Tera Online News

Over the past two weeks, we've been promoting GameSpot's Reader's Choice awards for E3 2010 in which TERA was nominated. Throughout the duration of the poll, the games in the running jockeyed for position. The voting concluded this past Friday, July 9th. Through your votes and retweeting of the poll URL on Twitter, we are proud to announce that TERA moved to claim a respectable second place!

View the results on GameSpot.com (click "Results" next to "Readers' Choice Voting"). Thank you all for your dedication to TERA!
-- Scapes

Ten Ton Hammer has published their E3 2010 awards in which TERA has been named "Editor's Choice of E3"!

Quote

Read the full article on TenTonHammer.com.
-- Scapes

Over the past two weeks, we've been promoting GameSpot's Reader's Choice awards for E3 2010 in which TERA was nominated. Throughout the duration of the poll, the games in the running jockeyed for position. The voting concluded this past Friday, July 9th. Through your votes and retweeting of the poll URL on Twitter, we are proud to announce that TERA moved to claim a respectable second place!

View the results on GameSpot.com (click "Results" next to "Readers' Choice Voting"). Thank you all for your dedication to TERA!
-- Scapes

Ten Ton Hammer has published their E3 2010 awards in which TERA has been named "Editor's Choice of E3"!

Quote

Read the full article on TenTonHammer.com.
-- Scapes

While we had a chance to get our hands on with the upcoming mmo TERA at GDC 2010, there was little we could glean about the overall lore of the world beyond the broadest of brush-strokes. That's why we were so glad when the folks at En Masse Entertainment offered to give us some exclusive insight on some of the history of this interesting new world.

This developer blog, written by David Noonan, Lead Writer at En Masse Entertainment, turns an eye towards the history of the High Elves, but in a fascinating way. Written in the format of a research paper -- complete with editorial remarks from a wizened professor -- it gives us a closer look at the bloody, violent, and fascinating culture of one of the elder races in TERA.

While TERA's warlike High Elves are cautiously accepted now in the ranks of the Valkyon Federation, they're still not entirely trusted by the other member-races. Only recently did they stop their bloody and bitter wars -- and the memory of the world's inhabitants have not yet faded in terms of what the "Children of Karas" once did. The High Elves, aware that their own survival is dependent upon cooperation with any other enemies of the Argon invaders, actively look past those previous differences; their cause is now that of saving all life on the planet. They act with strength, patience, and honor to achieve their goals of moving "forward, together and strong" -- a tenet that is just as important to the High Elf race as the benedictions spoken at meals in elven homes for well over 3,000 years.

Curious about lore on the High Elves of TERA? Join us behind the break for the dev blog from David Noonan or check out the gallery below for a handful of exclusive new screenshots!

In the action MMO TERA, players begin the game on the cusp of history -- a new generation charged with reshaping the world, but besieged by enemies on all sides.

The High Elves are an important part of that heroic effort, but they weren't always friendly with TERA's other races. The following lore document -- part of a research paper written at a military academy -- provides some insight into the pride and ambition that's a part of every High Elf's heritage. It also shows that in TERA, even the term papers are brimming with bloodshed.

-- David Noonan, lead writer, En Masse Entertainment.

Promotion by Duel in High Elf Officer Corps, -5 VC to 178 VC

By Jhairmu, Tyro, Fourth Class




Two centuries ago, few militaries on either continent matched the High Elves' ambition -- or their success. During this time, the High Elves completed an overseas migration to the continent of Shara, built a new capital city (Allemantheia, which still stands today), and resettled nearly their entire population.

Yet amid this societal upheaval -- the likes of which we can scarcely imagine -- the High Elves managed simultaneous, multi-front military campaigns. From approximately -5 VC to 75 VC, the High Elves engaged in a series of "Liberation Campaigns" against the Nagas in the jungles of southern Shara. Despite the Nagas' known proficiency in jungle warfare, the High Elves were able to expel them while sustaining only moderate losses.

[Jhairmu -- This is much improved, but don't overstate your case. The Amani have certainly seen "societal upheaval" as well. And Humans like you know a thing or two about long migrations, eh? – Master Tull.]



Then, turning their attention northward, the High Elven "Grand Spire Army" marched deep into Essenia in 176 VC. This was the high-water mark for High Elf military ambition, and it took a five-nation alliance to defeat them. And their fall was steep; after losing at Essenia, the High Elves would spend nearly six decades in civil war before emerging as a more tolerant nation.

[Later on, you should mention how the importance of dueling faded during their civil war, Jhairmu. Also, cite Hacremion's belief that the elves' duel-friendly culture made civil war more likely, because the elves were predisposed to settling matters in combat. – Master Tull.]

Why was the High Elf military of the time so successful? Why did it take a massive alliance -- essentially five other armies -- to defeat them at Essenia? The answers are manifold (and covered in Master Tull's lectures). I believe one key reason was that the High Elf officer corps had a sharper sense of the risks and rewards of battlefield decisions because they dueled.

In addition to the usual risks of losing a battle, High Elf officers faced the prospect of losing their rank afterward when challenged to a formal duel by a junior officer. Likewise, ascent through the ranks could be rapid for the officer who was a capable duelist and in the right place when his superior officers failed.

[Jhairmu, this would be an appropriate place to mention negative aspects of promotion-by-duel, including the loss of "institutional knowledge" when older officers lose duels. – Master Tull.]



Dueling was an important part of High Elf culture at the time, and the officer corps was no exception. An examination of the histories (including several books on loan from the Karassian War College in Allemantheia) reveals several examples:

Gahrene, a warrior by training, who used duels to succeed her incompetent field commanders on three separate occasions during the Liberation Campaigns against the Nagas, each time relinquishing her duel-won post within a matter of weeks.
Veakran, who moved from centurion to general in a series of nonlethal duels, then killed as many as a dozen junior officers in failed promotions-by-duel after High Elf setbacks at Caer Thayn and Cruelwater.
[Move this to a later section where you discuss counter-examples, Jhairmu. Veakran was an ineffective general who kept his job with his axe, not his ability to command. – Master Tull.]

Thaerahm and Quorin, who succeeded each other after duels four times. Contemporary High Elf historians point out that Quorin's ability to consolidate after Thaerahm's hard-won gains made this more of a partnership than a rivalry; the conclusions of their "duels" may have been agreed upon in advance.
[Jhairmu, you should mention that neither of them lost a duel to anyone else during this time. That's further evidence that they were collaborating. – Master Tull.]

Yirahk, promoted to general after a successful duel; supply problems had bogged down the Grand Spire Army and drawn the ire of the High Command in Allemantheia. Yirahk had the army marching again within a week's time. Some High Elves still believe that had Yirahk dueled Heaphine earlier, the Grand Spire Army would have reached Essenia before the Popori relief column, swinging the tide of battle toward the elves.
[Now you're understating; it would have been a rout. My grandfather was there, Jhairmu, and if the Poporis hadn't arrived when they did, Essenia would have collapsed. – Master Tull.]

And possibly the most notorious example: The sorcerer Jaeluk, who set aflame the entire officer compound after the High Elf defeat at Twisted Root, then claimed to have engaged in promotion-by-duel with all of the officers present...collectively. A High Elf military tribunal disagreed with Jaeluk's "expansive" definition of a duel and imprisoned him for 30 years. Yet after his imprisonment, Jaeluk would return to military service and win key victories during the Peninsular Campaign against the remnants of the Nagas.

[Jharmu: Look up Rhaylek (in the early Naga campaigns) and the Dark Sisters (pre-Essenia) for more examples of promotions-by-duel. This paper looks promising so far, though you should beware glamorizing the pre-Reconciliation High Elves too much... -- Master Tull.]

Gameplay

1. Are there any plans to add more equipment slots, like capes or helmets?

We're taking feedback from the FGTs and Beta tests into consideration, and this is something that people have repeatedly requested. Watch for more information about this in the near future!

2. Will there be any way for players to customize the look of their armor?

Again, we've seen a good deal of feedback about this from tests. We'll be adding additional armor with more variety, and we'll get more specific about this in the future.

3. What can you tell us about the mount system?

The mount system is still under development, but we want to make it a milestone in your characters' progression. We want the mount to be fast and exciting for players, and we're working on the exact balance and speed increase right now.

4. What can you tell us about the political system?

The political system will shape each server's community in a new and unique way. We'll discuss this more as we approach launch.

5. Are pets (both combat and non-combat) being developed for TERA?

We can't really talk about pets yet, but we've got several options on the table.

6. Will there be large scale siege warfare in TERA? If so, what is the plan to optimize this content in terms of avoiding lag?

Right now our focus is on PvE content and character balance. We have battlegrounds for users to participate in PvP combat—and, of course, on the PvP servers, players will be able to participate in large-scale conflicts between opposing guilds.

7. Players were concerned by the strength of knockbacks in TERA. Are there any plans to make it so that players can get themselves out of a knockback status?

We've already added skills that jump players out of a knockback status. For example, warriors can spin up from being knocked down and cause damage to all enemies surrounding them as they do so!

8. Will quests follow a dynamic and interesting storyline? What can you tell us about the story of TERA?

TERA's main storyline is revealed as your character progresses through the game. As you take on quests and interact with NPCs, you learn more about the world's lore and experience deeper and deeper layers of the story. We'll discuss lore in more detail in the coming weeks, so keep an eye on our website!

9. When leveling, will players be able to choose between several different zones with quests and mobs for their level range?

Yes. This helps give players a choice in content, and also adds a high level of replay value.

10. Will there be flying mounts included at any time? (Not including the taxi service, flying mounts that players control!)

There are no plans for flying mounts at this time.

11. What can players expect from TERA's end-game content?

Tera's endgame will involve the full spectrum of things you expect from an MMO, including battling in dungeons with PvE instances; taking to the battlegrounds to fight for honor; working the economy with crafting, enchanting, and playing the market. In addition, players will be able to influence the history of each server by participating in the in-game political system. TERA also understands the importance of alternate characters, so you will see some goodies for the altaholics out there!

Misc.

1. Will TERA receive global updates? Will there be a delay across different versions of the game?

It is every developer's dream to have a global simultaneous release, which minimizes a ton of work in supporting different branches of code, but there's also the reality of localization time. We will work to minimize this delta as much as possible, because it benefits everyone.

2. Will TERA support add-ons?

Right now our focus is not on UI but on the action in the middle of the screen. We're looking into ways of supporting fan contributions to TERA, but we haven't decided on anything concrete yet.

3. What measures will En Masse Entertainment take against players using third-party programs and buying/selling in-game currency?

We believe that security is an essential aspect of any successful game, and equally as important as game balance or the combat system.
We have a ton of things planned to help us stay ahead of the criminals looking to ruin the game experience, but we recognize that it will be an ongoing fight.

4. Are there any plans to include a specifically-tagged roleplaying server at launch?

A roleplaying server is something we'll consider, but hopefully players will take it upon themselves to roleplay their characters, regardless. 

5. Will TERA launch with an Oceanic server?

This is something we'll consider closer to launch.

6. Will the NA and EU servers be released at the same time?
This is our current plan, yes.

7. Will TERA release with 24-7 in-game customer support?

We will have customer service staff available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

8. How many betas are planned for the West? How will beta keys be made available?

There will be a few rounds of Beta tests planned for the West on various scales. We'll let the community know about availability of Beta keys when we're a little closer to starting them. Our fans will definitely be the first people we think of when we're handing out our Beta keys!

9. Can you explain what the exact difference between PvP and PvE servers will be in TERA?

PvP servers will allow for open world PvP; when you're out in the field, you're at risk. PvE servers limit that risk to consensual activities like duels, battlegrounds, and some other neat features we're working on. (Those consensual activities are available on PvP servers, too.)

Gameplay

1. Are there any plans to add more equipment slots, like capes or helmets?

We're taking feedback from the FGTs and Beta tests into consideration, and this is something that people have repeatedly requested. Watch for more information about this in the near future!

2. Will there be any way for players to customize the look of their armor?

Again, we've seen a good deal of feedback about this from tests. We'll be adding additional armor with more variety, and we'll get more specific about this in the future.

3. What can you tell us about the mount system?

The mount system is still under development, but we want to make it a milestone in your characters' progression. We want the mount to be fast and exciting for players, and we're working on the exact balance and speed increase right now.

4. What can you tell us about the political system?

The political system will shape each server's community in a new and unique way. We'll discuss this more as we approach launch.

5. Are pets (both combat and non-combat) being developed for TERA?

We can't really talk about pets yet, but we've got several options on the table.

6. Will there be large scale siege warfare in TERA? If so, what is the plan to optimize this content in terms of avoiding lag?

Right now our focus is on PvE content and character balance. We have battlegrounds for users to participate in PvP combat—and, of course, on the PvP servers, players will be able to participate in large-scale conflicts between opposing guilds.

7. Players were concerned by the strength of knockbacks in TERA. Are there any plans to make it so that players can get themselves out of a knockback status?

We've already added skills that jump players out of a knockback status. For example, warriors can spin up from being knocked down and cause damage to all enemies surrounding them as they do so!

8. Will quests follow a dynamic and interesting storyline? What can you tell us about the story of TERA?

TERA's main storyline is revealed as your character progresses through the game. As you take on quests and interact with NPCs, you learn more about the world's lore and experience deeper and deeper layers of the story. We'll discuss lore in more detail in the coming weeks, so keep an eye on our website!

9. When leveling, will players be able to choose between several different zones with quests and mobs for their level range?

Yes. This helps give players a choice in content, and also adds a high level of replay value.

10. Will there be flying mounts included at any time? (Not including the taxi service, flying mounts that players control!)

There are no plans for flying mounts at this time.

11. What can players expect from TERA's end-game content?

Tera's endgame will involve the full spectrum of things you expect from an MMO, including battling in dungeons with PvE instances; taking to the battlegrounds to fight for honor; working the economy with crafting, enchanting, and playing the market. In addition, players will be able to influence the history of each server by participating in the in-game political system. TERA also understands the importance of alternate characters, so you will see some goodies for the altaholics out there!

Misc.

1. Will TERA receive global updates? Will there be a delay across different versions of the game?

It is every developer's dream to have a global simultaneous release, which minimizes a ton of work in supporting different branches of code, but there's also the reality of localization time. We will work to minimize this delta as much as possible, because it benefits everyone.

2. Will TERA support add-ons?

Right now our focus is not on UI but on the action in the middle of the screen. We're looking into ways of supporting fan contributions to TERA, but we haven't decided on anything concrete yet.

3. What measures will En Masse Entertainment take against players using third-party programs and buying/selling in-game currency?

We believe that security is an essential aspect of any successful game, and equally as important as game balance or the combat system.
We have a ton of things planned to help us stay ahead of the criminals looking to ruin the game experience, but we recognize that it will be an ongoing fight.

4. Are there any plans to include a specifically-tagged roleplaying server at launch?

A roleplaying server is something we'll consider, but hopefully players will take it upon themselves to roleplay their characters, regardless. 

5. Will TERA launch with an Oceanic server?

This is something we'll consider closer to launch.

6. Will the NA and EU servers be released at the same time?
This is our current plan, yes.

7. Will TERA release with 24-7 in-game customer support?

We will have customer service staff available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

8. How many betas are planned for the West? How will beta keys be made available?

There will be a few rounds of Beta tests planned for the West on various scales. We'll let the community know about availability of Beta keys when we're a little closer to starting them. Our fans will definitely be the first people we think of when we're handing out our Beta keys!

9. Can you explain what the exact difference between PvP and PvE servers will be in TERA?

PvP servers will allow for open world PvP; when you're out in the field, you're at risk. PvE servers limit that risk to consensual activities like duels, battlegrounds, and some other neat features we're working on. (Those consensual activities are available on PvP servers, too.)

Brian Knox unveiled Tera to the masses through a live demonstration today at GDC 2010. This video covers Console-Control Gaming, Politics, Castania, Crescent Town (FGT PvP Tournament Area), and the Basic Storyline. Anyone even slightly interested in Tera needs to watch this. Without further adue...

You had questions? We've got answers! Here's the next round from us, the last until after GDC. We'll probably start a new thread then to help keep things simple.

In terms of PVP: we know a lot of you are asking about details on this, and (for reasons I hope are evident) we've consolidated our reply into a single response.

How does PVP work?
A: PVP will be on a sever-by-server basis, meaning that players who chose to participate in PVP may do so but those who do not, will not be required to play on severs that allow PVP. There are no predetermined factions in TERA, but we expect guilds to come into conflict with each other and PVP will be one way that conflict is expressed. Since we're still making adjustments based on feedback from the FGTs and Beta tests, we'll share further details on PVP in the future.

Will High Elves be able to have red hair?
A: The High Elves (and other races) are exploring new hairdressers and colorists.

Are there any available entry-level or internship positions available with En Masse?
A: Visit http://www.enmasse.com and click Careers to browse our available positions.

Are you taking action against people who leaked material covered under NDA?
A: We take leaks very seriously and will take action as appropriate.

Is there a date yet for a FGT or Beta for us anytime soon?
A: Stay tuned after GDC!

Is it going to be like the Korean one with 20k testers and stress test? I'm really concerned about the status of our beta tests.
A: We'll be testing many things during future betas, including stress tests.

Will the next FGT run on the same client and game data as the third closed beta in Korea?
A: No.

Is there really no chance the game is going to be released in 2010?
A: We'd rather take a little extra time to make sure the game is great than rush the game to market.


That's it for this round, see you after GDC!

You had questions? We've got answers! Here's the next round from us, the last until after GDC. We'll probably start a new thread then to help keep things simple.

In terms of PVP: we know a lot of you are asking about details on this, and (for reasons I hope are evident) we've consolidated our reply into a single response.

How does PVP work?
A: PVP will be on a sever-by-server basis, meaning that players who chose to participate in PVP may do so but those who do not, will not be required to play on severs that allow PVP. There are no predetermined factions in TERA, but we expect guilds to come into conflict with each other and PVP will be one way that conflict is expressed. Since we're still making adjustments based on feedback from the FGTs and Beta tests, we'll share further details on PVP in the future.

Will High Elves be able to have red hair?
A: The High Elves (and other races) are exploring new hairdressers and colorists.

Are there any available entry-level or internship positions available with En Masse?
A: Visit http://www.enmasse.com and click Careers to browse our available positions.

Are you taking action against people who leaked material covered under NDA?
A: We take leaks very seriously and will take action as appropriate.

Is there a date yet for a FGT or Beta for us anytime soon?
A: Stay tuned after GDC!

Is it going to be like the Korean one with 20k testers and stress test? I'm really concerned about the status of our beta tests.
A: We'll be testing many things during future betas, including stress tests.

Will the next FGT run on the same client and game data as the third closed beta in Korea?
A: No.

Is there really no chance the game is going to be released in 2010?
A: We'd rather take a little extra time to make sure the game is great than rush the game to market.


That's it for this round, see you after GDC!

You had questions? We've got answers! Here's the next round from us, the last until after GDC. We'll probably start a new thread then to help keep things simple.

In terms of PVP: we know a lot of you are asking about details on this, and (for reasons I hope are evident) we've consolidated our reply into a single response.

How does PVP work?
A: PVP will be on a sever-by-server basis, meaning that players who chose to participate in PVP may do so but those who do not, will not be required to play on severs that allow PVP. There are no predetermined factions in TERA, but we expect guilds to come into conflict with each other and PVP will be one way that conflict is expressed. Since we're still making adjustments based on feedback from the FGTs and Beta tests, we'll share further details on PVP in the future.

Will High Elves be able to have red hair?
A: The High Elves (and other races) are exploring new hairdressers and colorists.

Are there any available entry-level or internship positions available with En Masse?
A: Visit http://www.enmasse.com and click Careers to browse our available positions.

Are you taking action against people who leaked material covered under NDA?
A: We take leaks very seriously and will take action as appropriate.

Is there a date yet for a FGT or Beta for us anytime soon?
A: Stay tuned after GDC!

Is it going to be like the Korean one with 20k testers and stress test? I'm really concerned about the status of our beta tests.
A: We'll be testing many things during future betas, including stress tests.

Will the next FGT run on the same client and game data as the third closed beta in Korea?
A: No.

Is there really no chance the game is going to be released in 2010?
A: We'd rather take a little extra time to make sure the game is great than rush the game to market.


That's it for this round, see you after GDC!