Posted by Kim on November 5, 2014, 2:35pm
Before the month is out, groups will be officially launched out of beta. Bushels of new features are in the works. Finishing touches are being lovingly applied. Ancient bugs are being exterminated.But it's more than groups that are going to receive a bevy of new features and updates!
Like what, you ask? Well, here's just one example: The site will be converting to an inventory system. When you get something from the store, like Epicness or character slots (or win something in a contest... hey, I wonder if we'll be holding some of those this month too?!), instead of the benefit being directly applied to your account you'll get an object that can be used or given away at your leisure.
For example, here's a work-in-progress Wand of Epicness. Each time it's used, it grants another month of Epic status to its owner. But it can be used three times! So you can use all three charges yourself, or share them amongst your friends.
This opens up a whole new world of potential for the site. In fact, I think we're all going to find that having an inventory comes in handy when we embark on the grand adventure of our fifth anniversary together! (April 2015 -- don't miss it!)
Group Epicness is also confirmed to be a part of this update. So far, it's looking like Epic groups will enjoy the following perks:
- More profile customization options, no coding knowledge required
- For advanced users, create fully custom group looks with CSS!
- NO ADS on the group profile
- Creation of pages and forums that only moderators, GMs and editors can see
- Customize the sidebars on forums, members, event and announcement pages
- Group colors can be used in the chat
- Upload 30 extra gallery images
The exact date of this release is a little murky as of today. It could be as soon as the 15th, and as late as the 30th. There will be very minimal downtime associated with this update, and it will not come as a surprise. You will receive at least a week of forewarning. I'll keep you posted as details become clear!
Please feel free to post questions in the comments. I'll either answer there, or roll all the answers into one news post so that everyone can benefit.
Comments
Yes indeed! That's in this update.
Are we also going to be able to buy more page space for groups at some point? It would be super cool if we could, kind of like how we can buy more pages for characters
Kim you rock 
Wow, that's new to me! I have no idea how someone could make it through the Silmarillion and not the Trilogy. I've read both and I always found the trilogy engaging and sort of soothing and wonderfully ancient feeling, whilst the Silmarillion is like reading a really dense economic textbook laced with insanely complex history and portions written in languages no one on Earth speaks.
@Kim haha, oh yes! I love LOTR (Even if I never could actually get through the trilogy itself - Tolkien's pace is just so slow) I love the mythology and the lore and stuff, and I've read the Hobbit and most of the Simarillion.
I couldn't help but get the reference to Galadriel's speech in the prologue xD
I couldn't help but get the reference to Galadriel's speech in the prologue xD
@Terel - I see that you are picking up what I'm putting down. 
@Kim, I will probably take you up on that offer! I'm really excited for this, and I'm deeeefinitely getting us group epicness!
Great changes are coming upon Arda the RPR. I great look forward to this next update, the inventory sounds pretty cool and I can't wait for the new group features! Lets just hope we avoid a Balrog of Morgoth any unpleasant surprises during the downtime. 
Brilliant idea! I've seen the inventory style before and it works really well. I am very excited for this update!
@Corvus - If you need help moving forums from one group to another when the time comes, I'd be happy to assist.
I'm very excited to be able to integrate my staff group into my main group, as I think it'll make managing my high-volume guild even easier. RPR is a godsend.
Kim, you are truly a bro. ;0; This is why we are friends. Bless.
Kim, you are truly a bro. ;0; This is why we are friends. Bless.
But perhaps you will win something in a contest?
I mean, I can never buy anything from the shop, but this still looks exciting ^^
Me tooooo! 8D
Oh man, I am SO excited for this update!! 8D
DUUUUDE
I'm pumped.
I'm pumped.
\o/
I am super-duper excited for all these delicious group features and inventory items of awesomeness! 
Can't wait for their implementation into the site!
Can't wait for their implementation into the site!
I'm thrilled to hear it, Brandon!
Wolfy-T
November 15, 2014
7:50pm