★ Jorvik Star ★
Issue 11 ★ February
A Note From The Editor...
Welcome to the February issue of the Jorvik Star! Here's everything you'll need to know about February's updates - The newest addition to the ponies of Jorvik, the Gotland Ponies; The New and Improved Horse Care system, Some new races, and the recently opened new section of Wild Woods to explore. I'll try to keep my review as spoiler free as possible, but make no promises, so don't read that far down if you haven't played it yet and don't want spoilers.
-Ruby Skywalker ♥
New Ponies: Gotland Ponies
A few weeks ago, Star Stable welcomed the newest Pony breed to Jorvik: the Gotland Pony. Here's what we know about them.
Facts & History:
★This playful pony came from the Swedish island of Gotland where it has lived since prehistoric times.
★Herds of these Skogruss, or "little forest horses," roamed free on the island for centuries.
★Today the Gotland Pony is a sturdy breed, known as a steadfast workhorse with a mischievous streak. It is also athletic, kind, and eager to take you across the varied terrain of Jorvik. They're a very excellent exploring companion!
Where you'll find them: They're sold at South Hoof in a new pasture between the ferry dock and the farm. There's also one sold at Fort Pinta for a limited time which will be moved to South Hoof after.
Pricing: 750 SC - the normal price for Gen 3 Ponies with no special moves.
What Level: Anyone can get the one at Fort Pinta - Level 7 for the rest.
Colors: Black Pinto, Bay, Dark Bay, Black, Buckskin, and Flaxen Chestnut.
The Gotland Pony also has two mane styles available - loose and fluffy or braided with bows. It also has a thick, fluffy, cold resistant coat perfect for exploring Valley of the Hidden Dinosaur!
New Halters
New halters were added to the Global Store or the South Hoof Horse Gear Shop for all Gen 3 Horses. They are nylon halters in three pastel colors, perfect for a more playful look.
The New and Improved Horse Care System
Recently SSO made some changes to the horse care system. Here's a summary of the changes and what I think of them, as I've been using it since the update.
★Horse Care, Anywhere! - You no longer have to be by a stable to care for your horse. I really enjoy this as I can trailer to where my training route starts or the new quest is and care for my horse right then rather than having to go to a stable that's hopefully close to where I'm headed.
★No more Drag and Drop! - Now you just dismount, click your horse's head and click on the care icons. You also pet your horse and start to lead it this way. I like this way a lot, since we don't have to open our backpack and drag and drop stuff, so it definitely saves a few seconds.
★No more Smilies! Instead of the smilies in the top left next to your horse and player info, you click to open your horse info panel and there's a progress bar that gives a more detailed explanation on how much slower your horse will be at the mood it's at by clicking on the progress bar.
With this update the horse care items (hoof pick, brush, bucket, etc) got new looks.
Pandoria Portal Changes
You can now enter the portals to Pandoria on any horse, but specific quests will still ask for your starter horse.
New Star Locations
Fallen Stars have been added to the first section of Wild Woods.
New Clothing Item in the Bonus Shop.
A new item was recently put in the Bonus Shop for the Lifetime Star Riders. It's a jacket, the Embroidered Celtic Jacket. It gives +1 Jump and +4 Command stats. It's cool looking and I might use it for exploring outfits.
New Races
Two new races were added to South Hoof Farm this month - a show jumping and a Working Equitation race. You must be a star rider and have completed the quest where you talk to Hugh after repairing the South Hoof Rescue Ranch. I think the races are cool and a little challenging at first, but worth adding to your training route.
Wild Woods Changes
You now have no level requirements to unlock Wild Woods, you just have to be a Star Rider and have completed the quest where you talk to Rania after th Elections are complete, rather than also needing to be Level 16.
The Rest of Wild Woods
The rest of Wild Woods has officially opened. It's at the edge of the forest across Hartwood Lake. You'll need to be a Star Rider, have unlocked Mistfall, and have joined the Jorvik Rangers on the initial voyage into the Wild Woods.
In this new area you'll meet three wild horse herds, the Warriors, Mystics and Foresters. You'll notice that the Jorvik Wild Horses for sale in Jorvik have attributes from the herds - example: the ones with blue came from the Mystics.
There's tack and clothing in shops in the new area inspired by the three herds.
My thoughts: The questline was a lot of fun. I really like the new clothing and tack. But honestly my favorite part of the new area is the Wildlife! See if you can find the frogs, owls, deer and even a moose, and new butterflies - and I'm sure there's more I haven't seen yet!
New Redeem Codes - With a Catch
SSO recently put out three new redeem codes, but there's a catch. You can only redeem ONE. The items otherwise can be purchased from the new shops in Northern Wild Woods. Enter (in all capitals) FORESTER for the Forester hat, WARRIOR for the Warrior hat, or MYSTIC for the Mystic Beanie Hat. I chose the Mystic Beanie because I liked the colors and hope to get a descendant of the Mystics soon!
-Ruby Skywalker ♥
