Release 77

RELEASE 77, April 30, 2020
Release 77 of Shroud of the Avatar goes live this Thursday, April 30, at 10:30 AM US Central Time (16:30 UTC).

We want to express a huge amount of gratitude to the players who tested the items listed below on our QA server. They found many bugs and also provided editorial feedback on this post so that it is easy to read and actually matches what is in the game. Keep the input coming, and again — thank you!

Before offering feedback and/or reporting a bug, we kindly ask that you read this whole message and the linked Player Guide and Known Issues to get up to date on the current game state. To keep up to date, please check out the Patch Notes.

By taking a few moments to read through this information, a great deal of our time and effort can be focused on new unanswered questions and addressing critical issues that impact each release. We greatly appreciate you taking the time to review this post and for all the truly valuable feedback you continue to provide.

Remember that while we are providing new content with each release, our community is also working overtime to make new events for you to enjoy. Be sure to check the schedule for player-run events in the Community Events Forums. You can also get the latest official events on the Main Website.

Here is a list of what you can expect to see in RELEASE 77, April 30, 2020.


 * New Adventure Scene: Bunker C!: Keith “Sannio” Quinn has completed “Bunker C” which is now available for adventurers in R77 to explore! “Bunker C” is a new underground scene accessible from the caves underneath the Northwest Blackblade Mountains. Players are directed to this crumbling underground shelter as part of a quest that starts in Novia’s Far Hinterlands. The bunker challenges players with deadly lava in addition to undead and elemental threats. This bunker also includes a vault door puzzle, multiple traps and even lava fishing! [[Image:sceneBunkerc_water.jpg|1028px]] “An unusual doe wandering near the entrance of the Far Hinterlands needs your help to remove the curse that has turned her into an animal! Along the way, you’ll venture into the newly uncovered “Bunker C” and brave the high-threat dangers that lurk underground!” [[Image:sceneBunkerc_vault.jpg|1028px]] This new adventure scene is just one of many to arrive this year. Read more about what’s on the horizon in Shroud of the Avatar’s 2020 Vision! [[Image:sceneBunkerC.jpg|1028px]]
 * New Dark Shogun Outfit!: An exciting new addition arriving soon to the Crown Store is the Dark Shogun Outfit. This bold and shadowy armor set is a must have for any players venturing down the path of anti-virtue. Featuring “plate like” qualities, if this heavy armor set is salvaged to obtain eternal patterns, the patterns can be applied to player-crafted plate armor to take on the appearance of this new armor set. The outfit also features an emblemed black cloth cloak which also yields an eternal pattern when salvaged for application onto cloaks. The Dark Shogun Outfit is one of many additions this release recognizing “May the Fourth” and Japan’s “Golden Week” seasonal celebrations. (The armor set is still in design and testing but should arrive shortly after release.) [[Image:4Elg_DarkShogunArmor_A.jpg|1028px]] [[Image:itemDarkShogunArmor1.jpg|1028px]] [[Image:itemDarkShogunArmor2.jpg|1028px]] [[Image:itemDarkShogunArmor3.jpg|1028px]]
 * New Store Items: Electric Katanas, Ivy & More!: Exciting new additions arriving to the Crown Store are the Electric Katanas coming in three colors (Pink, Red and Green). These “electrifying” new 2-handed swords, if salvaged, will yield eternal patterns which can be applied to player-crafted 2-handed swords. Also arriving to the store is a pack of English ivy to adorn the deco surfaces of building sides — perfect for making that knight’s keep a little more rustic! Last but certainly not least — plants! Many plants! The Cherry Pie Plant, the Potted Banana Plants (3-Pack) and the Potted Chusan Palm Plants (3-Pack) will all offer much more variety to the plant-type deco throughout your homes and gardens. These decorations, to include the Dark Shogun Armor previously spotlighted in these release notes, were inspired by “May the Fourth,” Japan’s Golden Week and Greenery Day! [[Image:SS_4Elg_Katana_Pink_A.jpg|1028px]]
 * Pink Electric Katana (Breast Cancer Awareness Charity Item)
 * Red Electric Katana
 * Green Electric Katana
 * Ivy Wall Decoration Set
 * Cherry Pie Plant (Heliotrope)
 * Potted Banana Plants (3-Pack)
 * Potted Chusan Palm Plants (3-Pack) [[Image:SS_4Elg_WallIvy_A.jpg|1005px]] [[Image:SS_4Elg_Bananaplants_A.jpg|1005px]] [[Image:SS_4Elg_chusanplants_A.jpg|1005px]]


 * May Login Reward: Greenery Day Potted Plant!: In celebration of Greenery Day, this decorative potted plant is yours simply by logging in during the month of May. It’s a perfect addition to your home or garden, and in the spirit of this celebration, players can express their love of plants and nature. Happy gardening, Avatars! [[Image:4Elg_MayLogin_Heliotrope_A.jpg|1028px]]
 * Release 77 Reward Program Exclusive Login Reward Items: “May the Fourth” Theme!: Avatars! Rewards Program exclusive login reward items for Release 77 are “May the Fourth” themed! Reward Program members will receive these exclusive items immediately upon logging in during Release 77! “May the fourth be with you!” [[Image:SS_4Elg_TrainingOrbPet_A.jpg|1028px]]
 * Electric Sword Training Orb Pet
 * Electric Sword Training Helmet
 * Blue Electric Katana [[Image:SS_4Elg_TrainingOrbPet_ANDHELM_A.jpg|1005px]] [[Image:SS_4Elg_Katana_Blue_A.jpg|1005px]]


 * Sky Navy Vault Round!: The current round of Vault items are available until Thursday, May 7th at 10:30 AM CST. At that time, the next round of 9 items will be available for two weeks, and then the next, etc. [[Image:SotA_StarCitizen_Airship_City_Home.jpg|1028px]]
 * Star Citizen Airship City Home
 * Burned Skeletons
 * Cylindrical Automaton Pet
 * Blue Electric Sword
 * Electric Halberd
 * Adobe Dome Deco Set
 * White Aeronaut Clockwork Full Face Helm
 * All Metal Crossbow
 * /floatmeditate Emote [[Image:SS_4Elf_VaultR76_3_BurnedSkeletons_A.jpg|1005px]] [[Image:SS_4Elf_VaultR76_3_Floatmediate_A.jpg|1005px]]


 * World & UI Changes: These miscellaneous updates affecting the game world or aspects of the user interface (UI) patched in during R76 or will go live on or shortly after R77: [[Image:SS_4Elg_Ep2SS_B.jpg|1028px]]
 * Level-Up Effects: Players now receive an audio prompt and VFX when gaining an adventure or production level
 * Food Consumption Duration: The time it takes to devour food has been reduced greatly
 * Bard Trainer: The Bard skill tree trainer has been added to the Ruins of Utheim
 * Quest XP Increased: Potentially a temporary amount, players currently receive x10 XP for completing quests
 * GPU Occlusion Setting: (Windows Only) can now be toggled in the Options Menu
 * XP Command: Added a /xp command allowing players to see additional XP data in the chat interface
 * Pooled XP: Experience is no longer shared between characters on the same account (XP earned prior to the change is still shared)
 * Repeatable Quests: various repeatable quests became daily quests due to increased XP rewards
 * Solace Bridge Outskirts: Improved how the “Investigate the Undead Mystery” task clears
 * Aerie: Improved how Yngvarr responds when returning to him with the Reclamation Unit Parts package
 * Celestis: All boats to Novia also have the option to go to Solania, and added rowboat teleporters to interconnect the four primary docks (similar to signpost teleporters in POTs)
 * Resolute: Improved the “weapons upgrade” quest turn-in for Whitten


 * Crafting, Items & Economy Changes: These changes to the player economy, in-game items, or crafting patched in during R76 or will go live on or shortly after Release 77: [[Image:concept-SotA_sigils_Crafting_02.jpg|1028px]]
 * Crafting Batch Size: Have been increased from 20 to 50
 * Supply Bundles: Now have a chance to include an XP reward item that scales with bundle type (will be tradeable soon)
 * Water Buckets: Weight reduced to 0.2 lbs from 2 pounds
 * Aether Orb: This off-hand item now features enhanced VFX and can be placed as a decoration
 * Heart of Vrul: This off-hand item now features enhanced VFX and can be placed as a decoration
 * Outdoor Lighting: Nearly doubled for all player housing lot types
 * Mini Automaton (Gold, Silver, Brass): Now feature Ink conversation system abilities
 * Aetheric Amplifier Console: Improved store item description and Player Guide entry


 * Combat Balance & Changes: These changes to combat skills or concepts patched in during R76 or will go live on or shortly after Release 77: [[Image:screenshot-SS_Grannus_01.jpg|1028px]]
 * Bard Specialization Skill: Now available on the Bard skill tree
 * Concussive Canticle: Balanced and damage output was reduced
 * Bard Skill VFX: Additional bard skill VFX were added/updated
 * Bard Skill Cast Time: No longer affected by cast duration reduction effects such as Chaotic Feedback


 * Updated Player Owned Towns: These updates affected Player Owned Towns which patched in during R76 or will go live on or shortly after Release 77: [[Image:R77_Map_of_Novia_POT.jpg|1028px]]
 * Alaric’s Holding: Added new Holdfast to Mistrendur
 * Allaman: Moved to Mistrendur
 * Arx Draconis Annex: Added new Holdfast to Mistrendur
 * Ashiya Hama: Added new Holdfast to Mistrendur
 * Bedlam: Added new Holdfast to Mistrendur
 * Belly of the Snake: Renamed from Saint Mary’s Island, moved to Mistrendur, and updated interconnections
 * Beran’s Reach: Upgraded to Megalopolis
 * Black Mesa East: Moved to Mistrendur
 * Bricktown: Moved to Mistrendur
 * Caladruin: Moved to Mistrendur
 * Candlelight Stronghold: Added new Holdfast to Mistrendur
 * Cayo Hueso: Added new Holdfast, nested in Brittany Fields
 * Clevedon: Moved to Mistrendur
 * Cottage Grove: Changed owner
 * Cremetorium: Added new Holdfast to Mistrendur
 * Crossroads Landing: Added new Holdfast to Mistrendur
 * Crypt of Dysis: Added new Holdfast to Mistrendur
 * Dara Brae: Moved to Mistrendur
 * Darkshire Hills: Upgraded to Megalopolis
 * Devil’s Lair: Added new Holdfast to Mistrendur
 * Drachensumpf: Moved to Mistrendur
 * Dragonhame: Moved to Mistrendur
 * East Port: Renamed from Aerie Centre Exchange. Move to near Soltown
 * En Nox: Changed governor
 * Far Green: Added new Village island to Mistrendur
 * Festival: Moved to Mistrendur
 * Goober’s Gas Station: Added new Holdfast to Mistrendur
 * Haunted Keep of Solania: Moved to Mistrendur
 * Heartwood: Moved to Mistrendur
 * Helmgart: Added new Hamlet to Mistrendur
 * Immortal City: Moved to Mistrendur
 * Jade Gardens: Renamed from Jade Caverns, changed to Forest 02, and moved to Mistrendur
 * J’Tavern: Added new Holdfast to Mistrendur
 * Knowhere: Moved to Mistrendur
 * Lamplight: Changed governor
 * Logan’s Farm: Added new Holdfast to Mistrendur
 * Meadow’s Edge: Added new City to Mistrendur
 * Multivisium: Added new Holdfast to Mistrendur
 * New Heaven: Changed owner
 * NobleBright: Added new Hamlet to Mistrendur
 * Noshima Island: Moved to Mistrendur
 * Notuo: Added new Holdfast to Mistrendur
 * Obsidius: Added new Village to Mistrendur
 * Oracle Oasis: Moved to Mistrendur
 * Ordinis Mortis: Upgraded to Megalopolis
 * Organized Chaos Market: Added new Holdfast to Mistrendur
 * Outlandia: Added new Holdfast to Mistrendur
 * PaxLair: Upgraded to Megalopolis
 * PaxLocus: Added new Holdfast to Mistrendur
 * Phoenix Haven: Added new Holdfast to Mistrendur
 * Ravenshead: Added new Holdfast to Mistrendur
 * Reef of the Occult: Moved to Mistrendur
 * Refugees Hideout: Moved to Mistrendur
 * Reverie: Moved to Mistrendur
 * Rinzai: Moved to Mistrendur
 * Riptown Creek: Added new Village to Mistrendur
 * Sentinel Stand: Added new Holdfast to Mistrendur
 * Silent Ascent: Changed nesting to Ordinis Mortis
 * Silver Springs Market: Added new Holdfast to Mistrendur
 * Siren Song Bayou: Upgraded to Municipality
 * Storms End: Upgraded to Megalopolis
 * Traveller’s Rest: Added new Crossroads Village to Mistrendur
 * Tune: Added new Holdfast to Mistrendur
 * Verschneites Expeditionslager: Added new Holdfast to Mistrendur [[Image:R77_Map_of_Mistrendur_POT.jpg|1005px]]


 * Bug Fixes: Albeit many bug fixes patched in during R76 or will go live on or shortly after Release 77, here are some of the highlights! [[Image:concept-Oracle-Watchers.jpg|1028px]]
 * Fixed pillars of smoke on every house
 * Fixed broken textures on female NPC’s
 * Fixed various client stability issues
 * Fixed font size bug affecting performance
 * Fixed some of the lighting issues currently affecting players
 * Fixed exit volume issue where they became visible to players
 * Fixed Troll Toenail exploit where daily limit could be bypassed
 * Fixed missing texture on Baron’s servant
 * Fixed occlusion issue with Norgard Fens elevator
 * Fixed 2 Tartarus Barrels which were overlapping
 * Fixed Ornate Oak Panel Wardrobe to work as container
 * Fixed collision with Tulip Vase (significantly reduced)
 * Fixed “Start on World Map” functionality for Mistrendur
 * Fixed Levitating boulder in Plains Encounter
 * Fixed navmesh issue in Ulfheim
 * Fixed basement hatches not placing in LOTI Mansions
 * Fixed basement hatches not placing in Rustic Antique Shop
 * Fixed collision issue with trees on Mistrendur (turned off now)
 * Fixed tree overlapping player lot in Central Brittany
 * Fixed Magic Warding skill on Tactics trainer in Desolis (now trainable)
 * Fixed a hitching issue with Linux client
 * Fixed store description with Cloth Aeronaut Helm
 * Fixed pattern functionality with Cloth Aeronaut Helm
 * Fixed an issue where Pendro (Yew) was sometimes accepting a rune bag more frequently than once each day
 * Fixed “Disable Friendly Buffs” functionality in Options Menu
 * Fixed Toggle UI and Ping Lot Signs keybind issue
 * Fixed trigger volumes for South Midmaer Way puzzle teleporter

As you can see, there are so many more exciting features and improvements coming to players of Shroud of the Avatar this year, and R77 is just the beginning! The Shroud 2020 Vision Post by Chris Spears outlines a wondrous schedule of features coming our way. If you’d like to follow a day-by-day play-by-play posting of Chris’ activities, check out the Official Catnip Games Twitter Feed to get the most up-to-date information! And just because something didn’t make it into the 2020 Vision Post, no worries! There’ll be many new features that sneak in throughout the year as each release unfolds.

Episode 2 features are in-bound which includes new story, new lands, a revamp of the Quest and Journal system, a Theater System, Treasure Hunting with treasure maps that show up as loot, Item Affinity, Taming system expansions, Customizable NPCs, and expanded permissions for containers and doors!

As a reminder, here are links to Player Instructions and Known Issues. Also, a list of helpful links is available on our New Player Welcome Forum pinned right at the top! Thank you again for your continued support. This is truly the most amazing community we have ever worked with, and we are proud to be on this journey with you.

Sincerely, Shroud of the Avatar Development Team

Additional Information

 * Release 77 Instructions
 * Release 77 Known Issues
 * Quick Reference Card