Summer Ethereals Start Tomorrow, June 7, 2016

With tomorrow’s update, the Summer Ethereals event goes live for 2016.

In the past, I have come to view these events a mixture of excitement and dread. Yes, it becomes easier to find groups, however you have to be lottery-lucky to acquire these game-changing items as [eq2u]Phelony, Deathbringer[/eq2u], [eq2u]Fai Thass, The Ravager[/eq2u], and ability resetting items such as Essence of Duality. With the focus on weapons shifted to later this year, the Summer Ethereals this time around are jewelry — Necklaces, Bracelets, and Earrings. In addition, some of the very popular but exceedingly rare Ethereal Runes are now also available through heroic content this summer.

A view of the Ethereal merchant as seen by a Mage. Different items are offered for Scouts, Fighters, and Priests.

RNGQuest

In years past, the only way to acquire these Ethereal items was through repetition. It might take 300 or more dungeon runs to acquire your preferred item. This year, the rewards are presented in such a way that you will either get an [eq2u]Umbrite Ethereal Coin[/eq2u], which can be used to buy Ethereals from a merchant, or you will get an Ethereal item. Please note that the Ethereal Coin currency is NO-TRADE which is necessary to keep the cost low.

From Caith on the EQ2 Forums:

Making them Heirloom would require a change in the amount required, which would negatively impact anyone that does not run multiple alts. Being No-Trade, every character will need to put in the exact same amount of effort for each character.

By the way, if you do happen to acquire an Ethereal item but you wanted a different one, an exchange method will be provided with tomorrow’s update as well:

You will be able to exchange the jewelry for 15 currency by examining the item.

Yes, there will be a few who struggle to get groups with their primary character and instead play alts, or vice versa. However the chance is still there to acquire Ethereal items by chance rather than by token. Either way, I think we’ll see a lot more grouping this summer.