Test Server FAQ

[Naiya]

Vanguard Test Server FAQ

This FAQ is a living document. This is not meant to be all inclusive but as the community sees more and more commonly asked questions, or finds information that would be beneficial to the Test Community as a whole, it will be added to the FAQ.

Please feel free to pipe in and ask questions as well as suggest additions to the FAQ.

1. How do I set up the test server?
   • Well, there are a few ways actually:
     1. You can click on the “test server” button on the Vanguard launcher
     2. You can create a new shortcut as explained here
     3. If you have a 64 bit OS and want to make a shortcut to the test server you will need to go here
2. Great! I’m on test! Um… What should I expect?
   • There are a few things to expect while on the test server
     1. The community is smaller here as is the economy. As a result we tend to help each other out, sort of like one large guild. Many crafters are willing to craft items for you if you have the materials and you ask nicely We have a growing list of crafters and their skills available here
     2. The server is prone to unannounced/more frequent downtimes. Sigil has said they will give us as much advanced warning as they can, but as a test environment this may not always happen.
     3. The test server is like a baby beta environment. While steps are made to prevent it, there may come a time where you lose items, XP, or other rewards that you had gained. It can be frustrating, but know it *can* happen. Doesn't mean it will - but be prepared for *anything*
     4. We also were given a test server ruleset (subject to change)
3. I found a bug!! What do I do?
   • There is a bug template you need to fill out if you find a bug. You can do this by typing “/bug” (without the quotes) into the chat tab and pressing Enter. This will bring up the bug form. Then please fill out the following information when you fill out the form:
     1. Issue:
     2. Server Name:
     3. Character Name:
     4. Characters Level:
     5. Location (Chunk):
     6. Date:
     7. Approximate Time:
     8. Please include step by step instructions on how to reproduce the bug
     9. Also note if the issue is reproducible
     10. Add as much information as you can in the bug. Be concise, but informative. A good rule of thumb is to make sure your bug answers the questions “Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?”
4. So… I’m on test, and I know what to expect, so where is everyone else?
   • Well, you can find the rest of us a few ways
     1. You can /join test and say hi! Most of us hang out in this channel. It’s for general chat, questions, information and socializing. Hop on, join us and introduce yourself.
     2. Jump on the ventrilo server!
     3. Introduce yourself on the boards so we know who to look for
5. I want a gryphon!
   • Gryphon’s are turned on as the devs would like them turned on. Normally for testing purposes.
6. I heard something about triple crafting XP! Where do I sign up?
   • Unlike double adventuring XP (which is only for kills not for turning in quests as well) the triple crafting XP is not turned on all the time. Sigil will let us know when they will turn it on for us. In the mean time, craft away! Someone will need your skills
7. Hey! what about the PVP server? I found a bug there! what do I do?
   • The PvP server has a well maintained list of bugs that can be found here Not that cross posting is not welcome, but centralizing information is great!
8. Wow! <enter particular change here> Really makes it hard to play on test!
   • Sometimes changes will be made on the Test server that can make things a bit challenging for a few days. That's why we play here. To give constructive feedback on changes and how it affects game play. Stick with it.
9. Didn't we test <enter test mechanic here> for a while? Whatever happened to that?
   • Not every change we see on the test server will make it into the live environment. Some may make it there but will not make it right away. It's the nature of the test server
10. I could really use some help with <enter quest here> how can I get it?
    • There's a few ways to go about this as well
      1. You can ask in the test channel. Chances are someone has had to do that mission somewhere, sometime before and my be able to give you pointers
      2. Search the Vanguard Spheres forums. Someone may have asked about the quest and gotten an answer. If not, feel free to post the question in the forums. Chances are you are not the only one with that question and there are many people waiting to help!
      3. You can check Silkyvenom.com, Ten Ton Hammer, or many other sites that have guides and quest pointers
11. Hey! How do I beta buff my toons? Is there a command? How about a bot?
    • The only way to level on test at this time is to follow the Smith Barney way - to EARN it. That means you will have to grind and level just as you would a real server
12. But I'm here for the raid content! I want buffs!
    • When/If the devs decide to do any type of buffing for raid testing, they will let those chosen know. At this time, there is no way to artificially buff your character

[Venti]

Be sure to put in there that Crafting exp bonus and griffens are only on at the whims of the Devs. I tried to get Nam to keep the status of those in the server MOTD but that got wiped tuesday. Maybe I'll get another sticky post up and put it there.

Also need to put in there that the server will always have a small population and very low economy so its very important that we work together and help each other out. Also that crafter are generally willing to make items free of charge if you provide the materials or at least ask them very nicely.

[SwordMage]

Other standard caveats:

Not every change that goes onto test will make it to live.

There may be times when proposed mechanism changes are tested; those may negatively affect testers gameplay for several days.

Also, there are threads to point to on setting up test server startup icons.

[Venti]

Also need to put in stuff about the less frequent DB backups and possible loss of items, levels, or rewards.

[catlyn99]

A link to the thread where people are posting up the names of their crafters too i think. A link to venti's info on getting the test server up and running as well.
Perhaps a short outline on how to do a good /bug report? I know I for one feel that sometimes my bug reporting sucks but I just don't know what else to include. Um, one of the questions I seem to see alot is "where do I find help for <insert quest name here>" Perhaps some links to say silky venom, vnaguard spheres as well as letting them know that posting on the forums about the quest is sometimes the easiest way to find out. Um, I dunno I will think of more....

[Venti]

Namdarie posted a Bug report template some where in the test forums that should probably be included also.

[Naiya]

ok - moved the list to the first post to make it cleaner and added all suggestions up to this point

[Venti]

Looks good but add the Crafter directroy too, http://www.vanguardspheres.com/forum...-crafters.html.

[Naiya]

Originally Posted by Venti

Looks good but add the Crafter directroy too, http://www.vanguardspheres.com/forum...-crafters.html.

added to 2.a since that is where crafters and community were mentioned. if this gets a lot of individual questions I can move it to it's own bullet point

[Namdarie]

Thanks for doing this Naiya!