Jorvik Star Issue 13: April

 ★Jorvik Star★

Issue 13 ★ April

A Note From the Editor...

Welcome to the April issue of the Jorvik Star. We've got the details on April's updates, from new horses to new tack! I also have my honest opinions on some topics going around the SSO community, which I'll be adding in here first. Happy Spring everyone! 

-Ruby Skywalker ♥

No April Fools Day? My honest thoughts on this on more.

March and April have been months where the SSO community has started talking about some pretty important topics. 

Firstly, there was no April Fools day joke this year. I logged on on April first this year expecting to come on to something crazy and to my disappointment there was nothing. Nothing had changed. After some talk in global, I was told that SSO had mentioned about this on their social media. I don't use social media myself so I didn't know, but I did go to their Facebook long enough to see where it was mentioned. 

Apparently, SSO decided not to do April Fools day this year because it's too much work for an update that lasts one day. 

They also no longer do Easter, Valentine's/Galentine's day, St Patrick's aka Fortuna, and Christmas is basically called the Winter Holiday or something. Apparently they are switching to doing Jorvik holidays.

Being someone who's played SSO a while, I'd begun to look forward to crazy updates for April Fools day, golden egg hunting, Valentine's races with friends, and even the Leprechaun with the gold event from last year. Now we get no spring holiday celebration at all. I get that not everyone celebrates every holiday, but people would still enjoy the events, especially people who've played a while and become used to the yearly events. I am hoping this means more fun events will come to Jorvik soon, but it definitely won't be the same. 

Welcome the Finnhorses.

A few weeks ago Star Stable welcomed the Finnhorses to Jorvik! Here's what we know about them!

★The Finnhorse has a very special history intertwined with the history of Finnland. In order to adapt to the changing lives and needs of the Finnish people, the Finnhorse had to develop unique skills that are now categorized into four disciplines: Riding, Draught, Trotter and Pony Type.

★The Finnhorse is suitable for many forms of riding, from Cross Country to Hacking to Everyday riding and use in Riding Schools.

★The Finnhorses are so appreciated by the Finns that they even have their own race, the Summer Trotting Championship " Kuninkuusravit".

Where you'll find them: They're sold in Firgrove except for one that will be in Fort Pinta for a limited time then moved to Firgrove with the rest!

Pricing: 850 SC

What Level: Everyone can get the one in Fort Pinta, the rest you'll need to reach level 6.

Colors:: Flaxen Chestnut, Liver Chestnut, Red Chestnut, Light Chestnut, Palomino, Dapple Grey and Black.

 *The Finnhorse has two mane styles available: a long mane and a Roached mane. The Finnhorse will also lie down when you press the spacebar while standing still.*

New Colors of the Show Jumping Clothes & Tack

SSO added some six new color options of the Show Jumping clothes and tack set in the Global Store.

A New Race in Greendale.

A new race called the Gentle Greendale Race was added, mainly to make earning Goldspur Reputation a little bit faster. It's still a fun race I'll be adding to my training route!

Turning Trash Into Treasure... 

SSO added a fun new gathering questline involving turning recyclables into clothes, tack, and, wait a second, a cat?!? The new stuff is very Steampunk themed, which fits the idea of a questline with Big Bonny and her newest invention the H.O.R.S.E aka the Household Object Reimagining Service Extraordinaire. You'll unlock five new lore books all about Big Bonny, and let me tell ya: there's some interesting stuff in the books!

You'll find the recyclables in towns and GED Worksites. Some locations I know so far are:

Moorland: Mrs. Holdsworth's, Near the Stables, the Blacksmith and the GED Worksite up on the mountain.

Fort Pinta: Around the town and by the beach and the docks.

Silverglade: Around the Village, Northlink Worksite, Marley's, the Manor and the Oil Mining Field.

Just look around towns and "busy" areas and worksites.

Small Changes That Also Need Mentioning...

★SSO made minor changes to some of the props in the Goldenleaf Gauntlet. It's just to make the race look a bit fancier and won't affect gameplay.

★The Gen 1&2 Arabians and Gen 2 Pintabians have been moved from Goldspur Farm to Paddock Island and have been given a price reduction. The Gen 1 Arabians are now 250 SC and the Gen 2 Arabians & Pintabians are 485 SC.

★For anyone in Australia: You can now download the Star Stable Online Mobile App from the Apple App Store! 

Bonus thing I need to mention: If you're a writer or looking to getting into writing, be sure to check out SSO's MasterClass videos posted on their YouTube channel! They are less than 5 minutes long each and so far there's four episodes released. In them, the author of the Soul Riders books Helena Dahlgren talks about everything you'll need to know to get into writing your own stories - from talking about building your characters to writer's block. 

That's all for this month's recap. 

-Ruby Skywalker ♥

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 ♥

Jorvik Star Issue 10: January

 ★Jorvik Star★

Issue 10 ★ January 

A Note From the Writer/Editor:

Again I have failed to write every week. I am thinking I will switch to a monthly news post for now. However if there's major news updates I will post that week for sure. I am excited to see what 2021 brings for SSO. This year my goal is focusing on saving up my starcoins so getting horses will be easier and only buying clothes and tack with Jorvik Shillings. Recently I organized my storage by color also instead of by type, with the exception on holiday/seasonal, stuff I will never wear, and face accessories. I still need to organize my tack though. Without further ado, here's this month's news recap for this month.

-Ruby Skywalker ♥

 My Review of the Heidrun

I have been riding my Heidrun, named Gingersnap, since I got him. I really like the mane on this horse. I haven't found anything about it that I don't like. 

My Thoughts on Mistfall the Series

I have only watched the first episode so far but I really enjoy it. I think it's because Skye reminds me a lot of Lisa Peterson, my favorite of the Soul Riders. I really enjoyed it so far and plan to watch the entire series. 

The Newest Jorvik Rangers Quest

Recently we got a new quest in Wild Woods about the mysterious past of the Jorvik Rangers, urban folklore that only the Jorvik Rangers know about. 

You begin by helping Rowan to build a campfire, and are rewarded with a fun campfire story and a Jorvik Rangers Shirt, which the shirt is fun for camping or Jorvik Rangers themed Roleplays. 

*To do this quest, you must be a Star Rider, at least Level 16, and reached the Liked reputation with the Jorvik Rangers: Redwood Point and have completed the quest where you meet the New Jorvik Rangers.*

Skye Outfit Now in Shop

Be sure to check out the shop by the rangers on your way to or from Fort Pinta if you enjoy the series. You can purchase it for Jorvik Shillings or Star Coins. It will only be available until the Wednesday, March 17th Update. 

More Jorvik Friesians Have Arrived!

More Jorvik Friesians have arrived in Jorvik. I have seen people riding them a lot lately, and since I hope to start my own club in the future, I need to get dressage horses soon and determine which ones I'll make for our Dressage horse/horses. With seeing it around, I'd be okay getting one in the future, but I'm focusing on saving up my Star Coins for new Magic Horses or Limited Time Horses in the future and instead saving up my Jorvik Shillings as well to buy clothes and tack I can use in outfits.

The New Working Equitation Race.

I tried out the new race, and it's definitely tricky on your first try. I restarted the race multiple times until I had the course figured out. I think it's definitely one that requires practice. I enjoy having another unique race to add to my training routine though.

-Ruby Skywalker ♥

Jorvik Star Issue 9: Christmas Edition Part 1 🎄

 🎄★Jorvik Star★🎄

Issue 9 ★ December Month

A Note from the Writer/Editor: 

So sorry this issue was a bit later than planned. Christmas time is so busy and chaotic, especially this year, that I completely forgot to post the day after the update! I'm going to just give a summary and my thoughts and talk about the new Generation 3 Jorvik Friesian since that's this week's Wednesday update. Hopefully in 2021 there will be more amazing updates so I will feel like posting an update every week, give or take a couple weeks, especially if vacations are able to happen again soon. 

I will try to post a special post either on Christmas Day or the day after where I will give my full review of Heidrun. 

-Ruby Skywalker ♥

P.S. Let me know if you think new fonts added to the posts look good or not, especially the new "signature" ! ♥

It's Christmas!

It's officially Christmas in Jorvik! Snow is falling everywhere, even though the magic of the island keeps it from covering the ground, helping to keep the flora and fauna happy. The rivers and lakes, however, have somehow frozen over. We can now cross rivers without taking the bridge, making traveling around Jorvik so much easier, especially getting from Firgrove area to Moorland or Fort Pinta. 

Animals such as bears, moose, deer, and even penguins have joined in on the fun, and may even tag along on your journey! 

Wild Brinicles, Fawncys and Heidruns have come out of hiding to be tamed.

Oh, and James is up to his money-making schemes again. Now he's getting people to pay Jorvik Shillings to play in a pile of snow. 

Many of the residents have gathered inside the stables with blankets, pillows, and delicious cookies and might even tell a story.

Winter is also the best time to spot the Northern Lights at night. If you  are more active during the night hours you'll definitely be able to see them.

The elves at the Christmas Village decided to put out gifts every day for everyone to open and get a special gift. Don't worry if you're unable to log on or forget, it will still be there waiting. You might get tack, horse xp, player xp, or even some Jorvik Shillings or treats for your horse. 

And keep an eye out for Sunshine Joytree. She's set out some telescopes and a book about Jorvik's Zodiac signs.

The Jorvik Friesians

I don't have my own yet, and I haven't seen them in-game yet, so I'll add to my thoughts in another post. However, I do know as of their release a lot of people have complaints, mostly on animations, and more specifically the mane and tail. I will have a while before I get my own Gen 3 Friesian, but for now I'm going to stick to my Friesian Sport for dressage until I get the rest of the horses I want. The Jorvik Friesian is on my list for sure, but I'm focusing on getting a Jorvik Wild after I get Heidrun, and a few others on my list. 

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas! I will post the next issue on Saturday or Sunday.

-Ruby Skywalker ♥

Why I don't post Jorvik Star News on certain weeks.

 I'm trying to post The Jorvik Star News every week on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday at 12pm Eastern Time. However, I may not post if the update is really small and doesn't have much I can talk about.

Also, since I'm not the best at saving SC, my reviews on new horses will likely be a while after they've come, unless I'm lucky enough to get it soon. 

Just wanted to write this so y'all don't get worried if I don't post weekly. I'm still here.

Also, I wasn't able to post my fall photoshoot this year, but I'm hoping to do a Wintertime Photoshoot to post maybe in January themed to the post SSO made with one-word photo ideas. Since I don't have Instagram, I'll just do one big photoshoot and post it here when I'm done!

-Ruby Skywalker❤

P.S: Stay tuned this Thursday for my Christmas Edition Part 1 of Jorvik Star News!

Names Ideas for the Jorvik Wild Horses

  Here's a list of name ideas for the new Jorvik Wild Horses, in case you're in need of name ideas.

For the Sapphire Herd...

Blueberry

Bluebird

Bluediamond

Blueocean

Bluemoon

Bluetail

Bluevelvet

Bluewater

Icequeen

Iceheart

Moonlight

Moonpie

Moonstone

Sapphirecrystal

Sapphiredream

Sapphirehoof

Sapphireheart

Sapphirejewel

Sapphireshine

Snowdrop

Snowfall

Snowprincess

Stardust

Stargaze/gazer

Stargirl

Starguardian

Starheart

Starhoof

Starlight

Waterdrop

Waterfall

For the Mantle Herd...

Lionking

Tigereye 

Tigerking

Tigerlily

Tigerwood

For Embermane...

Dragonfire

Dragonheart

Dragonwings

Emberdragon

Emberguardian

Emberheart

Emberhoof

Embermane 

Firebird

Firedragon

Fireflame

Firefly

Flamedragon

Mistfall

Wildfire

Stay tuned for a Christmas and Winter Name Ideas. 

-Ruby Skywalker ♥

Jorvik Star Issue 8

 ★Jorvik Star★

Issue 8 ★ Week of November 8 - 14

Welcome to Wild Woods

Star Stable has officially opened the North Mistfall area, despite earlier in the year saying there would not be a new area in 2020.

The new area is called Wild Woods. It's a beautiful redwood tree filled forest filled with wildlife, some seen commonly such as rabbits, squirrels, snakes, owls, birds, and spiders, plus possibly bear and deer in the future.

You'll need to have unlocked Mistfall, reached level 16, and have finished the quest of talking to Rania after the elections to start the quest to explore Wild Woods. Just talk to Alonso at the Ranger Station in Mistfall to begin the journey with new rangers Rowan, Nova, Astrid, Tiera, Enitan and Yousef.

While in Wild Woods, you can switch to the new Redwood Point Stable, do stable chores, shop for new Jorvik Rangers gear, enjoy a new photo collection with Brissie the Horse, and enjoy two races, a Show Jumping race you'll unlock in the quests and Orienteering which will unlock after getting enough reputation. 

There's a hot air balloon trailer to help you go to and from Wild Woods. 

SSO has said they will add more to Wild Woods throughout the new few months.

The New Chat Changes

The New Chat Filter should be in testing in all servers now. I'm yet to see it myself as I haven't logged on since Wednesday, but I'll let y'all know my thoughts ASAP!

Coming Next Week...

 "Now when you can go beyond previously known ground, who knows what horses might appear?" - SSO News

I think it's definitely referring to Wild Woods; Perhaps the second batch of Jorvik Wild Horses will be there? Just a guess. 

-Ruby Skywalker ♥