Jorvik Star Issue 12: March

 ★Jorvik Star★

Issue 12 ★ March

A Note From the Editor...

Welcome to the March issue of the Jorvik Star! We've got everything you need to know about March's updates, from Magical Horses to more fun in Wild Woods!

I'm hoping to introduce a fashion finds section for certain seasons, checking out the shops of Jorvik to find perfect clothes, accessories and tack for the season! For now, here's what's new, and Happy Spring everyone!

-Ruby Skywalker ♥

New Magical Horses and My Review

Gary Goldtooth returned to Jorvik this month with two new Magical Horses, Erinys and Petra. These two new types of Magical Horses were introduced to Jorvik from ancient runestones being imbued with life, transforming the runestones and producing Magical Horses. However these two have their differences, but have one thing in common - they're both drawn to the Wild Woods, where Jorvik's primal magical energies are the strongest.

Here's some fun facts about Petra and Erinys

★Petra's hoofsteps can make the ground tremble, but since they're a gentle soul, they don't want you to see the world destroyed by their thundering hooves. Because of this, you'll likely find them standing still as a statue among nature, allowing vines and flowers to grow on their back. This relaxed attitude makes the Petra an easy-going riding partner, happy to meander trails and stop to munch on moss.

★Sometimes dark forces can corrupt the sacred runestones, causing them to crumble. It is from these that the Erinys was born. The Erinys' fierce and tireless nature makes them a dedicated riding partner, always eager to push their limits and become stronger and faster. Born in shadow, Erinys hopes to one day be welcomed back into the earth from which it sprung. Perhaps by bonding with this tragic steed, you can help it come a few steps closer to redemption.

These two Magical Horses were found by Jasper's old farm and cost 750 SC. They are also cold-resistant breeds.

You could also get a matching Magical Bunny friend to accompany you and your new horse - either a Happy-go-lucky Bunny to accompany Petra or a Bunny of Darkness to accompany Erinys - for 400 SC each.

These left Jorvik on the 24th, but I'll do a small review anyway in case they make a comeback someday. 

I ended up getting Erinys and the Bunny of Darkness to go with it. I liked the looks of it better than the other one, plus it's a very mysterious looking horse. 

Magical Coat Update

Recently SSO added the ability to toggle between the normal and magical coat of Magical horses. I love this new feature and think it will be great for roleplayers and movie makers, taking pics, or even simply if you only like one coat. You are however not able to switch during a race. To switch, open your horse info sheet where you find your horse's mood and stats and click on the button in the top left. Your horse's coat will go back to normal when you log out.

Pistachio's New Race

A new race was added in TailTop Village in North Wild Woods. Once you've unlocked North Wild Woods and completed the quests, talk to Pistachio the squirrel to help them gather flowers and mushrooms for the marketplace in a orienteering style race. You'll be able to do it daily - so be sure to add it to your training route if you head that way.

Fun Quiz from SSO: What Wild Woods Herd are you?

Star Stable recently put out a quiz to find out if your a Warrior, Mystic or Forester. Despite leaning towards the Mystics, the quiz said I'm a Forester! Try the quiz out yourself ★HERE★ and find out which herd you should choose!

Gary Goldtooth's New Look & Quest

Gary Goldtooth got a newly updated look, and with it came a new quest. You'll get to learn more about Gary through the quest. and go on a little adventure.

To start this quest you must be a Star Rider, unlocked the new area of Wild Woods, and have completed the quest where you meet the herds. 

Another race with Pistachio

Another race was added involving catching butterflies. The race gives you reputation with the Foresters. 

New Mane and Tail Feathers

Some pretty new feathers for your horse's mane and tail were added to all three of the shops in Tailtop Village.

Horses Moving

SSO recently moved some of the horses to buy to new locations. Here's a quick summary.

 ★Previously in Dundull and Paddock Island, the Connemara Ponies have been moved to Birk's Grange in Mistfall, with the exception of one in Fort Pinta.

★Previously in both Dundull and Paddock Island, the Clydesdales are now just in Dundull, except the one in Fort Pinta and one on the Horses app.

★On Paddock Island, the Shire horses have been moved to the lower stable on the island behind Dorith's house, except the one at the Horse Market and one in New Hillcrest.

★Previously in Valedale and Firgrove, the North Swedish Horses are now found in Dundull, except for one in Fort Pinta and one on the Horses App.

★Previously in both Valedale and Dundull, the Fjord horses are now only in Valedale, except the one in Fort Pinta.

★Previously in Dundull and Marley's farm, all Mustangs are found in Birk's Grange, except the three on the Horses App. 

★Previously in Dundull, the  Hanoverian and two Jorvik Warmbloods are now at Steve's Farm. 

Jorvik Star Issue 11: February *North Wild Woods Spoilers Possible*

★ 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 ♥