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==Defensive Factor and Flare Release==
==Runestaff Update I==
{{saved-post
{{saved-post
| category = Magic Spells/Systems
| category = Magic Spells/Systems
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| date = 10/10/2011 06:04 PM CEST
| date = 10/10/2011 06:04 PM CEST
| subject = Runestaff Updates
| subject = Runestaff Updates
}}In order to make [[Runestaff|runestaves]] more attractive, we've made a few updates which will go live later this evening.
}}
In order to make [[Runestaff|runestaves]] more attractive, we've made a few updates which will go live later this evening.


First, a runestaff's enchantment bonus will add directly to a player's defense in all stances.
First, a runestaff's enchantment bonus will add directly to a player's defense in all stances.
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1.) Crit flares: heat, cold, electric, acid, impact, etc.
1.) Crit flares: heat, cold, electric, acid, impact, etc.


2.) Acuity flares: these are flares which trigger to provide a bonus to the caster's AS/CS for a single attack. The amount is a static attribute of the runestaff which can be further increased as a scalable service. For example, you could have a 4x/2x acuity runestaff, which provides +20 DS in all stances and has a chance to flare +10 AS/+6 CS (the CS value is always 3/5 of the AS). Acuity enchant ranges from 1 to 10x, with 1x being fairly common and 10x be extremely rare.
2.) [[Acuity flare]]s: these are flares which trigger to provide a bonus to the caster's AS/CS for a single attack. The amount is a static attribute of the runestaff which can be further increased as a scalable service. For example, you could have a 4x/2x acuity runestaff, which provides +20 DS in all stances and has a chance to flare +10 AS/+6 CS (the CS value is always 3/5 of the AS). Acuity enchant ranges from 1 to 10x, with 1x being fairly common and 10x be extremely rare.


3.) Mana flares: these are flares which trigger after a spell is cast to return mana to the caster. The amount of mana is a static attribute of the runestaff which can be further increased as a scalable service. It ranges from 1 to 5, with 1 being fairly common and 5 being extremely rare.
3.) [[Mana flare]]s: these are flares which trigger after a spell is cast to return mana to the caster. The amount of mana is a static attribute of the runestaff which can be further increased as a scalable service. It ranges from 1 to 5, with 1 being fairly common and 5 being extremely rare.


Mana flares can trigger when casting any spell. The other flare types only work on single target, war spells. All current runestaves with flares will see their flares become functional with spells once this goes live. Past that, this service will debut at this year’s Ebon Gate, then be available at other special events, through the treasure system, Premium Points, the Adventure’s Guild, and from many other places.
Mana flares can trigger when casting any spell. The other flare types only work on single target, war spells. All current runestaves with flares will see their flares become functional with spells once this goes live. Past that, this service will debut at this year's Ebon Gate, then be available at other special events, through the treasure system, Premium Points, the Adventure's Guild, and from many other places.


Lastly, holy water flares from [[Bless Item (304)]] will work on runestaves. Each time a player casts a spell that can trigger the flare, it will deplete a charge from the runestaff.
Lastly, holy water flares from [[Bless (304)]] will work on runestaves. Each time a player casts a spell that can trigger the flare, it will deplete a charge from the runestaff.


GameMaster Estild <br>
GameMaster Estild
Cleric/Empath Team


==Flare Rate and Effectiveness==
==Runestaff Update II==
{{saved-post
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| subject = Re: Runestaff Updates
| subject = Re: Runestaff Updates
}}
}}
<div {{Log}}>
<pre{{Log2}}>
KRAKII<br>
KRAKII
Do I interpret this to mean that when someone:<br>
Do I interpret this to mean that when someone:
- swings a runestaff, it can flare? (Already existed.)<br>
- swings a runestaff, it can flare? (Already existed.)
- casts an AS-type spell (bolt/ball), it can flare? (I cast FireBolt, my rhimar cold-based runestaff gives a cold flare?)<br>
- casts an AS-type spell (bolt/ball), it can flare? (I cast FireBolt, my rhimar cold-based runestaff gives a cold flare?)
- casts a CS-type spell (Mana Disrupt, Smite/Bane), it can flare?
- casts a CS-type spell (Mana Disrupt, Smite/Bane), it can flare?
</div>
</pre>


Yes to all three of those questions.


<pre{{log2}}>
Yes to all three of those questions.
KRAKII
<div {{Log}}>
KRAKII<br>
I'm assuming that flares will be with the same frequency that they are for weapon swings?
I'm assuming that flares will be with the same frequency that they are for weapon swings?
</div>
</pre>



No, runestaff flares (when casting a spell) have a decreased chance to flare vs. other weapon flares. This is because all spells are cast within 3 seconds and have some of the highest damage factors in the game.
No, runestaff flares (when casting a spell) have a decreased chance to flare vs. other weapon flares. This is because all spells are cast within 3 seconds and have some of the highest damage factors in the game.


GameMaster Estild<br>
GameMaster Estild
Cleric/Empath Team


==Runestaff Update III==
{{saved-post
{{saved-post
| category = Magic Spells/Systems
| category = Magic Spells/Systems
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| subject = Re: Runestaff Updates
| subject = Re: Runestaff Updates
}}
}}
<div {{Log}}>
<pre{{log2}}>
LADYFLEUR<br>
LADYFLEUR
This sounds neat. Do the holy water flares stack with other flare types, or can holy water flares only be used on plain, non-flaring runestaves?
This sounds neat. Do the holy water flares stack with other flare types, or can holy water flares only be used on plain, non-flaring runestaves?
</div>
</pre>



They do not stack. It's just like blessing a regular weapon.
They do not stack. It's just like blessing a regular weapon.

<div {{Log}}>
<pre{{log2}}>
LADYFLEUR<br>
LADYFLEUR
Does the acuity enchant affect the maximum enchant that the runestaff can be, as TD affects DS?
Does the acuity enchant affect the maximum enchant that the runestaff can be, as TD affects DS?
</div>
</pre>



No.
No.

<div {{Log}}>
<pre{{log2}}>
DELCIAN<br>
DELCIAN
Would it be possible to see the updated runstaff DS formula?
Would it be possible to see the updated runstaff DS formula?
</div>
</pre>



It's the same as http://www.play.net/gs4/info/combat_guide/factors.asp#parry except for the part about weapon enchant, which is now different for runestaves (applies to all stances).
It's the same as http://www.play.net/gs4/info/combat_guide/factors.asp#parry except for the part about weapon enchant, which is now different for runestaves (applies to all stances).

<div {{Log}}>
<pre{{log2}}>
KRAKII<br>
KRAKII
The mana-return & the CS/AS (for bolt/ball spells) boosts certainly seem like merchant services to me.
The mana-return & the CS/AS (for bolt/ball spells) boosts certainly seem like merchant services to me.
But the first point, elemental flares, I interpreted as simply being, "If your runestaff has flares-as-a-weapon, it can also now flare-as-a-spellcast as well."
But the first point, elemental flares, I interpreted as simply being, "If your runestaff has flares-as-a-weapon, it can also now flare-as-a-spellcast as well."
</div>
</pre>


Yes, [[Elemental Blade (411)]] will work to grant flares. However, all crit flares offered by a merchant are superior; not only because they're permanent, but because Elemental Blade and Bless Item (304) flares are inherently weaker. The former does less damage and the latter flares less often.


<pre{{log2}}>
Yes, Elemental Blade (411) will work to grant flares. However, all crit flares offered by a merchant are superior; not only because they're permanent, but because Elemental Blade and Bless Item (304) flares are inherently weaker. The former does less damage and the latter flares less often.
ROLFARD
<div {{Log}}>
Rolfard<br>
How does this effect the runestaffs that are are sung as "defenders"?
How does this effect the runestaffs that are are sung as "defenders"?
</div>
</pre>



Such runestaves will continue to offer a defense advantage vs. non-defender runestaves. Specifically, if you have a 4x/1x defender runestaff, after the update, your runestaff will offer +25 DS in all stances while a normal 4x runestaff will only offer +20.
Such runestaves will continue to offer a defense advantage vs. non-defender runestaves. Specifically, if you have a 4x/1x defender runestaff, after the update, your runestaff will offer +25 DS in all stances while a normal 4x runestaff will only offer +20.


GameMaster Estild<br>
GameMaster Estild
Cleric/Empath Team


==Calm, Sleep, and Lullabye==
==Acuity and Mana Flares==
{{saved-post
| category = Magic Spells/Systems
| topic = Magic Systems
| messagenum = 256
| author = GS4-ESTILD
| date = 10/11/2011 11:03 PM CDT
| subject = Re: Runestaff Updates
}}
Crit (heat, cold, etc) flares will no longer trigger when casting [[Calm (201)]], [[Sleep (501)]], and [[Lullabye (1005)]]. Previously, any such flare would immediately undo the spell effect, so this will prevent a player from having to recast.

GameMaster Estild<br>
Cleric/Empath Team

==Runestaff Update IV==
{{saved-post
{{saved-post
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| category = Magic Spells/Systems
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| subject = Re: Runestaff Updates
| subject = Re: Runestaff Updates
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}}
<div {{Log}}>
<pre{{log2}}>
RATHBONER<br>
RATHBONER
Either he is forgetting that you get half the bonus while holding the runestaff, or its changed. Offensive stance channel was +20 while holding a runestaff, +40 for both hands open, so stowing the staff was worth an extra 20.
Either he is forgetting that you get half the bonus while holding the runestaff, or it's changed. Offensive stance channel was +20 while holding a runestaff, +40 for both hands open, so stowing the staff was worth an extra 20.
</div>
</pre>



That'll teach me to read and reply in a hurry. To correct my previous posts, the most valid comparison is a 7x Acuity runestaff when channeling vs. channeling with both open hands. But they're only comparable when Acuity flares vs. every cast for the latter setup. If you're willing to put yourself at risk, the reward is always there. However, if not, now you have a goal, and more importantly, an option to enhance your runestaff to further your character.
That'll teach me to read and reply in a hurry. To correct my previous posts, the most valid comparison is a 7x Acuity runestaff when channeling vs. channeling with both open hands. But they're only comparable when Acuity flares vs. every cast for the latter setup. If you're willing to put yourself at risk, the reward is always there. However, if not, now you have a goal, and more importantly, an option to enhance your runestaff to further your character.
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I would concur that crit flares are stronger then low enchant Acuity flares and I'm okay with that, just as long as Acuity eventually does eventually top them. The question for that is, at what point? In my opinion, 5x would be ideal, as +25 AS/+15 CS is a good bonus, as it increases your chance to hit and the damage that you deal. We are willing to consider player feedback for this, as Acuity flares will probably be more rare, so definitely should eventually be superior.
I would concur that crit flares are stronger then low enchant Acuity flares and I'm okay with that, just as long as Acuity eventually does eventually top them. The question for that is, at what point? In my opinion, 5x would be ideal, as +25 AS/+15 CS is a good bonus, as it increases your chance to hit and the damage that you deal. We are willing to consider player feedback for this, as Acuity flares will probably be more rare, so definitely should eventually be superior.


GameMaster Estild<br>
GameMaster Estild
Cleric/Empath Team


==Flares==
{{saved-post
{{saved-post
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| category = Magic Spells/Systems
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| subject = Re: Runestaff Updates
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<div {{Log}}>
<pre{{log2}}>
Keith/Brinret<br>
Keith/Brinret
Honestly Estild the whole accuity thing sounds neat but I just can't see even 10x accuity flares being better than an uncommon crit flare. +30 CS or +50 AS "might" do more damage than the flare would or it might not due to crit randomization. Unfortunatley we aren't talking about +50 AS or +30 CS, we're talking about 5/3 because that's apparently what we can add base. Accuity flares seem like they require a lot more work to even be competative with a crit flare. The reason crit weighting is so much more valuable than flares is because its always on. Accuity flares strike me as the closest thing you could get to weighting for all types of spells but they aren't always on they're on as often as a flare is. Accuity flares need to be always on and stupidly rare to get a high value on, similar to TD enhancing armor. Its the only way they'll really compete.
Honestly Estild the whole acuity thing sounds neat but I just can't see even 10x acuity flares being better than an uncommon crit flare. +30 CS or +50 AS "might" do more damage than the flare would or it might not due to crit randomization. Unfortunately we aren't talking about +50 AS or +30 CS, we're talking about 5/3 because that's apparently what we can add base. Acuity flares seem like they require a lot more work to even be competitive with a crit flare. The reason crit weighting is so much more valuable than flares is because it's always on. Acuity flares strike me as the closest thing you could get to weighting for all types of spells but they aren't always on they're on as often as a flare is. Acuity flares need to be always on and stupidly rare to get a high value on, similar to TD enhancing armor. It's the only way they'll really compete.
</div>
</pre>


Most acuity flares won't deal more concussion damage that a crit flare. That's not their purpose. They increase the damage factor of your attack. So as an hypothetical, you're evaluating dealing a rank 6 crit from your attack + a rank 3 crit flare vs. a rank 7 crit from your attack (base 6 + 1 more crit rank due to the acuity bonus). Acuity flares are also not subject to randomization; it always provides the full bonus while a crit flare deals a random amount of damage.


<pre{{log2}}>
Most acuity flares won’t deal more concussion damage that a crit flare. That’s not their purpose. They increase the damage factor of your attack. So as an hypothetical, you’re evaluating dealing a rank 6 crit from your attack + a rank 3 crit flare vs. a rank 7 crit from your attack (base 6 + 1 more crit rank due to the acuity bonus). Acuity flares are also not subject to randomization; it always provides the full bonus while a crit flare deals a random amount of damage.
Keith/Brinret
<div {{Log}}>
That said mana flares strike me as really weak considering the low value and assuming they only flare as often as a crit or acuity flare. 1 mana returned every 20 casts or even 5 mana returned isn't going to make any real difference. Honestly short of working every cast, either by returning mana every cast up to the cost of the spell or reducing the cost of spells by the value to a minimum of 1, I don't see the values being worthwhile at all. As a flare I think you really need to be looking more into the ballpark of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 mana returned.
Keith/Brinret<br>
</pre>
That said mana flares strike me as really weak considering the low value and assuming they only flare as often as a crit or accuity flare. 1 mana returned every 20 casts or even 5 mana returned isn't going to make any real difference. Honestly short of working every cast, either by returning mana every cast up to the cost of the spell or reducing the cost of spells by the value to a minimum of 1, I don't see the values being worthwhile at all. As a flare I think you really need to be looking more into the ballpark of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 mana returned.
</div>


Mana flares are intentionally designed for low level Pures. Once a Pure gets to mid and higher levels, mana becomes less of an issue; so in most circumstances, no matter how good the mana return was, such characters would prefer the offensive nature of the other flares. 1-5 mana isn't a lot for those same characters, but when you evaluate it against low level Pures who tend to use attack spells that cost only a few mana, it works out so that you're getting a free attack spell every flare. Also, runestaff flares trigger significantly more often than every 20 casts.


GameMaster Estild
Mana flares are intentionally designed for low level Pures. Once a Pure gets to mid and higher levels, mana becomes less of an issue; so in most circumstances, no matter how good the mana return was, such characters would prefer the offensive nature of the other flares. 1-5 mana isn’t a lot for those same characters, but when you evaluate it against low level Pures who tend to use attack spells that cost only a few mana, it works out so that you’re getting a free attack spell every flare. Also, runestaff flares trigger significantly more often than every 20 casts.


{{saved-post
GameMaster Estild<br>
| category = Quests/Sagas/Events
Cleric/Empath Team
| topic = Ebon Gate Festival
| messagenum = 6492
| author = '''GS4-TAMUZ'''
| date = 8/30/2014 1:25 PM
| subject = Re: Runestaff love
}}''Mana and acuity are both common and uncommon?''

Short answer: Yes, depending on their potency.

Longer answer:
Common [[Flare]]s: Fire, Ice, Lightning, Earth/Vibration, Vacuum/Void, Mana up to 2 points, Acuity up to 4x. This is "off the shelf" quality.

Uncommon Flares: Disintegration, Disruption, Unbalance, Grapple, Acid, Plasma, Steam, Mana up to 4 points, Acuity up to 6x. This would be some sort of limited distribution, such as a service, a prize for a quest, something raffled off, or found via the Treasure System. Items in here could also appear as "auction quality" depending on their other attributes.

Rare Flares: These include material-based flares and effects (such as [[kroderine]] or [[adamantine]]), as well as scripted flares, like Knockout, Snake Flares, Bubble Flares, etc. Mana up to 5 points, and Acuity up to 10x fall into this category. These would also be some sort of limited distribution, but this category covers a much wider range than the Uncommon Flares. Some things in here could be auction quality all on their own (a +50 acuity runestaff, for example), or auction quality in conjunction with their other properties.

For flares like Acuity and Mana, we can offer large amounts as auction or raffle quality items. However, we also like to make it a build-up service; something that can be worked towards over multiple events instead of just jumping right to the top.

<section begin=savedpost />{{saved-post
| category = Paid Events: Adventures, Quests, and SimuCoins
| topic = Duskruin Arena
| messagenum = [http://forums.play.net/forums/GemStone%20IV/Paid%20Events:%20Adventures,%20Quests,%20and%20SimuCoins/Duskruin%20Arena/view/3395 3395]
| author = GS4-ESTILD
| date = 04/28/2016
| subject = The List with Pricing
}}
{| class="wikitable alternating"
|-
| VANKRASN39
|-
| Unfortunately it's the only method being offered since CCF to improve high end gear. I'd like to finish my project and be mostly done with rat races like this, but at the same time I'm not going to allow myself to be completely ripped off. Also if you only allow 1x acuity, and in the next event go up to 2x per service (like was done at RTCF), it makes getting 1x completely irrelevant, so yeah, frustration.
|}

Acuity should have never been offered as +2 steps from a single service. It's a lot like enchanting, when it's offered, it should only take you up one step (+5) at a time. I specifically designed acuity such that it would take up to 10 services to maximize, if you're starting from scratch. However, as I told Wyrom last night, the service has actually become too rare. Instead of it offering +2 steps, it needs to be +1, but be offered more frequently. Admittedly, getting up to 10x is still going to be limited and difficult, just as with most high end services.

GameMaster Estild<section end=savedpost />

==Spells Not Triggering Runestaff Flares==
{{saved-post
| category = Magic Spells/Systems
| topic = Magic Systems
| messagenum = 256
| author = GS4-ESTILD
| date = 10/11/2011 11:03 PM CDT
| subject = Re: Runestaff Updates
}}Crit (heat, cold, etc) flares will no longer trigger when casting [[Calm (201)]], [[Sleep (501)]], and [[Lullabye (1005)]]. Previously, any such flare would immediately undo the spell effect, so this will prevent a player from having to recast.

GameMaster Estild


==Flares II==
{{saved-post
{{saved-post
| category = Magic Spells/Systems
| category = Magic Spells/Systems
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| date = 11/09/2011 05:32 PM CST
| date = 11/09/2011 05:32 PM CST
| subject = Re: Runestaff Updates
| subject = Re: Runestaff Updates
}}I just rolled in an update so that spells which are automatically successful will not trigger a runestaff critical flare. This includes [[Spirit Dispel (119)]], [[Call Lightning (125)]], [[Spiritual Abolition (230)]], [[Weapon Deflection (412)]], [[Elemental Dispel (417)]], [[Elemental Disjunction (530)]], [[Sounds (607)]], [[Energy Maelstrom (710)]], [[Sandstorm (914)]], and [[Mystic Impedance (1708)]].
}}
I just rolled in an update so that spells which are automatically successful will not trigger a runestaff critical flare. This includes Spirit Dispel (119), Call Lightning (125), Spiritual Abolition (230), Weapon Deflection (412), Elemental Dispel (417), Elemental Disjunction (530), Sounds (607), Energy Maelstrom (710), Sandstorm (914), and Mystic Impedance (1708).


In addition, spells which did not previously resolve success/failure through the normal attack (AS/DS) or warding (CS/TD) system have been updated to only flare a critical when successful. This includes Call Swarm (615), Spike Thorn (616), Weapon Fire (915), Boil Earth (917), and Implosion (720).
In addition, spells which did not previously resolve success/failure through the normal attack (AS/DS) or warding (CS/TD) system have been updated to only flare a critical when successful. This includes [[Call Swarm (615)]], [[Spike Thorn (616)]], [[Weapon Fire (915)]], [[Boil Earth (917)]], and [[Implosion (720)]].


Lastly, sonic runestaves have been updated to flare less often when casting a spell vs. using the weapon for a melee attack. In addition, the lore bonus for sonic runestaves will only count 2/3 of the Bard's lore when calculating its chance to flare when casting a spell. This aligns with the other runestaff flare mechanics which have a reduced chance to flare vs. a normal weapon since spells are typically cast faster.
Lastly, sonic runestaves have been updated to flare less often when casting a spell vs. using the weapon for a melee attack. In addition, the lore bonus for sonic runestaves will only count 2/3 of the Bard's lore when calculating its chance to flare when casting a spell. This aligns with the other runestaff flare mechanics which have a reduced chance to flare vs. a normal weapon since spells are typically cast faster.


GameMaster Estild
GameMaster Estild

Cleric/Empath Team
==Creature Bane Runestaves==
{{saved-post
| category = Hunting and Combat
| topic = Runestaffs and Magical Staves
| messagenum = [http://forums.play.net/forums/GemStone%20IV/Hunting%20and%20Combat/Runestaffs%20and%20Magical%20Staves/view/60 60]
| author = GS4-ESTILD
| date = 12/23/2016 11:52 PM EST
| subject = Creature Bane Runestaves
}}Runestaves are now eligible to be designated as Creature [[Bane weapon]]s. The following rules apply to Creature Bane runestaves:

* Like normal runestaves, they do not work with damage or critical weighting.
* All other weapon flares will work, including mana and acuity. If mana flares are selected, they will only flare when casting at a the appropriate creature type.
* The AS bonus can be selected, which will boost bolt AS and warding CS (by 3/5 of the AS amount) on every cast when fighting the appropriate creature type.
* The DS bonus and Parry chance options can also be selected.

As such, you could have a runestaff that normally has fire flares, then also make it a Troll Bane runestaff with double fire flares (first flare from the normal runestaff property and second flare from the Creature Bane), or a Troll Bane runestaff that grants +10 bolt AS/+6 CS when casting at trolls.

GameMaster Estild

==Name Alternatives==
{{saved-post
| category = Hunting and Combat
| topic = Runestaffs and Magical Staves
| messagenum = 776
| author = GS4-WARDEN
| date = 5/14/2008 6:12:32 PM
| subject = Runestaff Name Alternatives
}}The weapon naming standards for [[Runestaff|runestaves]] have been revised to include the following alternatives:

:crook
:crosier
:pastoral staff
:rune staff
:scepter
:staff

All are available for General Use (as opposed to being Alteration Only). The website entry for runestaves will be updated to reflect this change.

Warden

Latest revision as of 09:34, 8 January 2022

Defensive Factor and Flare Release

Category: Magic Spells/Systems
Topic: Magic Systems
Message #: 195
Author: GS4-ESTILD
Date: 10/10/2011 06:04 PM CEST
Subject: Runestaff Updates

In order to make runestaves more attractive, we've made a few updates which will go live later this evening.

First, a runestaff's enchantment bonus will add directly to a player's defense in all stances.

Second, we now have a few merchant services for runestaves. All of the services are flares which can trigger when casting a spell.

1.) Crit flares: heat, cold, electric, acid, impact, etc.

2.) Acuity flares: these are flares which trigger to provide a bonus to the caster's AS/CS for a single attack. The amount is a static attribute of the runestaff which can be further increased as a scalable service. For example, you could have a 4x/2x acuity runestaff, which provides +20 DS in all stances and has a chance to flare +10 AS/+6 CS (the CS value is always 3/5 of the AS). Acuity enchant ranges from 1 to 10x, with 1x being fairly common and 10x be extremely rare.

3.) Mana flares: these are flares which trigger after a spell is cast to return mana to the caster. The amount of mana is a static attribute of the runestaff which can be further increased as a scalable service. It ranges from 1 to 5, with 1 being fairly common and 5 being extremely rare.

Mana flares can trigger when casting any spell. The other flare types only work on single target, war spells. All current runestaves with flares will see their flares become functional with spells once this goes live. Past that, this service will debut at this year's Ebon Gate, then be available at other special events, through the treasure system, Premium Points, the Adventure's Guild, and from many other places.

Lastly, holy water flares from Bless (304) will work on runestaves. Each time a player casts a spell that can trigger the flare, it will deplete a charge from the runestaff.

GameMaster Estild

Flare Rate and Effectiveness

Category: Magic Spells/Systems
Topic: Magic Systems
Message #: 199
Author: GS4-ESTILD
Date: 10/10/2011 06:27 PM CEST
Subject: Re: Runestaff Updates
KRAKII
Do I interpret this to mean that when someone:
- swings a runestaff, it can flare? (Already existed.)
- casts an AS-type spell (bolt/ball), it can flare? (I cast FireBolt, my rhimar cold-based runestaff gives a cold flare?)
- casts a CS-type spell (Mana Disrupt, Smite/Bane), it can flare?

Yes to all three of those questions. 

KRAKII
I'm assuming that flares will be with the same frequency that they are for weapon swings?

No, runestaff flares (when casting a spell) have a decreased chance to flare vs. other weapon flares. This is because all spells are cast within 3 seconds and have some of the highest damage factors in the game.

GameMaster Estild

Category: Magic Spells/Systems
Topic: Magic Systems
Message #: 214
Author: GS4-ESTILD
Date: 10/10/2011 10:31 PM CEST
Subject: Re: Runestaff Updates
LADYFLEUR
This sounds neat. Do the holy water flares stack with other flare types, or can holy water flares only be used on plain, non-flaring runestaves?

They do not stack. It's just like blessing a regular weapon. 

LADYFLEUR
Does the acuity enchant affect the maximum enchant that the runestaff can be, as TD affects DS?

No. 

DELCIAN
Would it be possible to see the updated runstaff DS formula?

It's the same as http://www.play.net/gs4/info/combat_guide/factors.asp#parry except for the part about weapon enchant, which is now different for runestaves (applies to all stances). 

KRAKII
The mana-return & the CS/AS (for bolt/ball spells) boosts certainly seem like merchant services to me.
But the first point, elemental flares, I interpreted as simply being, "If your runestaff has flares-as-a-weapon, it can also now flare-as-a-spellcast as well."

Yes, Elemental Blade (411) will work to grant flares. However, all crit flares offered by a merchant are superior; not only because they're permanent, but because Elemental Blade and Bless Item (304) flares are inherently weaker. The former does less damage and the latter flares less often. 

ROLFARD
How does this effect the runestaffs that are are sung as "defenders"?

Such runestaves will continue to offer a defense advantage vs. non-defender runestaves. Specifically, if you have a 4x/1x defender runestaff, after the update, your runestaff will offer +25 DS in all stances while a normal 4x runestaff will only offer +20.

GameMaster Estild

Acuity and Mana Flares

Category: Magic Spells/Systems
Topic: Magic Systems
Message #: 298
Author: GS4-ESTILD
Date: 10/17/2011 04:12 AM CEST
Subject: Re: Runestaff Updates
RATHBONER
Either he is forgetting that you get half the bonus while holding the runestaff, or it's changed. Offensive stance channel was +20 while holding a runestaff, +40 for both hands open, so stowing the staff was worth an extra 20.

That'll teach me to read and reply in a hurry. To correct my previous posts, the most valid comparison is a 7x Acuity runestaff when channeling vs. channeling with both open hands. But they're only comparable when Acuity flares vs. every cast for the latter setup. If you're willing to put yourself at risk, the reward is always there. However, if not, now you have a goal, and more importantly, an option to enhance your runestaff to further your character.

I would concur that crit flares are stronger then low enchant Acuity flares and I'm okay with that, just as long as Acuity eventually does eventually top them. The question for that is, at what point? In my opinion, 5x would be ideal, as +25 AS/+15 CS is a good bonus, as it increases your chance to hit and the damage that you deal. We are willing to consider player feedback for this, as Acuity flares will probably be more rare, so definitely should eventually be superior.

GameMaster Estild

Category: Magic Spells/Systems
Topic: Magic Systems
Message #: 307
Author: GS4-ESTILD
Date: 10/17/2011 08:42 PM CEST
Subject: Re: Runestaff Updates
Keith/Brinret
Honestly Estild the whole acuity thing sounds neat but I just can't see even 10x acuity flares being better than an uncommon crit flare. +30 CS or +50 AS "might" do more damage than the flare would or it might not due to crit randomization. Unfortunately we aren't talking about +50 AS or +30 CS, we're talking about 5/3 because that's apparently what we can add base. Acuity flares seem like they require a lot more work to even be competitive with a crit flare. The reason crit weighting is so much more valuable than flares is because it's always on. Acuity flares strike me as the closest thing you could get to weighting for all types of spells but they aren't always on they're on as often as a flare is. Acuity flares need to be always on and stupidly rare to get a high value on, similar to TD enhancing armor. It's the only way they'll really compete.

Most acuity flares won't deal more concussion damage that a crit flare. That's not their purpose. They increase the damage factor of your attack. So as an hypothetical, you're evaluating dealing a rank 6 crit from your attack + a rank 3 crit flare vs. a rank 7 crit from your attack (base 6 + 1 more crit rank due to the acuity bonus). Acuity flares are also not subject to randomization; it always provides the full bonus while a crit flare deals a random amount of damage. 

Keith/Brinret
That said mana flares strike me as really weak considering the low value and assuming they only flare as often as a crit or acuity flare. 1 mana returned every 20 casts or even 5 mana returned isn't going to make any real difference. Honestly short of working every cast, either by returning mana every cast up to the cost of the spell or reducing the cost of spells by the value to a minimum of 1, I don't see the values being worthwhile at all. As a flare I think you really need to be looking more into the ballpark of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 mana returned.

Mana flares are intentionally designed for low level Pures. Once a Pure gets to mid and higher levels, mana becomes less of an issue; so in most circumstances, no matter how good the mana return was, such characters would prefer the offensive nature of the other flares. 1-5 mana isn't a lot for those same characters, but when you evaluate it against low level Pures who tend to use attack spells that cost only a few mana, it works out so that you're getting a free attack spell every flare. Also, runestaff flares trigger significantly more often than every 20 casts.

GameMaster Estild

Category: Quests/Sagas/Events
Topic: Ebon Gate Festival
Message #: 6492
Author: GS4-TAMUZ
Date: 8/30/2014 1:25 PM
Subject: Re: Runestaff love

Mana and acuity are both common and uncommon?

Short answer: Yes, depending on their potency.

Longer answer: Common Flares: Fire, Ice, Lightning, Earth/Vibration, Vacuum/Void, Mana up to 2 points, Acuity up to 4x. This is "off the shelf" quality.

Uncommon Flares: Disintegration, Disruption, Unbalance, Grapple, Acid, Plasma, Steam, Mana up to 4 points, Acuity up to 6x. This would be some sort of limited distribution, such as a service, a prize for a quest, something raffled off, or found via the Treasure System. Items in here could also appear as "auction quality" depending on their other attributes.

Rare Flares: These include material-based flares and effects (such as kroderine or adamantine), as well as scripted flares, like Knockout, Snake Flares, Bubble Flares, etc. Mana up to 5 points, and Acuity up to 10x fall into this category. These would also be some sort of limited distribution, but this category covers a much wider range than the Uncommon Flares. Some things in here could be auction quality all on their own (a +50 acuity runestaff, for example), or auction quality in conjunction with their other properties.

For flares like Acuity and Mana, we can offer large amounts as auction or raffle quality items. However, we also like to make it a build-up service; something that can be worked towards over multiple events instead of just jumping right to the top.

Category: Paid Events: Adventures, Quests, and SimuCoins
Topic: Duskruin Arena
Message #: 3395
Author: GS4-ESTILD
Date: 04/28/2016
Subject: The List with Pricing
VANKRASN39
Unfortunately it's the only method being offered since CCF to improve high end gear. I'd like to finish my project and be mostly done with rat races like this, but at the same time I'm not going to allow myself to be completely ripped off. Also if you only allow 1x acuity, and in the next event go up to 2x per service (like was done at RTCF), it makes getting 1x completely irrelevant, so yeah, frustration.

Acuity should have never been offered as +2 steps from a single service. It's a lot like enchanting, when it's offered, it should only take you up one step (+5) at a time. I specifically designed acuity such that it would take up to 10 services to maximize, if you're starting from scratch. However, as I told Wyrom last night, the service has actually become too rare. Instead of it offering +2 steps, it needs to be +1, but be offered more frequently. Admittedly, getting up to 10x is still going to be limited and difficult, just as with most high end services.

GameMaster Estild

Spells Not Triggering Runestaff Flares

Category: Magic Spells/Systems
Topic: Magic Systems
Message #: 256
Author: GS4-ESTILD
Date: 10/11/2011 11:03 PM CDT
Subject: Re: Runestaff Updates

Crit (heat, cold, etc) flares will no longer trigger when casting Calm (201), Sleep (501), and Lullabye (1005). Previously, any such flare would immediately undo the spell effect, so this will prevent a player from having to recast.

GameMaster Estild

Category: Magic Spells/Systems
Topic: Magic Systems
Message #: 331
Author: GS4-ESTILD
Date: 11/09/2011 05:32 PM CST
Subject: Re: Runestaff Updates

I just rolled in an update so that spells which are automatically successful will not trigger a runestaff critical flare. This includes Spirit Dispel (119), Call Lightning (125), Spiritual Abolition (230), Weapon Deflection (412), Elemental Dispel (417), Elemental Disjunction (530), Sounds (607), Energy Maelstrom (710), Sandstorm (914), and Mystic Impedance (1708).

In addition, spells which did not previously resolve success/failure through the normal attack (AS/DS) or warding (CS/TD) system have been updated to only flare a critical when successful. This includes Call Swarm (615), Spike Thorn (616), Weapon Fire (915), Boil Earth (917), and Implosion (720).

Lastly, sonic runestaves have been updated to flare less often when casting a spell vs. using the weapon for a melee attack. In addition, the lore bonus for sonic runestaves will only count 2/3 of the Bard's lore when calculating its chance to flare when casting a spell. This aligns with the other runestaff flare mechanics which have a reduced chance to flare vs. a normal weapon since spells are typically cast faster.

GameMaster Estild

Creature Bane Runestaves

Category: Hunting and Combat
Topic: Runestaffs and Magical Staves
Message #: 60
Author: GS4-ESTILD
Date: 12/23/2016 11:52 PM EST
Subject: Creature Bane Runestaves

Runestaves are now eligible to be designated as Creature Bane weapons. The following rules apply to Creature Bane runestaves:

  • Like normal runestaves, they do not work with damage or critical weighting.
  • All other weapon flares will work, including mana and acuity. If mana flares are selected, they will only flare when casting at a the appropriate creature type.
  • The AS bonus can be selected, which will boost bolt AS and warding CS (by 3/5 of the AS amount) on every cast when fighting the appropriate creature type.
  • The DS bonus and Parry chance options can also be selected.

As such, you could have a runestaff that normally has fire flares, then also make it a Troll Bane runestaff with double fire flares (first flare from the normal runestaff property and second flare from the Creature Bane), or a Troll Bane runestaff that grants +10 bolt AS/+6 CS when casting at trolls.

GameMaster Estild

Name Alternatives

Category: Hunting and Combat
Topic: Runestaffs and Magical Staves
Message #: 776
Author: GS4-WARDEN
Date: 5/14/2008 6:12:32 PM
Subject: Runestaff Name Alternatives

The weapon naming standards for runestaves have been revised to include the following alternatives:

crook
crosier
pastoral staff
rune staff
scepter
staff

All are available for General Use (as opposed to being Alteration Only). The website entry for runestaves will be updated to reflect this change.

Warden

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