The Heavy Metal event begins today to promote the addition of Warhammer Onlines Knights of the Blazing Sun and Blackguards. Over the next two weeks we'll have a series of objectives to complete with the ultimate reward awaiting those who are diligent. Not only are unique items available but the ultimate reward is a weeks early access to the new classes. The crown jewel in this event is the introduction of a brand new scenario for all tiers called the Reikland Factory. What do you need to know about this zone?

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Don't Bunch Up Here. Seriously.

There are four objectives and they have different values - These capture points are a little different from what we see in the standard scenarios available. One scenario called the Steamtank is worth more than all the others when it is captured from the enemy. However, the other 3 objectives called the Landing, Warehouse, and Machine Shop will provide more points over time. This is to avoid deadlocks that we've seen such as Nordenwatch where one team just defends the center objective. Large groups will have to fan out and cover multiple objectives or just keep recapturing the same ones quick enough to win.

This is a more heavily populated scenario than what you are used to - You won't pop into a small instance with a maximum of 12 on each side. Reikland Factory from what we can tell has the potential of a 30 vs 30 extravaganza. This should make it slightly less intimidating for the more inexperienced to just blend in and help out, but containing a well trained and equipped group of 18 could be a serious problem for you. This also could create some issues with coordination amongst players. In a Keep siege or defense, the objectives are usually pretty clear. In this situation, decisions will have to be made about which objective to grab and the likely hood of player "clumping" will give organized groups a significant advantage.

There are quest objectives here - There will come a point during the Live Event where you'll have to accomplish certain tasks in the scenario. One example Mark Davis gave us recently was interacting with some steamtank ammunition. The issue will arise with people running at these items and becoming easy prey or ignoring objectives. It won't tip the scales in any one direction but if you aren't a fan of chaos, it's time to prepare yourself for the inevitable. That one guy who just can't stand to lose is going to blow a gasket and ask why no one is at objective X, when it's clear that you should be focusing on that. There has been no discussion on the depth of these scenario objectives but based on the time requirements Mythic stated they are shooting for, it's doubtful they'll be hefty.

Don't get hung up on the Landing Objective - Read that again and make sure you understand. You have to run right by it, and most people will see that shiny battle taking place, calling to them like an old friend. The only purpose this will serve is to jam both sides up. Until people get used to the scenario you are going to see significant combat right here at the docks. Of course this can be built into your strategy but that type of organization has been rare so far. Along the same lines, don't get hung up on the Steamtank as it's the most accessible and hardest to defend. Yes, you do get more points for capturing it than any other objective but if you aren't holding them, there is no way your side will win.

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Smaller Groups Can be Useful

This isn't a large scenario - Considering you have 4 objectives and can have a maximum of 60 people, this particular scenario can feel a little tight at times. Gone is the extra space of Tor Anroc and Highpass Cemetery as we move into more of a Nordenwatch size area that is completely flat. Patience, tolerance, and most importantly your friends should be brought so you aren't screaming at strangers to stop screwing around. Despite the size however, it seems to have had little effect on scenario queue times so go about your WAR business although you might want to avoid an hour long keep siege.

Reikland Factory seems to be a well thought out and planned scenario level which should have mass appeal to players of all Tiers. While there is always the possibility of a developmental hiccup somewhere (it does happen), complaints for the most part have been minimal. If you don't have the time to invest in the daily events, be sure to keep with Taea's log of Heavy Metal which will keep you up to date on all the tasks and excitement.