Companions Peek, Recruitment Tweak, Boss Drop Buff

[Glitchless]

Implementation of companions is taking longer than expected. It is likely the most complex game patch to date, and we are spending extra time to ensure that--unlike initially planned--we will be able to show the same detailed animations in all client versions. We are hoping to have it completed in the next few days. Here is a peek at what it will entail.

Companions can be lured into view with a new item that works similar to trapping. Upon spotting a potential companion, you will get a message and hear the arena gong, then you will see the small creature trot across the screen. If you want that particular companion to join you, you must impress them by providing them a new item. You might want to hurry since any combat (arena, or PvP) or movement will cause you to lose your shot. If the companion is impressed, they will join you.

There are two variants of each companion type: a walking version and a rarer dancing version. There is also a legendary version of both the walking and dancing types. The only difference between walking and dancing companions is their appearance, but they are impressed by different items. You will be able to tell if a companion is walking or dancing when they first appear on your screen, however, whether or not you obtain a legendary variant, which has a +1 level modifier, depends on luck.

When a companion joins you, it is permanent. You will be able to assign that companion a skill (such as travel time reduction, item fetching, etc) and then train them. Training can be accomplished in two ways:
You can right click any Stats skill and divert all kill experience toward a companion. You can also feed a companion trophies. You can only teach them so much at a time, however, and exp gains will diminish due to over-training in a single day, then return to normal the next day.

Feeding companions trophies is also essential to maintaining their morale. An unhappy companion will not provide full benefits.

Other Things to Note:
There is a companion experience bonus based on the total number of all companions. Each companion you have increases companion experience gains by 5% unless it is an LG companion, in which case the bonus is 10%

There is a companion experience penalty based on the total trained level of all your companions. It is 5% per level. This means that it is more efficient to only train a few companions but to have as many as possible.

Only a active companions give a bonus You have up to 6 active slots.

Active companions are visible to you and others when inspecting.

Activating two companions with the same skill at the same time is not possible

Companions, their skills, morale, and everything are retained through rerolls and permanent deaths.

If you acquire a legendary version of a companion you already have, it will replace the one you had while retaining its level and experience. However, if you decide to change the skill a companion is using, it will reset its level back to 0.

Each companion you acquire counts as an accomplishment. Legendary companions, since they can replace standard companions, count as two accomplishments.

The only time using flowers is a potential waste is when you already have a type of companion and you are attempting to get its legendary counterpart. Even then, however, the failure will increase your chances of getting a legendary the next time.

Different companions appear in different zones. Low level zones only have a limited selection.

Leveling companions is not benefited by boon or PK bonus. All other experience bonuses will help them as expected.


Recruitment (Live):
The 25+7 TC special will now give recruitment experience if purchased by someone who used your referral link, but it will still not award recruitment TCs.

Bosses (Live):
Killing a boss for the first time now has the chance (albeit small) to drop an epic.