If you don't want to read for 15 minutes, don't bother reading today's blog! This week, I have copied a post from our guild forums from our great Crimson Brotherhood member Vculek. He pulled together most of the known information from the Official AoC forums and consolidated it all in a forum thread. Enjoy! (If you get a headache or need glasses after reading all of this, don't blame me!)

CHARACTERS

There are 1500 different sets of armour. Each set being composed of between 4-8 pieces of armor.
Source: http://www.stage6.com/user/AcolyteAvery/video/2113457/

Armor sets will not give stat bonuses. The only bonus they give is a visual recognition that it is indeed, a set.
Dungeons won't drop class specific loot, but rather, Archetype specific loot. (ie. light armor, heavy armor)
Source: http://aoc.gamona.de/index.php

Female Characters will be in the game. Animation problems forced Female creation from Beta.
Source: http://www.mmorpg.com/blogs/Athelan/...PGcom#comments

There will be 12 Classes available. Of the 14 existing classes, the Lich and Druid of the Storm are being removed AND re-implemented into 2 existing classes, the Necromancer, and the Scion of Set (which is now named Tempest of Set).
Source: http://www.tentonhammer.com/node/21046

The Tempest is an exclusive Stygian priest, which largely deals with Electrical Damage Area Effects.
The philosophy behind it: the more power he claims, the better he heals. He thus is a counterpart to the Priest of Mitra.
Source: http://aoc.gamona.de/index.php

There are more than 40 sliders in character creation (eyes, face, arms, etc. ), in addition to a lots of hairstyles, beard styles, piercings, and tattoos. There will be a 'Randomise' button.
Source: http://mmorpg.qj.net/Age-of-Conan-Hy.../49/aid/104987

Players will be able to skip through introductory content, provided that meet some requirements, such are having completed it beforehand.
Source: http://mmorpg.qj.net/QJ-NET-Age-of-C.../49/aid/106462

Follow up:

STEALTH

Every class can stealth
The stealth system is based on various factors, which together determine whether a player is discovered:
Stealth skill: Improves your stealth ability
Perception Skill: Increases your discovery of stealth
Noise: Higher noise leads to higher chance of being discover. Noise is caused by equipment, ground type and the speed of movement
Angle: A cone field of view from the front of the player has a greater chance of discovering stealth, than say from the back.
Light Level: Shade and darkness decrease the player from being discovered. Night creeping is much easier than day. THERE WILL BE A SHADOW STEALTH INDICATOR ON THE INTERFACE
Source: http://aoc.gamona.de/index.php[/size[/url][/i]

MOUNTS

You gain access to mounts at level 40. You can engage in combat from you mount. As you escalate in levels, additional options will become available (siege).
Source: http://www.massively.com/2007/12/14/...ameplay-video/

There is a large selection of entry horses (about 5 to 10 each in a wide color variation)
Mounts differ in hitpoints, turning radius, stamina and speed.
All mounts have the attack option, causing various damage.
Many Spells can be cast from Mount position.
It is possible in the battle to dismount.
From Balance reasons, war mammoth and rhinoceros war almost equal in regard to their fundamental values. The rhino is a bit more agile, the mammoth has more hitpoints.
Mammoth and rhinoceros are still as exclusive goodies for the Pre-Order.
Mounts are items in inventory, so you can have as many as you can hold.
Source: http://aoc.gamona.de/index.php

PLAYER PETS

There are two key pet classes. You have pet points, and you get up to 8 as you move to level 80. Players can divide these pet points as they please, (for example: you can have 8 small pets, or you can have one 4 point healer pet). You control your pets the way you do a squad in a team-based FPS. Your pet is NOT going to be a tank & they won't aggro all the time. They can help heal you, but the main aggro target will actually be you.
Source: http://www.massively.com/2007/12/14/...ameplay-video/

THE WORLD

The Day/Night Cycle is 2 hours (from sunrise to sunset).
Source: http://aoc.gamona.de/index.php

Zoning /Instancing will have a loading screen.
The loading screen will display the zone to which you are entering.
While you are 'zoning' you'll see your travel path on the world map, the travel path is also your loading bar, with a map itinerary included as a bar as well.
Source: http://aoc.gamona.de/index.php

TORTAGE

Currently, it is possible to level up to 25 whilst in Tortage, due to the abundance of quests. There is a possibility of an expansion to the Tortage area, in terms of travel distant (including a Smuggler Gang!)
Source: http://aoc.gamona.de/index.php

Conan is not a seamless world. There is zones/instances. The world itself primarily consists of non instantiated outdoor areas, with smaller instantiated quest areas and dungeons leading off of it.
There are different content areas for solo play, small group play, full group play, and multiple group/raid play.
Source: http://www.mmorpg.com/blogs.cfm?ISAP...12008&bhc p=1

The world will feature dynamic weather, wind, and water technology. (currents flowing and criss-crossing in streams.. etc)
Source: http://au.askmen.com/gaming/pc/Age-o...eview-4-1.html

You can solo all the way to level 80.
Source: http://www.massively.com/2007/12/14/...ameplay-video/

HUD/GUI

Players can customize 'parts' of it to their own liking.
Source: http://mmorpg.qj.net/QJ-NET-Age-of-C.../49/aid/106462

COMBAT

You hit all enemies in a cone in front of you in Age of Conan with every attack. Not just a single target.
Source: http://www.mmorpg.com/blogs/Athelan/...PGcom#comments

For the first 19 levels, all classes get damaging combo melee attacks.
Each class has a talent tree call Feats. In the current state of beta, each class has one archetype (tank, rogue, priest, mage) Feat tree and two class specific Feat trees. Each Feat tree has 20+ abilities. Some enhance current abilities passively, others grant new abilities.
Combo abilities are dependent on what weapon you are wielding. You can execute one combo, then in mid-battle, swap out weapons and execute a different combo. (And depending what combo lands the killing blow, you have a chance to proc a Fatality 'superbuff').
Source: http://www.massively.com/2008/01/10/...templar-class/

Age of Conan makes use of between 300 and 400 different combat moves.
Source: http://www.mmorpg.com/gamelist.cfm?G...eatures&bhcp=1

There will be PvE AND PvP equipment.
Source: http://aoc.gamona.de/index.php

Healing will be dependent on movement. Healer-types won't be able to heal from a large distance; instead, heals are directed cones that result in a 'heal over time' effect.
Source: http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/ce...st-one-player/

SPELL WEAVING

Spellweaving is STILL in the game BUT has been changed to work similar to the melee combo system. By executing a specific sequence of spells, it is possible a Spellweave trigger.
Attempting Spellweaving may have adverse effects of the caster OR his group
Over-eager Spellweavers will NOT go to Hell (If you die via spell-weaving in a raid, you want to be back as soon as possible).
Source: http://aoc.gamona.de/index.php

GROUPING

Groups get a slight XP bonus for the killing of opponents.
There are 3 Group Loot Options : Round Robin, Free for All & Master Looter
Quest Items drop for each group member.
Almost all smaller caves and Mini-dungeons (such as The Maze or Acheronian Ruins) support Solo play AND mini-groups.
Source: http://aoc.gamona.de/index.php

RAIDS & DUNGEONS

A raid has a maximum of 4 groups, each with 6 players (24 players total).
Loot be mostly objects, and no vouchers
Each group within the raid can have a recruited Master Looter, set by the Raid Leader.
Raids represent a large part of the PvE end game.
At launch Conan will have approx. 20 raid encounters.
The Raid Encounters will be shared between 8 Dungeons of different sizes
For experienced groups, the majority of Dungeons with last 1 to 3 hours.
The 8 Dungeons are devided into 3 levels, with level 75 being the MINIMUM before you attempt the easier of the 3 levels.
Opening the next level of a Dungeon requires collecting items from the previous level.
Raid Instances have a cool-down of 7 days. This cool-down is player related.
Source: http://aoc.gamona.de/index.php

SERVERS

The 3 Launch Server types will include: Normal (PvE), RPPVP and PvP (at least).
A PvP server ... is ... where open PvP is enabled in all areas except hubs. There are zone line and "just died" protection systems in place and you do not leave a tombstone in PvP.
Source: http://www.mmorpg.com/blogs.cfm?ISAP...12008&bhc p=1

RP (Role-Player) Servers will have addition restrictions applied, including 'Good Behavior', Character restrictions and guild restrictions.
Source: http://aoc.gamona.de/index.php

PVP

PVP and Basic server statistics will be dispalyed in an online portal, SIMILAR TO THE WORLD OF WARCRAFT ARMORY. This most likely NOT be available at launch.
Source: http://aoc.gamona.de/index.php

JOINING PVP - You can join into a game anywhere in the world of Conan. You don't have to run across a continent to find the lobby area. Find a safe place for your character, open up the multiplayer interface and join a game. (randoms, friends, or guild mates). Once you choose to join, you'll just need to wait for the right number of players and you'll be transported to the arena.
There are unlimited respawns in PVP.
Any player can use any potions they have in their inventory.
Source: http://au.askmen.com/gaming/pc/Age-o...eview-3-1.html

You will be fighting against more than 1 enemy group in PVP areas. There will also be more than 1 group on your ally.
There will be a PvP Ranking system. You gain points for enemies killed, you lose points for being killed by the enemy.
Rewards will be given out at certain time intervals (monthly periods) based on PvP Ranking.
Source: http://aoc.gamona.de/index.php

Siege will be availabe at launch. Current test numbers are approx. 200-300. but larger numbers will be usable at launch.
There will be limited NPC's in siege PVP Areas.
Source: http://www.mmorpg.com/blogs/Athelan/...PGcom#comments

Some of the biggest mounts (like the War Mammoth) can be used to knock down buildings in City Siege gameplay.
Source: http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/ce...st-one-player/

Depending on whether you want a peaceful or PvP city, you stake your claim on land, and in the peaceful areas, no one can actually siege you, but in the Border Kingdoms, you can lay siege to other's lands and take the land from their guild. The system is somewhat similar to a strategy game, where you have a grid of land, 'X' amount of space for the group (for example: Nine buildings), and you need to choose which buildings should my guild build, what can I afford, how should I build it.
Different buildings will provide boosts to your team. Buildings will be upgradeable. Buildings and upgrades will require resources, which will be based off four base resources. (This is where crafting comes into play)
PvP tiers will allow players who play less frequently, stay relatively close in terms of skill and advancement. One of these is almost like a master/apprentice system, where you have someone of a lower level follow you through the game.
You can hire Mercenaries in Siege. Hiring Mercenaries will require in-game credits. There are five mercenary levels.
Source: http://www.massively.com/2007/12/14/...ameplay-video/

BATTLEKEEPS

There are 9 Battlekeeps per server. If the release player count is lower than expected, the number of servers will be reduced manually.
A guild must have a guild town level 3 to claim a battlekeep slot.
The longer a guild holds a Keep, the stronger the outgoing Keep bonus for all guild members.
A Battle Keep in various forms can be strengthened, but not as detailed as a guild city. The Battlekeep is more of a kind of outpost on the front for the Guild, and not a second city.
A siege battle lasts a maximum of 90 minutes.
To Keep attacking, the attacking Guild can erect a tent to build there attack from (as long as its within the defending guilds keep time frame. Members of the defending guild receive an in-game notification when this happens.
The "partial victory" is reached when the Keep (that is the real building called Keep inside the Battlekeeps) has been destroyed. The defending guild loses all bonuses, but remains in the possession of Battlekeeps itself.
The "total victory" is the burning of all buildings in the city within the Battlekeep. The winning guild can, if they still do not have their own Battle Keep, release the Battlekeep slot immediately.
Siege weapons will be on site during the fight. Like building they cost a combination of wood, stone, metal and gold and predetermined slots to be installed (approx. 8 slots).
There are slots for siege weapons for both attacker and defender.
The Wall (individual parts) can be destroyed relatively fast (a few minutes), so that the defending guild must react very quickly. If the guild tries to hide behind its walls, it will lose the Keep fast.
Apart from Keeps, you can build and defeat Towers. These are subject to the same rules at the attack, but are rather intended for smaller guilds. A limit on the amount of towers, which can occupy a guild, is not currently planned.
Source: http://aoc.gamona.de/index.php

Known siege weapons include: trebuchet, ballista, and catapult. (as well as the War Mammother and Rhino)
Source: http://www.curse.com/articles/details/5568/

DEATH IN CONAN

When you die in PvE, you'll be teleported back to your spawn point. You run back to your corpse to reduce your death penalty by finding your tombstone. You will have reduced skills during this time. Death penalties will stack, so if you die before the timer is up/finding your tombstone, you receive another reduction on top of the original.
Source: http://www.massively.com/2007/12/14/...ameplay-video/

CRAFTING

Every character can learn a craft. (not that exciting )
Crafting requires a character level of 40. This is currently implemented, but they MAY reduce the level requirement to 20.
5 Professions are available: Armorer, Armorsmith, Alchemist, Gem Cutter and Architect.
Crafting level ups will be entirely caused by Crafting quests.
Recipes are permanent. (not consumed by the application)
Almost all items are available in 2 versions, one made with simple resources and once with rare resources.
Sockets are available in different sizes and up to 4 pieces per item.
Socketing items is permanent. (can not be removed)
Items of higher quality can only be built by guild players with a guild city and the corresponding Crafting areas.
You can craft anywhere in the world.
Crafting is automatic. There is no chance at failing a craft, or losing materials from a bad craft.
Source: http://aoc.gamona.de/index.php

Crafting-related materials (resources) will have their own separate inventories. These inventories will have 100 slots each.
When you craft an item, let’s use the classic sword as an example, the item is crafted with a certain number of gem slots (based on the quality of the crafted item). These gem slots can be fitted with gems that give various bonuses. These gem slots, which are only available on crafted items, make crafting more important and useful in the long run. Once a gem has been placed, it is bound to the crafted item.
Source: http://www.mmorpg.com/gamelist.cfm?G...eatures&bhcp=1

HARVESTING

There are 4 types of basic resources.
Resources are available in several (about 6-8) levels (bronze, iron, etc.)
Resource nodes have chance of dropping Rare resources.
Resources are shown on the map and minimap.
High amounts of resources will be found in Urban areas, they will be sparse elsewhere.
Special resources will be dropped from certain mobs.
Source: http://aoc.gamona.de/index.php

Each country in the game will have an area where resources are rich and can be collected. While resources will be available in other areas, these areas will be most plentiful.
Source: http://www.mmorpg.com/gamelist.cfm?G...eatures&bhcp=1

GUILD CITIES

There are 3 instanced zones where guilds can build a city: Cimmerien (Lachish Plains), Aquilonia (Pontain), Stygia (Purple Lotus Swamps)
A guild takes 30 members to found a city. Some of these NEED to be Level 60.
To build a city, you can only select your Desired racial design (Cim. Aqu. Styg.) City slot and authority is assign automatically.
All buildings need a combination of metal, wood, stone and gold in order to be built.
You city construction area will begin with a variety of 'building stones'. Your crafters (architect) can then decide what to build, depending on the 'stone size'. Buildings are built automatically. YOU MUST ALWAYS BUILD A KEEP FIRST
Buildings have either 1 or 2 levels of reinforcement.
Upgrades of buildings and Keeps gradually increase the level of the city.
You can choose the style of buildings (brick, timbers etc). Towers and stairways can be quite freely placed.
You will have a 'teleport to guild city' button.
Source: http://aoc.gamona.de/index.php

Known Content & Features NOT available at launch

Prestige Classes ARE GONE. THIS IS OFFICIAL. ONLY THE CRAFTER CLASS REMAINS.
Source: http://aoc.gamona.de/index.php

Formations won't be availabe at launch. They say they will make it in eventually (they think it reduces player freedom.
Source: http://aoc.gamona.de/index.php

There is a possibility of another profession, 'Collector' being implemented. It is unsure if it will make it.
Source: http://aoc.gamona.de/index.php

Players will not be able to sit down or lay down (on chairs or beds etc.).
Source: http://aoc.gamona.de/index.php

*An ongoing advancement system after level 80 is in progress but has been pushed off as a post launch feature.
Source: http://www.mmorpg.com/blogs/Athelan/...PGcom#comments

There will be ongoing storyline quests to follow the destiny quest BUT will take time to implement and likely be seen after launch.
Source: http://www.mmorpg.com/blogs.cfm?ISAP...12008&bhc p=1

Certain PvP Arenas will not be available at launch. Expect different styles to be introduced post-launch.
Source: http://aoc.gamona.de/index.php

PVP and Basic server statistics will be dispalyed in an online portal, SIMILAR TO THE WORLD OF WARCRAFT ARMORY. This most likely NOT be available at launch.
Source: http://aoc.gamona.de/index.php

'Drunken Brawling' will NOT be available at launch (Tavern combat). It will be implemented via patch/update when its complete
Source: http://aoc.gamona.de/index.php

There will be no dedicated professional "Gatherer" or "harvester". The resource gathering is done regardless of the Crafting class.
Source: http://aoc.gamona.de/index.php

The Future of Conan

There is ongoing content plan, and expansion plans for the game.
Source: http://www.mmorpg.com/blogs/Athelan/...PGcom#comments

There will be a live team (current game), and an expansion team (new content).
Source: http://mmorpg.qj.net/QJ-NET-Age-of-C.../49/aid/106462

The current era of the Conan lore is the novel called Hour of the Dragon, by Robert E. Howard. Conan has just become king of Aquilonia. He has a wife, he's actually expecting a child, and in Stygia, his ancient enemy, Thoth-Amon, is stirring and a lot of weird things happening in the world. At the same time, the Vanir are invading, you have the Ku****es invading, and the Picts are invading.
Source: http://www.massively.com/2007/12/14/...ameplay-video/

Fun Information

The Destiny Quest that's taking you from level 1 to 80 (including voiceovers and narrative), ties directly into Conan (as a NPC). As you progress through your Destiny Quest, depending on your archetype, there will be different interaction points with Conan as you move forward.
Source: http://www.massively.com/2007/12/14/...ameplay-video/

All sound in the game is recorded in 5.1, including the music, which is usually done in Stereo.
Age of Conan makes use of over 20,000 sound effects
When all is said and done, Age of Conan will have between 2-3 hours of original music.
One of the Cimmerian music tracks that we heard makes use of an actual Northern language.
Age of Conan makes heavy use of motion capture, from sword thrusts to fatality moves, right down to the horse movements.
For those of you in Beta, some aspects of the current beta are 2-3 months out of date and will be replaced shortly.
Source: http://www.mmorpg.com/gamelist.cfm?G...eatures&bhcp=1

Peace,
adrift