Shotbow

Hello Survivors!

The past two months have been incredible. We are steadily pushing content out and MineZ is steadily growing again. As we enter July we wanted to use this thread to give you a glimpse into the next couple of months.

Dark Deeds

The next big content release we have planned is coming together nicely. We are focusing on smaller, more refined stories taking what we’ve learned from players and applying it to our new locations.

First, we are looking into revising the emerald shard questline. Currently, it is not very accessible to most players, and even veteran players have a hard time completing this quest. We are looking into alternative challenges that will bolster the solo player, meaning you do not have to complete the path to Axis Mundi to collect one of these shards. The hardest part of this is keeping the difficulty in the right place so that we can continue to give out good rewards at the end of this quest.

Now to the main event; this dark creation of ours. If the header image is any hint, we’re working on something special. This particular “quest” will feature many locations you have already seen, though slightly reimagined, as well as some new ones.

In my opinion, it is the most unique and exciting content we’ve put into MineZ as far as builds and dungeons go. Furthermore, it is being created with the intention of it being possible to solo or do with small groups.

More information on this will come later in July so stay tuned!

What You Treasure

Two weeks ago, we released a follow-up to MineZ: Origins, the Loot Overhaul Update.

With this update, we expanded on the progression system, and reintroduced Mythic Chests onto the map. So far, the reception has been very positive to these changes, and we are continuing to explore ways to further this revised loot system.

We are listening to your feedback, and working to make impactful changes that are needed to smooth out gameplay, and enhance the overall experience in MineZ.

Follow the Signs

Mentioned in the Loot Overhaul Post, Quests will be coming to MineZ soon. They are well on their way, and Doc has made incredibly exciting steps in creating this system. We hope to debut it later this summer.

Currently we are drawing inspiration from games like Oblivion and Witcher III, which have very unique and structured quest systems.

Dawn of the Second Sun



The calendars can not be wrong. Even in these uncertain times, those dutiful record-keepers continue their job. The Dawn of the Second Sun approaches. It is needed this year more then any other.

Surely, you remember this holiday, right? Well, as with prior years, Festival Carts have been pulled into certain towns around the world. If you happen to stumble across these carts, feel free to take what you need!

These carts contain beautiful and rare fireworks that you can collect and launch. They will only be available for a short time. Fireworks, like many other things, are severely limited in these times.

Names Build Character



Teased by Doc earlier in June, we’re bringing in a new title system to locations around the world. These titles will display when you enter a new location and may contain a small subtitle hinting at this location’s importance to the world.

This is a fun feature we were happy to include and we hope you enjoy these! For those of you worried that this might intrude on your playstyle, we have included an option in /toggle to disable these messages.

We hope this helps new players become more familiar with the world and give a hint at what these locations contain and mean to the world of MineZ.

Archaic and Forgotten



As a reminder, it is now possible to purchase the very symbols of the Gods and illuminate your faith to them.

Furthermore, the symbol of the Eclipsed, the mysterious group interwoven in so much of MineZ’s history, is now purchasable on the Shotbow Shop!

Play with Flare!

Along with the particle banner cosmetics, the MineZ team has been hard at work designing new and fun cosmetics for you to use when engaging with your enemies!

Coming to the Shotbow Shop very soon, Kill Effects, as well as Arrow Trails will be purchasable in the store! We already have plans to expand upon the first wave of these, so keep an eye on our Twitter for updates!

What is a Picture Worth?

This competition has been extended to August 1st, 2020.

MineZ is a world rich with picturesque landscape, towns, and legendary locations. Over the past eight years the map has grown; builders and community members alike contributing to its shared legacy.

This month we’ll be kicking off the MineZ Summer Screenshot contest. We are encouraging you to get out there, trek across the vast landscape, and find a location that speaks to you. Snap a photo of it using any shaderpack you want, and submit it at the link below.

Submission Link

Theme

We are looking for screenshots that would look great as a wallpaper. You will be judged on how closely you adhere to this theme, so be creative! The winner's image will be featured as one of the backgrounds on the Shotbow website!

Judging

You will be judged in the following areas:

• Creativity
• Originality
• Adherence to Theme

Rules

• All pictures must be taken in game on Shotbow. Screenshots featuring locations world downloaded will be removed from the competition and any violators will be subject to punishment as detailed in our rules.
• While the use of a Shaderpack is encouraged, you may not use any textures other than default Minecraft textures.
• You may only submit one picture. You may resubmit as many times as you like up until the deadline. Your last submission will be used.
• Post-processing of images is not allowed. If any images are discovered to have gone through post-processing they will be removed and you will be disqualified.
• All images must be uploaded to a file sharing website, such as http://www.imgur.com.

Prizes

• 40,000 Shotbow XP
• A unique In-game Item
• Your image featured on the Shotbow website.
• The World Forge Cosmetic

In addition, the running up 14 contestants will receive a special item, commemorating this event.

Good Luck!

Exceptional Creators

In the past weeks, we’ve seen some exceptional content from players. From tutorials to theory videos, the level of content that players are making is exceptional and helpful to players. Going forward, we’d like to honor these players in these end of the month threads while also giving them access to The World Forge Cosmetic. More on that to come.

If you haven’t already, I would definitely check out ShayminPlays YouTube Channel. Here you can find tantalizing theories that connect the many threads of MineZ together. They are enjoyable to listen to and fun to think about.

Recently, longtime member GunOverdose started posting MineZ Tutorials. These tutorials are very useful, especially if new players find them. They’re something that we encourage community members to do and we are impressed with the quality of his work.

We encourage you to film your experiences, teach new players, and create a better environment for everyone going forward. If you’re a content creator, we’ll be watching!

Community Montage

Our Shotbow Film Crew is proud to announce the MineZ Community Montage! We are looking for submissions of your favorite moments of exploration, fights, dungeon runs, or comedy!

You may have briefly seen this announced on our Twitter asking for your favorite moments from the Origins release. We have decided to expand outwards and accept all of your favorite moments, Origins related or otherwise.

Submission Link

Closing

June was a month of introspection for MineZ. We looked within and began a few corrective measures like the Loot Overhaul Update. MineZ has always been our passion to work on; our gift to you. This month, like the month before it, we have dedicated ourselves to proving that we will not go gentle into that good night. MineZ will rage against the dying of the light.

We have much more planned for you in July. This month has been lighter on build updates, with this post bringing you temporary builds and a rebuild in the form of Camp Kharj. Worry not! Incredible experiences await.

In the meantime, remember what makes Shotbow special. It's you. It always has been. I urge you all to forge new bonds. Create a tight community, and help those you see struggling with the game. Everyone gleams something different from this game, but we all share in the joy it brings us.

Until next time,

Thanks for flying Shotbow!

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Hello everyone! My name is Mistri, and I'll be your host for this month's edition of Dentril's New Moon. Please enjoy!

Updates
MineZ Updates
A couple weeks ago, MineZ released a follow-up to the long-awaited MineZ: Origins update, the Loot Overhaul Update. This update was released as a direct response to community feedback, as well as some shortcomings of the former loot system. Since the Overhaul Update, we have been hard at work tweaking and making adjustments that the community has been suggesting, and we are continuing to do so every day. You can read a full documented list of changes here.

Now that summer is upon us, we are committed to not only clean up some of the old pain points in the game, but to also expand outwards into uncharted territories. As teased prior, MineZ's Lead Developer, DocCodeSharp is hard at work on the Quest Update to MineZ, which will help breathe further life into this near decade old game. We are also in the beginning processes of reaching out to more players, both old and new. This project is of course, still in its infancy, but rest assured, it is on our radar, and we want to do it this summer.

From everyone on the MineZ Team, we have to thank you for your continued support and feedback, we want to continue this trend for the foreseeable future and help to rediscover the magic that MineZ once had.

SMASH Updates
This month, SMASH got some much welcomed love from lazertester. We added a ton of new features, like new items, team matches, and much more. You can read all about it on the update thread here!

When in Rogue Updates
Alpha Preview Weekend #6 happened this month, with tons of new content updates! If you missed out on the fun, be sure to stay tuned on the Shotbow forums throughout the next month for more tests.

Annihilation Updates
Work for the Annihilation 1.12.2 update is nearing completion. With the advent of this update, Shotbow will also open up the entire network for connections supporting versions above 1.12.2. Keep your eyes peeled for the future!

Statistics
SMASH Rankings
The spring season has just ended, and the results are in!

• 1st - Daggez - 75,000 XP
• 2nd - jiren74 - 50,000 XP
• 3rd - _Noba - 25,000 XP

Network in General
Staff updates:

• ArsMagia was promoted to Full Admin
• JACOBSMILE was promoted to MineZ Lead
• ACrispyTortilla was promoted to MineZ Co-Lead
• Swipe joined the Jr. Developer team
• AsianLittleKidd joined the Annihilation team as a Mini Admin
• McJeffr rejoined the Full Builder team
• Deadspeck, jamal135, and wmn joined the team as a Mini Builder
• Outra was promoted to Localizer

Other statistics:

• A total of 125,408,436 XP was earned by players this month
• There were 1,783 players banned in the last month
• This month we achieved a peak playercount of 527 on June 7
• 128 ban appeals were resolved in the last month
• 9,542 in-game reports were resolved in the last month
• 12 Rank Upgrade Requests were handled in the last month

Player Peak
This month, if we can hit over 900 players online at one time, we will do a giveaway on our Twitter! This time, we'll be giving 10 lucky winners a 1-month subscriber package.

What can I do to help?
Play on Shotbow! During the COVID-19 outbreak, it's important to stay indoors to avoid spread of the virus — so invite your friends, and invite their friends too! Heck, make friends and invite them to Shotbow! Spread the word about our amazing games, and in return we'll work as hard as we can to make your experience the best it can possibly be.

Closing Words
I hope you enjoyed reading this newsletter! As always, comments are appreciated. I'm your host, Mistri — thanks for flying Shotbow!

When in Rogue will be open to play for premium players this weekend starting at 8pm CST tonight, to Sunday 8pm CST.

There are a few things to play with this preview, specifically Artifact Upgrades, and breaking artifacts you no longer need into Artifact Essence. There are a few things being worked on that I don't have rolled into this weekend, but if I can get them all polished up I might roll them to play with before the weekend ends.

Artifact Upgrade

Artifact upgrades allow you to trade 5 of a lower-tier artifact for a guaranteed drop of a higher tiered artifact. To do this just visit the artifact upgrader in town, and select the artifacts you want to combine! Artifacts do not need to be powered up to combine.

Artifact Essence

Artifact essence is being introduced. This will become a requirement for higher level artifacts, and likely have other uses... you will be able to break down powered up artifacts for essence, as well as obtain essence from bosses and other sources int he dungeon.

Artifact Breakdown

To break down an artifact into artifact essence it first needs to be powered up (its quest(s) completed). Then while hovering over it in your artifact storage, press Q. A short animation will play and your new artifact essence will be available. Note that essence does not have any use yet, so you're likely better off upgrading artifacts in the meantime.

Changes:
- Added bandages to the loot table
- Added Desert generation support for the builders working on that (Jamal and McJeffr)
- Welcomed Deadspeck to the build team, here's to lots of interesting challenge rooms to come!

Bugfixes:
- Fixed a nasty bug that would potentially wipe your character when swapping classes (Thanks JonnyDvE for the detective work, RIP your gear)
- Addressed some stuck dungeon issues.
- Fixed an issue where health could revert to the prior max of 8.
- Fixed an issue with disappearing gear and ability upgrades.

Also: Should I unlock Alchemist for this weekend?