Server Merging
Dec 21st 2006, 12:00 GMT
The DDO server mergeSeveral of our players have asked for a server merge, particularly for our lower-population servers where finding a group can be more challenging. Couple this with new, increased capacity for concurrent users per server and we are now able to implement this for you!
Here's what we plan to do:
New Server Configuration
We'll eventually be merging our five current servers down into two new servers to be called "Keeper" and "Devourer". (Another two deities from the D&D® universe!)
However, before we get to that stage we will first launch a public test server to ensure the merge system is working properly before committing to the final merge.
In the third week of December, we'll see our public test server go live. (Please note that the public test server may not be available at all times). This server will have a clone of ALL of your characters copied onto it. This means that you can hop onto it and play any of your current live characters in the newly merged test world. Aureon, Boldrei, Dorn, Lyrandar and Onatar will still be available to play on as normal and will not be affected by the addition of the public test server.
This public test server will remain live for around one month whilst we thoroughly test it. When we are satisfied that all is operating correctly we will then bring down the public test server and completely wipe it ready for the launch of the two brand new merged servers: Devourer and Keeper.
Important: Any progress or changes you make whilst playing on the test server will be lost forever once the test server is brought down and wiped. Any changes or progress made on the five live servers during this time will be kept and transferred to the new, merged servers in January.
When we complete the final merge into the two new servers, all players will have ALL of their characters from all servers copied onto both Devourer and Keeper. Yes, that means that you will have duplicate characters on both new worlds! We chose to do it this way so that everyone could choose where they wanted to stay. Players are free to keep or delete their characters after the merge. Please note though that once you have deleted your characters you will be unable to get them back!
What about all my characters? I've got over 20!
The good news is that all your characters will come with you to the new servers. If for example you have 3 characters on Aureon, 5 characters on Boldrei, and 2 characters on Dorn, after the servers are merged you will have 10 characters. You will NOT be able to create any new characters though until some characters are deleted and you are below the maximum character limit of 5, (6 if the Drow is unlocked).
But what about my character name, will I be able to keep it on the new servers?
If you are moved to a server where there are no characters with your name then you will keep your name. If your character is moved to a server where a character has already taken your name then your character will have the appendix – placed after their name. So for example, if your character's name is Bob and you are moved from Dorn to Devourer and there is already a character named Bob there, your new name on Devourer will be automatically renamed to "Bob-Dorn".
Please note that if your character has a surname then they will be renamed like this: Bob-Dorn The Great. Any character that has been renamed during a shard merge is given one re-name credit so that you may choose something better/different.
(Instructions on how to rename your characters will be posted to the forums and website in the near future).
What about guild names?
In the same way as with individual characters, guild names will also have the server name appended to the end of their name if they are moved to a server where the guild name is already taken. For example, if a guild called The Koboldkillers from the Onatar server gets transferred to Keeper, their name will become The Koboldkillers Onatar on the Keeper server. Guilds that have had their name changed however will not be awarded rename tokens.
Will I lose my friends list?
No, you won't! Friends lists will come with your characters, however, if you or one of your friends changes your name to something other than than what you were transferred to the new server with, you will lose your friends list.
What will happen with auctions?
After the server merge, open auctions from the old servers will be closed and items will be returned to the posters. Items are not lost and simply are returned to the posters through the mail system as if the auction has expired.
We've done everything to plan the merge to make it as smooth a transition as possible. We've given all players the maximum options to keep their characters, to be on the world that they want to be on and to keep their names. We are sure that as a result, the grouping and whole game experience will improve for everyone!
If you have any questions regarding the merge, please ask your questions in this forum thread, thank you.
Forum thread