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Lineage II<tr><td colspan="2" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: center;"></td></tr>
Developer(s)	NCsoft <tr><th style="background-color: #ccccff;">Publisher(s)</th><td>NCsoft</td></tr><tr><th style="background-color: #ccccff;">Engine</th><td>Unreal Engine 2.0</td></tr>
Release date(s)	October 12003 (South Korea). April 282004 (N.America)
Genre(s)	MMORPG
Mode(s)	Multiplayer <tr><th style="background-color: #ccccff;">Rating(s)</th><td>ESRB: Teen (T)</td></tr>
Platform(s)	Windows <tr><th style="background-color: #ccccff;">Media</th><td>Download, CD, DVD</td></tr><tr><th style="background-color: #ccccff;">System requirements</th><td>800 MHz Pentium III CPU, 256M RAM, GeForce 2 graphics card</td></tr><tr><th style="background-color: #ccccff;">Input</th><td>Keyboard, Mouse</td></tr>

Lineage II: The Chaotic Chronicle (Korean:리니지 2) is a fantasy massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), for the computer and sequel to Lineage. It has become very popular since its October 1, 2003 launch, reporting 1.5 million subscribers worldwide in September 2004. According to the April 27 press release by NCsoft, Lineage II has over 14 million customers.[1]

Contents 1 Overview 2 Chronicles 2.1 Open Beta Test 2.2 "Prelude" 2.3 Chronicle 1 : Harbringers of War 2.4 Chronicle 2 : Age of Splendor 2.5 Chronicle 3 : Rise of Darkness 2.6 Chronicle 4: Scions of Destiny 2.7 Chronicle 5: Oath of Blood 2.8 Interlude: The Chaotic Throne 3 Characters 3.1 Races and Classes 3.1.1 Humans 3.1.1.1 Human Fighters 3.1.1.2 Human Mystics 3.1.2 Elves 3.1.2.1 Elven Fighters 3.1.2.2 Elven Mystics 3.1.3 Dark Elves 3.1.3.1 Dark Fighters 3.1.3.2 Dark Mystics 3.1.4 Orcs 3.1.4.1 Orc Fighters 3.1.4.2 Orc Mystics 3.1.5 Dwarves 3.1.5.1 Fighters 3.2 Subclasses 3.3 Noblesses 3.4 Heroes 4 Private servers 4.1 NCsoft Involvement 5 Botting 6 External links

[edit] Overview

Players create a character as their avatar in the game's medieval-style virtual world. Humans, Elves and Dark Elves start off in the Kingdom of Aden while Dwarves and Orcs start off in the Kingdom of Elmore (A completely seperate map). Players can choose from either fighter or mystic professions at the start, except for Dwarves which are only able to select the fighter profession. This choice acts as an archetype for later profession options.

Players have a variety of things they can do for fun in the game. They play alone or as part of a group to fight monsters and complete quests for new skills, experience points, and items. Player versus player (PvP) is a significant portion of the game. The game provides many social/politic/economic aspects which are developed through the community and by the actions in-game of single players. Lineage II features siege warfare like the original. To make sure PvP stays under control, the design includes a Karma system that provides negative consequences for killing other players when they are not fighting back.

Lineage II features greatly improved first-person 3D graphics over its predecessor. The game uses the Unreal 2.0 Engine developed by Epic Games.

[edit] Chronicles

Chronicles are a large-scale update to Lineage II done every half of a year, they are free expansions to the game that every subscriber must download in the form of a patch. As the "Chronicle" number advances, a new story develops. There are major game alterations each time with the current "Chronicle update", and the game balance was greatly changed in every case so far. Each chronicle also adds a great deal of content to the game, including new skills, quests, areas and items, some chronicles also increase the level cap.

[edit] Open Beta Test

In North America, the open beta test started in March 2004. Anyone interested in playing the game before the release could do so for free. It required a 2 gigabyte download of the game client, and the creation of an account with NCSoft (the accounts were activated within a 24 hour period). The characters created by players during the test period were not erased when the beta ended.

Massive numbers of users poured in at a surprising rate during the open beta test's first day. Frequently during the beta test, especially in Japan, NPCs did not spawn correctly because of the massive number of users.

[edit] "Prelude"

Lineage II went live in North America on April 27, 2004. All open beta players were required to purchase a copy of Lineage II to obtain a CD key to activate their previously used account. The purchase included the payment for the first month of gameplay. Prelude was the first time a monthly fee of $15 was being charged.

There was no change in game mechanics between open beta and prelude.

[edit] Chronicle 1 : Harbringers of War

Chronicle 1 was released in July 2004, officially adding siege warfare to the game. Taking a castle allowed the owners to tax the city/town that the castle controlled, allowing them to tax up to 15%. Chronicle 1 added the castle town of Aden and new areas around it with higher level mobs. The dungeon of Dragon Valley Cave, also known as Antharas lair was also added in this chronicle, it was considered the most challenging and largest dungeon in the game for high level characters.

[edit] Chronicle 2 : Age of Splendor

In Chronicle 1, when a clan successfully won, there was not much gained from the siege other than reputation and pride. After Chronicle 2 was released in December 2004, a manor system was added. New parts of the map were added as well, such as the water city of Heine, Devastated Castle, Tower of Insolence, the castle of Innadril, the Aden Coliseum, Alligator Island, Field of Whispers, Field of Silence, and others.

[edit] Chronicle 3 : Rise of Darkness

With Chronicle 3, released May 2005, comes a new twist to the L2 universe called the Seven Signs. The idea behind this twist is to pit two factions (Dusk & Dawn) against one another in a competition for Seals, this competition is voluntary but to not join will hinder progress later in the game (once one is a high level player). Seals are items dropped by mobs that when turned in, will give players Ancient Adena. Ancient Adena is another level of the Economy in L2 and will allow players to purchase items they would not normally have access to from normal channels.

The addition of the Seven Signs competition brings with it a large number of dungeons across Aden called Catacombs and Necropoli that only participants in the competition can access. For one week players compete and get as many seals that they can for their side and turn most of them in. Winners will be given exclusive access to the Catacombs/Necropoli and the losing side will be locked out. During this period players can also exchange their seals for Ancient Adena. There is also a part called the Festival for parties of 6 or more. The party enters a room and kills monsters (also called mobs) until a time limit is up. This part of the Seven Signs also contributes to scoring in the Seals competition.

Other notable changes are that castle owners now have access to a Wyvern (Dragon) that they can fly around Aden. Wyverns also have a fire breath skill. It should also be noted that they are very expensive to spawn and keep alive while in use. A Grade armor/weapons have also been added as well as a subclass system that allows players to add another class to their character after level 75.

[edit] Chronicle 4: Scions of Destiny

Scions of Destiny was released on February 8, 2006. It features expanded content in the form of new territories, enemies, summons, equipment, and a system designed to reward diligent, high level players that are victorious in a tournament in which they contend with other players in single combat. For additional information on Chronicle 4- Scions of Destiny please refer to [2]. It includes more information about everything that will be added after the update. It is also updated with information about the updates on the Korean beta. This expansion was released by NCSoft's North American counterpart on their Public Test Server on the 8th of January, 2006.

[edit] Chronicle 5: Oath of Blood

The Chronicle 5 expansion was released September 6, 2006. Clans received a makeover. The player level cap was raised to 80. New siegeable castles were added into the towns of Rune and Schuttgart. The Demonic Sword Zariche was added. Visit the Official Website for a full list of changes in this expansion.

Clan reputation can now be earned through Clan Academy, Clan Warfare, Clan Hall Battles and Clan Quests. Clan Reputation can be used to increase the rank of the clan to unlock clan skills and items. Clans of rank 5 and higher can create academies for the purpose of training and developing clan members. Members that complete their second class transfers through the academy receive commemorative items and increases the clan's reputation. Clan members of level 5 and higher can obtain a clan title (title is functionless). Clans can now have a maximum of 140 players, compared to the previous 40 players; accordingly, alliances can now only have 3 clans, instead of the previous limit of 12.

Roughly 50 skills were added for levels 55+ and the function of certain skills were refined.

An extensive new crafting system was also introduced based on Life Crystals farmed from raid bosses, which can be traded to NPCs for items.

[edit] Interlude: The Chaotic Throne

The name of the next Lineage 2 expansion was made public on October 12, 2006. Named "Lineage 2: The Chaotic Throne", it is being referred to as an Interlude rather than another Chronicle. [3] The release date is still to be announced, but it is expected between late March and early May of 2007.

[edit] Characters

Characters act as a player’s avatar within the game. Players are afforded up to 7 characters per server. As characters kill non-player character (NPC) monsters, they accumulate experience and skill points (SP). As experience points accumulate, the character levels. In Chronicle 5, the level cap has been set at 80. Players purchase and then upgrade their character’s skills using SP.

[edit] Races and Classes

When players create a character they can choose from five races. Players choose either fighter or mystic, with the exception of Dwarves who may only choose fighter. The initial choice will act as an archetype for later profession options. At level 20, players are able to change their character’s class by completing the first class transfer quest. The next transfer is completed at level 40. The third and final class transfer occurs at level 76.

[edit] Humans

Humans in Lineage II are similar to Humans in the modern world. Humans currently have the greatest dominion in the world and the largest population. They are considered to be the most balanced of the races and have the largest number of available classes.

[edit] Human Fighters

• Warriors: Warriors are the middle way of the warriors, combining good offense with good defense. They can use heavy as well as light armor.

• Warlord: The Warlord is a unique class to play, as it requires some form of skill. Warlords primarily use a polearm, and have several unique polearm skills such as Thunderstorm and Wrath. Warlords are good in AoE(area of effect) parties.

• Dreadnought: The Dreadnought specializes in the one-on-many, short distance combat ability. The damage inflicted on an individual enemy is less than that of a Duelist, but as Dreadnoughts are able to level an attack at multiple targets, the full damage inflicted is greater. Dreadnoughts reap the best results when they engage in combat against weaker groups of monsters with a mass-attack skill. Parties with Dreadnoughts as members can also benefit by engaging in group-to-group combat against an army of monsters on the move. Dreadnoughts are especially useful as damage dealers in battles that involve multiple targets, such as sieges.

• Gladiator: Gladiators can deal out extraordinary amounts of damage to a single opponent. They specialize mostly into dual swords, and are the strongest class for these weapons, even if they are also decent with single swords and blunts. The only non-damage skill they get is a simple stun for blunt weapons.

• Duelist: The Duelist specializes in one-on-one, short distance warfare. Duelists are able to hunt high-level monsters during solo hunts, but they are relatively ineffective. Although it is possible to stage an intense, momentary attack, the cost is high in both MP and HP, so it is wiser to target an equal level or lower-ranked monster. In parties, the Duelist is considered the most powerful non-mystic attacker. In sieges, the Duelist's ability to attack single targets is superb; Duelists specialize in targeting and killing individual characters.

• Knights: Knights specialize into defense, wear heavy armor, and wield a shield combined with a sword or blunt weapon. Most importantly, they get the Shield Stun, the best stun ability in the game. Because of their extraordinary defense against both physical and magical attacks, these classes are relatively easy to solo, and are very dangerous opponents in PvP.

• Paladin: Paladins use the power of the holy gods for protection of party members and to defeat the undead. The Paladins white magic may be used for defense or to heal.

• Phoenix Knight: The Phoenix Knight's combat style and role in a party is similar to that of the Knight. However, of the magic powers held by Knights, Phoenix Knights possess advanced holy magic. Phoenix Knights act as the heart of defense, even in siege battles. Endowed with superb defense, they are most effective at guarding specific sites such as the castle gate.

• Dark Avenger: Dark Avengers specialize into dark magic, which is offensive rather than defensive, and includes status-changing and damage-reflecting spells. They can also summon a Dark Panther to aid them in battle.

• Hell Knight: Hell Knights are the dark reflection of Phoenix Knights; their combat style and role in parties and siege battles are similar to that of Phoenix Knights. However, Hell Knights practice selfish and malicious magic (such as employing venom or seizing the life of others), whereas Phoenix Knights make use of altruistic magic.

• Rogues: Rogues focus on excessive damage dealing and ranged attacks, rather than good defense. They wear light armor and wield daggers or bows. Human Rogues heal faster than any other class while sitting, because they get both the human/orcish Relax skill as well as the skill for faster healing that is otherwise exclusive for dwarves.

• Treasure Hunter: The Treasure Hunter can move silently and uses a dagger deal extra ordinary amounts of melee damage. They get also a skill to backstab enemies. They also get a broad palette to separate single mobs from the rest of their social group, or to avoid attacks or end an ongoing battle. This class is infamous for being PK because their skills alone can deal so much damage, even with a cheap weapon. This class is relatively weak on low levels, because they get the important skills for more and harder criticals only when they level up.

• Adventurer: In warfare, the Adventurer is a specialized rogue: the warrior with a dagger. As such, the Adventurer's combat style and role in a party is identical to that of a Rogue. They take on the role of damage dealer in siege battles, and an assassin under special circumstances. They are able to cut down the enemy on the run with a swift dodging ability and accelerated mobility.

• Hawkeye: The Hawkeye prefers the bow over all other weapons. Hawkeyes have the second fastest attack speed of all archers (behind Silver Rangers) and a balance of power and critical between the Phantom Ranger and the Silver Ranger, yet have the lowest running speed and evasion. They are especially wanted for clans which hold a castle, because human archers get exclusively a skill which doesn't allow them to move for a while, but allows them to have extraordinary range and damage: perfect for defending from castle walls.

• Sagittarius: The Sagittarius is a rogue specializing in the combat styles of both warrior and archer. In a siege, the Sagittarius is highly effective with the use of a daunting long distance, one on one technique.

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[edit] Human Mystics

• Wizards: Human Wizards are the offensive spellcasters. They divide the magical forces in the world into the four elements, light, and darkness. They can use middle level elemental magic, black magic and summoning magic.

• Sorcerer: The Sorcerer uses fire and non-elemental magic to cast offensive spells from a distance. They also get mass sleep and the powerful Cancel ability to remove buffer spells from opponents. An important detail is that Sorcerers are the only wizard that gets full access to the Concentration buff which, in this strength, is otherwise only available for some of the clerical classes. Sorcerers wear only robes. All in all, they are probably the most general kind of offensive spellcaster.

• Archmage: The Archmage is a wizard specializing in damaging elemental magic, making the Archmage the most effective long-term attacker of all wizards. Soloing does not come easily to the Archmage; while they are able to thwart monsters with swift attacks, warding off attacks alone is not their forte. In parties, the Archmage is a first-rate attacker. While other fighters are warding off enemy attacks, the Archmage can level intense attacks at targets from a safe location. However, in order for that to occur, it is essential that other party members protect the Archmage. In a siege, the Archmage can turn the tide of battle by casting powerful spells from a location distant from the front line. They can use attacks that are able to level groups in one sweep or an attack that individually targets formidable counterparts.

• Necromancer: The Necromancer uses dark magic. They are especially strong with debuffing, being able to silence, sleep, paralyze and otherwise hamper their victims. Their damage spells are the strongest in the game, but are exclusively based on dark magic and therefore not operational on some opponents. Additionaly, they have no mass damage spells. They are also summoners, but they need to kill an opponent to get one of their summons (Undeads), and the summon will vanish again after 20-80 minutes. They can not buff this summon very much, but they can transfer some of their damage with it like the other summoners. This class is a fearful opponent in PvP, maybe the only kind of wizard who stands a good chance against archers. Necromancers wear only robes.

• Soultaker: A Soultaker is a wizard with advanced black magic abilities, commonly used to weaken the target. A Soultaker's soloing primarily weakens the enemy and finishes them off with spells such as the Summon Corrupted Man (a zombie who uses a drain spell). In parties, the Soultaker is a debuff expert, poisoning monsters or reducing enemy attack power to aid the party hunt. These hunting techniques are especially potent in individual combat against formidable monsters. The spell Corpse Burst and curses employed by Soultakers are highly potent, even in mass combat.

• Warlock: The Warlock can summon cats to fight for him and supports them through special buff spells (that only work on the own summon). They are often considered the best of the three summoners classes, because they can, for example, paralyze their opponents through their Binding Cubic. Warlocks wear robes or light armor.

• Arcana Lord: The Arcana Lord is an expert in summoning magic. Whereas a majority of other classes of wizards are weak in soloing ability, Arcana Lords are relatively superior as they are able to conjure servitors to battle against monsters. In parties, Arcana Lords are able to summon a wide range of servitors to aid the party. The summoner can conjure pets that recovers their own MP or who cast magic attacks themselves. The Arcana Lord can also conjure beings who serve as attackers, with low defense but high attack ability to supplement the party's combat prowess, or choose servitors with high defense capability and use them to take the brunt of the damage dealt by attackers.

• Clerics: Clerics are Human Mystics who borrow the power of the gods to perform miracles. While they often belong to religious organizations, some of them refuse to ally themselves with any one religion.

• Bishop: This is the most specialized and best healer class, but have only 3 boost magics and those at higher levels (Body of Avatar, Prayer and Divine Protection). A bishop can resurrect every nearby aliance member with Mass Resurrection. They also have the best spell selection against undead. Bishops wear robes or light armor.

• Cardinal: The Cardinal is a white magic expert. A class that is altruistic in nature, the Cardinal is more appropriate for grouping than soloing, but they are able to solo in a style similar to that of clerics. All parties will desire Cardinals, as no other class equals the Cardinal's ability to protect fellow party members from jeopardy. In a siege, the Cardinal maintains combat prowess through recovery magic and resurrection, watching over allies who are assigned key roles in attacks. The Duelist's special missions or a Dreadnought's final sweep is only possible with the Cardinal's support.

• Prophet: The Prophet uses protect magic to boost his allies. They get however no healing magic at all. They can wear all types of armor, even heavy, but many people will prefer robes because of the high MP they spend in their buffs.

• Hierophant: Hierophants, like the Arcana Lords, are able to hunt alone. Their combat style comprises of light weaponry, strengthening magic with their own abilities, and engaging in direct combat with monsters. Hierophants, buff characters which strengthen friendly forces, are welcome in any party. Hierophants are extremely crucial in siege battles as they assume the role of enhancing the complete combat ability of their own forces. The difference is noticeable between the combat prowess of those units with the assistance of Heirophants, and those without.

[edit] Elves

Elves are more dexterous and wiser than the other races, but they are physically weaker. They tend towards the defensive classes and are unable to use dark magic.

[edit] Elven Fighters

• Elven Knights: Elven Knights are different from human Knights in their heightened agility and their ability to cast healing magic. In addition, they have a very fast movement speed.

• Temple Knight: Temple Knights use summoning magic in addition to their normal attacks.

• Eva's Templar: A Temple Knight's most distinctive characteristic is summoning cubics that use recovery magic and assistance magic. Much of the wizardry employed by cubics are similar to that employed by Phoenix Knights; the playstyle of the Eva's Templar's is similar to that of the Phoenix Knight.

• Swordsinger: Swordsingers use battle songs to aid their party members with healing and defensive magics. Thanks to their songs, they can gain extreme evasion and defense ratings, and should not be underestimated in PvP.

• Sword Muse: The Sword Muse assumes a unique playstyle. First, in terms of tanking capability, Sword Muses are less effective than Eva's Templars or Phoenix Knights. In return, the Sword Muse is able to increase the ability level of party members or allies through sword singing. Wielders of supportive buff magic, they are able to exercise formidable power in parties and sieges. Ultimately, the Sword Muse is a highly useful job in parties and clan wars, but their soloing capability is relatively inferior. Sword singing mainly produces buffs of a defensive nature, in contrast to blade dancing, which is offensive magic.

• Elven Scouts: Elven Scouts use daggers and bows as their primary weapons. They also possess healing magic.

• Plains Walker: The Plains Walker is similar to the human Treasure Hunter in that he can backstab his opponents. Plains Walkers can use their magic to increase their running speed. While they don't heal as fast while sitting, they can make sure no aggressive mobs interrupt them while being in this state.

• Wind Rider: The Wind Rider's playstyle is similar to that of the Adventurer. As dexterity is crucial to skills in this class, its basic capability is superior to that of the Adventurer.

• Silver Ranger: The Silver Ranger is similar to the human Hawkeye and uses a bow as his primary weapon. Unlike the Hawkeye, a Silver Ranger possesses healing magic.

• Moonlight Sentinel: The Moonlight Sentinel's playstyle is similar to that of the Sagittarius. However, the Moonlight Sentinel's dexterity is high. Unlike the Sagittarius archers who use the bow with mediocre aim, they are able to shoot with a superior aim.

[edit] Elven Mystics

• Elven Wizards: Elves are limited to the elemental and summoning magics. They are especially popular because they are the fastest casters.

• Spellsinger: Spellsingers deal primarily in water magic. Like sorcerers they get the Cancel ability and a party friendly Mass Sleep. They Have the biggest casting speed ant have the highest chance in Magic Critical Hit which does lots of damage.

• Mystic Muse: The Mystic Muse's playstyle is similar to that of the Archmage. However, as is the case with the Elven Wizard, most magic employed by them belongs to the water element; spells are cast rapidly and affect the target's mobility and speed.

• Elemental Summoner: Elemental Summoners summon unicorns to fight for them. They summon elemental creatures and support them with defensive magics.

• Elemental Master: The Elemental Master's playstyle is similar to that of the Arcana Lord. However, there is a difference in the abilities of the summoned creatures that the Elemental Master calls to fight at his or her side, being focused more in their magical attack.

• Elven Oracles: Like human Clerics, elven Oracles are Mystics who perform miracles using the power of the gods. As they worship different gods, their spells are different.

• Elven Elder: Elven Elders are the second best of the healers, can teleport the whole party to town, and have some nice unique support spells such as "Resist Shock", the only anti-stun buff in the game.

• Eva's Saint: The Eva's Saint's individual abilities are similar to those of the Cardinal and Hierophant, able to cast beneficial magic on friendly forces. They may also come in handy in a party where including both the Cardinal and Hierophant is undesirable. Buffs used by the Eva's Saint mainly enhance the ally's defense capabilities.

[edit] Dark Elves

Dark Elves have higher strength and intelligence when compared to other races, but are even more fragile than elves and seriously lack wisdom. They tend towards the offensive classes and use dark magic.

[edit] Dark Fighters

• Palus Knights: Palus Knights are Dark Elf Fighters that possess skill both with a sword and with the offensive magics. They have quite a number of good enemy debuffs such as Hex.

• Shillien Knight: Shillien Knights use cubic summoning, and dark magics in addition to normal combat skills. They own the popular "Lightning Strike" ability that can paralyze opponents if it succeeds.

• Shillien Templar: The Shillien Templar's distinguishing trait is summoning cubics that practice black magic. Much of the wizardry practiced by cubics is similar to that used by Hell Knights; for this reason, the Shillien Templar's playstyle is comparable to that of the Hell Knight.

• Bladedancer: The Bladedancer wields dual swords and can raise the skills of his party through dancing. A Bladedancer also uses elemental and dark magic to harm enemies.

• Spectral Dancer: The Spectral Dancer's abilities are similar to those of the Sword Muse. The major difference lies in the fact that while Sword Muses primarily use defense buffs, Spectral Dancers predominantly employ buffs which enhance attack abilities.

• Assassins: Assassins are similar to the human Rogue class, but they use magic to enhance their damage. They have quite a number of good enemy debuffs such as Hex.

• Abyss Walker: The Abyss Walker specializes in assassinations and other silent methods of killing. This is another feared PvP and PK class, for the same reasons as the human counterpart Treasure Hunter.

• Ghost Hunter: The Ghost Hunter's playstyle is similar to that of the Adventurer. The difference lies in the Ghost Hunter's superior attack ability and lower physical strength. They are referred to as Ghost Hunters because they move like apparitions -- most enemies succumb without ever sensing their presence.

• Phantom Ranger: The Phantom Ranger has a high attack strength and mediocre dexterity, while possessing a higher speed than the Hawkeye, but slightly slower than that of the Silver Ranger. Critical and quickly-executed attacks are a crucial part of the Phantom Ranger's gameplay, while they have the lowest Hits Points of the rangers.

• Ghost Sentinel: The Ghost Sentinel's playstyle is similar to that of the Sagittarius. The difference lies in their superior attack ability and lower physical strength, but if they are able to deftly elude the enemy and use a strong, short-distance attack, they are highly effective in hunting as well as in a siege.

[edit] Dark Mystics

• Dark Wizards: Dark Wizards can use elemental, summoning, and dark magics.

• Spellhowler: A Spellhowler can use wind and dark magic to kill enemies from afar. Because of their high INT and low WIT they are the strongest, but also the slowest spellcasters. Ironically they, not the Necromancer, get the strongest dark magic spell, Shadow Flare. Like necromancers they can also silence opponent spellcasters and fail to get the Cancel and Mass Sleep spells. Like all specialized magic damage dealers, they can wear only robes skillfully.

• Storm Screamer: The Storm Screamer's playstyle rests between that of the Archmage and Soultaker, but they primarily practice elemental magic and use black magic only in a supplemental capacity.

• Phantom Summoner: Phantom Summoners summon spirits to attack their enemies in battle and can boost their summon with special buff spells. Like the other summoners, they can wear both robes and light armor.

• Spectral Master: The Spectral Master's playstyle is similar to that of the Arcana Lord. However, the abilities of the servitors the Spectral Master calls into existence differ from those summoned by the Arcana Lord.

• Shillien Oracle: Shillien Oracles follow the goddess Shillien.

• Shillien Elder: Shillien Elder are the weakest of all healers, but balances this with very good support magic, besides standard buffs also the special spellcaster buff "Empower" which greatly increases magical attack and the buff "Vampiric Rage" which restores HP depending on the melee physical damage inflicted upon the enemy. They are probably the hardest class to solo because like the Prophet they don't even have an anti-undead spells. They get the skill for robes and light armor.

• Shillien Saint: The Shillien Saint's playstyle lies between that of the Cardinal and the Hierophant, and is able to use buff magic for friendly forces -- to an extent. They may come in handy when including both the Cardinal and Hierophant in a party is undesirable. Buffs used by Shillien Saints mainly enhance the defense capability of allies.

[edit] Orcs

Orcs are the most vital and mentally strong of the races and are resistant to many negative effects, but their actions are the slowest. In addition, they have a fairly simple class tree.

[edit] Orc Fighters

• Orc Raiders: Raiders are similar to Warriors, though their skills are more dependent on raw strength than their human counterparts.

• Destroyer: Destroyers are balanced between offense and defense, leaning a bit to the defense side. They wear heavy armor and have the broadest weapon selection of all fighter classes - blunts, swords, polearms, and twohanded swords - and more hitpoints than any other class in the game. One of the most prominent features are their Guts and Frenzy skills, which they can activate at 30% of the maximum hitpoints and give them extreme offense and defense. Thats why one should never melee a Destroyer in PvP; rather take him down from the distance instead.

• Titan: The Titan is the enhanced version of the Orc Destroyer, similar in playstyle to that of Dreadnoughts. Titans can also employ the playstyle of Duelists, wielding a weapon in each hand.

• Monks: Monks are members of the Order of Paagrio and practice Tangsu. Their attacks are rapid and they fight with hand-to-hand weapons, though they may also use magic to augument their skills. In combat, they wear light armor.

• Tyrant: Tyrants have possibly the lowest defense of all the warrior classes but make up for it in part by having almost as many hitpoints as the Destroyer due to the Orc's high constitution stat. Tyrants can deal some amazing damage in a short period of time, and should never be underestimated in PvP as they can stun and slow opponents and activate various 'spirit totems' (self buffs) that allow them to improve various stats or abilities, such as speed, attack speed or attack power. With some of these self buffs come penalties as well, such as reduced defense, or reduced speed for the duration. Choosing the right one to use for a given situation can be a challenge in itself.

• Grand Khavatari: The Grand Khavatari's forte is a rapid attack with hand-to-hand combat weapons. They are also able to amass and emit energy, and attack their enemies by striking at their weak points. The Grand Khavatari eludes enemy attacks and consistently inflicts considerable injury on the enemy. In parties, the role of the Grand Khavatari is more concentrated in dealing damage over taking it.

[edit] Orc Mystics

• Orc Shamans: An Orc Mystic is known as a Shaman. They can bless and heal their party and clan members and also curse their enemies. They also dabble in physical combat and can wear all types of armor, even if most people will still prefer robes. As the only mystic class, they even get a weapon special attack: a simple stun for blunt weapons.

• Overlord: The Overlord is a Shaman who founds their own clan and supports it and their alliance with magic. They use area of effect attacks to curse their enemies.

• Dominator: The Dominator is a class that specializes in clan and alliance combat, and most skills they use lend support to their blood brothers rather than an individual or parties. Magic that inflicts abnormal conditions on the enemies around him is extremely effective in wars where combatants fight en masse.

• Warcryer: The Warcryer is a Shaman who can cast chants that give power to his party members.

• Doomcryer: If Dominators are specialized in clan and alliance wars, then Doomcryers are particularly adapted to party combat. Similar to their playstyle when they were Orc Warcryers, they are strong in party play.

[edit] Dwarves

Dwarves are similar to humans, but they are limited to the fighter class. As fighters, they aren't focused on defeating enemies, but are more interested in acquiring resources, trading and crafting.

[edit] Fighters

• Scavengers: Scavengers are fighters who travel the world to collect materials for crafting.

• Bounty Hunter: The Bounty Hunter uses his combat skills to collect rare items.

• Fortune Seeker: The Fortune Seeker generally concentrates on obtaining items. They seek to earn money first and aim to advance their skills with their considerable financial resources. In parties, they are able to take a fair amount of damage with their formidable physical strength as a foundation.

• Artisans: Artisans create items using the materials gathered by Scavengers. When they do enter combat, they summon machines to assist them.

• Warsmith: Warsmiths are able manufacture many items, including siege weapons.

• Maestro: The Maestro also concentrates on earning money by selling items produced as when they were Dwarven Fighters, but they display a slightly different trait in combat style. Maestros are able to summon the weapons they produced, similar to mages who practice summoning magic. With formidable attack and defense skills, they mainly lead in combat rather than hide behind their summoned creation. Their golems, created specifically for castle assaults, are more effective in siege warfare than all other servitors.

[edit] Subclasses

Upon completing the appropriate quest and reaching level 75, a player may choose a subclass for their character. This subclass starts at level 40. Limitations are put in place on what subclass one can choose. Dark and Light Elves may not choose the opposing race. Overlord and Warsmith cannot be chosen by any class. Also a player can not choose a class that matches their main class (a Dark Avenger may not become a Paladin, likewise a Treasure Hunter may not become a Plainswalker). Once the subclass has reached level 75, they may choose another. A character may have a total of three subclasses.

Players are able to to switch between their main and subclasses through an NPC. Once the class is changed, the character’s attributes switch to those of chosen class. Inventory, recommendations, and PvP and PK scores are carried over however.

[edit] Noblesses

When a character’s subclass has reached level 75, they are eligible to become a Noblesse. Upon completing the necessary quest, they receive bonuses, such as a crown, more teleportation options, and certain Noblesse-only abilities. A character must be a Noblesse in order to compete in the Grand Olympiad.

[edit] Heroes

Heroes are Noblesse characters who have competed in and won the Grand Olympiad. There is a limit of 31 Heroes at any time. Only the character's main class will receive the title. Heroes receive special weapons and abilities; in addition, they may speak globally to their entire server. They also receive a glowing aura so that they stand out against other characters.

[edit] Private servers

In 2004, the official Lineage II server software was leaked and a significant number of private servers appeared. Modification of the official game client allowed players to connect to non-official (aka private) servers. However, some private servers, such as L2j, require only modification of the hosts file in the player's operating system, leaving the client unchanged. L2J, an open source server emulator, which operates under a GNU License, is an alternative to the official applications.

Some private servers have populations reaching into the thousands. Playing on private servers is free, although many are supported by donations from players.

After the initial Prelude and Chronicle 1 file leaks, the official software was modified by the use of Assembly Language, Hexadecimal Editing and DLL hooks to support the clients and features of later Chronicles. These modified versions of the Chronicle 1 software were called "Hybrid".

Currently, it is common for private servers to be found hosting Chronicle 4. The game play is commonly altered by boosting the experience rates, the monetary drop rate, and the item drop rate, making higher-quality gear easier to obtain. Many servers also feature unique "twists" which keep them apart from the rest.

In 2006, the Lineage 2 Chronicle 4 Private Test Server files were leaked and sold to private server owners. Figures as high as $15,000US were being asked, but it's not confirmed if anyone paid for this, as the files were later leaked from the sellers and made publicly available. The C4 applications require a 64-bit microprocessor architecture to run.

PostPacific and RageZone are currently the prime development communities for the official Lineage 2 software.

The GameSites200 Lineage 2 Section and Hopzone are the main places of competition, where each server competes for user votes to rank itself among the top servers. Currently these sites contain very innaccurate vote results, as there is an ongoing epidemic of "proxy voting" (ie cheating).

[edit] NCsoft Involvement

On November 16th, 2006, the private server L2Extreme was shut down by the FBI.

On November 20th, 2006, NCsoft issued an official press release on their involvement with the FBI raid, verifying its validity. Additionally, the news was posted on the official Lineage 2 website.

On November 21st, 2006, NCsoft began sending out Cease and Desist warnings to many private servers or their hosts.

[edit] Botting

Like many MMORPGs, Lineage II has been the target of botting, in which an external program is used to simulate the actions of a player. Such activity is prohibited and is a bannable offense, though seemingly rarely enforced. Nevertheless, players continue this practice, since the player is able to leave his/her computer and the bot will continue doing what it has been programmed to do. Some of the most well-known bots are L2Walker and L2Wind.

Apart from easing some of the more mundane aspects of gameplay, botting can also be used as a way to generate Adena (Lineage II currency) which is then sold for real world cash. This phenomenom, called Real-Money Trading (RMT), is common in most of today's large MMORPGs.

[edit] External links

Official

• Lineage II official site

Non-official

• Lineage II Stratics Fan site
• L2Guru Community forums
• IGN's Lineage 2 Vault
• Web drop database Drops database + Mobs location
• Lineage 2 guide at StrategyWiki
• PMfun Drop calculator
• Lineage 2 quests descriptions Most quests with maps and screenshots
• Lineage2Physics A lot of stats, formulas, etc.bg:Lineage II

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