This month's update centers around the advancement of our ongoing storyline. You've no doubt discovered by now that there is quite a bit of politics, conflict, and intrigue occurring inside the Earth & Beyond universe. We've built the foundation for an exciting, dynamic story, and now we're ready to move forward with the plot. The primary method for advancing the storyline is by adding new content, and we've got 15 new missions for you this month, including three level 50 promotion missions, all but one of which are available to all classes. The progression of the epic storyline includes new dialogues for major NPCs throughout the game. Class leaders and level 50 promotion officers no longer have audio dialogue, as a result. We'd urge you to seek out class leader NPCs you may have done jobs for in the past and see if they have anything new to tell you.

Be sure you keep up to date by following Net-7 broadcasts and updates, available from the Intergalactic Terminals in starbases. Reports cover a wide variety of topics and often contain hints and clues. The efforts of the pilots who donated their time to assist in the "Alien Watch" were instrumental in plotting some of the flight patterns of the V'rix, while simultaneously opening up new avenues of speculation about the mysterious ships. The V'rix aside, there's more going on than meets the eye as interested groups begin the process of gathering and decoding fragments of messages that are starting to be found throughout the galaxy!

Skill Changes

In addition to the storyline changes and the implementation of new missions, we've begun taking a hard look at some of the bugs associated with skills which you have brought to our attention. This month we focused our attention on the Cloaking skill, the Environment Shield skill and the Negotiate skill. We're still working on this project and you'll see additional changes and fixes in future game updates.

Here are the skill bug fixes this month:

• The descriptions for some skills have been changed to reflect fixes that have been made. Some errors in Trainer locations have been updated as well.
  
• Fixed a bug where the reactors of all group members would have a constant power drain while affected by the Group Cloak ability. Now, only the skill user will be affected by this drain.
  
• Fixed a bug where MOBs were able to continue firing on and using skills and items against players for a brief period of time after the player successfully cloaked. MOBs that cannot see through the cloak ability can no longer affect players once the cloak ability has successfully passed through the power-up phase. Pre-existing damage over time effects will run their full course before being removed from the player.
  
• Negotiate Contract (Level 7 Negotiate) skill will now give a bonus to credit rewards from Job Terminals.
  
• Fixed a bug that caused your ship to continue taking damage after Environment Shield was activated in a location where the skill should have protected you.
  
• Fixed a bug with the amount of shield recharge or equipment repair applied to main target using Area Recharge Shields and Area Repair Equipment abilities. The effect was being applied twice, once directly on the target and then again as part of the Area of Effect. The bug fix reduces the effectiveness of these two skills on the target by approximately 25%.
  
• Fixed a bug that permitted item effects to persist after an item was unequipped.
  
• The description for the Stealth Strike (Level 5 Cloak) skill has been fixed. Additionally, we wanted to better explain how the skill works as there seems to be considerable confusion.

  In Earth & Beyond all damage modifiers are applied in an additive manner. This means that all damage modifiers are first summed then applied to the base damage of a weapon. Therefore in a case where only the weapon skill damage modifier is in play the calculation would be (Base Damage)*(1+Weapon Skill Modifier). For example, we have a Base Damage of 50 and a weapon skill modifier of 100% (which translates into a modifier of 1.00). The damage would be calculated as 50*(1+1.00), or 50*2, or 100. When a second modifier is introduced into the calculation the formula becomes (Base Damage)*(1+(Sum of All Modifiers)). If we introduce Stealth Strike, a 100% damage modifier, into our example the calculation would be (Base Damage)*(1+(Weapon Skill Modifier)+(Stealth Strike Modifier)), or 50*(1+(1.00)+(1.00)), or 150. These calculations yield the mean damage. Damage volatility, which varies according to damage type, is then applied to the mean damage. In the case of energy damage the modifier is +/-25%, so our example that includes Stealth Strike could yield results ranging from 112-188. Finally, there is a range component for all beam weapons. At max range, a beam only does 50% of its maximum damage. At half of max range and below, beams are capable of putting out 100% damage. So, at max range, our 112-188 damage is scaled down to 56-94.

Just in from Net-7

Old Nick and the Elfman Triplets Missing
Lonny, Donny and Gunter Elfman, the confection distributors from an unidentified business enterprise, appear to have vanished from their usual hang-outs without notice. Some questions have been raised regarding the unusual trio's motives in giving away so many samples of their "free" merchandise. In a potentially related story, Old Nick, the eclectic pilot that caused so many traffic pile-ups during his recent tours of the galaxy has also disappeared. "I was getting pretty tired of the jammed airwaves whenever Old Nick appeared in my part of the galaxy", confided one pilot. "But now that he's missing, I kinda miss the guy", he continued. Authorities do not suspect foul play.

Kahn Returns!
Anjuren Kahn, Former Primarch of the Progen Republic, has announced the end of his self-exile and is returning to lead the construction of a defensive energy shield around 61 Cygni. "The weapon ore mines must be protected at all costs," proclaimed Kahn. "The 'bugs' are obviously hostile. All able-bodied pilots are urged to report to Aganju for assignments."

Rumors of Tada-O Interest in Valentine's Day
Rumors of Play-O's (a subsidiary of Tada-O) interest in the ancient holiday of Valentine's Day has caused hysteria amongst pilots accustomed to recent Tada-O research and development efforts. "I remember the pumpkin fiasco", complained one pilot who asked to remain anonymous. "And then there was that whole gate debacle. I don't even want to imagine what will happen next." An official request to the Tada-O corporate offices for further information regarding this rumor was answered with the following statement: "We are not prepared in order to make declaration this time regarding the plan of Tada-O because of the day of giving hearts".

Hyperia Gate Soon to be Reality
As previously reported by Net-7 News, former InfinitiCorp employee Loric continues to proceed with his much-maligned plans to build the Hyperia gate, which will link Deneb to an undisclosed system. Loric has asked that anyone interested in being a part of his "historic endeavor" meet with him in Lagarto Sector. While several sources have ridiculed the Hyperia plans, Loric himself has dismissed those comments, suggesting that his detractors have a vested interest in maintaining the InfinitiCorp and Jenquai monopoly on gate technology.

Strange Fragments Recovered
Apparently the latest fad in the galaxy involves the collection and decoding of encrypted message fragments. Several different groups are involved and have been hoarding their finds, according to one combat pilot. "Yah, I was doing my regular sweep through the Red Dragon camps and started finding these weird chunks of data. I must have hit them at just the right time, because I've never seen this stuff before on my patrols. I wonder if they're collecting them for some reason or getting ready to move them somewhere?" Not just the Red Dragons are involved. Unconfirmed reports mention other organized groups are engaged in the same activity.

Psi Blockades Make an Impact
Alleged Psi sympathizer Nostradamus has applauded the efforts of those pilots who have been instrumental in disrupting the InfinitiCorp "slave trade." "Recent interdiction efforts have called attention to the plight of the Psis in Aganju," explained Nostradamus. "With the public outcry and awareness at all-time highs we're poised to take the next step in pressing for Psi Rights. Sympathizers are encouraged to provide additional support and may wish to discuss plans with me." InfintiCorp spokesman Richard Tavishaw chuckled and opted to issue no statement in response.

Enjoy!

- Cerdith

Here are the details:

General

• Rumors of Play-O (a subsidiary of Tada-O) interest in the ancient holiday of Valentine's Day has caused hysteria amongst pilots accustomed to recent Tada-O research and development efforts.
  
• Old Nick, the mysterious distributor of sealed crates, as well as the Elfman triplets have vanished.
  
• Changed the mission terminal so it refreshes jobs more quickly.
  
• Fixed a server crash related to hulk cleanup and certain skill abilities.
  
• Fixed various graphical glitches.
  
• Fixed a bug on Zweihander Planet. It is no longer possible to fly over the horizon.

• The story has advanced; class leaders and other class leader NPCs will discuss new concerns and may offer new missions.
  
• There is a new Level 50 Promotion Mission, "Fighting the Landauer Drones" available. All classes are eligible to take this mission. Seek out Anjuren Kahn in Aganju.
  
• There is a new Level 50 Promotion Mission, "The Crystal Presence" available. All classes are eligible to take this mission. Seek out Loric in Lagarto Sector.
  
• There is a new level 50 Promotion Mission, "Meeting the Underground" available. All classes are eligible to take this mission. Seek out Nostradamus in Aganju Sector for details.
  
• Cassel has moved from Tarsis to Arx Spartoi in the Endriago Sector.
  
• Ketsugo Outpost will now be more liberal when it comes to who can receive missions.
  
• Made adjustments to Sam the Robot's dialogue (Zweihander). He will no longer give his mission to non-Jenquai. He will now inform Jenquai where they can find the items he needs.
  
• Fragments of the Fourth Inspiration will now disappear correctly when you forfeit the mission.
  
• Fixed a bug where Feng Yonghong in the lounge in Trader's Fort in Ragnarok sector was too close to the table and being obstructed.

• Increased the drop chance for Small Gorge Teeth, Hardened Spindle Hides, Shusen Spines and Zenshai Fragments needed for missions out of Ketsugo Observatory.
  
• Increased the number of Mazzaroth Reaper Spores (ammo) the Mazzaroth Reapers will drop.
  
• A change has been made in the Mazzaroth Maelstrom so that the 'Soul of Mazzaroth' will not appear until the Warposts have been destroyed and an "Unborn Mazzaroth Soul" exists within the shields.
  
• Increased the base tractor beam speed by 25%.
  
• The descriptions for some skills have been changed to reflect fixes that have been made. Some errors in Trainer locations have been updated as well.
  
• Negotiate Contract (Level 7 Negotiate) skill will now give a bonus to credit rewards from Job Terminals.
  
• Fixed the description for the Stealth Strike (Level 5 Cloak) skill.
  
• Fixed a bug where the reactors of all group members would have a constant power drain while affected by the Group Cloak ability. Now, only the skill user will be affected by this drain.
  
• Fixed a bug where MOBs were able to continue firing on and using skills and items against players for a brief period of time after the player successfully cloaked. MOBs that cannot see through the cloak ability can no longer affect players once the cloak ability has successfully passed through the power-up phase. Pre-existing damage over time effects will run their full course before being removed from the player.
  
• Fixed a bug that caused your ship to continue taking damage after Environment Shield was activated in a location where the skill should have protected you.
  
• Fixed problem with the amount of shield recharge or equipment repair applied to main target using Area Recharge Shields and Area Repair Equipment abilities.
  
• Fixed a bug where in certain cases a group in formation would be unable to enter warp until they logged out and back in again.
  
• Fixed a bug that permitted item effects to persist after an item was unequipped.
  
• The Progen Construction Envoy in the Vega System will no longer attack you if you have bad faction with them.
  
• GetCo ships no longer display InfinitiCorp faction.
  
• The GETCo Freight Hauler now has hull strength.

• Enough information has been discovered about the species commonly known as "Unknown" that authorities have released an update to ship scanners. These alien craft will now be identified by their proper name, "V'rix".
  
• Gating from Cooper to Grissom will now place you close to the gate.
  
• Removed messages about repair and rescue fees when docking with starbases.

• Reports are filtering in that lots of encrypted messages are being found throughout the galaxy.
  
• Items on vendors will now display the "Cannot Use" symbol if the player cannot equip them.
  
• Added "Ultra FlexiGlass Slugs" to tech 4 component vendors.
  
• Added "Spare Parts" to Jagerstadt's trade goods vendor.
  
• The "Focus of the Celestial" and "Force of the Celestial" items should now show their energy use and effect range.
  
• Added the activation description to the Hellbore missile launcher.
  
• Replaced duplicate Ellen Gold vendor in Aragoth Station with Jenna Fortier, in Valkyrie Twins Sector.
  
• Earth Station vendor, Sondra Benen, will now buy all the same trade goods as vendor Lenorn Listor.
  
• Fixed Friendship 7 vendor Krisitn Sadler's name to Kristin Sadler.
  
• Removed redundant Evolver LiteWave XTR from Tech 9 component vendors.
  
• Removed redundant Evolver Firefly Pro MLS from Tech 7 component vendors.
  
• Fixed spelling errors in some item descriptions.

• Fixed typos and awkward phrasing of messages sent when a group member logs off.

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• Made several improvements to the Job Terminal Interface by fixing sorting issues by reward as well as removing the unused time column.
  
• Ship and avatar re-customization interface terminals have been wall-mounted in hangar bays. They should no longer block movement within starbases.
  
• The "Outdated Message Type" will no longer be displayed when a projectile round jams.
  
• Fixed a bug with the mouse cursor involving skill activation and the shortcut bar.

• Updated the dialogues for many NPCs in conjunction with the evolving storyline.
  
• NPCs no longer have audio dialogue.