

Update - Friday October 24
Miscellaneous

* Increased faction given for kills while under the effects of the Blessing of the Kurzicks or the Blessing of the Luxons to 10 faction per kill in Normal Mode and 20 faction per kill in Hard Mode.
* Adjusted the Ritualist's attributes in the Costume Brawl to better reflect that character's equipped skills.


Update - Thursday October 23
Halloween Hullaballoo or the King's Kerfuffle

A petulant lord
Belligerently bemoans
And sobbingly roams.

Helpless ornate shriek
And serenely giggling knives
You'll laugh for your lives!

Glumly impatient
Smiling with menacing grace
Maniacal face.

Halloween Event

* Made preparations for the Halloween events.

Guild Battle Changes

* The brief damage immunity that players have when resurrecting at the shrine now protects against lifestealing effects.

Bug Fixes

* Fixed a bug that caused Glyph of Immolation to not affect some targeted spells.

Miscellaneous

* Moved Durmand and the other Bonus Mission Pack NPCs so they do not interfere with the Halloween celebrations.

Update - Tuesday November 18 Bug Fix

* Fixed a bug that made it appear characters were earning Kurzick faction instead of Luxon faction when completing the Gyala Hatchery mission.

[b]Update - Friday November 14[/b] Bug Fix - * Fixed a rare crash bug.
[b]Update - Thursday November 13[/b] Bug Fix - * Fixed a crash bug.

[b]Update - Thursday November 13 [/b]

Title Rebalance

Luxon/Kurzick Titles

All of the methods for gaining Luxon and Kurzick faction which can be used to progress the Friend of the Luxons and Friend of the Kurzicks titles have been significantly rebalanced, and several new methods have been added. Players should now have many interesting options for gaining faction that are similar to the pace of the quests that had been efficient ways to earn these titles. Missions

There are now a few new ways to earn the Luxon/Kurzick titles by playing through missions.

* It is now possible to use the "Shiro's Return" storybook to record your progress through the Guild Wars Factions storyline. You can turn this book in to the Kurzick Poet or Luxon Bard for a significant title point reward. See the "Storybooks" section below for more details.
* Arborstone and Eternal Grove now give 1000 Kurzick faction for each level of completion. This is a one time only reward.
* Boreas Seabed and Gyala Hatchery now give 1000 Luxon faction for each level of completion. This is a one time only reward.
* Unwaking Waters now gives 1000 Luxon or Kurzick faction for each level of completion depending on which side was entered from. This is a one time only reward, regardless of which type of faction was given.
* Faction will automatically be added to your account the next time you log in on each character that has achieved any levels of completion in these missions prior to these new rewards. If your faction is already full or your cap is too low to accept the amount owed to you, this crediting will be delayed until the next time you zone into an outpost or instance and your account has the room to accept the faction you are owed.

Vanquishing

This is a new way to earn faction.

* Added Luxon or Kurzick faction bonuses for Vanquishing zones in the Jade Sea and Echovald Forest. Faction amount is equal to 50 times the number of monsters killed.

Alliance Battles

* Increased Luxon/Kurzick faction per kill in Alliance Battles to +10.

Challenge Missions

* Increased Luxon/Kurzick faction reward for getting the Daily, Monthly, or Quarterly bests in Altrumm Ruins, Amatz Basin, Zos Shivros Channel, and Aurios Mines. Getting the Daily Best now gives 4000 faction, the Monthly Best gives 8000 faction, and the Quarterly Best gives 16,000 faction.
* The final rewards given in Altrumm Ruins, Amatz Basin, Zos Shivros Channel, and Aurios Mines are now based on the Monthly best instead of the Quarterly best.
* Added +1 Kurzick faction per kill in Altrumm Ruins and Amatz Basin.
* Added +1 Luxon faction per kill in Zos Shivros Channel and Aurios Mines.
* Added +15 Kurzick faction for each chunk of Amber retrieved in Altrumm Ruins.
* Added +10 Kurzick faction per boss kill in Altrumm Ruins.
* Added +25 Kurzick faction for each refugee saved in Amatz Basin.
* Added +50 Kurzick faction for every 10 refugees saved in Amatz Basin.
* Added +50 Luxon faction for every minute survived in Zos Shivros Channel.
* Added +100 Luxon faction for each Luxon Adept killed in Zos Shivros Channel.
* Added +50 Luxon faction for each Shadow of Kanaxai killed in Aurios Mines.

Competitive Missions

* Increased Luxon/Kurzick and Balthazar faction given in Fort Aspenwood to +10 per kill.
* Increased Luxon/Kurzick faction given for winning a battle in Fort Aspenwood to +1000.
* Kurzick players in Fort Aspenwood will now receive faction equal to 15 times the percentage of completion of the Vengeance of the Gods at the end of the match.
* The time it takes for the Vengeance of the Gods meter to fill up has been reduced by 5 minutes.
* Increased the Luxon faction reward for gates destroyed in Fort Aspenwood to +300 faction per gate.
* Increased the Luxon/Kurzick faction given in Jade Quarry to +5 per kill.
* Increased the Balthazar faction given in Jade Quarry to +10 per kill.
* Increased Luxon/Kurzick faction given for each Slab of Jade collected to +250 per slab.
* Increased Luxon/Kurzick faction given for winning a battle in the Jade Quarry to +1000.

Elite Missions

* Added +10 Luxon faction for killing monsters in The Deep. This does not include Reborn Irukandji or creatures which spawn when Kanaxai is knocked down.
* Added +50 Luxon faction for killing Aspects of Kanaxai in The Deep.
* Added +250 Luxon faction for killing The Leviathan in The Deep.
* Added +5000 Luxon faction for killing Kanaxai.
* Added +10 Kurzick faction for killing monsters in Urgoz's Warren. This does not include Hopping Vampires, Thought Stealers, or Explosive Growths.
* Added +50 Kurzick faction for killing Guardian Serpents or Twisted Barks in Urgoz's Warren.
* Added +250 Kurzick faction for killing both Greater Serpents in Urgoz's Warren.
* Added +5000 Kurzick faction for killing Urgoz.
* Increased Jade/Amber drops from the end chests in The Deep and Urgoz's Warren to 3 in Normal Mode, 6 in Hard Mode.
* Passage Scrolls to The Deep and Urgoz's Warren now drop from the end chests in The Deep and Urgoz's Warren in Hard Mode for each player.
* Added one Demonic Summoning Stone drop from the end chest in The Deep for each player.
* Added one Mystical Summoning Stone drop from the end chest in Urgoz's Warren for each player.

Maximum Faction Limits

There are now a number of ways to increase the maximum amount of Luxon/Kurzick Faction that you can hold at once. Speak to any [Faction Rewards] NPC to see what you have left to do to increase your faction cap.

* Completing the quest Befriending the Luxons will raise Luxon faction cap by 10,000.
* Completing the quest Befriending the Kurzicks will raise Kurzick faction cap by 10,000.
* Completing Boreas Seabed, Gyala Hatchery, and Unwaking Waters will raise Luxon faction cap by 7000.
* Completing Arborstone, Eternal Grove, and Unwaking Waters will raise Kurzick faction cap by 7000.
* Defeating Kanaxai in The Deep will raise Luxon faction cap by 10,000.
* Defeating Urgoz in Urgoz's Warren will raise Kurzick faction cap by 10,000.
* Scoring 100 points in Zos Shivros Channel will raise Luxon faction cap by 1000.
* Scoring 100 points in Aurios Mines will raise Luxon faction cap by 1000.
* Scoring 100 points in Altrumm Ruins will raise Kurzick faction cap by 1000.
* Scoring 100 points in Amatz Basin will raise Kurzick faction cap by 1000.
* Winning a battle in Fort Aspenwood for the Luxons will raise Luxon faction cap by 5000.
* Winning a battle in Fort Aspenwood for the Kurzicks will raise Kurzick faction cap by 5000.
* Winning a battle in Jade Quarry for the Luxons will raise Luxon faction cap by 5000.
* Winning a battle in Jade Quarry for the Kurzicks will raise Kurzick faction cap by 5000.
* Winning an Alliance Battle for the Luxons will raise Luxon faction cap by 5000.
* Winning an Alliance Battle for the Kurzicks will raise Kurzick faction by 5000.
* Achieving rank 1 in the Luxon title track will raise Luxon faction cap by 5000. Each subsequent rank will raise Luxon faction cap by 1000.
* Achieving rank 1 in the Kurzick title track will raise Kurzick faction cap by 5000. Each subsequent rank will raise Kurzick faction cap by 1000.
* Your faction cap will automatically increase if you have already done the following things: either of the Befriending quests, the Luxon or Kurzick mission sets, and beaten Urgoz or Kanaxai after the addition of the Hall of Monuments to Guild Wars in August of 2007.

Other Changes

* Increased the cost of Jade and Amber from Faction Rewards NPCs to 5000 faction.
* Added Luxon Scavenger [Faction Rewards] NPCs to the following outposts: Leviathan Pits, Eredon Terrace, Kaanai Canyon, Etnaran Keys, Saltspray Beach, Grenz Frontier, and The Ancestral Lands.
* Added Kurzick Bureaucrat [Faction Rewards] NPCs to the following outposts: Vasburg Armory, Lutgardis Conservatory, Kaanai Canyon, Etnaran Keys, Saltspray Beach, Grenz Frontier, and The Ancestral Lands.
* The quest Securing Echovald Forest in the Echovald Forest now requires players to kill groups of Luxons at each checkpoint.
* The quest Scout the Coast in the Jade Sea now requires players to kill groups of Kurzicks at each checkpoint.

Sunspear/Lightbringer Titles

A number of new ways have been added to earn the Sunspear and Lightbringer titles. Additionally, a number of existing rewards related to these titles have been increased.
Missions

* It is now possible to use the "Night Falls" storybook to record your progress through the Guild Wars Nightfall storyline. You can turn this book in to the Sunspear Signalman or Lightbringer Scrivener for a significant Sunspear or Lightbringer point reward. See the "Storybooks" section below for more details.
* The Chahbek Village mission now rewards 5 Sunspear title points for each level of completion in Normal Mode and 50 in Hard Mode.
* The Jokanur Diggings mission now rewards 5 Sunspear title points for each level of completion in Normal Mode and 50 in Hard Mode.
* The Blacktide Den mission now rewards 10 Sunspear title points for each level of completion in Normal Mode and 50 in Hard Mode.
* The Consulate Docks mission now rewards 10 Sunspear title points for each level of completion in Normal Mode and 60 in Hard Mode.
* The Venta Cemetery mission now rewards 15 Sunspear title points for each level of completion in Normal Mode and 60 in Hard Mode.
* The Kodonur Crossroads mission now rewards 15 Sunspear title points for each level of completion in Normal Mode and 60 in Hard Mode.
* The Rilohn Refuge mission now rewards 20 Sunspear title points for each level of completion in Normal Mode and 70 in Hard Mode.
* The Pogahn Passage mission now rewards 20 Sunspear title points for each level of completion in Normal Mode and 70 in Hard Mode.
* The Moddok Crevice mission now rewards 20 Sunspear title points for every level of completion in Normal Mode and 70 in Hard Mode.
* The Tihark Orchard mission now rewards 25 Sunspear title points for each level of completion in Normal Mode and 80 in Hard Mode.
* The Dzagonur Bastion mission now rewards 25 Sunspear title points for each level of completion in Normal Mode and 80 in Hard Mode.
* The Dasha Vestibule mission now rewards 25 Sunspear title points for each level of completion in Normal Mode and 80 in Hard Mode.
* The Grand Court of Sebelkeh mission now rewards 25 Lightbringer title points for each level of completion in Normal Mode and 75 in Hard Mode.
* The Jennur's Horde mission now rewards 30 Lightbringer title points for each level of completion in Normal Mode and 75 in Hard Mode.
* The Nundu Bay mission now rewards 30 Lightbringer title points for each level of completion in Normal Mode and 75 in Hard Mode.
* The Gate of Desolation mission now rewards 30 Lightbringer title points for each level of completion in Normal Mode and 75 in Hard Mode.
* The Ruins of Morah mission now rewards 35 Lightbringer title points for each level of completion in Normal Mode and 75 in Hard Mode.
* The Gate of Pain mission now rewards 40 Lightbringer title points for each level of completion in Normal Mode and 100 in Hard Mode.
* The Gate of Madness mission now rewards 45 Lightbringer title points for each level of completion in Normal Mode and 100 in Hard Mode.
* The Abaddon's Gate mission now rewards 50 Lightbringer title points for each level of completion in Normal Mode and 100 in Hard Mode.
* Title points will automatically be added to your Sunspear and Lightbringer titles for each level of completion in these missions that you achieved prior to the new reward system.

Vanquishing

* Added Sunspear title point bonuses for Vanquishing zones in Istan and Kourna. Point amount is equal to 5 times the number of monsters killed.
* Added Lightbringer title point bonuses for Vanquishing zones in Vabbi and The Desolation. Point amount is equal to 5 times the number of monsters killed.

Challenge Missions

* Added a Sunspear title point reward for getting the Daily, Monthly, or Quarterly best in Dajkah Inlet. Getting the Daily best gives +500 points, the Monthly best gives +1000 points, and the Quarterly best gives +2000 points.
* The final rewards given in Dajkah Inlet, Remains of Sahlahja, and The Shadow Nexus are now based on the Monthly best instead of the Quarterly best.
* Killing a Corsair Guild Lord in Dajkah Inlet now gives +50 Sunspear title points.
* Killing a Corsair Commander in Dajkah Inlet now gives +25 Sunspear title points.
* Added a Lightbringer title points reward for getting the Daily, Monthly, or Quarterly best in the Remains of Sahlahja and the Shadow Nexus. Getting the Daily best gives +500 title points, the Monthly best gives +1000 title points, and the Quarterly best gives +2000 title points.
* Killing an Infestation in the Remains of Sahlahja now gives +1 Lightbringer title points.
* Killing a Greater Infestation in the Remains of Sahlahja now gives +3 Lightbringer title points.
* Killing a Maddened Spirit in the Remains of Sahlahja now gives +4 Lightbringer title points.
* Killing a Lost Soul in the Remains of Sahlahja now gives +8 Lightbringer title points.
* Kills in The Shadow Nexus now reward +1 Lightbringer title points.
* Killing a Margonite Portal Mage in The Shadow Nexus now gives +25 Lightbringer title points.

Quests

* Added 15 Sunspear title points to the reward for the quest A Decayed Monument in Istan.
* Added 10 Sunspear title points to the rewards for the quest Down on the Bayou in Istan.
* Added 100 Sunspear title points to the reward for the quest A Little Recon in Kourna.
* Added 100 Sunspear title points to the reward for the quest A Question of Morality in Kourna.
* Added 100 Sunspear title points to the reward for the quest Mirza's Last Stand in Kourna.
* Added 100 Sunspear title points to the reward for the quest Old Woman River in Kourna.
* Added 10 Lightbringer title points to the reward for the quest A Bushel of Trouble in Kourna.
* Added 10 Lightbringer title points to the reward for the quest Ancestral Anguish in Kourna.
* Added 10 Lightbringer title points to the reward for the quest Battle of Turai's Procession in Kourna.
* Added 10 Lightbringer title points to the reward for the quest Total Corruption in Kourna.
* Added 10 Lightbringer title points to the reward for the quest Troubled Lands in Kourna.
* Added 15 Lightbringer title points to the reward for the quest Valley of the Rifts in Vabbi.
* Added 15 Lightbringer title points to the reward for the quest To the Rescue in Vabbi.
* Added 15 Lightbringer title points to the reward for the quest In Defense of Theatre in Vabbi.
* Added 30 Lightbringer title points to the reward for the quest Getting Even in The Desolation.
* Added 30 Lightbringer title points to the reward for the quest The Growing Threat in The Desolation.
* Added 30 Lightbringer title points to the reward for the quest The Hallowed Point in The Desolation.
* Added 30 Lightbringer title points to the reward for the quest A New Guide in The Desolation.
* Added 30 Lightbringer title points to the reward for the quest A Tasty Morsel in The Desolation.
* Increased the Lightbringer title point reward for the quest A Deal's a Deal in The Desolation to 30.
* Increased the Lightbringer title point reward for the quest A Show of Force in The Desolation to 45.
* Increased the Lightbringer title point reward for the quest Forgotten Retribution in The Desolation to 30.
* Increased the Lightbringer title point reward for the quest Temple of the Monoliths in The Desolation to 30.
* Increased the Lightbringer title point reward for the quest The Cold Touch of the Past in The Desolation to 45.
* Increased the Lightbringer title point reward for the quest Horde of Darkness in The Desolation to 30.
* Added 75 Lightbringer title points to the reward for the quest Dismember the Titans in the Realm of Torment.
* Added 50 Lightbringer title points to the reward for the quest Escape from the Torment in the Realm of Torment.
* Added 100 Lightbringer title points to the reward for the quest Faded Memory in the Realm of Torment.
* Added 50 Lightbringer title points to the reward for the quest Blueprint of the Fall in the Realm of Torment.
* Added 75 Lightbringer title points to the reward for the quest A Flickering Flame in the Realm of Torment.
* Added 50 Lightbringer title points to the reward for the quest Dark Gateway in the Realm of Torment.
* Added 100 Lightbringer title points to the reward for the quest A Fleshy Operation in the Realm of Torment.
* Increased the Lightbringer title point reward for the quest All Alone in the Darkness in the Realm of Torment to 100.
* Increased the Lightbringer title point reward for the quest Invasion from Within in the Realm of Torment to 50.
* Increased the Lightbringer title point reward for the quest Kormir's Crusade in the Realm of Torment to 100.
* Increased the Lightbringer title point reward for the quest Open Season in the Realm of Torment to 100.
* Increased the Lightbringer title point reward for the quest The Apostate in the Realm of Torment to 75.
* Increased the Lightbringer title point reward for the quest They Only Come Out at Night in the Realm of Torment to 75.
* Increased the Lightbringer title point reward for the quest Uncharted Territory in the Realm of Torment to 100.
* Added 800 Lightbringer title points and 800 gold to the reward for the quest Deathbringer Company in The Domain of Anguish.
* Added 2000 Lightbringer title points and 2000 gold to the reward for the quest Mallyx the Unyielding in The Domain of Anguish.
* Added 500 Lightbringer title points and 500 gold to the reward for the quest The City of Torc'qua in The Domain of Anguish.
* Added 500 Lightbringer title points and 500 gold to the reward for the quest The Foundry of Failed Creations in The Domain of Anguish.
* Added 800 Lightbringer title points and 800 gold to the reward for the quest Foundry Breakout in The Domain of Anguish.
* Added 800 Lightbringer title points and 800 gold to the reward for the quest The Rifts Between Us in The Domain of Anguish.
* Added 500 Lightbringer title points and 500 gold to the reward for the quest To the Rescue! in The Domain of Anguish.
* Added 500 Lightbringer title points and 500 gold to the reward for the quest Breaching the Stygian Veil in The Domain of Anguish.
* Added 800 Lightbringer title points and 500 gold to the reward for the quest Brood Wars in The Domain of Anguish.
* Sunspear and Lightbringer title points will automatically be added to your title if you have already completed any of the quests or missions listed except the Domain of Anguish quests. You will only get title points for the Domain of Anguish quests if you have beaten Mallyx since the addition of the Hall of Monuments to Guild Wars in August of 2007.

Eye of the North Titles

Vanquishing

* Added Vanguard title point rewards for Vanquishing zones in The Charr Homelands. Point amount is equal to 5 times the number of monsters killed.
* Added Norn title point rewards for Vanquishing zones in The Far Shiverpeaks. Point amount is equal to 5 times the number of monsters killed.
* Added Asura title point rewards for Vanquishing zones in The Tarnished Coast. Point amount is equal to 5 times the number of monsters killed.

Dungeons

* Increased the repeatable Dwarven, Vanguard, Norn, and Asuran title point rewards for completing a dungeon to half of the first time reward.

Bounties

* The Boss Bounty effect now gives a bonus for each Boss killed within the time period.

Challenge Mission

* Added a Dwarven title point reward for getting the Daily, Monthly, or Quarterly best in Glint's Challenge. Getting the Daily best gives +1500 points, the Monthly best gives +3000 points, and the Quarterly gives +6000 points.
* Increased the amount of Dwarven title points given for completing wave 2 in Glint's Challenge to 50.
* Increased the amount of Dwarven title points given for completing wave 3 in Glint's Challenge to 75.
* Increased the amount of Dwarven title points given for completing wave 4 in Glint's Challenge to 100.
* Increased the amount of Dwarven title points given for completing wave 5 in Glint's Challenge to 125.
* Increased the amount of Dwarven title points given for completing wave 6 in Glint's Challenge to 150.

Charr Battle Plans Missions

* Increased the Vanguard title point rewards for completing a Charr Battle Plans mission to 1000.

Quests

* Increased the Vanguard title point reward for the quest The Assassin's Revenge in the Charr Homelands to 150.
* Increased the Dwarven title point reward for the quest Attack on Jalis's Camp in The Far Shiverpeaks to 200.
* Increased the Dwarven title point reward for the quest In the Service of Revenge in The Far Shiverpeaks to 300.
* Increased the Dwarven title point reward for the quest Krak's Cavalry in The Far Shiverpeaks to 200.
* Increased the Dwarven title point reward for the quest The Destroyer Challenge in The Far Shiverpeaks to 150.
* Increased the Dwarven title point reward for the quest Destructive Research in The Far Shiverpeaks to 150.
* Title points will automatically be added to your title tracks if you completed any of these quests prior to the increased rewards.

Wisdom/Treasure Hunter Titles

* The Wisdom and Treasure Hunter titles are now account-based. To credit previously accumulated points to the new account total, you must log in to each character that has points. Once these points have been credited to the total, the transfer is permanent even if the character is later deleted. All points received after today will go to the account total.

Unlucky Title

* Unlucky points given each time you break a lockpick now increase as your chance to retain a lockpick upon use goes up.

Storybooks

Storybooks have been added to all three campaigns. Storybooks are a way of recording your progress and earning rewards for playing through missions.

* If you are holding a Storybook in your inventory when completing one of the missions in that story, it will record your progress by filling in the corresponding page.
* Once you have filled in half the pages of a Storybook you can take it to an NPC who collects copies of that particular book in exchange for rewards such as gold, experience, and title points. The more complete your storybook is, the better the reward you will get.
* Most storybooks have both Normal Mode and Hard Mode versions. Rewards are better for turning in a Hard Mode version.
* You can fill out and turn in as many copies of a book as you like but some NPCs will stop accepting Normal Mode books when you reach a certain title rank.
* If you forget to bring a book with you on a mission, the corresponding NPC can fill in the missed page for you for a small fee. Missions don't have to be done in chronological order for you to get credit.

Guild Wars

* "The Flameseeker Prophecies" picks up your story in Lion's Arch and stays with you all the way to the Ring of Fire Island Chain. There are Normal and Hard Mode versions of this book.
* You can get a copy of this book from Gordon Ecker [Tyrian Loremaster] in Lion's Arch.
* Gordon Ecker [Tyrian Loremaster] rewards gold and experience for copies of "The Flameseeker Prophecies."

Guild Wars Factions

* "Shiro's Return" picks up your story in Kaineng Center and stays with you all the way to the Imperial Palace. There are Normal and Hard Mode versions of this book.
* This book is available from Anja [Luxon Bard] or Gorani [Kurzick Poet] in Kaineng Center.
* Anja [Luxon Bard] gives Luxon title points, gold, and experience for copies of "Shiro's Return."
* Gorani [Kurzick Poet] gives Kurzick title points, gold, and experience for copies of "Shiro's Return."

Guild Wars Nightfall

* "Night Falls" picks up your story in Consulate Docks and stays with you all the way into Torment. There are Normal and Hard Mode versions of this book.
* This book is available from Captain Ahkenchu [Sunspear Signalman] in the Sunspear Greathall or Source of Whispers [Lightbringer Scrivener] in the Chantry of Secrets.
* Captain Ahkenchu [Sunspear Signalman] gives Sunspear title points, gold, and experience for copies of "Night Falls." Captain Ahkenchu will accept only Hard Mode books once you have reached rank 8 in the Sunspear title track.
* Source of Whispers [Lightbringer Scrivener] gives Lightbringer title points, gold, and experience for copies of "Night Falls." Source of Whispers will accept only Hard Mode books once you have reached rank 5 in the Lightbringer title track.

All Campaigns

For players who own all three campaigns, there is an additional book available.

* "Young Heroes of Tyria" tells three stories. First is the story of a young Ascalonian hero fighting a Charr invasion and eventually fleeing with Prince Rurik over the Shiverpeaks to Lion's Arch. Then there is the story of a young Canthan hero under the tutelage of Master Togo at the Shing Jea Monastery as together they discover a plague spreading throughout the land and travel to Kaineng Center in search of answers. Lastly, there is a young hero from Elona training to become a member of the elite military order, the Sunspears, while a storm begins to brew with Spearmarshal Kormir and Warmarshal Varesh of Kourna at the center. There is only a Hard Mode version of this book.
* "Young Heroes of Tyria" is given out and collected by all Storybook NPCs located in the original Guild Wars, Factions, and Nightfall campaigns.

Consumables

* Armor of Salvation now gives a 50% immunity to critical hits.
* Arctic Summoning Stones can now be crafted by Eyja [Consumables] in Gunnar's Hold.
* Chitinous Summoning Stones can now be crafted by Edwin [Consumables] in Eye of the North.
* Gelatinous Summoning Stones can now be crafted by Alcus Nailbiter [Consumables] in the Central Transfer Chamber.
* Fossilized Summoning Stones can now be crafted by Kwat [Consumables] in Rata Sum.
* Aiiane [Consumables] has arrived in the Urgoz's Warren outpost and crafts Amber Summoning Stones.
* Alaris [Consumables] has arrived in The Deep outpost and crafts Jadeite Summoning Stones.

Favor of the Gods

* The Sunspear and Lightbringer titles no longer count towards achieving The Favor of the Gods.
* The Wisdom and Treasure Hunter titles will temporarily not count towards The Favor of the Gods until after players have been switched to the account-based versions of these title tracks.
* Achieving the max rank of Party Animal and God Walking Amongst Mere Mortals will now contribute to gaining The Favor of the Gods.

Miscellaneous

* Xunlai Tournament Agents now offer prizes for the October tournament. These agents can be found in the Great Temple of Balthazar, Lion's Arch, Kaineng Center, and Kamadan.
* Tolkano [Tournament] has arrived in the following Alliance Battle outposts: Kaanai Canyon, Etnaran Keys, Saltspray Beach, Grenz Frontier, and The Ancestral Lands.
* The standard skill description for Scorpion Wire now states Shadow Step instead of Teleport.
* The standard skill description for Return now states Shadow Step instead of Teleport.
* Adjusted the skill description for Heart of Shadow to better reflect the skill's range.
* The skill description for for Mantra of Concentration has been updated to reflect that it triggers on any interrupt.
* Adjusted skill description for Power Block to clarify functionality.
* The monster skills Snaring Web and Corsair's Net are now hexes.
* Players who have lost their copy of Zho's Journal can speak with Zho [Interrupt Henchman] in Gunnar's Hold to get a new copy.
* Aidan [Archer Henchman] now has Practiced Stance at level 20 in Nightfall.
* Odurra [Illusion Henchman] now has Visions of Regret at level 20 in Nightfall.
* Gehraz [Holy Henchman] now has Reaper's Sweep at level 20 in Nightfall.


[b]Update - Monday November 10 Bug Fix[/b]

* Fixed a bug that caused Spamming and Verbal Abuse descriptions to be swapped

[b]Update - Thursday November 6[/b]
Updated Zaishen Rewards

* Updated the Zaishen Chest drops to replace the Skeletonic with a new tonic for the month of November.

Automated Tournaments

* Updated Automated Tournament map rotations.

Skill Updates


PvE and PvP

Necromancer

* Angorodon's Gaze: recharge time increased to 10 seconds, Energy gain increased to 1..13.
* Vampiric Gaze: recharge time increased to 8 seconds.
* Vampiric Spirit: recharge time increased to 8 seconds.

PvP Changes

Ranger

* Expert's Dexterity: attack speed increase reduced to 15%, Marksmanship attribute adjustment reduced to +1.

Consumables

* Essence of Celerity now increases movement and attack speeds by 20% and reduces skill activation and recharge times by 20%.

Bug Fixes

* Fixed a bug that caused Inner Fire to heal instead of causing direct Health gain. This skill is no longer affected by skills that say they affect "healing."
* Fixed a bug that caused "It's Just a Flesh Wound!" to gain no Energy from Leadership.
* Fixed a bug that caused Spirit Channeling to give Health gain per Spirit.
* Fixed a bug that caused Consume Soul to not work on minions.
* Fixed a bug that caused Avatar of Grenth to not deal cold damage.
* Fixed a bug that caused "Retreat" to count dead allies in the area instead of within earshot.
* Fixed a bug that prevented Tryptophan Signet from affecting adjacent foes.
* Fixed a bug that caused Healer's Covenant to affect Healing Prayer skills that were not spells.
* Fixed a bug that caused Reclaim Essence to only affect Spirits within earshot.

Miscellaneous

* Expanded the /report system to allow players to choose "scamming" as a reason for their report.
* Adjusted text for Destructive Was Glaive.


[b]Update - Monday November 3 Miscellaneous[/b] - * Returned Jiaju Tai and Magi Malaquire to their posts in Lion's Arch.


[b]Update - Thursday October 30 Miscellaneous[/b] - * Adjusted the Mad King's sound effects.

[b]Update - Friday December 12[/b]
Skill Updates

Mesmer

* Power Leech: Energy cost reduced to 5.

Necromancer

* Aura of the Lich: Energy cost increased to 15.

Bug Fixes

* Fixed a bug that caused "It's Just a Flesh Wound" to apply even if no conditions were removed.
* Fixed a bug that caused Cultist's Fervor to work with non-Necromancer spells.
* Fixed a bug that stopped Lingering Curse from changing the Health bar to pink.
* Fixed a bug that stopped Mark of Insecurity from changing the Health bar to pink.
* Fixed a bug that stopped Weaken Knees from changing the Health bar to pink.
* Fixed a bug that caused the Ritualist spirit Bloodsong to deal an extra hit when affected by Signet of Ghostly Might.

Miscellaneous

* Increased faction gain per kill in Amatz Basin to 5.


[b]Update - Thursday December 11[/b]
Bug Fix

* Fixed a crash bug that occurred when using Boon Signet.


[b]Update - Thursday December 11[/b]
Updated Zaishen Rewards

* Updated the Zaishen Chest drops to replace the Gelatinous Tonic with a new tonic for the month of December. More information on Zaishen Rewards can be found [url=\"http://guildwars.com/competitive/tournament2008/zaishenrewards/\"]here[/url].

Automated Tournaments

* Updated Automated Tournament map rotations.

Skill Updates

For more information on these changes, please see the [url=\"http://wiki.guildwars.com/wiki/ArenaNet%3a%44eveloper_updates\"]Developer Updates page[/url].
PvE and PvP

Assassin

* Mark of Insecurity: functionality changed to: "For 5..25 seconds, target foe suffers from -1..3 Health degeneration, and enchantments and stances on that foe expire 90% faster."
* Palm Strike: recharge time reduced to 4 seconds. Functionality changed to: Target touched foe is struck for 10..85 damage and is Crippled for 5..15 seconds. This skill counts as an off hand attack.
* Seeping Wound: functionality changed to: "For 20 seconds, if target foe is suffering from Bleeding or Poison, that foe takes 5..15 damage per second."
* Wastrel's Collapse: functionality changed to: "Shadow Step to target foe. If that foe is not using a skill that foe is knocked down. All your non-dagger attack skills are disabled for 10 seconds."

Dervish

* Onslaught: Energy cost reduced to 5, casting time reduced to .25 second.
* Reaper's Sweep: functionality changed to: "If this attack hits, you deal +10..40 damage. If your target is below 50% Health, you also inflict a Deep Wound for 5..20 seconds, otherwise that foe loses one enchantment."

Elementalist

* Blinding Surge: functionality changed to: "Target foe is struck for 5..50 lightning damage. That foe and all adjacent foes are Blinded for '1..7 seconds. This spell has 25% armor penetration."
* Double Dragon: Energy cost reduced to 5, recharge time reduced to 15 seconds. Functionality changed to: "All nearby foes are struck for 7..112 fire damage. For 10..25 seconds, your Fire Magic attribute is increased by +0..2."
* Energy Boon: recharge time increased to 40 seconds, casting time removed. Functionality changed to: "For 20 seconds, you have +0..40 maximum Energy, and 5 Health regeneration. When Energy Boon ends you gain 0..20 Energy and 0..100 Health."
* Ether Prism: Energy cost reduced to 5, casting time removed. Functionality changed to: "For 3 seconds, all damage you take is reduced to 0. When this enchantment ends, you gain 5..20 Energy."

Mesmer

* Fevered Dreams: functionality changed to: "For 10..25 seconds, whenever target foe suffers from a new condition, all foes in the area suffer from that condition as well and if that foe has two or more conditions that foe is Dazed for 1..3 seconds."
* Power Leech: Energy cost reduced to 5, recharge time increased to 20 seconds, Energy stolen increased to 5..15.
* Recurring Insecurity: recharge time reduced to 10 seconds. Functionality changed to: "For 10 seconds, target foe suffers from -1..5 Health degeneration. If that foe has another hex when Recurring Insecurity would end, it is reapplied."
* Shared Burden: recharge time reduced to 20 seconds. Functionality changed to: "For 5..20 seconds, target foe and all nearby foes attack, cast spells, and move 33% slower.
* Symbols of Inspiration: Energy cost reduced to 5, recharge time decreased to 15 seconds. Functionality changed to: "For 1..31 seconds, this skill becomes the Elite of target foe. Elite spells you cast use your Fast Casting attribute instead of their normal attributes."

Monk

* Boon Signet: recharge time increased to 8 seconds. Functionality changed to: "Heal Target ally for 20..80 Health. Your next Healing Prayers or Protection Prayers spell that targets an ally heals for an additional 20..80 Health.
* Life Sheath: recharge reduced to 2 seconds, casting time reduced to .25 seconds. Functionality changed to: "Remove 0..2 conditions from target ally. For 8 seconds, the next time target ally would take damage, that ally gains that amount of Health instead (maximum 20..100)."
* Peace and Harmony: functionality changed to: "Target ally loses 0..9 conditions, and 0..9 hexes. For 1..5 seconds, conditions and hexes expire 90% faster on that ally. All your Smiting Prayers are disabled for 20 seconds."
* Ray of Judgment: Energy cost reduced to 10, casting time increased to 2 seconds, recharge time reduced to 20 seconds. Functionality changed to: "For 5 seconds, target foe and all foes adjacent to this location take 5..45 holy damage each second and begin Burning for 1..3 seconds."

Necromancer

* Aura of the Lich: recharge time increased to 45 seconds. Functionality changed to: "All corpses within earshot are exploited and you animate a level 1..17 bone horror plus one for each corpse exploited in this way. For 5..45 seconds, your Death Magic attribute is increased by +1."
* Cultist's Fervor: recharge time reduced to 15 seconds. functionality changed to: "For 20 seconds, your Necromancer spells cost -1..7 Energy to cast but you suffer from bleeding for 10 seconds each time you cast a spell."
* Lingering Curse: Energy cost reduced to 5, Health sacrifice removed, casting time reduced to 1 second. Functionality changed to: "For 6..30 seconds, target foe and all nearby foes suffer -1..3 Health degeneration, and gain 33% less benefit from healing."
* Weaken Knees: recharge time increased to 10 seconds. Functionality changed to: "For 5..20 seconds, target foe suffers -5 Health degeneration, and takes 5..15 damage while moving."

Paragon

* "Incoming!": Recharge time increased to 25 seconds. Functionality changed to: "For 4..10 seconds, all allies within earshot move 33% faster, and gain 5..15 Health while moving."
* "It's Just a Flesh Wound.": functionality changed to: "Target other ally loses all conditions. If a condition was removed in this way, that ally moves 25% faster for 1..10 seconds.
* Angelic Bond: recharge time increased to 30 seconds. Functionality changed to: "For 10 seconds, the next time an ally within earshot would take fatal damage, that damage is negated and that ally is healed for 20..200 Health. Angelic Bond ends on all other allies."

Ranger

* Archer's Signet: recharge time reduced to 12 seconds, casting time reduced to 1 second. Functionality changed to: "For 0..24 seconds, conditions you apply while wielding a bow last 100% longer."
* Spike Trap: functionality changed to: "When Spike Trap is triggered, every second (for 2 seconds), all nearby foes are struck for 10..40 piercing damage, become Crippled for 3..25 seconds, and are knocked down. Spike Trap ends after 90 seconds. While activating this skill, you are easily interrupted."
* Strike as One: functionality changed to: "The next time you hit with an attack, your target is Crippled for 5..15 seconds and your animal companion instantly moves to your target, and causes Bleeding for 5..15 seconds the next time it attacks."
* Trapper's Focus: recharge time reduced to 12 seconds. Functionality changed to: "For 12..24 seconds, your trap skills are not easily interruptible and your Wilderness Survival attribute is increased by +0..2."

Ritualist

* Clamor of Souls: recharge time reduced to 8 seconds. Functionality changed to: "Target foe and all adjacent foes take 10..65 lightning damage. If you are within earshot of a spirit or holding a bundle item, you gain 10 Energy."
* Destructive was Glaive: functionality changed to: "Hold Glaive's ashes for up to 30..60 seconds. While you hold her ashes, all Ritualist skills have 10% armor penetration. When you drop her ashes, all foes in the area are struck for 10..100 lightning damage."

Warrior

* Enraged Smash: functionality changed to: "If Enraged Smash hits, you gain 1..4 strikes of adrenaline. If you hit a moving foe, you strike for +10..40 damage, and your target is knocked down."
* Hundred Blades: recharge time increased to 25 seconds. Functionality changed to: "For 15 seconds, whenever you attack with a sword, all adjacent foes take 10..25 slashing damage."
* Primal Rage: functionality changed to: "For 1..15 seconds, you attack and move 33% faster, but you take double damage."
* Whirling Axe: adrenaline cost increased to 4 strikes. Functionality changed to: "If this attack hits, you strike for +5..20 damage and any stance being used by your target ends. This attack cannot be blocked."

PvE Changes

Assassin

* Shadow Form: recharge reduced to 45 seconds, duration reduced to 5..21 seconds.

Dervish

* Avatar of Grenth: functionality changed to: "For 5..90 seconds, you cannot be blocked by enchanted foes, and your attacks deal cold damage and steal 5..20 life. This skill is disabled for 120 seconds."

Ritualist

* Signet of Ghostly Might: functionality changed to: "For 5..20 seconds, all spirits you control within earshot attack 33% faster and deal 5..10 additional damage."
* Signet of Spirits: functionality changed to: "All spirits within earshot gain 50..200 Health."

Luxon/Kurzick

Elite Missions

* Killing Aspects of Kanaxai in The Deep now gives +100 Luxon faction in Hard Mode.
* Killing The Leviathan in The Deep now gives +500 Luxon faction in Hard Mode.
* Killing Kanaxai now gives +10000 Luxon faction in Hard Mode.
* All dead party members are now resurrected when Kanaxai in The Deep is killed.
* Killing Guardian Serpents or Twisted Barks in Urgoz's Warren now gives +100 Kurzick faction in Hard Mode.
* Killing both Greater Serpents in Urgoz's Warren now gives +500 Kurzick faction in Hard Mode.
* Killing Urgoz now gives +10000 Kurzick faction in Hard Mode.
* All dead party members are now resurrected when Urgoz in Urgoz's Warren is killed.

Challenge Missions

* Faction received per refugee saved in Amatz Basin has been reduced to 1.
* Faction received per kill in Aurios Mines has been increased to 5.
* The Luxon Enchanters in Aurios Mines are now Ritualists.

Competitive Missions

* The Turtles Siege Attack in Fort Aspenwood is now difficult to interrupt and requires multiple interrupts before it will be interrupted.
* The Turtles Siege Attack in Fort Aspenwood now removes one enchantment on hit.
* The end cinematic in Jade Quarry has been removed.

Bug Fixes

* Fixed a bug that sometimes caused Jotun in Norrhart Domains to be unkillable, making the map impossible to Vanquish.
* Fixed a bug that could cause players to lose ranks in an Eye of the North hunt blessing (such as Norn Hunting Party) if they gained a rank while dead.
* Fixed a bug that caused Spear of Fury to give adrenaline gain on an unsuccessful hit.
* Fixed a bug that caused Searing Flames to not trigger if the target died during the cast time.
* Fixed a bug that caused Club of a Thousand Bears to not allow multiple target hits with a scythe.
* Fixed a bug that caused Snow Storm to fail if the target dies while the spell is casting.
* Fixed a bug that caused Salma to be unable to advance other quests while Deactivating R.O.X. was active.
* Fixed a bug that prevented Burning Shield from being used during another action.
* Fixed a bug that could occasionally cause the Spear of Archemorus and the Urn of Saint Viktor to duplicate.
* Fixed a bug that caused Pain of Disenchantment to cause double Health loss to a target using Frenzy or Frenzied Defense.
* Fixed a bug that caused Stolen Speed to increase the casting time of signets.
* Fixed a bug that caused drunk effects to fade after zoning.
* Fixed a bug that allowed the Kurzick base portals in the Ancestral Lands to be used by Luxons.
* Fixed a bug which prevented players from being teleported by the Reapers in the Underworld.
* Fixed a bug with Spirit to Flesh which allowed the skill to be used without targeting a spirit.

Miscellaneous

* Improved the Hero AI for Enfeeble and Enfeebling Blood.
* Sneak Attack is now properly categorized as a melee attack.
* The concise description for "There's Nothing to Fear!" has been updated to specify that party members are affected by the shout.
* The description for Watchful Intervention has been updated to clarify that damage must drop the target's Health in order for healing to occur.
* The description for Signet of Creation has been updated to reflect that only spirits and animated creatures in the area will be affected.
* Improved Hero AI to reduce the use of skills which would result in the Hero's death. For example, Heroes will not use skills that remove enchantments from themselves if it would remove Vengeance.
* The Destroyer of Flesh now has Galrath Slash instead of Tiger Stance.
* The Warrior's Construct in Sunjiang Distract now has Galrath Slash instead of Tiger Stance.

[b]
Update - Thursday December 18[/b]
Wintersday

Wintersday has come
The Eye of the North opens
Let the merriment begin!

Decorations shine
Glittering like gemstone ice
A surge of warmth and color.

Candysmiths and quests
Among grentches and snowmen.
Thackeray knows a good time.

Grenth and Dwayna vie
For the power to control
The span of cold and darkness.

Make their contest yours
Choose a side: Grenth, or Dwayna
Snowballs as weapons of war.

Revel for rewards:
Tonics, bears, summoning stones.
Grow rich and fat on good cheer.

All are most welcome
At this year-end festival
Join with us, and celebrate.


Wintersday Event

Wintersday is here! Kamadan, Lion's Arch, Droknar's Forge, Ascalon City, and Eye of the North are decorated for the occasion. Over the coming days, holiday activities will begin as special guests arrive to join the festivities. Everything leads up to the big Wintersday celebration on January 1, which will take place every three hours in Lion's Arch and Kamadan (on the hour in Lion's Arch and 15 minutes past the hour in Kamadan). Be sure to collect candy cane shards for the big celebration!

More information on Wintersday 2008 can be found [url=\"http://www.guildwars.com/events/ingame/wintersday2008/\"]here[/url].

Bug Fixes

* Fixed a bug that prevented Wastrel's Collapse from knocking down the target during aftercast delay.
* Fixed a bug that prevented Fevered Dreams from spreading Dazed to foes. Miscellaneous
* Item mods will no longer work in the Snowball Arena.
* The description for Strike as One has been updated to clarify that the instant pet movement isn't connected to hitting with an attack

[b]
Update - Friday December 19[/b]
Bug Fix

* Fixed a bug that sometimes awarded victory to the losing team in the Snowball Tournament.
* Fixed a bug that prevented players from taming the Jingle Bear.

[b]
Update - Monday December 22[/b]
Bug Fix

* Fixed a bug that allowed players to exchange tournament reward points for non-functional armor skins.